PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

RESERVE, LA – MEETING OF FEBRUARY 20, 2014

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, February 20, 2014, at 6:00 p.m.

An agenda for the meeting is attached.

Sincerely, s/Kevin R. George

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. Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche.

ABSENT:  Messrs. Jack, Burl, Jones.

There were 8 members present, 3 absent.

ITEM 3.  Approval of Minutes – Meeting of February 6, 2014.

MOTION BY: Mr. Bacas

SECOND BY:           Dr. Keller

MOTION:        To approve the minutes of the meeting of February 6, 2014.

No objections.

The motion carried.

8 Yeas - Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche

0 Nays

3 Absent - Jack, Burl, Jones

ITEM 4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. Mr. Kevin R. George, Superintendent.

a.  Update from All South on Sandy Act Application

Ms. Cindy Janecke, All South, shared the following information:

Summary of All South Activities to St. John the Baptist Parish School Board

February 20, 2014

FEMA Public Assistance Alternative Procedures Pilot Program for Permanent Work

·         School Board is participating in FEMA’s Alternative Procedures Pilot Program which will expedite Public Assistance projects that have not begun construction.

·         Program will allow for flexibility in using funds instead of following FEMA’s traditional program

·          All South submitted a request to include East St John High School and Lake Pontchartrain Elementary School in this program on January 16, 2014. 

·         All South had a productive working meeting with FEMA’s Regional Director, GOHSEP’s Director and FEMA and GOHSEP staff on February 17, 2014 to arrive at a final settlement.

·          FEMA committed to amend the projects to include the additional soft costs, scope and some code upgrades  requested by All South

·         FEMA is currently revising the six PW s and will be capping their values.  These will be completed shortly and then consolidated into one PW that will be used for repairs at both school.

·         Last Friday, FEMA Headquarters extended their determination deadline from February 20, 2014 (today) to May 20, 2014.

·         FEMA’s Regional Director committed to move St John’s project quickly through the process.

·         We anticipate increasing FEMA’s current PWs by approximately $3M

Scope of Work for East St John High School and Lake Pontchartrain Elementary

·         FEMA has not yet obligated funding nor completed its environmental reviews for either school

·         Therefore, the School Board cannot perform any ground disturbing activities or construction work without risking all of the funding

·         However, All South is performing as much work as we can at this time, without jeopardizing the funding for construction and mitigation.

Mitigation

·         School Board is required to mitigate against future flooding at ESJHS and LPE.  FEMA provided funding for mitigation efforts at both ESJHS and LPE. 

·         For the High School:

o   Surveying on site is completed.  The survey drawings will be delivered to us next week

o   Overall drainage plan and analysis have been completed

o   Overall plan/profile drawings for the perimeter floodwall is complete

o   Geotechnical boring are currently being taken on site

o   Plans are close to 35% complete

Repairs

·         Over the last two weeks, All South toured the High School with various faculty and staff regarding contents and repair configurations.

·         The High School architect, Broadmoor is in the process of refining his repair design to incorporate the final scope and develop a final set of plans. 

·         He is on track to release bid documents in mid-May, 2014.

·          Construction is anticipated to last 12 months and the school to re-open Fall 2015.

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

Mr. Jones arrived at 6:10 p.m. and was recorded as present.

President Triche stated that ITEM 7a would be moved up and addressed at this time.

ITEM 7a.  Mr. Felix Boughton / Mr. Hugh Martin - To consider and take action with respect to adopting 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, the renewal of a special tax and the rededication of a sales and use tax therein; making application to the State Bond Commission in connection therewith; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.

Mr. Martin stated that this resolution will call an election for Saturday, May 3, 2014 and there were 3 issues on the ballot:  1. To issue $10,380,000 of school construction bonds with no increase in taxes; 2. Proposal to renew a 4.33 mil tax on all property in St. John the Baptist Parish.  Again, no increase in taxes; 3. Rededicate a ¼ cent sales tax.  Teachers of St. John the Baptist Parish will still receive the $2,000 annually, and anything over and above that will be divided between all employees of the school board. In the past, this excess was divided among certified personnel only and support staff received nothing.  Again, no increase in taxes.  The resolution also authorizes that application be made to the Bond Commission.

