PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
RESERVE, LA – MEETING OF JULY 24, 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 special session at West St. John Elementary School, 2555 LA Hwy. 18, Edgard, Louisiana, on Thursday, July 24, 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. Jack, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Triche.
ABSENT: Nicholas
There were 10 members present, 1 absent.
ITEM 3. Approval of Minutes – Meeting of June 5, 2014.
MOTION BY: Dr. Keller
SECOND BY: Mr. Bacas
MOTION: To approve the minutes of the meeting of June 5, 2014.
No objections.
The motion carried.
10 Yeas - Jack, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Triche.
1 Absent – Nicholaws
ITEM 4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. Mr. Kevin R. George, Superintendent.
Transportation Update: Mr. Steve Vales, Supervisor of Transportation gave the board an update on the transportation department. Mr. Vales stated that there would be a bell time adjustment at LaPlace Elementary School to save travel time on buses and also a cost savings to the district. He also informed the board about a new law that was recently passed that prohibits students to cross the street to catch a bus. He stated that this would be problematic for St. John, as many of our roads are very narrow and are dead-ends, which would not allow buses to turn around. He also gave the board an update on the bus fleet, stated that the average life of a bus is 12-15 years and we currently have 14 that exceed that time limit.
Facilities Update: Mr. Peter Montz gave the board and update on all on-going maintenance issues and solutions.
Update from All South Engineers and
Update from Yeates & Yeates Architects: Ms. Cind Janecke and Mr. Ames Yeates both share the following information:
ITEM 5. EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS BY THE BOARD OR STAFF
Mr. George gave the following report and honorees were presented with plaques/awards:
ITEM 6. PERSONNEL MATTERS
Rev. Nicholas arrived at 6:14 p.m. and was recorded as present.
ITEM 7. BUSINESS AND FINANCE
ITEM 7a. Mr. Felix Boughton – Approval of Amended Budget for June 30, 2014
MOTION BY: Mr. Wise
SECOND BY: Mr. Bacas
MOTION: To approve the Amended Budget for June 30, 2014
No objections.
The motion carried.
11 Yeas - Messrs. Jack, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche
0 Nays
ITEM 7b. Mr. Felix Boughton – Approval of Comprehensive Budget for June 30, 2015
MOTION BY: Mr. Wise
SECOND BY: Mr. Bacas
MOTION: To approve the Comprehensive Budget for June 30, 2015
No objections.
The motion carried.
11 Yeas - Messrs. Jack, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche
0 Nays
ITEM 7c. Mr. Felix Boughton – Approval of Salary Schedule for 2014-2015
MOTION BY: Mr. Jones
SECOND BY: Mr. Wise
MOTION: To approve the Salary Schedule for 2014-2015
No objections.
The motion carried.
11 Yeas - Messrs. Jack, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche
0 Nays
ITEM 7d. Mr. Felix Boughton – Accept low bid on East St. John High School Repairs
Ms. Cindy Janecke (All South) stated that Lincoln Builders of Baton Rouge had presented the low bid. Mr. Burl asked Ms. Janecke if All South was satisfied with the low bidder. Ms. Janecke stated that All South will be heavily involved with all phases with the rebuilding and yes, they were satisfied with the company.
MOTION BY: Dr. Keller
SECOND BY: Mr. Bacas
MOTION: To accept Lincoln Builders of Baton Rouge as the low bid for the East St. John High School Repairs at a cost of: $9,575,000 (base), $269,900 (Alt. 1), and $165,000 (Alt. 2) for a total contract amount of: $10,009,000.00
Upon roll call, there were:
11 Yeas - Messrs. Jack, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche
0 Nays
The motion carried.
ITEM 7e. Mr. Peter Montz – Request Board approval to extend the grounds maintenance contract with 3H Enterprises for two years.
MOTION BY: Dr. Keller
SECOND BY: Mr. Bacas
MOTION: To approve the grounds maintenance contract with 3H Enterprises for two years on the recommendation of administration.
