PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

LAPLACE, LA – MEETING OF MARCH 16, 2017

 

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, at 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 16, 2016.

            

An agenda for the meeting is attached.

Sincerely, s/Kevin R. George

Superintendent/Secretary

 

ITEM 1.  CALL TO ORDER, INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

 

The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

 

The Chair called for the invocation, led by Pastor Brown, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by students Marcellus Lopez (ESJE) and Chance Joseph (ECWE).

 

ITEM 2. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS:

 

PRESENT:        Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Burl

ABSENT:           Holden

 

There were 10 members present and 1 member absent.

 

ITEM 3a. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Meetings of February 15, 2017 and February 23, 2017

 

MOTION BY:     Jones

SECOND BY:    Wallace

MOTION:  To approve the minutes from the meetings of February 15, 2017 and February 23, 2017.

No objections.

The motion carried.

10 Yeas - Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Wise, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Jones, Burl

0 Nays

1 Absent - Holden

 

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

 

Mr. George announced that St. John Schools received an award at a National Conference held in New Orleans.  During the registration period, John L. Ory and Emily C. Watkins Elementary Schools were playing music and many people remarked on how beautifully the students were playing.

 

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

 

ITEM 5a.  Mr. Tabari Simon – POSSE Student Recognition

 

Mr. Simon introduced Mr. Elijah Tumblin, who received a POSSE Scholarship.  Mr. Simon explained that Elijah applied, along with 500 individuals and is one of only 10 students that received a full scholarship.  St. John School Board is extremely proud for Mr. Tumblin, as he is the first from this parish to ever accomplish this.

 

ITEM 5b.  Recognition of Students of the Year, Teachers of the Year and Principal of the Year

 

Mrs. Serina Duke thanked RTC for their constant support and especially for the gifts for tonight’s recipients.  She stated that RTC provided the following:  All Students of the Year received a Kindle E-reader and the District of the Year Students received a Kindle Fire.  All Teachers of the Year received a $50 Visa Gift Card, while the District Teachers of the Year received a $100 Visa Gift Card. The Principal of the Year received a $200 Visa Gift Card.

 

She then presented the following awards.

 

2016 – 2017 Students of the Year

 

5th Grade

Chance Joseph              Emily C. Watkins Elementary

Trinity Haydel                 Fifth Ward Elementary

Marcel Nelson, IV           Garyville/Mt. Airy Magnet School

Olivia Reeves                 John L. Ory Magnet School

Amari Anderson             Lake Pontchartrain Elementary

Thomas Gross               LaPlace Elementary

Malanah Morris              West St. John Elementary

Norshelys Lopez          District 5th Grader of the Year and East St. John Elementary 5th Grade Student of the Year

 

8th Grade

Jesslyn James               East St. John Elementary

Itzel Barrera                   Emily C. Watkins Elementary

Aysa Clark                     Fifth Ward Elementary

Torron Brown, Jr.            Garyville/Mt. Airy Magnet School

Jeremiah Jackson           Lake Pontchartrain Elementary

Jody Duhe                      LaPlace Elementary

Kyli Vontoure                  West St. John High

 

Christopher  Taylor      District 8th Grader of the Year and John L. Ory Magnet 8th Grade Student of the Year

 

12th Grade

Austin Alexander            West St. John High

 

Paige Edler                   District 12th Grader of the Year and East St. John High 12th Grade Student of the Year

 

2016 – 2017 Teachers of the Year

 

Ruth     Pickle                Emily C. Watkins Elementary                   Elementary

Kesha   Carter                East St. John Elementary                        Elementary

Riva      Johnson             Fifth Ward Elementary                             Elementary

Latasha Simmons           Garyville/Mt. Airy Magnet School             Elementary

Tina      Brouwer             John L. Ory Magnet School                     Elementary

Lauren  Perry                 LaPlace Elementary                                 Elementary

Jennifer Brock                Lake Pontchartain Elementary                 Elementary

Shona   Holmes              West St. John Elementary                       Elementary

 

Angela  Perez                Emily C. Watkins Elementary                   Middle School

Ashley  Weber               East St. John Elementary                        Middle School

Robyn   Gibson-Bazile    Fifth Ward Elementary                             Middle School

Leslie    Brumfield           Garyville/Mt. Airy Magnet School             Middle School

Randie  Bailey                John L. Ory Magnet School                     Middle School

Asha     Meadows           LaPlace Elementary                               Middle School

Brandon  Dumas             Lake Pontchartain Elementary                 Middle School

Bridget  Colly                  West St. John Elementary                       Middle School

Bertha  Spivey-Steward    West St. John High                                 Middle School

 

Melanie  Marse              East St. John High                                   High School

Lorenzo Edwards           West St. John High                                  High School

 

District Teachers of the Year

Lorenzo Edwards           West St. John High                                  High School

Randi Bailey                   John L. Ory Magnet School                     Middle School

Jennifer Brock                Lake Pontchartrain Elementary                Elementary

 

District Principal of the Year

Stacy Bradford              


The Chair called for a short recess at 6:40 p.m.

 

There was a motion by Jones, seconded by Johnson to reconvene in regular session.  With no objections, the Board reconvened in regular session at 6:41 p.m. 

Charo Holden arrived during the recess and was recorded as present.

ITEM 6.  PERSONNEL MATTERS

 

ITEM 6a.  Ms. Page Eschette – Request Approval of New Job Descriptions:  Risk Management Director; District and Data Reporting Analyst; Career Teacher; and Supervisor of School Improvement – Federal & State Programs

 

MOTION BY:     Triche

SECOND BY:    Jones

MOTION:  To approve New Job Descriptions:  Risk Management Director; District and Data Reporting Analyst; Career Teacher; and Supervisor of School Improvement – Federal & State Programs.

No objections.

The motion carried.

11 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Wise, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Jones, Burl

0 Absent

 

 

***********************************************

SJBschools2

ST. JOHN PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

JOB TITLE:                                              Career Teacher

REPORTS TO/EVALUATED BY:            Principal/Designee

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:                                9 Months

SALARY RANGE:                                                 Teacher Salary Schedule 

 

For individuals with a disability, hiring decisions will be based on the individual’s ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

 

The TAP Instructionally Focused Accountability System will be used for teacher evaluation in conjunction with measures of student growth. Measures of student growth will be aligned with the St. John the Baptist Parish Public School System’s accountability measures as outlined in the Louisiana Accountability System.

 

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

The TAP Instructionally Focused Accountability System includes the following elements: Teaching Skills, Knowledge and Responsibilities Performance Standards.

