PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
RESERVE, LA – MEETING OF FEBRUARY 19, 2015
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 Tuesday, February 19, 2015, at 6:00 p.m.
An agenda for the meeting is attached.
Sincerely, s/Kevin R. George
Superintendent/Secretary
The Chair called for the invocation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
ITEM 2. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS:
PRESENT: Burl, Keller, Sanders, Johnson, Wise, Wallace, Nicholas, Triche, Jones
ABSENT: Jack, DeFrancesch
There were 9 members present, 2 absent.
ITEM 3. Approval of Minutes – Meeting of January 15, 2015.
MOTION BY: Keller
SECOND BY: Nicholas
MOTION: To approve the minutes of the meeting of January 15, 2015.
No objections.
The motion carried.
ITEM 4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Mr. George stated that the Board will host a “Legislative Summit” with all local delegates to talk about the upcoming Legislative Session and how it will affect education in Louisiana.
Mr. George also stated that the first “5 Year Planning Committee Meeting” will take place on March 5, 2015 and if anyone would like to be involved, please contact Quentina Timoll, Asst. Superintendent for information.
Mr. Jack arrived at 6:20 p.m. and was recorded as present.
ITEM 5. EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS BY THE BOARD OR STAFF
ITEM 5a. Black History Month
Rev. Nicholas read the following Resolution into the record:
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ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
BLACK HISTORY MONTH – FEBRUARY 2015
A resolution honoring and declaring February 2015 as “Black History Month.”
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” 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 freedom and democracy; and
WHEREAS, Some African-American pioneers whose many accomplishments, have not always been acknowledged and recognized, and in many cases have gone unnoticed and unappreciated; today we take time out to celebrate a few of our local unsung heroes;
We celebrate the life & legacy of the Rev. Lawrence Mitchell, as a hero of faith, born November 19, 1906. Rev. Mitchell served as Pastor of the Providence Baptist Church of Laplace from 1961-1961, and was a faithful associate minister and Gospel preacher until the Lord called him home on July 29, 1992. Tonight we celebrate and salute the Rev. Lawrence “Hundu” Mitchell of the Providence Baptist church of Laplace.
We celebrate the life & legacy the Rev. Samuel Jones, who was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1943 where he served his country as a Chaplain until his return in 1946. He was ordained to the Gospel ministry in in 1949 and was called to pastor the Providence B.C. of Laplace in 1962. Later he was also called to pastor the Mt Olive B.C. of Paulina in 1965 and the Second Mt. Carmel B.C. in 1975. The Rev. Samuel Jones also served as President of the Central Union Missionary Baptist Association and as a Board Member of the National Baptist Convention. Tonight we salute the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Samuel Jones.
We celebrate the life & legacy of the Rev Hosea A. Zeno, the founding pastor of the Rising Star B.C. located in Historic Woodland Quarters of Laplace. Rev. Zeno founded and organized the Rising star B.C. on March 28, 1926 and was ordained on the very same day. Rev. Zeno was also a key founding member of the Historic Second District Missionary Baptist association of Louisiana, Inc. and pastored the Rising Star B.C. for 54 years until the Lord said servant of God well done. Tonight we salute the Rev. Hosea A. Zeno.
We celebrate the life & legacy of the Rev. Clarence L. Alvis, who was a Gospel singer and musician, who was elected as pastor of the Rising Star Baptist Church in February of 1981. Under Rev. Alvis’ leadership the Rising Star B.C. sponsored an annual Easter Fair & Carnival at the Woodland Elementary School Campus, which was the talk of the town. Pastor Alvis also worked as a bus driver in St. John Parish School system and owned & operated possibly the first black-owned grocery store in the Laplace area, “Tuggy’s Grocery Store” located on Main Street in Laplace. Tonight we salute the Rev. Clarence “Tuggy” Alvis.