MOTION BY: Rev. Nicholas

SECOND BY:           Dr. Keller

MOTION:        To adopt the 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, the renewal of a special tax and the rededication of a sales and use tax therein; making application to the State Bond Commission in connection therewith; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.

Upon roll call, there were:

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

0 Nays –

0 Absent -

The motion carried.

The following resolution was offered by the Entire Board and seconded by Board:

RESOLUTION

A resolution ordering and calling special elections to be held in (i) the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana and (ii) 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, the renewal of a special tax and the rededication of a sales and use tax 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 (i) the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, for school purposes, and (ii)School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "Parish and District"), that:

                  SECTION 1.  Election Call.  Subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission, and under the authority conferred by Article VI, Sections 29, 30, 32, 33 and Article VIII, Section 13(C) of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, Sub-Part A, Part III, Chapter 4, Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, the applicable provisions of Chapter 5, Chapter 6-A and Chapter 6-B of the Louisiana Election Code, and other constitutional and statutory authority, special elections are hereby called and ordered to be held in the Parish and District on SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2014, between the hours of seven o'clock (7:00) 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 elections there shall be submitted to all registered voters qualified and entitled to vote at the said elections under the Constitution and laws of this State and the Constitution of the United States, the following propositions, to-wit:

PROPOSITION NO. 1

(BOND)

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 Ten Million Three Hundred Eighty Thousand Dollars ($10,380,000), 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?

PROPOSITION NO. 2

(MILLAGE RENEWAL)

Shall School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "District"), continue to levy a tax not exceeding four and thirty-three hundredths (4.33) mills on all property subject to taxation in said School District (an estimated $1,997,785 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of ten (10) years beginning with the year 2017 and ending with the year 2026, for the purpose of operating and maintaining its educational system and buildings and other facilities used in connection therewith?

PROPOSITION NO. 3

(1/4% SALES TAX REDEDICATION)

Shall the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "School Board"), be authorized to rededicate all of the proceeds received by the Parish from the levy and collection of a 1/4% sales and use tax (the "Tax") authorized at an election held on October 7, 2000 (an estimated $2,400,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the ley of the Tax for an entire year), in perpetuity, so that such proceeds (after paying reasonable and necessary costs and expenses of collecting and administering the Tax) be used for the purpose of providing funds of up to $2,000 per year to pay salaries and benefits for teachers, with any excess proceeds of the Tax to be dedicated to payment of salaries of all employees of the school system, including teachers, after deducting payment of associated benefits?

            SECTION 2.  Publication of Notice of Elections.  A Notice of Special Elections shall be published in the L'Observateur, a newspaper of general circulation within the Parish and District, published in LaPlace, Louisiana, and being the official journal of the Parish and 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 elections, 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, 1600 Hwy. 44, Reserve, Louisiana, on THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014, 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 elections.

            SECTION 4.  Polling Places.  The polling places set forth in the aforesaid Notice of Special Elections are hereby designated as the polling places at which to hold the said elections, 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 elections as herein provided, and shall make due returns of said elections for the meeting of the Governing Authority to be held on Thursday, May 15, 2014, as provided in Section 3 hereof.  All registered voters in the Parish and District will be entitled to vote at the special elections, 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 elections, the necessary equipment, forms and other paraphernalia essential to the proper holding of said elections 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 elections.

