By: PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
WEST ST. JOHN ELEMENTARY - EDGARD, LA
MEETING OF JANUARY 16, 2020
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 West St. John Elementary School, 2555 La Highway 18, Edgard, Louisiana, on Thursday, January 16, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.
An agenda for the meeting is attached.
Sincerely,
Cory Butler
Interim Superintendent/Secretary
ITEM 1. CALL TO ORDER, INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. He called for a moment of silent meditation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Mr. Claude Hill.
ITEM 2. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS: The Chair called for Public Comment.
PRESENT: Holden, Keller, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Wallace, Triche, Sanders
ABSENT: Burl, Jones, Schum, Mitchell
There were 7 members present and 4 members absent.
ITEM 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The Chair called for Public Comment.
ITEM 3a. Approval of Minutes of: Meeting of December 12, 2019
MOTION BY: Holden
SECOND BY: DeFrancesch
MOTION: To approve the minutes of: Meeting of December 12, 2019
Roll call:
6 Yeas – Holden, Keller, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Wallace, Sanders
4 Absent – Burl, Jones, Schum, Mitchell
1 Abstention – Triche
Ms. Mitchell arrived at 6:07 p.m. and was recorded as present.
Mr. Jones and Mr. Burl arrived at 6:08 and was recorded as present.
ITEM 4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. Mr. Cory Butler, Interim Superintendent.
ITEM 4a. Public Comment. Mr. Cory Butler - School Board Member Credit Hours
Mr. Butler read the following into the record:
LOUISIANA SCHOOL BOARD ASSOCIATION CONTINUING LEARNING UNITS
School Board Member credit hours must be recorded in the official record of the School Board, as well as the official journal annually. Therefore, I am announcing the total credit hours for each of our board members for the 2019 calendar year:
Ms. Charo Holden, District 1
– 49.75 Credit Hours
Mr. Albert Burl, District 2
– 12 Credit Hours
Dr. Gerald Keller, District 3
– 52 Credit Hours
Mr. Patrick Sanders, District 4
– 31 Credit Hours
Mrs. Sherry DeFrancesch, District 5
– 24.00 Credit Hours
Mr. Keith Jones, District 6
– 32.5 Credit Hours
Mr. Phillip Johnson, District 7
– 12.5 Credit Hours
Ms. Debbie Schum, District 8
– 53.75 Credit Hours
Mr. Shawn Wallace, District 9
– 38.75 Credit Hours
Ms. Nia Mitchell, District 10
– 26.25 Credit Hours
Mr. Clarence Triche, District 11
– 36.5 Credit Hours
ITEM 5. EDUCATION PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS BY THE BOARD OR STAFF
ITEM 5a. Public Comment. Public Comment. Resolution to the family of Melba Collins
Ms. Holden read the following resolution in to the record:
RESOLUTION
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
RESERVE, LA
WHEREAS, Ms. Melba Collins served the students of St. John the Baptist Parish School System for 30+ years as a teacher; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Collins served the schools, students, faculties and staff of this parish, and the worthiness of her service will always be remembered; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of her dedication and commitment to our students, the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board offers this Resolution of Sympathy to the members of her family; and
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that this school district, on behalf of its members, recognizes and appreciates the contributions of Ms. Melba Collins. Furthermore, St. John the Baptist Parish School System wishes that this Resolution be made part of the official record of this School Board on this 16th day of January, in the year 2020, thus done and subscribed therein.
ITEM 5b. Public Comment. Marathon: STEM Investment
Reepresentatives from Marathon Petroleum presented the district with a check for $120,000 to be used to purchase laptops for the students at the High School STEM Program and Garyville Mt. Airy Magnet School.
The Chair stated that ITEM 9b would be moved up and addressed at this time.
ITEM 9b. Public Comment. Mr. Wayne Stewart – Request approval of execution of Type 1 Louisiana Premiere Charter Contract at LifeHouse Campus/Facility, Reserve, Louisiana
MOTION BY: Mitchell
SECOND BY: Triche
MOTION: To approve the execution of the Type I Louisiana Premier Charter Contract at Lifehouse Campus/Facility in Reserve, Louisiana
No objections.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas - Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders
1 Absent - Schum
The motion carried.
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Type 1 Charter Contract
entered into by Louisiana Premiere Charter, Inc. and St. John the Baptist Parish School Board
Contents
SECTION 1: ESTABLISHMENT OF SCHOOL
SECTION 2: OPERATION OF SCHOOL
SECTION 3: SCHOOL FINANCIAL MATTERS
SECTION 5: CONTRACT TERM, RENEWAL & REVOCATION
SECTION 6: OPERATION OF THE CONTRACT
CHARTER SCHOOL CONTRACT FOR TYPE 1 CHARTER SCHOOLS
THIS AGREEMENT is a Charter School Contract, authorized pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statutes, Title 17, Chapter 42, and executed by and between the St. John the Baptist School Board (“BOARD”) and Louisiana Premiere Charter, Inc. (“Charter Operator”) effective this, the [date] day of January, 2020.
WHEREAS, the “Charter School Demonstration Programs Law,” La. R.S. 17:3971, et seq., authorizes experimentation in the creation of innovative kinds of independent public schools for students; and
WHEREAS, the purposes of the “Charter School Demonstration Programs Law” are to provide opportunities for educators and others interested in educating students to form, operate, or be employed within a charter school designed to accomplish the following objectives, namely: (1) to improve student learning and, in general, the public school system; (2) to increase learning opportunities and access to quality education for students; (3) to encourage the use of different and innovative teaching methods and a variety of governance, management, and administrative structures; (4) to require appropriate assessment and measurement of academic learning results;
(5) to account better and more thoroughly for educational results; and (6) to create new professional opportunities for teachers and other school employees, including the opportunity to be responsible for learning programs at the school site; and
WHEREAS, the BOARD found that the Charter School’s charter application was valid, complete, financially well-structured, educationally sound, and offers potential for fulfilling the purposes of the Charter School Demonstration Programs Law; and
WHEREAS, the BOARD is authorized, pursuant to La. R.S. 17:3971, et seq., to execute Charter Contracts authorizing the operation of charter schools; and
WHEREAS, the BOARD approved the Application of Charter Operator to be a Type 1 charter school.