 

Designing and Planning Instruction:  Instructional plans are based on extensive content knowledge and understanding of students and are designed to engage students in significant learning.  All aspects of the plans – instructional outcomes, learning activities, materials, resources, and assessments – are in complete alignment and are adapted as needed for individual students, including but not limited to implementation of 504, IDEA and other modifications as required.  Written lesson plans represent the appropriate content, provide opportunities for student involvement in the learning process and assess student progress effectively.  Examples of this accountability include, but are not limited to, the following:

Instructional plans include:

 

Assignment and assessment plans include:

 

The Learning Environment: Performs management accountabilities by maintaining a positive environment conducive to learning and maximizing the amount of time available for instruction.  Expectations for student learning are high, and interactions among individuals are respectful.  Standards for student conduct are clear, and the physical environment supports learning.  Examples of this accountability include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

Instruction:  All students are engaged in learning as a result of clear directions and explanations, utilizing the skillful use of questioning and discussion to maximize learning.  Activities and assignments are of high quality, and teacher and students make productive use of assessments.  Assessment strategies are integrated into instruction in order for the teacher to demonstrate flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of all learners.  Instructional approach shifts easily when the situation demands it.  Examples of this accountability include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

Professional Responsibilities:  Ethical standards and sense of professionalism are highly developed, showing perceptive use of reflection, effective systems for record keeping and communication, leadership roles in both school and district projects.  Demonstrates ownership for professional development activities and accepts responsibilities contributing to school improvement.  Examples of this accountability include, but are not limited to, the following:

 

 

 

Miscellaneous:

·        Participates in the development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) when needed

·        Uses grammatically correct written and spoken language

·        Follows the rules and regulations of the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board

·        Follows the time and/or duty schedule authorized by the school principal for the day and extracurricular activities

·        Is prompt and diligent when supervising students in hallways and classrooms and escorts students if necessary

·        Keeps a class schedule posted in the classroom

·        Accounts for and is responsible for the proper care of the classroom, textbooks, pupil desks, materials, furniture, and other equipment which is assigned

·        Notifies the principal promptly in case of absence, and communicates in advance the date of return so that proper provisions can be made for hiring substitute teacher

·        Reports promptly to the principal any accident or illness of students

·        Knows and follows the school district's adopted Code of Discipline

·        Maintains neat, accurate, current and complete records and reports and submits same on time to the appropriate personnel when requested

·        Informs principal when a student is absent three consecutive days or five days overall

·        Effectively communicates student progress to parents according to Pupil Progression Plan

·        Attends school regularly and arrives punctually

·        Works cooperatively in sharing knowledge, expertise, and skills with others

·        Displays proper respect for superiors

·        Observes professional lines of communication at all times with individuals inside and outside the school system

·        Maintains the confidentiality of school and student records

·        Serves as an acceptable model for students, demonstrates personal and intellectual honesty and respects the rights of others

·        Makes use of constructive criticism and avoids use of sarcasm, undue criticism, inappropriate language and behavior, and use of racial and/or ethnic slurs when dealing with others

·        Accepts other duties as may be assigned which are related to the scope of the job

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT/HOURS:

A Career Teacher must be able to: 1) work in a school setting which includes both a climate controlled environment and outside areas which are subject to climate extremes; 2) comply with teacher hours at assigned school site according to bargaining unit agreement.

 

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

A Career Teacher must be able to: 1) effectively communicate in English both orally and in writing; 2) accurately give and receive information via tele-communication system; and, 3) communicate successfully and pleasantly with students, parents, and school personnel.

 

EQUIPMENT:

A Career teacher must be able to use telephone, audio‑visual equipment, classroom computer, copy machine, laminator, calculator, and other appropriate machines.

 

PHYSICAL INVOLVEMENT:

A Career Teacher must be able to: 1) stand, walk, reach, bend, and occasionally lift between 10-50 pounds; and 2) operate and use classroom equipment, including technological equipment; and physically transfer, restrain or position students as required.

 

MENTAL INVOLVEMENT:

A Career Teacher must be able to: 1) plan and implement appropriate education programs for all students; 2) understand and interpret written and verbal instructions; 3) follow written and verbal instructions; 4) comply with state, parish and federal regulations; and, 5) utilize effective classroom management techniques.

 

HUMAN RELATIONS INVOLVEMENT:

A Career Teacher must be able to: 1) work cooperatively with students, parents, and school personnel; and 2) respond positively to supervision and accept suggestions for improvement.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Elementary Teacher/Secondary Teacher certification in accordance with Louisiana Department of Education, Bulletin 746, Revised.

 

 

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

May vary with specific positions.

 

 

 

 

SJBschools2

ST. JOHN PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

 

JOB TITLE:                                              District Data and Reporting Analyst

REPORTS TO/EVALUATED BY:            Executive Director of Accountability and Assessment   

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:                                12 Months

SALARY RANGE:                                                 Coordinator Schedule 

SCOPE OF RESPONSBILITIES:            Coordinates and monitoring the collection and submission of quality district data that is provided to the United States Department of Education (USDOE), Louisiana Department of Education (LDE), the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET), and utilized by the District. The Analyst facilitates knowledge of data requirements to multiple divisions and departments including developing and monitoring training protocols and reporting and presenting findings.

 

For individuals with a disability, hiring decisions will be based on the individual’s ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

 

1.     Assist the District Administration in implementing and maintaining professional learning programs for educators to effectively use data to drive decisions and to determine districts academic investments.

2.     Serve as a liaison between the US Department of Education and National Center for Excellence in Teaching and schools regarding data and reporting issues.

3.     Create custom data reports within a proprietary software platform to aid teachers in evaluating student learning and teaching effectiveness.

4.     Query, organize, and present data using lay language and in a manner that assists in the evaluation of program effectiveness as it relates to District initiatives and strategic plan implementation.

5.     Provide assistance in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data, including, but not limited to, state assessment data, student demographics, and other data related to school and student improvement.

6.     Develop and provide professional learning opportunities for administrators and others in the use and analysis of student/program data to improve student performance and programs.

7.     Construct and provide models of analysis for national, state and local student performance measures.

8.     Create and conduct surveys and data analysis to benchmark and improve District initiatives.

9.     Support and train Professional Learning Community (PLC) liaisons and other appropriate staff in analyzing common assessments and other relevant district/student achievement data using appropriate technology tools.

10.  Collaborate with PLC liaisons and other administrators to provide support as needed or requested.

11.  Develop and maintain historical student and school data files to monitor and track performance.

12.  Interpret and review assessment data with administrators and teachers; support planning of action steps

13.  Compile data from multiple assessments to develop student, subject, grade-level, or school achievement profiles.

14.  Ensure the validity of all data presented to staff.

15.  Attend, and lead as appropriate, training sessions and site meetings related to assigned responsibilities.

16.  Serve as direct contact for data program provider

17.  Manage, collect, coordinate, and input system-wide data associated with the incentive program.

18.  Oversees the training of district employees in the appropriate dissemination, collection, and submission of forms related to program data collection

19.  Perform other related duties as assigned

 

The District Data and Reporting Analyst engages in growth opportunities, creates, and sustains partnerships with families, colleagues, and communities to accomplish district’s mission.  