            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 elections, in order that each may prepare for said elections 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 elections as herein provided, and in the event said elections carry for further consent and authority to issue, sell and deliver the bonds and to levy and collect the special taxes 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, as Bond Counsel, is hereby employed to do and perform work of a traditional legal nature 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 thereof and shall furnish their opinions covering the legality of the issuance of the Bonds.  The fee of Bond Counsel for each series of said 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 each 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 Director of Finance, Bond Counsel shall cause to be prepared an official statement with respect to the sale of the Bonds and the costs of the preparation and printing of said official statement, as approved by the State Bond Commission, 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 Director of Finance 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 Director of Finance is hereby empowered and directed to issue vouchers in payment for the work herein provided for upon completion of the work herein specified 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.

            SECTION 11.      Additional Notice Requirement.  This Governing Authority made the announcement with respect to this resolution required by La. R.S. 42:19.1, at its public meeting on Thursday, January 16, 2014 and published said announcement in the Official Journal on Saturday, January 18, 2014.

This  resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:

MEMBERS:                     YEAS:     NAYS:      ABSENT:  ABSTAINING:

Russell Jack                       X                                                            

Albert “Ali” Burl, III              X                                                            

Gerald J. Keller                   X                                                            

Patrick H. Sanders             X                                                            

Sherry DeFrancesch         X                                                            

Keith Jones                         X                                                            

Phillip Johnson                        X                                                                              

Russ Wise                           X                                                            

Lowell Bacas                      X                                                            

Rodney B. Nicholas                X                                                                              

Clarence Triche                 X                                                            

              And the resolution was declared adopted on this, the 20^th day of February, 2014.

                   /s/ Kevin R. George                                                  /s/ Clarence Triche                  

                            Secretary                                                                   President

                                                                                                                                    EXHIBIT "A"

NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTIONS

                  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 (i) the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, for school purposes, and (ii)School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "Parish and District"), on February 20, 2014, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that special elections will be held within the Parish and District on SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2014, and that at the said elections there will be submitted to all registered voters in the Parish and District qualified and entitled to vote at the said elections under the Constitution and Laws of the State of Louisiana and the Constitution of the United States, the following propositions, to-wit:

PROPOSITION NO. 1

(BOND)

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 Ten Million Three Hundred Eighty Thousand Dollars ($10,380,000), 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?

PROPOSITION NO. 2

(MILLAGE RENEWAL)

Shall School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "District"), continue to levy a tax not exceeding four and thirty-three hundredths (4.33) mills on all property subject to taxation in said School District (an estimated $1,997,785 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of ten (10) years beginning with the year 2017 and ending with the year 2026, for the purpose of operating and maintaining its educational system and buildings and other facilities used in connection therewith?

PROPOSITION NO. 3

(1/4% SALES TAX REDEDICATION)

Shall the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "School Board"), be authorized to rededicate all of the proceeds received by the Parish from the levy and collection of a 1/4% sales and use tax (the "Tax") authorized at an election held on October 7, 2000 (an estimated $2,400,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the ley of the Tax for an entire year), in perpetuity, so that such proceeds (after paying reasonable and necessary costs and expenses of collecting and administering the Tax) be used for the purpose of providing funds of up to $2,000 per year to pay salaries and benefits for teachers, with any excess proceeds of the Tax to be dedicated to payment of salaries of all employees of the school system, including teachers, after deducting payment of associated benefits?

            The said special elections will be held at the following polling places situated within the Parish and District, which polls will open at seven o'clock (7:00) 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 elections, and the Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners, respectively, shall be those persons designated according to law.

            Notice is further given that a portion of the monies collected from the tax described in the Propositions shall be remitted to certain state and statewide retirement systems in the manner required by law.

            The said special elections will be held in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 5, Chapter 6-A and Chapter 6-B 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 elections, as provided in this Notice of Special Elections, 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, 1600 Hwy. 44, Reserve, Louisiana, on THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2014, 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 elections.  All registered voters of the Parish and District are entitled to vote at said special elections and voting machines will be used.

            THUS DONE AND SIGNED at Reserve, Louisiana, on this, the 20^th day of February, 2014.