WHEREAS, this Charter Contract replaces and supersedes the Charter Contract between the parties with an effective date of August 16, 2018.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto, intending to be legally bound by the terms and conditions set forth herein, enter into the following Agreement:
SECTION 1: ESTABLISHMENT OF SCHOOL
1.1 Parties
1.1.1 This Charter Contract is entered into between Charter Operator and BOARD for the purpose of operating Louisiana Premiere Charter School (the “Charter School”). This contract will be referred to herein as an “Agreement” or a “Charter Contract,” and such terms may be used interchangeably.
1.1.2 The person authorized to sign on behalf of the BOARD is the President of the BOARD.
1.1.3 The BOARD shall have jurisdiction over the Charter School pursuant to La. R.S. section 17:3983(A)(4).
1.1.4 The person authorized to sign this Agreement on behalf of the Charter Operator is Andre Washington (“Charter Representative”), who is an Officer of the Charter Operator’s Board of Directors. The Charter Representative affirms as a condition of this Agreement that the Charter Operator’s Board of Directors has authorized him or her to execute agreements, including this Charter Contract, on behalf of the Charter Operator.
1.1.5 The Charter Operator affirms, as a condition of this Charter Contract, that the nonprofit corporation is duly authorized according to the laws of the State of Louisiana.
1.1.6 The Charter Operator affirms, as a condition of this Charter Contract, that the non-profit corporation has a Board of Directors, whose members receive no compensation other than reimbursement of actual expenses incurred while fulfilling duties as a member of such a board.
1.2 Location
1.2.1 Charter School will be located in St. John the Baptist Parish at the location(s) identified in Exhibit A to the Agreement. If the school location is moved within the parish the BOARD must be notified within 30 days of signing of any lease or property acquisition.
1.2.2 The Charter Operator shall comply with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and codes regarding school facility maintenance and upkeep.
SECTION 2: OPERATION OF SCHOOL
2.1 Purpose
The Charter Operator shall provide educational services according to the educational standards established by law and this Agreement; measure student progress toward stated goals; and participate in student assessments required by law and regulation. The Charter Operator shall manage the charter school in a financially prudent manner and provide the BOARD with timely and accurate reporting.
2.2 Governance
2.2.1 The Charter Operator and its Board of Directors are responsible for complying with and carrying out the provisions of this Agreement, including compliance with applicable laws and regulations and all reporting requirements. This provision shall not be construed to give rise to personal liability of individual board members in instances where the law would not impose such personal liability.
2.2.2 The Board of Directors of the Charter Operator will act in accordance with its duly adopted by-laws.
2.2.3 Each member of the Charter Operator’s Board of Directors shall complete and submit a Disclosure of Financial Interest and Conflict of Interest Form (“Financial Disclosure”) and an Affirmation of Eligibility to Serve. These documents shall be submitted by each new Charter Operator board member within thirty (30) days of appointment. The Financial Disclosure shall be submitted to the Louisiana Board of Ethics by each board member on or before May 15 of each year following appointment in accordance with state law.
2.2.4 The Charter Operator’s by-laws (and any amendments thereto) shall be consistent with the Louisiana Code of Governmental Ethics, including, but not limited to, the adoption of and adherence to a formal conflict of interest policy that is consistent with applicable law.
2.2.5 Meetings of the members and directors of the Charter Operator and any committee or subcommittee thereof shall be conducted in accordance with the Louisiana Open Meetings Law, La. R.S. 42:4.1, et seq.
2.2.6 The Charter Operator shall be the final authority in matters affecting the Charter School, including, but not limited to, staffing, financial accountability, and curriculum, except as otherwise provided in this contract and as provided by applicable law and by policies promulgated by the BOARD.
2.2.7 Should the Charter Operator propose to enter a contract with a "management organization," as defined by BESE Bulletin 126, to manage the Charter School, the Charter Operator shall submit a copy of the proposed contract to the BOARD for approval. The Charter Operator also agrees to submit any other information requested by the BOARD regarding the management arrangement, including but not limited to, a description of the managing company, with identification of its principals and their backgrounds. The Charter Operator shall not enter a management contract without BOARD approval. A copy of any management contract entered by Charter Operator and approved by the BOARD shall be incorporated into this Agreement as Exhibit B thereto.
2.3 Grade Range; Number of Students
2.3.1 The Charter Operator shall provide instruction to a maximum enrollment of 750 students in grades K-12. The Charter Operator shall set a lower maximum enrollment for the initial years of the Agreement as described in the Charter School's Grade Level Enrollment Table incorporated into this Agreement as Exhibit C thereto.
2.3.2 In accordance with La. R.S. 17:3991(C)(1)(c)(iv), Louisiana Premiere Charter School may not enroll in any given year more than one hundred twenty percent (120%) of the total maximum enrollment number for that year as identified in Exhibit C.
2.4 Student Recruitment and Enrollment
2.4.1 Student recruitment and enrollment decisions shall be made in a nondiscriminatory manner and without regard to race, color, creed, national origin, sex, marital status, religion, ancestry, disability, or need for special education services.
2.4.2 If the total number of eligible applicants exceeds the number of offered seats in a particular grade level, an admissions lottery shall be conducted, in which the first preference shall be given to the children of employees of the Charter Operator and second preference given to siblings of currently enrolled students. The specific procedures for the lottery shall be contained in a written policy of the Charter Operator, and the admissions lottery shall be administered by a Certified Public Accounting firm at the sole cost of the Charter Operator.
2.4.3 For each year of the term of this Contract, Louisiana Premiere Charter School will comply with the law provided in La. R.S. § 17:3991(B)(I)(a)(i) as it relates to enrollment of at-risk students and students with exceptionalities.