We celebrate the life & legacy of the Rev. Haskel Williams, Jr. born January 21, 1929. Rev. Haskel Williams served his country in the United States Army as a Quarter Master in 1947. During his tour of Duty he earned a World War II Victory Metal and a World War II Occupational Metal. Rev. Williams was ordained to the Gospel ministry on September 15, 1965. Rev. Williams was called to the pastorate of the Mt. Calvary B.C. of Laplace on January 21, 1967. He studied at Leland College in Baker, LA., Union Baptist College & Theological Seminary in New Orleans, Ambassador’s College in Pasadena, CA., and Menasa Evangelist School of New York, earning a Master of Theology Degree. Rev. Williams served as Chancellor Commander of Sunshine Loge #44, Deputy Grand Chancellor of the 11th District, Grand Master of Star Light Lodge #44 of Laplace, Patron of Naomi Chapter #37, Order of the Eastern Star, and Historian of the Second district Missionary Baptist Association of LA, Inc., and honorary member of the Louisiana’s Sheriff’s Association. Tonight it is with great pleasure that we salute the Rev. Haskel Williams, Jr.
We celebrate the life & legacy of the Rev. Peter Snyder Sr., born September-23-1907 in Burnside, Louisiana. Rev. Snyder was employed by Godchaux Sugar Refinery for 52 years as a mechanic, with only a fourth grade education. Rev. Peter 'Rufus' Snyder, Sr., was the original founder and organizer of the Reserve Labor Aid and Benevolent Association and served as it's only President for more than thirty years. Under Rev. Snyder’s leadership the association helped poor black families pay for medical services, medicine, and burial services through a cooperative association. Rev. Snyder was ordained to the Gospel Ministry in 1960, at Pilgrim Baptist Church in Reserve, La., under Pastor Alfred Johnson. Upon the passing of Pastor Johnson, Rev Snyder was elected pastor of the New Pilgrim Baptist Church. Rev. Snyder is the father of the Honorable Councilman Larry Snyder. The Lord called Rev. Snyder home to rest in 1987. Tonight it is an honor and a privilege to salute the Rev. Peter Snyder.
We celebrate the life & legacy of the Rev. Marshall Carmbs, Sr., D.D. Rev. Marshall Carmbs, Sr. was a graduate from McDonough 35 High School in New Orleans, and Studied at Moody Bible College in Chicago, before being elected Pastor of the Zion Travelers Baptist Church in 1947. Rev. Carmbs served as President of the Second District Missionary Baptist Association of Louisiana, Inc. until the Lord called him home in 1983. Rev. Carmbs also served as President, General Baptist State Convention of Louisiana, as a Member of the Board of Directors National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., as a Member, Foreign Mission Board, National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc., was selected to be a part of a preaching delegation to Liberia Africa in1977, and received an Honorary Doctor of Divinity Degree in 1976 from the Interdenominational Seminary in Dallas, TX. Rev. Carmbs was very active in the St. John Parish NAACP, and also instrumental in preparing African Americans to register to vote. He was one of the coordinators of the boycott of the Winn Dixie Supermarket (LaPlace) in an effort to get African American cashiers hired. He assisted in the selection of African American students to desegregate the public schools in Reserve, LA., and chauffeured students past protestors attempting to halt the desegregation-integration of St. John Public Schools. Tonight it is with great honor that we celebrate and salute the Rev. Dr. Marshall Carmbs.