ATTEST:                                                                                       /s/ Clarence Triche                  

                                                                                                                President

                   /s/ Kevin R. George                  

                            Secretary

ITEM 5. EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS BY THE BOARD OR STAFF

a.Mr. Ronnie Musacchia /Ms. Heidi Trosclair – Finance Park

Mr. Musacchia introduced himself and gave the following report on Jr. Achievement’s Finance Park:

Finance Park helps middle school students build a foundation of intelligent, personal financial decision-making skills through an experiential, real-life simulation. Students visit Finance Park after completing the teacher-led Junior Achieveent course materials. When they arrive on site, students are assigned a life scenario, including a job, salary, and family situation, to use as the basis of their simulation experience. They learn how to construct and adhere to a personal budget, including paying their housing, food, savings, transportation, entertainment, health care and maintenance, utilities, clothing and education bills.

Volunteers are needed to sit and mentor six students as they make their budget decisions. Your life experiences really come in handy as they ask questions about what they need vs. want!

LOCATION: Garyville/Mt. Airy Math & Science Magnet School Elementary School Gymnasium, 240 Hwy. 54, Garyville, LA 70051.  ~ Monday- April 14, Tuesday-15, Wednesday-16, Thursday-17

Volunteers will be trained the morning of the simulation. The day lasts from 8:00 a.m. until approximately 1:30 p.m.

Contact our JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT EDUCATION TEAM to volunteer!

Christina Pappion: Christina@jagno.org (504-569-8652)

Ronnie Musacehia: rmusacchia@hotmail.com (504-559-3874)

Ms. Heidi Trosclair stated that all St. John Public School 8^th graders will participate in this real-life simulation, but due to the size of the set-up, students will be brought to Garyville Magnet as opposed to the Finance Park travelling.

b. Ms. Bonnie Dinvaut/Ms. Tanya Faucheux - Update on District Progress Monitoring

Ms. Dinvaut and Ms. Faucheux shared the following information:

Ms. Dinvaut and Ms. Faucheux explained to the Board that the idea behind this program is to assist teachers in determining where students need the most help and can then base their lessons on this information.  The STAR assessment is used by the teachers and administrators as a predictor of not only how students are learning, but how they will score on standardized tests.

ITEM 6.  PERSONNEL MATTERS

In the absence of Ms. Page Eschette, Mr. George introduced the following 3 Items.  He stated that the Personnel Committee had approved all three job descriptions.

a. Ms. Page Eschette – Introduction of new job description:  Account Coordinator

This item was for introduction only.  Mr. George stated that this job description was created following discussion at the Board Retreat, as sort of an internal “checks and balance”. Mr. Jack asked if these job descriptions could be changed before asking for approval.  Rev. Nicholas stated that this particular position should report directly to the superintendent, as opposed to reporting to the Executive Director of Business and Finance.  Mr. George stated that there will be another Personnel Committee before the March 20, 2014 board meeting and that change will be addressed.

b. Ms. Page Eschette – Introduction of new job description:  Instructional Technology Facilitator

This item was for introduction only.  Mr. George stated that this job description is more of a change than a new job description.  He stated that the change will be from 9 ½ months to 12 months.  Dr. Keller asked Mr. George to find out if this job would have to be advertised or not, as well as whether the change in the Salary Schedule needs to be approved separately.

c. Ms. Page Eschette – Introduction of new job description:  Curriculum Facilitator

This item was for introduction only.  Mr. George stated that this job description will be filled by 3 people.  One for English/Language Arts, one for Math and one for Science and Social Studies.  He further stated that these are critical positions that need to be in place in light of all the changes in curriculum and state standards in Louisiana.

ITEM 7.  BUSINESS AND FINANCE

ITEM 7a.  Mr. Peter Montz/Mr. Bob Bourgeois – Request Board approval for IP.PBX recommendation

MOTION BY: Dr. Keller

SECOND BY:           Mr. Wise

MOTION:        To approve IP.PBX recommendation of State Contract Vendor Transformyx to provide a Cisco phone system.