For the purposes of fulfilling the provisions of this Subsection, all percentages for Louisiana Premiere Charter School and the St. John the Baptist Public School System shall be calculated by the Louisiana Department of Education to reflect data from the 2020 October pupil count each.
2.5 Attendance
Attendance of students at the Charter School shall comply with Louisiana’s applicable Compulsory Attendance Laws.
2.6 Student Code of Conduct and Discipline Management Plan
The Charter Operator shall maintain and implement written rules and procedures for student discipline, including clear guidelines for suspension and expulsion. Such rules and procedures must be consistent with all applicable state and federal law.
2.7 Complaint Policy
The Charter Operator shall implement and maintain a complaint policy to receive and handle complaints brought against the Charter School and/or the Charter Operator. The Complaint Policy shall be included in the Charter School's Student Handbook. The complaints process implemented by the Charter Operator shall be consistent with applicable law and due process. A copy of the Charter Operator's complaint policy shall be distributed to the parents and/or guardians of students enrolled in the School and made readily available to all others requesting a copy. In addition, the Charter School shall participate in, and comply with the requirements of any unified complaint process administered by the BOARD or the Louisiana Department of Education.
2.8 Pupil Progression Plan
2.8.1 The Charter Operator shall implement and adhere to a Pupil Progression Plan developed in accordance with state laws and BESE policy. The Charter Operator may adopt the Pupil Progression Plan of the BOARD or it may adopt a school-specific Pupil Progression Plan, which must comply with applicable law and state regulation. The Charter Operator shall annually submit its Pupil Progression Plan as required by the BOARD.
2.8.2 The school's Pupil Progression Plan will include provisions to ensure that the needs of at-risk students are being met.
2.9 Student Welfare and Safety
The Charter School shall comply with all applicable federal and state laws concerning student welfare, safety, and health, including, but not limited to, state laws regarding the reporting of child abuse, accident prevention and disaster response, fire safety, and any state regulations governing the operation of school facilities.
2.10 Nonsectarian Status
The Charter School shall be nonsectarian in its programs, admission policies, employment practices, and all other operations.
2.11 Parental Involvement Plan
2.11.1 The Charter Operator shall implement a plan to encourage and increase parental involvement.
2.11.2 The Charter Operator shall not condition the enrollment or continued enrollment of any student on the commitment of the student's parents to provide any number of volunteer hours or on otherwise donating volunteer hours to the Charter School.
2.12 Evaluation
The Charter Operator’s performance shall be evaluated annually in conformity with the standards and procedures set forth in BOARD Policy HC and the Annual Review Indicators. For purposes of contract extension, renewal, and revocation decisions, and other evaluations of the Charter School’s performance, the BOARD will rely on the performance standards set forth in in Board Policy HC and the Annual Review Indicators. The Charter Operator acknowledges that the performance standards and evaluation procedures set forth in Board Policy HC and the Annual Review Indicators are reliant on data provided by the Louisiana Department of Education and may be amended by the BOARD if any such data is no longer available.
2.13 Curriculum
Subject to the conditions of this Agreement, the Charter Operator shall have the authority and responsibility for refining the design and implementation of its educational program, subject to the conditions of this Agreement, in a manner that is consistent with state law, including but not limited to requirements regarding content standards.
2.14 Student Records
2.14.1 The Charter Operator shall comply with any and all applicable record-keeping requirements of BESE and state law and regulation and shall provide, upon reasonable request by the BOARD, any reports or student records, including, but not limited to, immunization records, class schedules, records of academic performance, disciplinary actions, attendance, standardized test results, and documentation required under federal and state law regarding the education of students with disabilities.
2.14.2 The Charter Operator shall comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C.A §1232g, and La. R.S. 17.3914, including any response to request from BOARD as set forth in Section 2.11.1.
2.14.3 If this Charter Contract is terminated, revoked, or surrendered, or the Charter School otherwise ceases to operate, all student records shall be immediately secured and transferred to the BOARD unless prior arrangements have been made between the Charter Operator and the BOARD.
2.15 Reporting
2.15.1 The Charter Operator shall supply, with reasonable advance notice, all reports, data, test results and other information required under this Agreement, state and federal law or BESE policy and regulations, or requested by the BOARD, in accordance with timelines and processes established by the BOARD.
2.15.2 The Charter Operator agrees to submit all reports and other information in the manner prescribed by the BOARD, which may include the use of a document-storage and management system and an oversight and compliance management system chosen by the Charter operator.
2.16 Assessment of Student Performance and Procedures for Corrective Action
The Charter Operator shall implement the plan for assessment of student performance, administration of state-wide assessments, and corrective action related to same as required by state law and BESE policy. The Charter Operator shall perform all student testing required by state and federal law and BESE policy and regulations.
2.17 Education of Students with Exceptionalities
The Charter Operator will comply with the applicable requirements of federal and state law and BESE policy concerning the education of children with exceptionalities, including the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Act (“IDEA”), 20 U.S.C. §1401, et seq. Pursuant to La. R.S. 17:3995, the Charter School shall be considered an approved public school of the BOARD, and the BOARD shall serve as the local educational agency (“LEA”) for purposes of the IDEA, and the BOARD is responsible for ensuring that all federal and state guidelines regarding special education, including (but not limited to) IDEA, are met. The Charter Operator shall assist the BOARD in meeting such guidelines for students enrolled in the Charter School.
2.18 Oversight Authority
The BOARD has the responsibility to oversee Louisiana Premiere Charter School’s compliance with this Agreement and applicable law. Louisiana Premiere Charter School shall allow St. John the Baptist School System officials full access to its financial and educational records, reports, files, and documents of any kind, with reasonable advance notice.
2.19 Site Visits
With reasonable advance notice, the Charter Operator shall allow representatives from the BOARD, the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, law enforcement officials, contracted evaluators, or any other federal, state or local regulatory agency to visit the school site to inspect operations and performance and to ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, the terms of this Agreement, and the terms of state and federal grants. During such site visits, to the extent allowable by law, the Charter Operator shall allow the visiting officials full and immediate access to its financial and educational records, reports, files, and documents of any kind.