We celebrate the life & legacy of Dr. Ethel Brown Robinson, who along with her husband, the Rev. James M. Robinson, founded the Rescue Mission Baptist Church, Reserve. When there was no kindergarten or day care for African Americans, Ethel B. Robinson founded the first church sponsored Day Care for African Americans in Reserve. Mrs. Robinson served as President of the Women’s Auxiliary of the Second District Missionary Baptist Association of Louisiana, Inc. Additionally; Mrs. Robinson served as President of the Women’s Auxiliary of the General Baptist State Convention of Louisiana, and as a Field Secretary for the National Baptist Convention Foreign Missions Board. As a memorial for her Mission work a building was named in her honor at the Bendo Mission Center in Monrovia, Liberia in West Africa. Mrs. Robinson also received an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from the Untied Theological Seminary in Monroe, LA., served as a Delegate to the Baptist World Alliance in Rio de Janerio, Brazil in 1960. Mrs. Robinson was a noted Bible scholar and teacher, singer, pianist and an advocate of education to African Americans in the River Parishes. Tonight it is with great pleasure that we honor and salute Dr. Ethel B. Robinson, and the multitude other unsung heroes of Faith; and
WHEREAS, the writer admonishes us in the Book of Hebrews Chapter 11:13, that, “These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth;” and the writer picks it up again in verse 16 saying, “But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city;” and
WHEREAS, the writer of Hebrews Chapter 11:4 admonishes us that these “… being dead yet speaketh;” One might ask the question, what are the dead saints saying? They are singing the old negro spiritual, “Over my head I see trouble in the air, over my head I hear music in the air, over my head I hear singing in the air, over my head I see glory in the air, there must be a God somewhere;” and
WHEREAS, In recognition of the vast contributions of many of these African-American Heroes of Faith, and countless others, a joyful month-long celebration is held across these United States of America commemorating and celebrating the heritage of African-Americans; and
WHEREAS, the St. John School Board honors the African-American community for preserving, for future generations, its centuries-old traditions that benefit all of us 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 19th day of February in the year of our Lord 2015."
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ITEM 5b. Resolution to the family of Tom Daley
President Jones read the following resolution into the record:
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RESOLUTION
A resolution honoring DISTRICT ATTORNEY THOMAS F. DALEYfor his years of distinguished service on the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal, on the St. John Parish 40th Judicial District Court, and as District Attorney/Criminal Prosecutor and for his contributions to the fair administration of justice in St. John The Baptist Parish.
WHEREAS, the Honorable Judge Thomas F. Daleyhas earned the respect of the members of the Louisiana State Bar Association throughout his illustrious career as a Presiding Judge of the Louisiana Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal, 1996-2008; and two years as Chief Judge of the 40th Judicial District Court; and was elected and has served with honor as District Attorney of St. John the Baptist Parish since 2009, and has been a dedicated public servant for over three decades; and
WHEREAS, Thomas F. Daley received his undergraduate degree from Rutgers University, his masters in law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law, and his Juris Doctorate from Loyola University School of Law; and
WHEREAS, Thomas F. Daley has been a lecturer for the Louisiana Bar Association and Louisiana Judicial College; and
WHEREAS, Thomas F. Daley was named judge of the year by the Louisiana Bar Foundation in 2008; and
WHEREAS, Thomas F. Daley subsequently served on the Louisiana Judicial College, Board of Governors; and was a teacher of law, Adjunct Professor at both LSU Law School and Delgado Community College; and
WHEREAS, Judge Thomas F. Daleywas appointed to the Superior Court bench in 1981 by Governor Brendan Byrne and was subsequently reappointed by Governor Thomas Kean; and
WHEREAS, Judge Thomas F. Daleywas a distinguisher writer and author of the book, Louisiana Law on Lawyering and A Practical Digest of Louisiana Class Action Decisions; and
WHEREAS, Thomas F. Daley shared his time and expertise generously with members of the legal profession at educational seminars, including speaking at many Louisiana State Bar Association events; and
WHEREAS, Thomas F. Daley, throughout his career, exhibited the highest standards of competence, independence, and intellectual prowess; and conducted himself in a fair, compassionate and professional manner, treating this community and all before him with fairness, respect, and a finely honed sense of humor; and
WHEREAS, Thomas F. Daley worked tirelessly and gave so much back to his community, especially his love for educational excellence in representing the St. John the Baptist Parish School District to improve the quality of education in our community; and his love for government in serving the St. John the Baptist Parish Council; and
WHEREAS, Thomas F. Daley always recognized the preeminence of his family, and was a devoted husband and father,
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED, that the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board honors and thanks Thomas F. Daleyfor his impressive career in the public service to the residents of Louisiana, and recognizes his profound contributions to the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board through his fair and impartial service on the bench and his dedication to the administration of justice.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution passed by the St. John School Board, suitably engrossed, be placed in the minutes, the archives, and official records of the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board on this 19th day of February in the year of our Lord 2015.