No objections.

The motion carried.

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

0 Nays

0 Absent

ITEM 7b.  Mr. Peter Montz – Request Board approval on Proposal 14.32, Property Insurance

MOTION BY: Mr. Wise

SECOND BY:           Mr. Johnson

MOTION:        To approve recommendation on Proposal 14.32, Property Insurance - Louisiana Insurance Service at a cost of $1,072,542.00.

No objections.

The motion carried.

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

0 Nays

0 Absent

Mr. Montz stated that the premium for property insurance will decrease approximately $250,000 from last year and the insurance coverage will increase $20,000,000.

ITEM 8.  OLD BUSINESS

ITEM 9.  NEW BUSINESS

ITEM 9a. Mr. Russell Jack – Cost of paving the road on the west side of West St. John High School.

MOTION BY: Mr. Jack

SECOND BY:           Mr. Wise

MOTION:   To approve paving the road on the west side of West St. John High School at a cost of $89,300.00, using the same contractor that the parish uses.

No objections.

The motion carried.

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

0 Nays

0 Absent

ITEM 9b.  Rev. Rodney Nicholas – Request approval of Resolution recognizing Black History Month

MOTION BY: Rev. Nicholas

SECOND BY:           Entire Board

MOTION:     To approve the Resolution recognizing Black History Month as read and presented.

No objections.

The motion carried.

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

0 Nays

0 Absent

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

BLACK HISTORY MONTH – FEBRUARY 2014

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the month of February has been designated “Black History Month,” celebrating and commemorating our diversity, and the contributions of the African-American community and their many achievements in every aspect of our society; and

WHEREAS, the celebration of “Black History Month” began in 1926 by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, known as ‘the Father of Black History,’ created this celebration to correspond with the birthdays of Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln; and

WHEREAS, “Black History Month” was first celebrated on February 1, 1926; and has since 1976, become a nationally recognized month-long celebration, held each year during the month of February to acknowledge and pay tribute to the many African-Americans neglected by both society and the history books; and

WHEREAS, Black History Month seeks to declare that black history is indeed American history; and

WHEREAS we acknowledge that many Americans both Black and White, as well as other ethnicities, stood side-by-side and hand-in-hand in the struggle together to end racism and racial inequities in America,

WHEREAS, Black History Month is a time to reflect on the struggles and accomplishments of African-Americans throughout our nation's history and to recognize their numerous valuable contributions to the protection of our free democracy; and

WHEREAS, Whereas, Some African-American pioneers whose many accomplishments have not always been recognized and acknowledge and in many cases have gone unnoticed; today, we celebrate a select few of our local unsung heroes; we salute we celebrate the legacy of those pioneers in educational excellence such as, Mrs. Emily Charles Watkins, Mrs. Stella Tasso, Mr. Leroy Williams, Mr. Leonard Schexnayder, Mrs. Mary Harris, Mrs. Ruby Porter, Mrs. Nora Pierre, Mr. Leroy A. Keller, Mr. Rudolph Dinvaut, Mr. Roland Borne and Mrs. Grace Cook as pioneers in education in St. John the Baptist Parish; we celebrate civil rights pioneers Mr. Ezekiel Jackson, Mr. Frank Lapeyrolerie, and Mr. Edward Hall, who took our local voting rights to the U.S. Supreme Court; we salute the musical legends, such as Mr. Edward “Kid” Ory, a local jazz trombonist and band leader born in Woodland Plantation, Mr. Kid Thomas Valentine, a celebrated jazz trumpeter and bandleader from Reserve and Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer, Mr. Dave Bartholomew, Mr. Marshall Lawrence, Mr. Edmond Duhe, Mr. Albert “Papa” French, and Mr. Lawrence Duhe; we celebrate Mr. Hemon Harris, Jr. and Ms. Christina Green as pioneers in school desegregation in St. John the Baptist Parish; we celebrate Baseball’s legends, major leaguers, such as, three-time world series player Mr. Gerald Williams and Mr. Gary Gray; and celebrate NFL football pioneers, such as, Mr. Terry Roybiskie and Mr. Louis Lipps; we celebrate Judge Madeline Jasmine as the first Black Judge in the 40th Judicial Court; we celebrate Mr. Gerald Bastian as the first Black school board member in the 20th century; we celebrate Mr. Rudolph Soraparu as the first Black Police Juror; Mr. Cleveland Farlough the first Black Superintendent, Mr. Henry Demas, a former slave who became a state senator and a co-founder of Southern University; we celebrate Mr. Richard Dale Wolfe, the longest sitting councilmember in St. John the Baptist Parish’s history; and we celebrate our modern day political leaders, Parish President Natalie Robottom, Sheriff Mike Tregre, Assessor Whitney Joseph and Louisiana State Representative Randall Gaines and countless other unsung heroes, we salute you; and 