2.20 Production of Documents
Representatives of the Charter Operator or the administrator of the Charter School shall produce all documentation and information requested by BOARD, the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, law enforcement officials, contracted evaluators, or any other federal, state, or local regulatory agency within three (3) business days of a request, if not prohibited by FERPA or La. R.S. 17:3914. The production of documents requested pursuant to this provision shall be distinguished from requests for documents made during site visits.
2.21 Attendance Required of Charter Operator and/or its Employees
The Charter Operator, or a representative of the Charter Operator, shall attend all meetings in which the BOARD requests its presence. These meetings shall include, but are not limited to, meetings with the BOARD.
2.22 Health Services and Protections
The Charter Operator shall provide appropriate health services and safety protections to the extent required by applicable federal and state law or BESE policy.
2.23 Transportation Services and Food Services
2.23.1 The Charter Operator shall provide transportation to all students enrolled and residing within the geographic boundaries of the local school district and more than one mile from the Charter School. For any special needs students with an Individualized Education Plan enrolled at Charter School who require special transportation to and from Charter School, Charter Operator may contract with BOARD or its subcontractors at a rate not to exceed BOARD’S actual cost, in accordance with La. R.S. 17:3995(4)(b).
2.23.2 The Charter Operator shall provide food services to students, taking into consideration the nutritional needs of the students.
2.24 Non-Discrimination
2.24.1 The Charter Operator agrees to abide by the requirements of the following as applicable:
Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended by the Equal Employment Opportunity Act of 1972; Federal Executive Order 11246; the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; the Vietnam Era Veteran’s Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Age Act of 1975; and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
2.24.2 The Charter Operator agrees not to discriminate in its employment practices and will render services under this contract without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, political affiliation, or disabilities.
2.24.3 Any intentional act of discrimination, as found by a court of law with jurisdiction, in violation of state or federal law committed or sanctioned by the Charter Operator’s Board of Directors and failure by the Charter Operator to take prompt corrective action when put on notice of a finding of discrimination, shall be grounds for revocation of this contract.
2.25 Notification Requirements
2.25.1 The Charter Operator shall notify the BOARD immediately of any material conditions that may cause the school to vary from the terms of its approved charter or from state law, federal law or BESE policy.
2.25.2 The Charter Operator shall notify the BOARD in a immediately of any circumstances requiring the temporary or permanent closure of the Charter School, including, but not limited to, a natural disaster, such as a hurricane, tornado, storm, flood or other weather related event, other extraordinary emergency, or destruction of or damage to the school facility.
2.25.3 The Charter Operator shall notify the BOARD in a timely manner of the arrest of any members of the Charter’s Board of Directors, employees, contractors, or any person directly or indirectly employed by the Charter Operator for a crime listed in La. R.S. 15:587.1(C) or any crime related to the misappropriation of funds or theft.
2.25.4 The Charter Operator shall notify the BOARD of its default on any obligation, which shall include uncontested debts for which payments are past due by ninety (90) days or more.
2.25.5 The Charter Operator shall remain in good standing with the Office of the Louisiana Secretary of State and shall immediately notify the BOARD of any change in its standing.
2.25.6 The Charter Operator shall notify the BOARD if its enrollment decreases by ten percent or more compared to the most recent student count submitted to the BOARD.
2.25.7 The Charter Operator shall notify the BOARD within two (2) business days of any official board action which results in the appointment of a new president of the charter school’s governing board.
SECTION 3: SCHOOL FINANCIAL MATTERS
3.1 Funding
3.1.1 Prior to the beginning of each new fiscal year, the Charter Operator shall follow procedures required by the BOARD to report enrollment projections for the upcoming school year.
3.1.2 Charter School shall be considered an approved public school of the BOARD and shall receive a per pupil allocation each year pursuant to the most recent legislatively approved minimum foundation program formula (“MFP”) resolution, including all levels (MFP), based on the October first membership count of the charter school as set forth in La. R.S. 17:3995.
3.1.3 As set forth in La. R.S. 17:3995(C), the Charter Operator may solicit, accept, and administer donations or any other financial assistance in the form of money, grants, property, loans, or personal services for educational purposes from any public or private person, corporation, or agency and comply with rules and regulations governing grants from the federal government or from any other person or agency, which are not in contravention of the constitution and any other law.
3.1.4 Monthly MFP allocations and federal grant funds will be transferred to the Charter Operator within fifteen (15) calendar days of receipt by the BOARD each month, and the first MFP allocation shall occur in July of 2020. The Charter School will report student, staff and financial information in the manner prescribed by the BOARD and allocations may be adjusted as provided by state law, to reflect the actual student count, staff count and prior year local revenues.
3.1.5 The BOARD shall withhold a percentage of each Charter School’s MFP funds for administrative overhead costs incurred by the BOARD for considering the charter application and any amendment thereto, providing monitoring and oversight of the school, collecting and analyzing data of the school, and for reporting on school performance in accordance with La. R.S. 17:3995(A)(4)(a)(i). Such fee shall be two percent (2%) of the total per pupil amount of MFP allocated to the Charter School. Such fee amount shall be withheld from the per pupil amount in monthly increments and shall not be applicable to any federal money or grants received by the charter school. At least thirty days prior to the beginning of each fiscal year, the Charter School shall be provided by the BOARD with a projected budget detailing anticipated administrative overhead costs and planned uses for fees charged for such costs. By not later than ninety days following the end of each fiscal year, the Charter School shall be provided by the BOARD an itemized accounting of all administrative overhead costs. Additionally, by not later than ninety days following the end of each fiscal year, the Charter School shall be provided by the BOARD an itemized accounting of the actual cost of each purchased service provided to the Charter School.
3.1.6 The Charter Operator acknowledges that each year initial funding will be based on the projected student enrollment and projected per student MFP allocation. The amount of funding will be adjusted in accordance with La. R.S. 17:3995.