ITEM 5c . Recognition of Patrick Lewis
Mr. Shawn Wallace asked that the family of Patrick Lewis please come to the front of the room. He presented the family a plaque in recognition of Mr. Lewis’ accomplishments. A product of East St. John High School, Mr. Lewis was a member of the Seattle Seahawks and played in Super Bowl 49.
ITEM 6. PERSONNEL MATTERS - None
ITEM 7. BUSINESS AND FINANCE
ITEM 7a. Mr. Peter Montz – Request Board approval on Proposal 15.27 Property Insurance
Mr. Burl stated that the Land and Facilities voted to recommend approval to the Board to accept the Property Insurance as presented.
MOTION BY: Burl
SECOND BY: Wise
MOTION: To accept Proposal 15.27 Property Insurance as presented, to Louisiana Insurance Agency at a total cost of $1,032,737.75.
No objections.
The motion carried.
10 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, Sanders, Johnson, Wise, Wallace, Nicholas, Triche, Jones
0 Nays
1 Absent – DeFrancesch
ITEM 7b. Albert A. Burl III, Land and Facilities Committee Chair – Change Order: Modification to Vo-Tech Ceiling - $99,837.00
Mr. Burl stated that the Land and Facilities voted to recommend approval of this change order.
MOTION BY: Burl
SECOND BY: Wise
MOTION: To accept Change Order: Modifications to the Vo-Tech Ceiling at a cost of $99,837.00.
No objections.
The motion carried.
10 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, Sanders, Johnson, Wise, Wallace, Nicholas, Triche, Jones
0 Nays
1 Absent – DeFrancesch
ITEM 7c. Albert A. Burl III, Land and Facilities Committee Chair – Additional Credits
Mr. Burl stated that this item was for information only, and shared the following information:
For Board Information – Additional Credits
· West St John Elementary School Prior Work Credit $6,180.00
Credit from previous contract at West St John High School
· Entergy Bill Reimbursement $1,630.00
Lincoln Builders reimbursement for on-site utilities October 2014 – January 2015.
· Main Building Interior Sound and Thermal Insulation Credit $36,228.60
Elimination of sound batt insulation and full gyp board enclosure between classrooms and modification to the amount of thermal insulation above the ceiling in the Main Classroom Building.
ITEM 8. OLD BUSINESS
ITEM 9. NEW BUSINESS
ITEM 9a. Mr. Kevin R. George – Recommendation for DBE Compliance Coordinator
Mr. George stated that a mini RFP had been sent out and a committee formed to score the proposals. Based on the scores, he is recommending EME Consulting Group for the DBE Compliance Coordinator.
MOTION BY: Nicholas
SECOND BY: Triche
MOTION: To accept the Superintendent’s recommendation and hire EME Consulting Group for the DBE Compliance Coordinator.
The motion carried.
9 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Sanders, Johnson, Wise, Wallace, Nicholas, Triche, Jones
0 Nays
1 Abstention – Keller
1 Absent – DeFrancesch
ITEM 9b. Mr. Kevin R. George – Request approval for Superintendent to advertise a Mini-RFP for Marketing Services
MOTION BY: Entire Board
SECOND BY:
MOTION: To approve the advertising of a Mini-RFP for Marketing Services
No objections.
The motion carried.
10 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, Sanders, Johnson, Wise, Wallace, Nicholas, Triche, Jones
0 Nays
1 Absent – DeFrancesch
ITEM 10. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
ITEM 11. BOARD ITEMS OF INTEREST
Mr. Jones reminded the Board that the LSBA Annual Convention will take place this coming weekend and that Mr. Russ Wise will be named President of this Statewide Association.
ITEM 12. ADJOURNMENT - The agenda having been completed, and there being no further business, there was a
MOTION BY: Wise
SECOND BY: Nicholas
MOTION: Motion for adjournment.
No objections.
The meeting adjourned at 6:44 p.m.
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Kevin R. George, Secretary
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Keith A. Jones, President