No objections.
The motion carried.
11 Yeas - Messrs. Jack, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche
0 Nays
ITEM 7f. Mr. Peter Montz – Request Board approval on Proposal 15.21 Emergency Construction of Building Components and/or Grounds
ITEM 7g. Mr. Peter Montz – Request Board approval to re-advertise for Proposal 15.22 Emergency Water Damage Restoration Services
ITEM 7i. Mr. Peter Montz – Request Board approval on Proposal 15.24 Student and Athletic Insurance
ITEM 7j. Mr. Peter Montz – Request Board approval to solicit proposals on General and Fleet Liability Insurance
ITEM 7k. Ms. Terry Charles - Request Board approval of bid awards for the SY 2014-15 for Bread/Bread Products
MOTION BY: Dr. Keller
SECOND BY: Mr. Wise
MOTION: To approve ITEMS 7f, 7g, 7i, 7j, 7k
No objections.
The motion carried.
11 Yeas - Messrs. Jack, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche
0 Nays
ITEM 7h. Mr. Peter Montz – Request Board approval on Bid 15.23 School Bus with Wheel Chair Lift
MOTION BY: Dr. Keller
SECOND BY: Mr. Wise
MOTION: To reject the 2 bids presented and instead piggy-back on Tangipahoa Parish’s bid for 1 Special Education Bus with Wheel Chair Lift at a cost of $77,862.
No objections.
The motion carried.
11 Yeas - Messrs. Jack, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche
0 Nays
ITEM 9. NEW BUSINESS
ITEM 9a. Mrs. Lanette Perrin – Introduction of Pupil Progression Plan 2014-15
This item was for introduction only. The Pupil Progression Plan can be viewed at: www.stjohn.k12.la.us
The changes from last year are:
Pupil Progression Changes 2014 – 2015
· Valedictorian/Salutatorian Honors
A student must be enrolled at ESJH or WSJH his/her entire eleventh and twelfth grade years to be eligible for Valedictorian and Salutatorian honors. All courses during these two years must have been obtained on campus. . Beginning with 2014 – 2015, a student shall be required to take a minimum of 2 Advanced Placement Classes and 8 Honors Classes to be considered TOP 10 at Graduation Ceremonies.
· LAA2 in elementary grades will no longer exist.
· High School will allow homework to be graded as informal grades.
· The state is not requiring a set amount of hours for summer school 2015 for remediation of high stakes tests.
· High stakes retests will not be provided by the LDOE summer 2015.
· Benchmark Assessment grades were left out. Benchmark Assessments created by SJBP Curriculum Facilitators will be worth 10% of each 9 weeks grade. The correction is currently being made and will be ready for the next board meeting.
ITEM 9b. Mr. Kevin R. George – Donation of Computer Lab by Sen. Landrieu’s Office
A representative from Senator Mary Landrieu’s Office stated that 5 computers were being donated to St. John the Baptist Parish. The computers would not have software installed, but her office would work with the district to help with the installation of software, if needed.
ITEM 9c. Rev. Rodney Nicholas – Introduction of new policy to require administration to get prior approval from Board to enter into contractual agreements that exceed $7,000.00 in any 12 month period.
Rev. Nicholas stated that in lieu of a new policy, administration has agreed to provide the board with a monthly report on all invoices that exceed $7,000.00 to ensure transparency.
ITEM 9d. Ms. Page Eschette – Introduction of Revised Policies: GBRC: Employee Attendance; GBA: Contracts and Compensation; DJAA: Authorized Signatures; KG: Use of School Facilities; DJED: Bids and Quotations; IHF: Graduation Requirements; IKDB: Graduation Exercises
This item was for introduction only. The changes in the policies are summarized below.