3.1.7 The implementation and/or continuation of the provisions of this Charter Contract are contingent upon a legislative appropriation or allocation of funds necessary to fulfill the requirements of the Charter Contract. If the legislature fails to appropriate sufficient monies to provide for the implementation and/or continuation of the Charter Contract, or if such appropriation is reduced by the veto of the Governor or by any means provided in the appropriations act to prevent the total appropriation for the year from exceeding revenues for that year, or for any other lawful purpose, and the effect of such reduction is to provide insufficient monies for the implementation and/or continuation of the Charter Contract, the Contract shall terminate on the date of the beginning of the first fiscal year for which funds are not appropriated.
3.1.8 No liability shall accrue to the BOARD should the events described in the preceding paragraph occur. The BOARD shall not be obligated or liable for any future payments or for any damages as a result of termination under the previous paragraph.
3.2 Financial Accounting and Reporting
3.2.1 The Charter Operator shall be responsible for the Charter School’s operation, including the preparation of a budget. The Charter Operator shall comply with the provisions of La. R.S. 39:1301 through 1315 (Local Government Budget Act) and shall submit a budget annually to the BOARD.
3.2.2 The Charter Operator shall comply with all rules, guidelines, and regulations adopted by BESE prescribing forms and practices for budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting.
3.2.3 The Charter Operator agrees to submit any amended budgets or other requested financial documents to the BOARD upon reasonable request.
3.2.4 The Charter Operator shall conduct an annual independent audit and submit it to the Louisiana Legislative Auditor, with copy to the BOARD, said audit to be conducted by a certified public accountant in accordance with La. R.S. 24:513, et seq., and La. R.S.17:3996(F), the cost of which shall be borne by the Charter Operator.
3.2.5 The Charter Operator shall maintain records in a manner that reflects compliance with this Charter Contract and generally accepted accounting principles. The Charter Operator is subject to appropriate financial audits in accordance with La. R.S. 24:513 et. seq. and La. R.S. 17:3996(F).
3.3 Qualified and Competent Business Professional
3.3.1 The Charter Operator shall retain, for the duration of the Agreement, a Qualified and Competent Business Professional who meets or exceeds the minimum requirements and qualification specified by BESE policy in Bulletin 1929, the Louisiana Accounting and Uniform Governmental Handbook, to produce all financial and accounting information and reporting required by the Agreement, state law, and BESE policy and regulation, except the required annual audit, which must be performed by an independent auditor. The Qualified and Competent Business Professional shall affix his or her signature to every document he or she prepares, thereby validating its authenticity as his or her work product and thereby affirming that the information contained therein is true and accurate. All documents and reports submitted pursuant to this Paragraph shall contain the signature of the Qualified and Competent Business Professional, thereby affirming that the information contained therein is true and accurate.
3.3.2 The Charter Operator shall ensure that a Qualified and Competent Business Professional validates all student count reports submitted by the Charter Operator to the BOARD.
3.3.3 The Charter Operator shall ensure that a Qualified and Competent Business Professional is responsible for validating all inventory reports submitted to the BOARD.
3.4 Tuition and Fees
The Charter Operator shall not charge any student tuition, an attendance fee, or a fine of any kind, except for Charter Operator administered extracurricular activities such as before/after school programs, intercession programs, extended kindergarten programs, and athletic programs or any other fees allowable under State or Federal law. Any other fee shall be subject to a waiver process that considers individual family circumstances. The Charter Operator shall not condition the enrollment, registration, earning of credit, or receipt of grades of any student on the payment or nonpayment of fees.
3.5 Assets
3.5.1 Any assets acquired by the Charter Operator are the property of the Charter School for the duration of this Agreement and any renewal of the Agreement.
3.5.2 If this Agreement is terminated, revoked, non-renewed, or surrendered, or the school otherwise ceases to operate, all assets not requiring return or transfer to donors or grantors or required for discharge of existing liabilities and operations of Charter School and cash on hand attributable to state public funds shall be transferred to the BOARD or disposed of in accordance with state and federal law.
3.6 Insurance
3.6.1 Charter Operator shall secure and maintain the following minimum insurance coverage:
3.5.1.1 Property insurance covering all of Charter Operator’s real and personal property. Property coverage shall include coverage for all contents purchased by the Charter Operator; and
3.5.1.2 Comprehensive general liability of one million dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence and two million dollars ($2,000,000) aggregate; and
3.5.1.3 A comprehensive auto liability of one million dollars ($1,000,000) combined single limit, if automobiles are owned by Charter Operator; and
3.5.1.4 Workers’ compensation of one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000); and
3.5.1.5 Errors and omissions insurance of one million dollars ($1,000,000).
4.1 Employment Matters
4.1.1 The Charter Operator shall employ and/or contract with necessary personnel. It shall implement a personnel policy that addresses such issues as hiring of personnel, terms of employment, and compensation consistent with that contained in the Charter Application. The parties agree that teachers and other staff employed by the Charter Operator are not employees of the BOARD.
4.1.2 Collective Bargaining. The provisions of any collective bargaining agreement entered into by BOARD shall not apply to Charter Operator. The provisions of any collective bargaining agreement entered into by Charter Operator shall not apply to BOARD.
4.2 Instructional Providers and Administrators
4.2.1 The Charter Operator shall employ or otherwise utilize in instructional positions only those individuals who are credentialed in accordance with applicable federal and state law, rules and regulations.
4.2.2 The Charter Operator shall evaluate all administrators and instructional providers as required by applicable state law and BESE policy.
4.3 Paraprofessionals
Paraprofessionals employed by the Charter School shall meet all qualification requirements imposed by applicable federal and state law, rules, and regulations.
4.4 Criminal History Review
4.4.1 The Charter Operator shall conduct a criminal history review through the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, Office of State Police, Bureau of Criminal Identification for each individual the Charter Operator intends to hire, and for each independent contractor who may have supervisory or disciplinary authority over children at the Charter School in accordance with applicable State law and BESE policy.