 

20.  Engages in self-refection and growth opportunities to enhance individual skills and knowledge needed to support high levels of learning for teachers and students. 

21.  Functions professionally and harmoniously with parents, school personnel, and students.

22.  Serves on task force and decisions making committees when appropriate.

23.  Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records as required.

24.  Provides for communication with students and parents outside the instructional day as determined by administrative policy.

25.  Performs class and duty assignments dependably and punctually.

26.  Accepts constructive criticism as an evaluative element of professional and instructional improvement.

27.  Exhibits loyalty and maintains a positive attitude in the promotion of the school/system’s goals.

28.  Uses grammatically correct written and spoken language.

29.  Follows the rules and regulations of the St. John Parish School Board.

30.  Notifies the principal promptly in case of absence, and communicates in advance the date of return so that proper provisions can be made.

31.  Knows and follows the district’s adopted Code of Discipline.

32.  Maintains neat, accurate, current and complete records and reports and submits on time to the appropriate personnel when requested.

33.  Attends school regularly and arrives punctually.

34.  Displays proper respect for superiors.

35.  Maintains the confidentiality of teacher observations.

36.  Serves as an acceptable model for students, demonstrates personal and intellectual honesty and respects the rights of others.

37.  Makes use of constructive criticism and avoids use of sarcasm, undue criticism, inappropriate language and behavior, and use of racial and/or ethnic slurs when dealing with others.

38.  Accepts other duties as may be assigned which are related to the scope of the job.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The District Data and Reporting Analyst is required to:  1) work in an office type setting, climate controlled environment adhering to school board energy policy; 2) sometimes work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by job responsibilities and supervisors; 3) often visit schools and attend meetings in various locations locally and outside the parish.

 

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

The District Data and Reporting Analyst must be able to:  1) communicate in English both orally and in writing; 2) have ability to accurately give and receive information via telecommunication system; 3) communicate successfully and pleasantly with the public; 4) accurately compile data, summarize information and provide written reports to supervisor; 5) have ability to represent school system at various public functions.

 

PHYSICAL INVOLVEMENT

Sitting is required most of each work day.  Must be able to operate office equipment.  Standing, walking, reaching, bending, lifting up to 10-50 pounds is sometimes required.  Ability to provide own transportation to schools, work locations, and meeting sites.  Mobility skills necessary to access a variety of work locations.

 

MENTAL INVOLVEMENT

The District Data and Reporting Analyst must:  1) understand and interpret written and verbal instructions from supervisor; 2) must be able to work independently with minimal supervision; 3) have ability to manage, direct, supervise and evaluate staff; and 4) comply with federal, state, and parish regulations.

 

HUMAN RELATIONS INVOLVEMENT

The District Data and Reporting Analyst must be:  1) able to work compatibly in group settings; 2) able to respond positively to supervision and to accept suggestions for improvement; 3) able to use resourcefulness, tact, and sensitivity in meeting and assisting persons who make inquiries about federal and state programs as well as work positively with other departments.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1) Must possess Master’s Degree; 2) three years successful teaching experience; 3) three years’ successful experience as a school or district administrator; and 4) valid Louisiana Teaching Certificate.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

M.Ed. +30, Education Leader Type A or Level 3 Certificate; five years’ successful experience as a Principal or district administration.

 

EXPERIENCE

Must have experience working with data from various types of student assessments, including assessments required by the State of Louisiana and other norm/criterion-referenced tests; Must have experience working with large data sets including data analysis, interpretation, and display; Must possess strong communication, organizational, analytical, and written skills; Must demonstrate initiative and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously; Must have ability to interact positively with teachers and administrators; Must have prior experience working with adult learners; Must possess knowledge of the school improvement process; Must possess technological proficiency using the Microsoft Office Suite.

 

 

 

 

SJBschools2

 

 

ST. JOHN PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

 

JOB TITLE:                                              Risk Management Director

REPORTS TO/EVALUATED BY:                         Superintendent

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:                                12 Months

SALARY RANGE:                                                          Director Salary Schedule

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES:                                  To administer, coordinate, and supervise all safety risk management, workers

compensation and insurance programs.

 

For individuals with a disability, hiring decisions will be based only on the individual's ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

 

 

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1.       Assists employees and departments with the preparation and filing of reports for employee injury, general public and accident/incident, vehicle accident, theft, and damage to Board property.  Conducts interviews and on-site visits when appropriate.

2.       Investigate accidents to prevent recurrence and to determine future protocols.

3.       Survey employees regarding work/safety practices and environmental conditions.

4.       Review contracts.

5.       Review any and all documents requiring any Executive Staff employee’s signature or approval when and where it is deemed necessary.

6.       Review any and all documents requiring any Agent of the Board’s signature or approval when and where it is deemed necessary.

7.       Contribute to the recommendation of sound policies directed toward program improvement.

8.       Seek alternative methods of insuring the district against all losses, including property, personal injury, general liability and Worker’s Compensation.

9.       Administers a sound loss control and safety program.

10.    Maintains a master file of all lawsuits, monitors progress, and coordinates defense.

11.    Maintain all required records.

12.    Coordinate preparation of materials and evidence for use in hearings, and litigation.

13.    Evaluate the impact of new and proposed legislation on the District and make recommendations for District compliance.

14.    Maintain a working relationship with all intergovernmental agencies.

15.    Coordinate with federal, state, and local agencies regarding any issues relating to the School Board.

16.    Serve along with the CFO as a primary liaison for group health insurance and workman’s compensation plan.

17.    Evaluate and process public information requests and provide information as required within legal guidelines.

18.    Develop and implement student privacy mechanisms in accordance with Act 677 and Act 837.

19.    Develop and implement plans to ensure compliance with legal mandates.

20.    Act in the capacity of a compliance officer – FMLA, HIPPA, ACA, ADA, EEOC, all other legal mandates.

21.    Coordinate with Human Resources to maintain regulatory compliance in accordance with public information requests, employee incidences and discipline, discrimination complaints, etc.

22.    Create, maintain policies, procedure manuals, and handbooks for the district.

23.    Assist all departments with review and recommendation of any and all projects, proposals, policies, and procedures.

24.    Maintains effective community relations and interprets the risk management concerns of the district to the community.

25.    Performs such tasks that may from time to time be assigned by the Superintendent.

26.    Assist all schools with review and maintenance of practices and guidelines aligned with policies and procedures.

27.    Maintain current knowledge of all federal, state, and local regulations of which the district must comply (Family Medical Leave Act {FMLA}, Americans with Disabilities Act {ADA}, etc.).

28.    Participate in the local, state and national professional societies denoted to the advancement of school risk management.

29.    Attend and participate in relevant conferences, seminars, and learning modules designed for the advancement of risk management.

30.    Follows the rules and regulations of the St. John the Baptist School Board.

31.    Notifies supervisor promptly in case of absence, and communicates in advance the date of return so that proper provisions can be made.