WHEREAS, In recognition of the vast contributions of many of these African-Americans, and countless others, a joyful month-long celebration is held across the United States commemorating and honoring the cultural heritage of African-Americans; and

WHEREAS, the St. John School Board commends the African-American community for preserving, for future generations, its centuries-old traditions that benefit us all and add to the color and beauty of the tapestry which is our American society; now, therefore,

Be it further RESOLVED, That this Board on Behalf of our superintendent, administrators, faculty, staff, and students proclaims February 2014 as Black History Month in the St. John the Baptist Parish public Schools; and

Be it further RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution, suitably engrossed, be placed in the minutes, the archives, and official records of the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board on this 20^th day of February in the year of our Lord 2014."
        

/s/ Clarence Triche, Board President                                           /s/ Keith Jones, Board Vice-President

ITEM 9c.  Mr. Albert Burl – Removal of Clarence Triche as President of the Board.

Mr. Burl requested this item be pulled from the agenda.

ITEM 9d.  Mr. Orenthal Jasmin, Board Attorney – Legal Update

None.

ITEM 10.  ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

ITEM 11.  BOARD ITEMS OF INTEREST

MOTION BY: Mr. Wise

SECOND BY:           Mrs. DeFrancesch

MOTION:        To waive policy to allow discussion and adoption of a Resolution in support of the LSBA 2014 Legislative Framework.

No objections.

The motion carried.

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

0 Nays

0 Absent

MOTION BY: Mr. Wise

SECOND BY:           Entire Board

MOTION:        To adopt a Resolution in support of the LSBA 2014 Legislative Framework.

No objections.

The motion carried.

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

0 Nays

0 Absent

RESOLUTION

ADOPTION AND SUPPORT OF THE 2014 LSBA LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK

Whereas, the Louisiana School Boards Association (LSBA) is a federation of school boards in the state of Louisiana representing over six-hundred (600) elected school board members;

Whereas, the Louisiana School Boards Association is a mission-driven organization focused on leadership, service and support for school boards and school systems;

Whereas, the Louisiana School Boards Association strives to work in collaboration with all public education stakeholders including federal officials, statewide elected officials, state legislators, superintendents, principals, teachers, district office support administrators and support staff; and, most importantly parents and students;

Whereas, the Louisiana School Boards Association recognizes the importance of the upcoming 2014 Legislative Session that commences March 10, 2014 and its possible impact on public education;

Whereas, the Louisiana School Boards Association Board of Directors have adopted and approved the 2014 LSBA Legislative Framework (attached) that outlines a set of general, guiding principles for its membership regarding legislative advocacy;

Whereas, the Louisiana School Boards Association realizes that we must all work toward the common goal of improving student achievement in a strategic, practical and meaningful manner that includes input from all stakeholders;