4.4.2 The Charter Operator shall not hire a person who has been convicted of or has pleaded nolo contendere to a crime listed in La. R.S. 15:587.1(C) as a teacher, substitute teacher, bus drive, substitute bus driver, janitor, school security personnel, cafeteria personnel, or a school employee who might reasonably be expected to be placed in a position of supervisory or disciplinary authority over school children unless approved in writing by a district judge and the district attorney of the parish.
4.4.3 The Charter Operator shall adhere to all policies/procedures adopted by BESE concerning criminal history review for public school employees, as well as other persons associated with the charter school who are engaged in direct processing of charter school funds.
SECTION 5: CONTRACT TERM, RENEWAL & REVOCATION
5.1 Four-Year Term.
Pursuant to the provisions of La. R.S. 17:3992 A(1), this Charter School Contract shall be effective upon complete execution for an initial term of four (4) years commencing no later than July 1, 2020 and may be extended for a maximum initial term of five (5) years, contingent upon the results of a review conducted after the completion of the third (3rd) year as provided for in La. R.S. 17:3998.
5.2 Extension
5.2.1 The BOARD shall conduct an evaluation of the Charter School after the completion of its third year of operation based on the evaluation and extension standards outlined in BOARD Policy HC, the Annual Review Indicators, and La. R.S. 17:3998.
5.2.2 The Charter Contract shall be reviewed based on academic, financial, and organizational standards set forth in Annual Review Indicators.
5.2.3 If the Charter School fails to meet the extension standards outlined in BOARD Policy HC, the BOARD may, at the Superintendent’s recommendation, terminate the Charter Contract, with such termination taking effect at the end of the Charter School’s fourth year of operation.
5.3 Renewal.
Prior to the expiration of the current Charter Contract, the Charter Contract may be renewed at the discretion of the BOARD pursuant to applicable provisions of Title 17, Chapter 42, of the Louisiana Revised Statutes and in accordance with the evaluation and extension standards outlined in Board Policy HC.
5.4 Revocation.
5.4.1 As provided by law and detailed in BOARD Policy HC, the BOARD may terminate or revoke this Agreement at any time upon a determination and affirmative vote by a majority of the BOARD that the Charter Operator, its board members, officers, or employees did any of the following:
5.4.1.1 Committed a material violation of any of the conditions, standards, or procedures provided for in this Agreement or in BESE policy;
5.4.1.2 Failed to meet or pursue within the agreed timelines any of the academic or other educational results specified in this Agreement or in BESE policy;
5.4.1.3 Failed to meet generally accepted accounting standards of fiscal management;
5.4.1.4 Violated any provision of law or policy applicable to a charter school, its officers, or employees; or
5.4.1.5 If the BOARD determines that the health, safety, or welfare of the students is threatened.
5.4.2 This Agreement shall only be revoked in compliance with the procedures outlined for revocation proceedings in BOARD Policy HC and BESE Bulletin 126.
SECTION 6: OPERATION OF THE CONTRACT
6.1 Entire Agreement
The Charter Operator and the BOARD intend this Agreement to represent a final and complete expression of their contract, which shall be considered the school’s Charter Contract; except that the parties recognize that amendments to this Agreement may be approved from time to time hereafter. All prior representations, understandings, and discussions are merged herein, and no course of prior dealings between the parties shall supplement or explain any terms used in this document.
6.2 Notice
Any notice required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be effective immediately upon personal delivery (subject to verification of service or acknowledgment of receipt) or three (3) days after mailing when sent by certified mail, postage prepaid, to the following:
In the case of the Charter Operator:
Louisiana Premiere Charter, Inc.
Attn: Board President
P.O. Box 832
Lutcher, LA 70071
With Copies to:
jkeeney@4thsectorsolutions.com
aliandrews24@gmail.com
mroussel@matrixservice.com
pmcmurray@bakerdonelson.com
In the case of the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board:
St. John Parish Public Schools
Attn: Superintendent
118 West 10th St.
Reserve, LA 70084
With copies to:
St. John Parish Public School Board President
St. John Parish Public School Board Vice President
wstewart@hamsil.com
6.3 Indemnification and Disclaimer of Liability
6.3.1 The parties acknowledge that the Charter Operator is not acting as the agent of, or under the direction and control of the BOARD, except as required by law or this Agreement and that the BOARD does not assume liability for any loss or injury resulting from the acts or omissions of the Charter School, its directors, trustees, agents, or employees.
6.3.2 The Charter Operator acknowledges that it is without authority to extend the faith and credit of the BOARD to any third party. The Charter Operator shall clearly communicate to vendors and other entities and individuals outside the BOARD that the obligations of the Charter Operator under agreement or contract are solely the responsibility of the Charter Operator and are not the responsibility of the BOARD.
To the extent allowable under the Louisiana Constitution and Federal and state law, the Charter Operator shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the BOARD and its officers, directors, officials, agents and employees from any and all claims, demands, suits, actions, proceedings, loss, cost, and damages of every kind and description, including, but not limited to, attorneys’ fees and/or litigation expenses which may be brought or made against or incurred by the BOARD on account of any action of the Charter Operator, its employees, agents or assigns. The provisions or limits of insurance required under this contract shall not limit the liability of the Charter Operator.
6.3.3 This Agreement is not an employment contract. No officer, employee, agent, or subcontractor of the Charter Operator or the School is an officer, employee, or agent of the BOARD.
6.3.4 The parties acknowledge that the BOARD is not liable for the debts or financial obligations of the Charter Operator or the Charter School.
6.3.5 The parties acknowledge that the BOARD and its members individually are immune from civil liability for any damages arising with respect to all activities related to the operation of any type of charter school they may authorize as a chartering authority, including the Charter School.
6.4 Waiver
The parties agree that either party’s failure to insist on strict performance of any term or condition of this Charter Contract shall not constitute a waiver of that term or condition, even if the party accepting or acquiescing in the nonconforming performance knows of the nature of the performance and fails to object to it.
6.5 Assignment
No right or interest in this Charter Contract shall be assigned by anyone on behalf of the Charter Operator without prior written approval of the BOARD, and delegation of any contractual duty of the Charter Operator shall not be made without prior written approval of the BOARD, which approval may be given or withheld at the sole discretion of the BOARD. A violation of this provision shall be grounds for immediate termination of this Agreement and revocation of the Charter.