32.    Assisted by his/her evaluator, collaboratively develop and implement a professional growth plan based on the district’s Personnel Evaluation criteria.

33.    Attends work regularly and arrives punctually.

34.    Works cooperatively in sharing knowledge, expertise, and skills with others.

35.    Displays proper respect for superiors.

36.    Observes professional lines of communication at all times with individuals inside and outside the school system.

37.    Maintains the confidentiality of school and student records.

38.    Serves as an acceptable model for students, demonstrates personal and intellectual honesty and respects the rights of others.

39.    Makes use of constructive criticism and avoids use of sarcasm, undue criticism, inappropriate language and behavior, and use of racial and/or ethnic slurs when dealing with others.

40.    Accepts other duties as may be assigned which are related to the scope of the job.

 

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The Risk Management Director is required to: 1) work in an office type setting, climate controlled environment adhering to school board energy policy; 2) sometimes work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by job responsibilities and supervisors; 3) often visit schools and attend meetings in various locations locally and outside the parish.

 

COMMUNICATION SKILLS:

The Risk Management Director must be able to: 1) communicate effectively in English both orally and in writing; 2) have ability to accurately give and receive information via telecommunication system; 3) communicate successfully and pleasantly with the public and St. John Parish school system employees; 4) accurately compile data, summarize information and provide written reports to supervisor; 5) represent school system at various public functions.

 

PHYSICAL INVOLVEMENT:

Ability to work in a standard office environment with an ability to operate modern office equipment.  Standing, walking, reaching, bending lifting up to 10-50 pounds is sometimes required.  The ability to provide own transportation to schools, work locations, and meeting sites is necessary, as are mobility skills, to access a variety of work locations, including locations not on the ground floor.

 

MENTAL INVOLVEMENT:

The Risk Management Director must: 1) understand and interpret written and verbal instructions from supervisor; 2) must be able to work independently with minimal supervision; 3) have ability to manage, direct, supervise and evaluate staff; 4) be able to organize, develop, and present concepts and information at meetings and workshops; 5) possess and use effective interviewing / conferencing skills; and 6) comply with federal, state and parish regulations.

 

HUMAN RELATIONS INVOLVEMENT:

The Risk Management Director must be: 1) able to work compatibly in group settings; 2) able to respond positively to supervision and to accept suggestions for improvement; 3) skillful in handling and resolving conflict.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and five (5) years of risk management and insurance administration experience in the industrial, business and/or governmental sector or Law Degree and Registered Member of the Louisiana Bar Association.

 

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Law Degree and Registered Member of the Louisiana Bar Association.

 

 

 

 

SJBschools2

 

ST. JOHN PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM

JOB DESCRIPTION

 

JOB TITLE:                                              Supervisor of School Improvement – Federal & State Programs

REPORTS TO/EVALUATED BY:                         Assistant Superintendent

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:                                12 Months

SALARY RANGE:                                    Supervisor Salary Schedule

SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES:           Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Superintendent.  Supervisor of School Improvement with Federal and State Programs is responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of all state and federal programs.  This is a district-level administrative staff position in support of all education programs and personnel.  The Supervisor of School Improvement with Federal and State Programs will provide leadership in the areas of Title I, Title II, Title III, and At-Risk Programs, grant writing, staff development, and special services.

 

For individuals with a disability, hiring decisions will be based only on the individual’s ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

 

1.     Composes the E-Grant each year and assures its timely submittal.

2.     Prepares and submits an annual budget to the board including any revisions made thereto.

3.     Prepares requests for materials and equipment in accordance with prescribed procedures of the school district.

4.     Administers and monitors all aspects of the Title I, Title II, Title III, Title V, and Stimulus Funds programs.

5.     Conducts scheduled parental conferences upon request.

6.     Monitors schools for adherence to the Federal Programs guidelines and regulations.

7.     Annually solicits input from the community into the preparation and development of the Title I, Title II, & Title III Grant.

8.     Directs the development and implementation of planned in-service training.

9.     Attends scheduled meetings of the project’s advisory committee.

10.  Plans with the appropriate personnel for the staffing of the Title I, Title II, & Title III classrooms in accordance with available funding.

11.  Serves as liaison to the state and federal government in matters regarding Title I, Title II, & Title III.

12.  Prepares all proposals for program funds for review by the Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent.

13.  Prepares and submits the annual project and budget for each program.

14.  Prepares and submits all federal and State reports related to each program.

15.  Supervises English as a Second Language Teachers.

16.  Remains current on laws and requirements regarding each program and meet with related staff to interpret and implement regulations.

17.  Maintains a current property inventory for each program.

18.  Monitors and participates in the identification of schools and selection of students for each program.

19.  Confers with school administration on curriculum, coordination with project requirements and program administration.

20.  Coordinates the integration of Federal and State Programs with other instructional programs and services.

21.  Assists teachers in organizing and planning for effective student learning, including the use of varied instructional materials and equipment.

22.  Monitors the evaluation of each program and initiates program improvement strategies when necessary.

23.  Prepares all required reports and maintains all appropriate records.

24.  Maintains all program records on file in such a manner that they are easily accessible for review and/or audit.

25.  Collaboratively assists in the development of the professional growth plan for certified personnel.

26.  Follows the rules and regulations of the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board.

27.  Notifies supervisor promptly in case of absence, and communicates in advance the date of return so that proper provisions can be made.

28.  Attends work regularly and arrives punctually.

29.  Displays proper respect for superiors.

30.  Observes professional lines of communication at all times with individuals inside and outside the school system.

31.  Assisted by his/her evaluator, collaboratively develop and implement a professional growth plan based on the district’s Personnel Evaluation criteria.

32.  Serves as an acceptable role model for students, demonstrates personal and intellectual honesty and respects the rights of others.

33.  Makes use of constructive criticism and avoids use of sarcasm, undue criticism, inappropriate language and behavior, and use of racial and/or ethnic slurs when dealing with others.

34.  Accepts other duties as may be assigned which are related to the scope of the job.

 

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The Supervisor of School Improvement with Federal and State Programs is required to:  1) work in an office type setting, climate controlled environment adhering to school board energy policy; 2) sometimes work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by job responsibilities and supervisors; 3) often visit schools and attend meetings in various locations locally and outside the parish.

 

COMMUNICATION SKILLS

The Supervisor of School Improvement with Federal and State Programs must be able to:  1) communicate in English both orally and in writing; 2) have ability to accurately give and receive information via telecommunication system; 3) communicate successfully and pleasantly with the public; 4) accurately compile data, summarize information and provide written reports to supervisor; 5) have ability to represent school system at various public functions.

 

PHYSICAL INVOLVEMENT

Sitting is required most of each work day.  Must be able to operate office equipment.  Standing, walking, reaching, bending, lifting up to 10-50 pounds is sometimes required.  Ability to provide own transportation to schools, work locations, and meeting sites.  Mobility skills necessary to access a variety of work locations.