Brief Summary for Review and Recommendation for New Policies: Executive Meeting August 14, 2014
GBRC: Employee Attendance:
· 5th paragraph--Modified wording from “fully automized computer “swipe” to “computerized attendance”
· Under Monitoring Daily Attendance/Reporting
o Delete item 5
o Modify item 6 and 7 changing dates of when absentee notices will be provided to an employee from the 10th of the month to the 2nd of the month. Also changing final date of employee/school changes for absentee corrections to the 10th of the month instead of the 15th of the month.
GBA: Contracts and Compensation:
· Page 3 under section experience credit the word “certified” has been added to sentence in front of the word teacher for clarification.
DJAA: Authorized Signatures:
· Board minutes of October, 2013: second paragraph modifying verbiage allowing Superintendent or the Board President to sign a contract that has been approved by a majority vote of the School Board
KG: Use of School Facilities---
· Page 2 “Normal function Rental” price change
· Last page—added number 9 which requires General Liability insurance/Certificate of Insurance for all users/renters of school facilities
DJED: Bids and Quotations
· First paragraph—dollar amount change--$100,000 to $150,000 for requirement of advertisement for contract for all public work
· Fifth paragraph under Public Works and 3rd paragraph under Materials and Supplies—allowing for electronic bids
· 4th paragraph under Material and Supplies—included use of reverse auction or competitive online solicitation for purchases
· Delete Use of State Contract paragraph
IHF: Graduation Requirements
· Graduation Exit Exam has been replaced by EOC testing on high school level. Eliminate this section And the first paragraph stands alone state that a student must meet requirements mandated by BESE as outlined in the Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741.
IKDB: Graduation Exercises
· Current policy makes mention of Graduation Exit Exam as well so new policy will again be reworded stating graduating student must meet requirements mandated by BESE as outlined in the Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741.
ITEM 9e. Mr. Felix Boughton – Request Board Approval of Resolution authorizing a Tax Holiday
MOTION BY: Entire Board
MOTION: To approve the Resolution authorizing a Tax Holiday
The motion carried.
11 Yeas - Messrs. Jack, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche
0 Nays
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
STATE OF LOUISIANA
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board, State of Louisiana, has the following sales and use taxes currently authorized and being collected.
1. A one percent (1 %) tax, proceeds of which are to be used exclusively to supplement other revenues available to the School District for the payment of salaries of teachers in the public elementary and secondary schools of the Parish and for the expenses of operating said schools, such operating expenses to include payment of salaries of other personnel employed by the School Board in addition to teachers, but to exclude expenditures for capital improvements;
2. A one-third of one percent (1/3%) tax, proceeds of which are to be dedicated and used for the purpose of paying the operating expenses of the school system, including salaries of school teachers and other school employees, enriched curriculum expansion, and other operating expenses of the school system;
3. A one-third of one percent (1/3%) tax, proceeds of which are to be dedicated and used for the purpose of paying the existing deficit in the general fund of the school board and after full payment of said deficit to be thereafter dedicated to the repair, maintenance and upkeep of the physical plant and facilities of the school system;
4. A one-third of one percent (1/3%) tax, proceeds of which are to be dedicated as follows:
(i) to the payment of principal and interest on all sales tax bonds payable and to satisfy all obligations of the School Board,
(ii) to pay the cost of making capital improvements to the public system of the Parish, including, but not limited to constructing, acquiring, erecting, improving and repairing schools and school related facilities; and,
(iii) to additionally provide that any remaining unencumbered proceeds of the 1/3 % Sales Tax on hand at the end of each fiscal year be considered surplus to be budgeted by the school board for expenditure in the next fiscal year with 40% dedicated to enhance curriculum and instruction, 40% of said surplus to be dedicated to salaries and benefits for all employees, and 20% dedicated for providing additional support to the school system of the Parish, but not to supplant current revenues being expended for said purpose;
5. A one-fourth of one percent (1/4%) tax, proceeds of which are to be used for the purpose of paying salaries and benefits of teachers. January 2001 Rededicated May 3, 2014 as follows: Proceeds be used for the purpose of providing funds of up to $ 2,000 per year 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 benefits.