6.6 Applicable Law
6.6.1 This Charter Contract shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Louisiana and all applicable federal laws of the United States.
6.6.2 The Charter Operator shall comply with all federal and state laws and regulations applicable to Type 1 charter schools, and all requirements imposed by state law, BESE policy and regulation. The Charter Operator shall conform, in all respects, with the educational standards contained in this Agreement and in BESE policy, state law and Board policy.
6.6.3 The parties intend that they be bound by, and that this Charter Contract be subject to, any and all future amendments or additions to the statutes, regulations, policies and procedures applicable to Type 1 charter schools. The Charter Operator and the BOARD hereby agree to comply with any such change as if it were specifically set forth herein. Any such change shall supersede any provision within this Agreement that conflicts with it.
6.7 Severability
The provisions of this Charter Contract are severable. Any term or condition deemed illegal or invalid shall not affect any other term or condition, and the remainder of the Charter Contract shall remain in effect unless otherwise terminated by the parties.
6.8 No Third-Party Beneficiary
The enforcement of the terms and conditions of this Charter Contract, and all rights of action relating to such enforcement, shall be strictly reserved to the BOARD and the Charter Operator. Nothing contained in this Agreement shall give or allow any claim or right of action whatsoever by any other or third person. It is the express intent of the parties to this Agreement that any person receiving services or benefits hereunder shall be deemed an incidental beneficiary only.
6.9 Counterparts; Signature by Facsimile
This Agreement may be signed in counterparts, which shall together constitute the original Contract. Electronic signatures or signatures received by facsimile by either of the parties shall have the same effect as original signatures.
6.10 Material Amendment
6.10.1 Any material amendment to this Agreement will be effective only with approval of both the BOARD, or its designee, and the Charter Operator’s Board of Directors. A Material Amendment shall not become effective and the Charter Operator shall not take action or implement the changes requested in the amendment until the amendment is approved by the BOARD or its designee.
6.10.2 The Charter Operator will submit any proposed Material Amendment in accordance with guidance promulgated by BESE.
6.10.3 Changes to the Agreement that constitute Material Amendments are those identified in BESE Bulletin 126.
6.11 Non-Material Amendment
6.11.1 A Non-Material Amendment of this Agreement may be made effective by the Charter Operator through written Notification to BOARD.
6.11.2 The Charter Operator will notify the BOARD of any proposed Non-Material Amendment in accordance with guidance promulgated by BESE.
6.11.3 A Non-Material Amendment by the Charter Operator will be effective five (5) business days following receipt of Notification, unless BOARD notifies the Charter Operator that it objects to the proposed Amendment.
6.11.4 Non-Material Amendments to the Agreement are those identified in BESE Bulletin 126.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have executed this Agreement as of the date below.
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST SCHOOL BOARD
Date of Board Approval: __________________________________ Item _____
By:
BOARD PRESIDENT DATE
LOUISIANA PREMIERE CHARTER, INC.
As the authorized representative of Louisiana Premiere Charter, Inc., I hereby certify that Louisiana Premiere Charter, Inc., through its Board, has approved and agreed to comply with and be bound by the terms and conditions of this Agreement.
By:
CHAIR/PRESIDENT DATE
Table of Exhibits
Exhibit A – Location
Exhibit B – Grade Level Enrollment Table
Exhibit C – Teachers’ Retirement System of Louisiana Option Form
CHARTER SCHOOL CONTRACT: EXHIBIT A
Location
Name of Charter School: Louisiana Premiere Charter School
The Charter Operator shall provide educational services, including the delivery of instruction, at the location(s) specified below:
3556 West Airline Highway
Reserve, LA 70084
CHARTER SCHOOL CONTRACT: EXHIBIT B
Grade Level Enrollment Table
Name of Charter School: Louisiana Premiere Charter School
Name of Charter Operator: Louisiana Premiere Charter
|
Grade Level |
Year One |
Year Two |
Year Three |
Year Four |
|
K |
50 |
50 |
50 |
50 |
|
1 |
50 |
50 |
50 |
50 |
|
2 |
50 |
50 |
50 |
50 |
|
3 |
50 |
50 |
50 |
50 |
|
4 |
50 |
50 |
50 |
50 |
|
5 |
50 |
50 |
50 |
50 |
|
6 |
50 |
50 |
50 |
50 |
|
7 |
50 |
50 |
50 |
50 |
|
8 |
50 |
50 |
50 |
50 |
|
9 |
75 |
75 |
75 |
75 |
|
10 |
-- |
75 |
75 |
75 |
|
11 |
-- |
-- |
75 |
75 |
|
12 |
-- |
-- |
-- |
75 |
|
Maximum Total Enrollment* |
438 |
500 |
563 |
625 |
* “Maximum Total Enrollment” figures are subject to the 120% allowance contained in La. R.S. § 17:3991(C).
CHARTER SCHOOL CONTRACT: EXHIBIT C
Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana Option
Name of Charter School: Louisiana Premiere Charter School
TRSL & LSERS Option
Select one (1) of the three (3) options below:
Option 1
_____ The Charter Operator intends to participate in the Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana and the Louisiana School Employees’ Retirement System.
Option 2
_____ The Charter Operator intends to participate m the Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana only.
Option 3
__X__ The Charter Operator does not intend to participate in the Teachers' Retirement System of Louisiana or the Louisiana School Employees' Retirement System.
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The Chair stated that ITEM 9e would be moved up and addressed at this time.