 

MENTAL INVOLVEMENT

The Supervisor of School Improvement with Federal and State Programs must:  1) understand and interpret written and verbal instructions from supervisor; 2) must be able to work independently with minimal supervision;  3) have ability to manage, direct, supervise and evaluate staff; and  4) comply with federal, state, and parish regulations.

 

HUMAN RELATIONS INVOLVEMENT

The Supervisor of School Improvement with Federal and State Programs must be:  1) able to work compatibly in group settings; 2) able to respond positively to supervision and to accept suggestions for improvement; 3) able to use resourcefulness, tact, and sensitivity in meeting and assisting persons who make inquiries about federal and state programs as well as work positively with other departments.

 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1)     Must possess Master’s Degree; 2) five years successful teaching experience; 3) three years’ successful experience as a Principal or district administrator; and 4) valid Louisiana Teaching Certificate.

 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

M.Ed. +30, Education Leader Type A or Level 3 Certificate; five years’ successful experience as a Principal or district administration.

 

***********************************************

 

ITEM 6b.  Ms. Page Eschette – Introduction to Modified Policies:  DJA – Authorized Signatures; GBA – Contracts and Compensation; JBC – School Admission.

 

These modified policies were for introduction only.

 

ITEM 7.  BUSINESS AND FINANCE

 

ITEM 7a.  Mr. Felix Boughton – Request adoption of an ordinance providing for the levy within the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, for school purposes, effective July 1, 2017, of a one-fourth of one percent (1/4%) sales and use tax upon the sale at retail, the use, the lease or rental, the consumption, and the storage for use or consumption, of tangible personal property and on sales of services in said Parish, providing for the assessment, collection, payment thereof and the dedication of the proceeds of said tax and the purpose for which the proceeds of the tax may be expended, such tax having been authorized at a special election held in said Parish on December 10, 2016.

MOTION BY:     Entire Board

MOTION:  Mr. Felix Boughton – To adopt an ordinance providing for the levy within the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, for school purposes, effective July 1, 2017, of a one-fourth of one percent (1/4%) sales and use tax upon the sale at retail, the use, the lease or rental, the consumption, and the storage for use or consumption, of tangible personal property and on sales of services in said Parish, providing for the assessment, collection, payment thereof and the dedication of the proceeds of said tax and the purpose for which the proceeds of the tax may be expended, such tax having been authorized at a special election held in said Parish on December 10, 2016.

Upon roll call, there were:

11 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Burl

0 Nays

The motion carried.

 

 

 

******************************

 

ORDINANCE

An ordinance providing for the levy within the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, for school purposes, effective July 1,2017, of a one-fourth of one percent (1 /4%) sales and use tax upon the sale at retail, the use, the lease or rental, the consumption, and the storage for use or consumption, of tangible personal property and on sales of services in said Parish, providing for the assessment, collection, payment thereof and the dedication of the proceeds of said tax and the purpose for which the proceeds of the tax may be expended, such tax having been authorized at a special election held in said Parish on December 10,2016.

WHEREAS, under the provisions of Article VI, Section 29 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, and other constitutional and statutory authority and an election held on December 10,2016, the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "School Board"), is authorized to levy and collect within the Parish of St. John the Baptist from and after July 1,2017, a one-fourth of one percent (1/4%) sales and use tax (the “Tax”), upon the sale at retail, the use, the lease or rental, the consumption, and the storage for use or consumption, of tangible personal property and upon the sale of services as defined in applicable statutory authority, pursuant to the following proposition which was approved at said election held on December 10,2016:

PROPOSITION (1/4% SALES TAX)

Shall the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "School Board"), under the provisions of Article VI, Section 29 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, and other constitutional and statutory authority, be authorized to levy and collect a tax of one-fourth of one percent (1/4%) (the "Tax"), in perpetuity, from and after July 1,2017, upon the sale at retail, the use, the lease or rental, the consumption and storage for use or consumption of tangible personal property and on sales of services in the Parish (an estimated $2,400,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the Tax for an entire year), all as defined by law, with the proceeds thereof (after paying the reasonable and necessary costs and expenses of collecting and administering the Tax), to be dedicated and used as follows: (i) 50% for the purpose of the payment of salaries and benefits for ail permanent school employees; and (ii) 50% for the purpose of maintaining and repairing all school buildings?

WHEREAS, in compliance with the aforesaid constitutional and statutory authority and said special election of December 10,2016, it is the desire of this School Board to provide for the levy and collection of the Tax and to provide for distribution of the proceeds thereof and other matters in connection therewith as hereinafter provided in this ordinance;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the “School Board”), that:

 

SECTION 1. Imposition. Pursuant to the authority of a special election held in the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the “Parish”)* on December 10,2016, the Tax is hereby levied upon the sale at retail, the use, the lease or rental, the consumption, and the storage for use or consumption, of tangible personal property, and on the sales of services in the Parish, as defined by law. The Uniform Local Sales Tax Code, as enacted by Act 73 of the 2003 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature and as it may be amended, shall apply in the assessment, collection, administration and enforcement of the Tax, the provisions of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

SECTION 2. Rate of Tax. The Tax is levied at the rate of one-fourth of one percent (1/4%) of the sales price of each item or article of tangible personal property when sold at retail in the Parish, the Tax to be computed on gross sales for the purpose of remitting the amount of tax due to the Parish, and to include each and every retail sale. The Tax is levied at the rate of one-fourth of one percent (1/4%) of the cost price of each item or article of tangible personal property when the same is not sold but is used, consumed, distributed, or stored for use or consumption in the Parish, provided there shall be no duplication of the Tax. The Tax is levied at the rate of one-fourth of one percent (1/4%) of the gross proceeds derived from the lease or rental of tangible personal property, as defined by law, where the lease or rental of such property is an established business, or part of an established business, or the same is incidental or germane to the said business, or of the monthly lease or rental price paid by lessee or rentee, or contracted or agreed to be paid by lessee or rentee to the owner of the tangible personal property. The Tax is levied at the rate of one-fourth of one percent(l/4%) of the amount paid or charged for taxable services, as defined by law, performed in the Parish.

SECTION 3. Effective Date. The Tax shall be effective on July 1,2017.

SECTION 4. Term. The Tax shall remain in effect without limit as to term or duration.

SECTION 5. Purposes. The proceeds of the Tax shall be used for the purposes set forth in the proposition approved by the voters in the special election held in the Parish on December 10,2016, authorizing the Tax, which proposition is set forth in the preamble hereto.