All said taxes herein after collectively being referred to as the Parish Government Sales Taxes;
WHEREAS, the State of Louisiana (the State) has in the past provided a Tax Holiday by granting an exemption from the sale and use taxes for certain items for hurricane protection and for other purposes for a designated limited number of days and may in the future grant similar exemptions for that and other purposes pursuant to Subtitle II of Title 47 of the Louisiana Revised Statues of 1950 and other applicable provisions of the law; and
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board to grant similar exemptions from the Parish Government Sales Taxes as granted by the State permitted by but not limited to RS: 47:337.10.1.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board, State of Louisiana, acting as a governing authority of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, and the St. John the Baptist Sales Tax District, that:
SECTION 1) That this Governing Authority does hereby grant exemptions to the Parish Government Sales Taxes to the same items and for the same limited time period as the State of Louisiana has already or may in the future grant from State sales and use taxes when granting a Sales Tax Holiday to the extent permitted by law.
SECTION 2) That all resolutions or parts of resolutions in conflict herein are amended to the extent necessary to grant Sales Tax Holidays as granted by the State of Louisiana on sales and use taxes levied by the State.
SECTION 3) This resolution shall be in full force and effective immediately upon its adoption, being a resolution affecting the public, health and safety.
ITEM 9f. Dr. Gerald Keller – Discussion of the necessity of a legislative liaison for the St. John School Board
Mr. Chris Guidry (legislative liaison) was introduced by Dr. Keller. Discussion was held on this item. Dr. Keller asked that this be put on the next agenda for action.
ITEM 9g. Mr. Keith Jones/Rev. Rodney Nicholas – Tulane University Black Women’s Health Fair Program; Eliza Eugene (Blessed to be a Blessing), Update After School Tutorial Program
Ms. Eliza Eugene stated that there would be a back-pack giveaway the following Saturday at Regala Park beginning at 10:00 a.m. She said that there were 500 backpacks filled with school supplies for any child that came to the event. The only requirement is to be a resident of St. John Parish. The Board thanked Ms. Eugene for her involvement and dedication with the children of St. John Parish and Mr. Keith Jones and Rev. Rodney Nicholas presented her with a check for $500.00 to purchase pizza for the event that was being held for our students.
ITEM 9j. Rev. Rodney Nicholas – Introduction of a DBE policy
This item was for introduction only.
ITEM 9h. Mr. Felix Boughton – Executive Session – Update on Negotiations
ITEM 9i. Mr. Kevin George – Executive Session – Discussion of appeal with FEMA
MOTION BY: Mr. Jones
SECOND BY: Mr. Sanders
MOTION: To convene in Executive Session to deal with both ITEM 9h – Update on Negotiations and ITEM 9i – Discussion of appeal with FEMA.
No objections.
The motion carried.
11 Yeas - Messrs. Jack, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche
0 Nays
The board convened in Executive Session at 8:21 p.m.
MOTION BY: Mr. Bacas
SECOND BY: Mrs. DeFrancesch
MOTION: To reconvene in Regular Session.
No objections.
The motion carried.
6 Yeas - Messrs. Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Bacas, Triche
0 Nays
5 Not Seated: Jack, Burl, Sanders, Wise, Nicholas
The board reconvened in Regular Session at 9:07 p.m.
ITEM 10. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
ITEM 11. BOARD ITEMS OF INTEREST
ITEM 12. ADJOURNMENT - The agenda having been completed, and there being no further business, there was a
MOTION BY: Mr. Bacas
SECOND BY: Mrs. DeFrancesch
MOTION: Motion for adjournment.
There were no objections.
Not Seated: Jack, Burl, Sanders, Wise, Nicholas
The meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m.
________________________________
Kevin R. George, Secretary
________________________________
Clarence Triche, President