Whereas the Louisiana School Boards Association has recently committed to a set of five general principles at its General Luncheon of the 2014 LSBA Convention in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, that are aligned with several other public education stakeholder organizations such as the Louisiana Association of School Superintendents (LASS), the Louisiana Association of School Executives (LASE), The Louisiana State Parent Teacher Association (LAPTA), the Louisiana Association of Principals (LAP), the Louisiana Federation of Teachers (LFT), and the Louisiana Association of Educators (LAE):

§  United advocacy for prioritizing public education funding regarding the state funding formula (MFP)

§  United advocacy for a more strategic and comprehensive transition to raising standards and adopting accompanying assessments

§  United advocacy for a non-punitive accountability system and flexible employee evaluation system

§  United advocacy for addressing issues regarding privatization of public education in Louisiana

§  United advocacy regarding meaningful and sincere stakeholder input in all education policy matters

Be it resolved, that the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board hereby formally adopt via resolution during a duly convened and properly noticed meeting the 2014 LSBA Legislative Framework (attached).

Be it further resolved that, the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board transmit this resolution along with the attached 2014 LSBA Legislative Framework to all statewide elected officials and state legislators this formal statement of support and commitment to advocating for the principles noted.

Yeas: 11

Nays:  0

Absent:  0

CERTIFICATE

     I, Kevin R. George, Secretary of the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board, do hereby certify that the above and foregoing is a true and correct copy of the resolution passed at a meeting of said School Board duly called and held at its legal domicile in the town of Reserve, parish St. John the Baptist, on the 20^th day of 2014, as recorded in the minutes thereof.

     IN WITNESS WHEROF, I have hereunto set my hand and seal of the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board on this 20th day of March, 2014.

/s/ Kevin R. George

Secretary

Mr. Jones asked that a Transportation Update be placed on the next regular scheduled board meeting agenda.  He stated that in light of recent bus accidents in neighboring parishes, he would like an update on safety measures in our parish as well as a status on how our transportation department is addressing the influx of complaints from parents regarding students getting to school and home late.

Mr. Jones further stated that he wanted to commend Superintendent George on the excellent job thus far.  Mr. Jones stated that he is very pleased with Mr. George’s attention to detail and the abundance of communication that the superintendent  shares with the board.  Mr. Bacas stated that he, too, is very pleased with the fact that superintendent keeps the board well informed and is a pleasure to work with.

MOTION BY: Mr. Burl

SECOND BY:           Rev. Nicholas

MOTION:        To waive policy to allow discussion of the use of the Garyville Baseball Field by a non-public school team.

No objections.

The motion carried.

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

0 Nays

0 Absent

MOTION BY: Mr. Burl

SECOND BY:           Rev. Nicholas

MOTION:        To allow Top Notch Warriors to use the Garyville Mt. Airy Magnet School Baseball Field (after they add the venue to their insurance coverage) on weekends and weekdays when the school is not scheduled to use the field.

At 7:26 p.m., the president called a 5 minute recess to allow legal counsel to speak with the board in reference to the legalities this item.

MOTION BY: Mrs. DeFrancesch

SECOND BY:           Mr. Bacas

MOTION:        To reconvene in regular session.

No objections.

The motion carried – the board reconvened in regular session at 7:30 p.m.

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

0 Nays

0 Absent

Following discussion, the motion by Mr. Burl and seconded by Rev. Nicholas, to allow Top Notch Warriors to use the Garyville Mt. Airy Magnet School Baseball Field (after they add the venue to their insurance coverage) on weekends and weekdays when the school is not going to use the field, had no objections.

The motion carried.

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

0 Nays

0 Absent

ITEM 12.  ADJOURNMENT - The agenda having been completed, and there being no further business, there was a

MOTION BY: Mr. Jones

SECOND BY:           Mr. Sanders

MOTION:        Motion for adjournment.

There were no objections.

The meeting adjourned at 7:32 p.m.

______________________________             __________________________

Kevin R. George, Secretary                           Clarence Triche, President