SECTION 6. Vendor’s Compensation. For the purpose of compensating the dealer in accounting for and remitting the Tax levied by this ordinance, each dealer shall be allowed two percent (2%) of the amount of Tax due and accounted for and remitted to the Parish’s collector in the form of a deduction in submitting its report and paying the amount due by the dealer, provided the amount due was not delinquent at the time of payment, and provided the amount of any credit claimed for taxes already paid to a wholesaler shall not be deducted in computing the commission allowed the dealer hereunder.

SECTION 7. Exclusions and Exemptions. The School Board adopts none of the optional exclusions or exemptions allowed by State sales and use tax law, nor does this School Board adopt any exclusions or exemptions authorized by legislation enacted under Article VI, Section 29 (D)(l) of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, that are not allowed as an exclusion or exemption from State sales and use tax. Included within the base of the Tax is every transaction, whether sales, use, lease or rental, consumption, storage or service, with no exclusions or exemptions except for those mandated upon political subdivisions by the Constitution or statutes of the State of Louisiana, including the Act.

SECTION 8. Interest on Unpaid Amount of Tax Due. As authorized by La. R.S. 47:337.69, the interest on unpaid amounts of the Tax which are due shall be at the rate of one and one-fourth percent (1-14%) per month.

 

SECTION 9. Delinquency Penalty. The delinquency penalty, as provided by La. R.S. 47:337.70, shall be five percent (5%) per month on the unpaid amount of the Tax due for each thirty-day period, not to exceed five thirty-day periods.

SECTION 10. Penalty for False. Fraudulent or Grossly Incorrect Return. The penalty as authorized by La. R.S. 47:337.72 shall be fifty percent (50%) of the amount of the Tax found to be due.

SECTION 11. Negligence Penalty. The penalty as authorized by La. R.S. 47:337.73 shall be five percent (5%) of the unpaid amount of the Tax found to be due, or ten dollars ($ 10.00), whichever is greater.

SECTION 12. Penalty for insufficient Funds Check. The penalty as authorized by La. R.S. 47:337.74 shall be an amount equal to the greater of one percent (1%) of the check or twenty dollars ($20.00).

SECTION 13. Attorney Fees. The collector is authorized to employ private counsel to assist in the collection of any taxes, penalties or interest due under this ordinance, or to represent him in any proceeding under this ordinance. If any taxes, penalties or interest due under this ordinance are referred to an attorney at law for collection, an additional charge of attorney fees, in the amount often per centum (10%) of the taxes, penalties and interest due, shall be paid by the tax debtor.

SECTION 14. Penalty for Costs Incurred. As provided by R.S. 47:337.75, and under the circumstances set forth therein, a penalty shall be added to the amount of Tax due in an amount as itemized by the Collector to compensate for all costs incurred in making an examination of books, records or documents, or an audit thereof, or in the holding of hearings or the subpoenaing and compensating of witnesses.

SECTION 15. Distraint Penalty. The penalty as provided by R.S.47:337.76 in cases where the distraint procedure is used in the collection of the Tax shall be ten dollars ($10.00).

SECTION 16. Lim its on Interest. Penalty and Attorney Fees. Should the interest, penalties or attorney fees herein, or the combined interest, penalties and attorney fees, be declared to be in excess of limits provided by other law, including relevant jurisprudence, then the maximum interest, penalties and attorney fees allowed by such other law shall apply.

SECTION 17. Collector. TheTaxleviedbythisordinanceisauthorizedtobecollectedbya"Collector" which term shall mean the St. John the Baptist Parish Sales and Use Tax Office.

SECTION 18. Powers of Collector. The Collector is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to carry into effect the provisions of this ordinance, to appoint deputies, assistants or agents to assist it in the performance of its duties, and in pursuance thereof to make and enforce such rules as it may deem necessary.

SECTION 19. Agreement to Collect Tax on Vehicles. With regard to the collection of the Tax on any motor vehicle, automobile, truck, truck-trailer, trailer, semi-trailer, motor bus, home trailer, or any other vehicle subject to the vehicle registration license Tax, this School Board, acting through the President and/or Secretary, is authorized to enter into an agreement or agreements with the Vehicle Commissioner, Department of Public Safety and Corrections, for the collection of the Tax on such vehicles, as provided by R.S.47:303(B).

 

SECTION 20. Revenues of Tax. All taxes, revenues, funds, assessments, moneys, penalties, fees or other income which may be collected or come into the possession of the Collector under any provision or provisions of this ordinance relating to the Tax shall be promptly deposited by the Collector for the account of the School Board in the special fund to be established and maintained for the deposit of such proceeds, which fund is a separate bank account to be established and maintained with the regularly designated fiscal agent of the School Board; provided, however, any amount which is paid under protest or which is subject to litigation may be transferred to a separate account established by the Collector with said fiscal agent pending the final determination of the protest or litigation.

In compliance with Hie said special election of December 10,2016, authorizing the Tax, after all reasonable and necessary costs and expenses of collecting and administration of the Tax have been paid as provided for above, the remaining balance in said special fund shall be available for appropriation and expenditures by the School Board solely for the purposes designated in the applicable proposition authorizing the levy of the Tax.

 

SECTION 21. Severability. If any or more of the provisions of this ordinance shall for any reason be held to be illegal or invalid, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect any other provision of this ordinance, but this ordinance shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal or invalid provisions had not been contained herein. Any constitutional or statutory provision enacted after the date of this ordinance which validates or makes legal any provision of this ordinance which would not otherwise be valid or legal, shall be deemed to apply to this ordinance.

SECTION 22. Uniform Sales Tax Controlling. If any provision ofthis ordinance shall be in conflict with the provisions of the Uniform Local Sales Tax Code, the provisions of the Uniform Local Sales T ax Code shall be controlling.

SECTION 23. Effective Date of Ordinance. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect immediately upon its adoption, being an ordinance affecting the public peace, health and safety.

SECTION 24. Publication and Recordation. This ordinance shall be published in one issue of the official journal of this School Board as soon as is reasonably possible. A certified copy of this ordinance shall be recorded in the mortgage records of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana.

The final adoption of the foregoing ordinance having been duly moved and seconded, the roll was called and the following vote was taken and recorded:

 

11 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche.

 

 

STATE OF LOUISIANA PARISH OF ST. JOHN  THE BAPTIST

I, the undersigned Secretary of the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "School Board1'), the governing authority of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "Parish"), do hereby certify that the foregoing pages constitute a true and correct copy of an ordinance adopted by the School Board on March 16,2017, providing for the levy within the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, for school purposes, effective July 1,2017, of a one-fourth of one percent (1/4%) sales and use tax upon the sale at retail, the use, the lease or rental, the consumption, and the storage for use or consumption, of tangible personal property and upon the sale of services in said Parish, levying and providing for the assessment, collection, payment and dedication of the proceeds of such tax and the purpose for which the proceeds of the tax may be expended, such tax having been authorized at a special election held in the Parish on December 10,2016.

IN FAITH WHEREOF, witness my official signature at Reserve, Louisiana, on this, the 16th day of March, 2017.

 

 

/s/ Kevin R. George, Secretary                                                                                                                                           /s/ Albert A. Burl, President

 

 

******************************

 

 

ITEM 7b.  Mr. Felix Boughton –  Announce Intent to Call Election to Renew Millages

 

MOTION BY:     Keller

SECOND BY:    Mitchell

MOTION:  Notice is hereby given that at its meeting to be held on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at LaPlace Elementary, 393 Greenwood Drive, LaPlace, Louisiana 70068, the Parish School Board of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, plans to consider adopting a resolution ordering and calling an election to be held in School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist to authorize the renewal of ad valorem taxes.

Upon roll call, there were:

11 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Burl

0 Nays

The motion carried.

 

ITEM 7c.  Mr. Felix Boughton – Announce Intent to Levy Millages for the 2017 Tax Roll at the April 20, 2017 Meeting

 

MOTION BY:     Keller

SECOND BY:    Wise

MOTION:  NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING:  St. John the Baptist School Board intends to adopt the following resolution at its regularly scheduled meeting on April 20, 2017 at 6:00 p.m. at 393 Greenwood Drive, LaPlace, Louisiana 70068.  The subject of the meeting will be to adopt the following resolution levying millages for the 2017 tax roll and other normal school business.

Upon roll call, there were:

11 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Burl

0 Nays

The motion carried.

******************************

Reso

ITEM 7d.  Mr. Peter Montz – Recommendation to issue Notice to Proceed to Moses Engineering to establish a repair/replace HVAC Systems Program for WSJH, GMMS and FWE.  LES funding will be reallocated to identify and correct problems at other schools and the repair/replacement at LES will occur when the schedule allows

 

MOTION BY:     Sanders

SECOND BY:    Wallace

MOTION:  To approve the Notice to Proceed to Moses Engineering to establish a repair/replace HVAC Systems Program for WSJH, GMMS and FWE.  LES funding will be reallocated to identify and correct problems at other schools and the repair/replacement at LES will occur when the schedule allows

Upon roll call, there were:

11 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Burl

0 Nays

The motion carried.


ITEM 7e.  Mr. Peter Montz – Recommendation on Proposal 17.29 Firewall and Internet Filter

 

MOTION BY:     Triche

SECOND BY:    Holden

MOTION:  To approve the Recommendation on Proposal 17.29 Firewall and Internet Filter:  Software House International.

Upon roll call, there were:

11 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Burl

0 Nays

The motion carried.

 

ITEM 7f.  Mr. Peter Montz – Recommendation on Proposal 17.32, School Bus Air Conditioners

 

MOTION BY:     Wise

SECOND BY:    DeFrancesch

MOTION:  To approve the Recommendation on Proposal 17.32, School Bus Air Conditioners:  Fred’s Bus Service Center.

Upon roll call, there were:

11 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Burl

0 Nays

The motion carried.

 

ITEM 7g.  Ms. Terry Charles – Request Board approval to advertise for bids for the SY 2017-2018 for Bread, Milk, Processed Foods, Frozen Foods, Meat/Meat Products, Cleaning Supplies, Paper Supplies, Large and Small Equipment for Cafeterias.

 

MOTION BY:     Triche

SECOND BY:    Wise

MOTION:  To approve the request to advertise for bids for the SY 2017-2018 for Bread, Milk, Processed Foods, Frozen Foods, Meat/Meat Products, Cleaning Supplies, Paper Supplies, Large and Small Equipment for Cafeterias.

Upon roll call, there were:

11 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Burl

0 Nays

The motion carried.

 

ITEM 8.  OLD BUSINESS

 

ITEM 8a.  Ms. Heidi Trosclair – Request Approval of the 2017-2018 School Calendar

 

MOTION BY:     Sanders

SECOND BY:    Mitchell

MOTION:  To approve the 2017-2018 School Calendar as presented.

Upon roll call, there were:

11 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Burl

0 Nays

The motion carried.

 

************************

 

 

St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools

School Calendar 2017 - 2018

August

7 - 8

Professional Development Days

9

Teacher Work Day

10

First Day of School for Students

16

First Day for Kindergarten / Universal PreK / LA4 / Model Early Students

23

First Day for Head Start Students

September

4

Labor Day Holiday

18

Professional Development Day – No School for Students

October

13

End of First Nine Weeks

16 - 17

Fall Break Holiday

November

6

Professional Development Day – No School for Students

20 - 24

Thanksgiving Holidays

27

Students Return to School

December

14

End of Second Nine Weeks (LPE Only)

20

End of Second Nine Weeks

20

LPE ONLY Pack Day (No Students – Staff Only)

21 - 29

Christmas Holidays

January

1 - 2

New Year’s Holiday

3

Professional Development Day – No School for Students

3

LPE ONLY – Transition to New Campus (No Students – 9 & 10 Month Employees Off)

4

LPE ONLY – Work Day for Teachers Only (No Students)

4

Students Return to School – (No School for LPE Students Only)

5

LPE Only Professional Development Day – No School for Students

8

LPE Students Return to School

15

25

Martin Luther King Holiday

100th Day of School

February

12 - 16

Mardi Gras Holidays

19

Students Return

20

LPE Only – 100th Day of School

26

Professional Development Day – No School for Students

March

16

End of Third Nine Weeks

30

Easter Holiday

April

2 - 6

Easter Holidays

9

Students Return to School

May

25

Last Day for Students / End of Fourth Nine Weeks

28

Records’ Day

 

 

************************

 

ITEM 9.  NEW BUSINESS

 

ITEM 9a.   Mrs. Patricia Triche – Request approval of 2017-2018 Head Start Grant Continuation Application.

 

MOTION BY:     Sanders

SECOND BY:    Wise

MOTION:  To approve the 2017-2018 Head Start Grant Continuation Application as presented.

Upon roll call, there were:

11 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Burl

0 Nays

The motion carried.

 

ITEM 9b.  Mrs. Patricia Triche - Board Reports:  Educational Progress Update; January 2017 Director’s Report; and January 2017 Financial Summary

 

This item was for information only.

 

Dr. Keller left the meeting at 7:10.

 

ITEM 9c.  Mr. Kevin R. George – Request Approval of the District Action Plan for the Reconfiguration of Fifth Ward Elementary School and East St. John Elementary School

 

Ms. Carolyn Batiste spoke against this item, asking the Board to wait before approving it to give the public more information.  Mr. George stated that there had been 5 public meetings held and numerous meetings with each faculty.  Overwhelmingly, this plan is supported both by faculty and parents. He further stated that our attorney is working with the Dept. of Justice to ensure that this plan will not violate the Consent Decree.  He stated that at this time, there are no plans to move this plan district-wide and the plan is specifically targeted to increase student performance at Fifth Ward Elementary School. Mr. Patrick Sanders also asked that the Board approve this plan.  

 

MOTION BY:     Triche

SECOND BY:    Sanders

MOTION:  To approve the District Action Plan for the Reconfiguration of Fifth Ward Elementary School and East St. John Elementary School, contingent upon approval of the Dept. of Justice.

Upon roll call, there were:

10 Yeas – Holden, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Burl

0 Nays

1 Absent - Keller

The motion carried.

 

*******************************

 

Fifth Ward Elementary and East St. John Elementary Grade-Level Reconfiguration Gaining Strong Support Among Teachers

 

St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools’ proposed grade-level reconfiguration of East St. John Elementary School and Fifth Ward Elementary is gaining widespread support among teachers at both schools.  The proposal, which would take effect during the 2017-2018 school year, would have Fifth Ward Elementary serving students in Pre-K through Grade 4 and East St. John Elementary serving students in Grades 5 through Grade 8.

 

School and district leaders began discussing the advantages of the plan with teachers at both schools in January.  Reconfiguring the two schools would mean that each school could focus more intensively on the grade-specific needs of their students.  For example, if Fifth Ward Elementary was a Pre-K to Grade 4 school, it could provide special focus on early reading and math instruction while providing meaningful enrichment for younger students.  Similarly, if East St. John Elementary served Grades 5-8, it could focus more on preparing students for high school through more advanced course offerings.

 

A sizable majority of teachers at both schools are supporting the plan.  Having worked in a K-8 environment for many years, these teachers are welcoming the proposed change.  “I love the idea,” said one teacher in a survey response.  “I always believed that the older students needed to be in a true middle school.”  Other teachers noted that separating older and younger students into distinct schools was part of a forward-thinking trend in education.  As one teacher put it, “Some of the most successful districts in the state (e.g., Zachary ISD, St. Charles Parish) have grouped their schools similarly.” 

 

 

 

Parents of Fifth Ward Elementary and East St. John Elementary Students Support the Grade-Level Reconfiguration Plan

 

More than two-thirds of East St. John Elementary and Fifth Ward Elementary parents support the schools’ proposed grade-level reconfiguration plan, according to a recent survey of parents from the two school sites.  Parents and community members were invited to express their opinion of the plan following several informational meetings organized by school and district staff in January.

 

The proposal would mean that Fifth Ward Elementary would serve students from Pre-K to Fourth Grade and that East St. John Elementary would serve students from Fifth to Eighth Grade.  Many parents agreed with the proposal because they liked the idea of each school focusing on a specific age group.  “I like the move.  It will help my kids,” said one parent.  “Older middle school students should have their own school….  I wish this would have happened years ago!”

 

What was clear from the survey was that parents had carefully considered what was best for their own children.  “It’s up to us parents to think about whether we are making the right choice for our children and their future,” said one respondent.  On that basis, most parents felt as though the time for change had come.  One survey respondent summed up this point: “I think the proposal you have come up with is very good, as I have faith that it will change things for the betterment of OUR kids.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How Do Smaller Grade Span Configurations Impact Students?        Lessons from Academic Research

 

What is the best grade configuration for schools? Is it better to have a single PK-8 school?  Or, is it better to have students attend a stand-alone PK-4 school, followed by a stand-alone 5-8 school?

 

Academic research on this topic offers some important “food for thought.”  However, as researchers in this area point out, caution should be taken when applying this research to specific cases because evidence on this topic is still not conclusive (Howley 2005).

 

That said, available research findings on grade span configuration are summarized in the table below.  This table shows how schools with smaller grade span configurations performed compared to K-8 schools.

 

Variable

How Smaller Grade Span Configuration Schools Do Compared to K-8 Schools

Student achievement in grades 3-5

Better

 

(Schwerdt 2011; Jacob and Rockoff 2011)

Student achievement in middle school (grades 6-8)

Mixed results

 

(Schwerdt 2011; Jacob and Rockoff 2011; Dove et al. 2010;          Byrnes & Ruby 2007; Franklin & Glascock 1996)

Teacher professional development

Better

 

(Schmitt 2004)

 

Explanation and Discussion of Findings

 

·        Students in grades 3-5 perform better in smaller grade span configurations.  It is not entirely clear why this is the case.  However, a plausible explanation is that that younger students tend to thrive at a school that is focused specifically on early reading and math skills.

 

·        It is unclear how smaller grade span configurations impact middle school students. Some studies found no difference between K-8 schools and smaller grade span schools in terms of how middle school students performed.  Still others found that middle school students performed worse in traditional middle schools than they did in K-8 schools because the transition to middle school meant that students were surrounded by a new peer group and had difficulty adjusting.  Therefore, one important consideration stemming from this research is whether or not students maintain their peer group as they transition from elementary school into middle school.

 

·        Teacher professional development is stronger under smaller grade span configurations.  One study found that teachers in 6-8 middle schools were more highly engaged in professional development than teachers in K-8 schools, possibly because 6-8 middle schools were able to focus specifically on implementing a “middle school philosophy.”

 

 

References

 

Byrnes, Vaughan and Allen Ruby (2007).  “Comparing Achievement between K-8 and Middle Schools: A Large Scale Empirical Study.”  American Journal of Education 114,1: 101-135.

 

Dove, Mary Jane, L. Carolyn Pearson, and Herbert Hooper (2010).  “Relationship Between Grade Span Configuration and Academic Achievement.”  Journal of Advanced Academic 21,2: 272-298.

 

Franklin, Bobby and Catherine Glascock (1996).  “The Relationship Between Grade Configuration and Student Performance in Rural Schools.”  Conference Paper.  Annual Conference of the National Rural Education Association (San Antonio, TX, October 11-14, 1996).

 

Howley, Craig (2005).  “Grade Span Configurations.”  Online article.  District Administration, March 1.

 

Jacob, Brian A and Jonah E. Rockoff (2011).  “Organizing Schools to Improve Student Achievement: Start Times, Grade Configurations, and Teacher Assignments.”  Discussion Paper 2011-08.  The Brookings Institution.

 

Schmitt, V.L.  (2004).  “The Relationship between Middle Level grade Span Configuration, Professional Development, and Student Achievement.”  Research in Middle Level Education 27,2.

 

Schwerdt, Guido and Martin West  (2011).  “The Impact of Alternative Grade Configurations on Student Outcomes through Middle and High School.”  Working Paper.  Harvard Graduate School of Education.

 

*******************************

 

 

ITEM 10.  ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS                                

 

ITEM 11.  BOARD ITEMS OF INTEREST

 

Mr. Burl asked that all Chairs of all the Board Committees please have a report ready for the next Board Meeting, as they will be asked to give a report.

 

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

MOTION BY:     Jones

SECOND BY:    Mitchell

MOTION:           Motion for adjournment.

There were no objections.

The meeting adjourned at 7:17 p.m.

 

 

________________________________                                           ________________________________

Kevin R. George, Secretary                                                            Albert A. Burl, III, President