ITEM 9e. Public Comment. Mr. Kevin Klibert – Executive Session – Litigation Updates: Eileen Green v. St. John The Baptist Parish School Board, Office of Workers’ Compensation, District 6, Docket No. 19-03686; Kabrrisha Robinson, obo Deri'niya Halbert v. St. John The Baptist Parish School Board, 40th Judicial District Court, Docket No. 69,490 Div. "A"; Joyce Farlough v. St. John The Baptist Parish School Board, Office of Workers’ Compensation, District 6, Docket No. 18-00096; Mary Bright and Jason Bright, obo Sarah Bright v. St. John The Baptist Parish School Board and Barbara Lennix, 40th Judicial District Court, Docket No. 67,261 Div. "C"; Valerie Lewis v. St. John The Baptist Parish School Board, Office of Workers’ Compensation, District 6, Docket No. 17-07548; Letoyia Webber, et al v. Jennifer Davis, St. John The Baptist Parish School Board, et al, 40th Judicial District Court, Docket No. 67,241, Div. A
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Wallace
MOTION: To convene in Executive Session to address: Litigation Updates: Eileen Green v. St. John The Baptist Parish School Board, Office of Workers’ Compensation, District 6, Docket No. 19-03686; Kabrrisha Robinson, obo Deri'niya Halbert v. St. John The Baptist Parish School Board, 40th Judicial District Court, Docket No. 69,490 Div. "A"; Joyce Farlough v. St. John The Baptist Parish School Board, Office of Workers’ Compensation, District 6, Docket No. 18-00096; Mary Bright and Jason Bright, obo Sarah Bright v. St. John The Baptist Parish School Board and Barbara Lennix, 40th Judicial District Court, Docket No. 67,261 Div. "C"; Valerie Lewis v. SJBP, Office of Workers’ Compensation, District 6, Docket No. 17-07548; Letoyia Webber, et al v. Jennifer Davis, St. John The Baptist Parish School Board, et al, 40th Judicial District Court, Docket No. 67,241, Div. A
No objections.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas - Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders
1 Absent - Schum
The motion carried.
The Board convened in Executive Session at 6:28 p.m.
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: DeFrancesch
MOTION: To reconvene in Regular Session
No objections.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas - Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders
1 Absent - Schum
The motion carried.
The Board reconvened in Regular Session at 7:09 p.m.
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Wallace
MOTION: In the matter of Valerie Lewis: To authorize Becnel Law Firm to follow guidelines as provided from the Safety National Insurance Company.
No objections.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas - Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders
1 Absent - Schum
The motion carried.
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Mitchell
MOTION: In the matter of Mary Bright: To authorize mediation and to attempt resolution with approval of LARMA.
No objections.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas - Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders
1 Absent - Schum
The motion carried.
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: DeFrancesch
MOTION: In the matter of Letoyia Weber and consolidated cases: To authorize mediation and to attempt resolution with approval of LARMA.
No objections.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas - Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders
1 Absent - Schum
The motion carried.
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Mitchell
MOTION: In the matter of Kabrisha Robinson: To authorize mediation and to attempt resolution with approval of LARMA.
No objections.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas - Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders
1 Absent - Schum
The motion carried.
ITEM 6. PERSONNEL MATTERS
ITEM 6a. Public Comment. Public Comment. Mrs. Serina Duke – Introduction of revised job descriptions: IEP Coordinator; Purchasing Agent/Director; Executive Director of Business and Finance; Executive Director of Assessment & Accountability
These items were for introduction only.
ITEM 6b. Public Comment. Mrs. Serina Duke – Introduction of new job descriptions: Coordinator of Information Technology; Assistant Superintendent
These items were for introduction only.
ITEM 7. BUSINESS AND FINANCE
ITEM 8. OLD BUSINESS
ITEM 8a. Public Comment. Ms. Iman Montgomery – Request removal from table and approval of Revised Policy: IFD – Parent and Family Engagement.
MOTION BY: Mitchell
SECOND BY: DeFrancesch
MOTION: To remove from the table: Revised Policy: IFD – Parent and Family Engagement
No objections.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas - Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders
1 Absent - Schum
MOTION BY: Mitchell
SECOND BY: DeFrancesch
MOTION: To approve Revised Policy: IFD – Parent and Family Engagement
No objections.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas - Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders
1 Absent - Schum
The motion carried.
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POLICY: IFD - PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IN EDUCATION PARENT AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT
The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board recognizes that parental involvement parent and family engagement must be a priority of the School Board for children to learn and achieve academic success. Parents and families provide the primary educational environment for children; consequently, parents are vital and necessary partners with the School Board throughout their children's elementary and secondary school careers. The term parent shall refer to any caregiver who assumes responsibility for nurturing and caring for children, and includes parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, foster parents, stepparents, and others. The concept of parental involvement parent and family engagement shall include programs, services, and/or activities on the school site, as well as contributions of parents outside the normal school setting.
It shall be the policy of the School Board and each public school in St. John the Baptist Parish, in meaningful collaboration with parents, teachers, students, administrators, and other educational resources, to establish, develop, and maintain strategies and programs that are intended to enhance the involvement of parents and other caregivers that reflect the needs of students, parents, and families served by the School Board, in accordance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. As part of the parental involvement parent and family engagement program, it shall be the responsibility of every school to create a welcoming environment, conducive to learning and supportive for comprehensive family involvement programs that have been developed jointly with parents/families.
DISTRICT LEVEL RESPONSIBILITIES
At the district level, the School Board shall:
1. Involve parents and family members in the joint development and amendment of the school district’s plan, which includes components of the district’s parental involvement parent and family engagement program, to be submitted to the Louisiana Department of Education. Such involvement shall involve, but not be limited to, the following:
a) appointing to, and interacting with, each school's School Improvement Team, which is actively involved with assessing needs and addressing these needs in the school;
b) conducting open public workshops on major issues;
c) holding regular School Board meetings, with opportunities for the Board to receive public input and comments;
d) requiring each school to conduct an annual open house meeting;
e) encouraging school based parental organizations, such as PTA, PTO, TEAM, etc.
2. Provide coordination of various programs which involve parents, technical assistance, and other support necessary to assist every public school in St. John the Baptist Parish in planning and implementing effective parental parent and family involvement programs and strategies activities to improve student academic achievement.
3. Coordinate and integrate parental involvement parent and family engagement strategies with other relevant programs that promote parental involvement.
4. Conduct, with the meaningful involvement of parents and family members, an annual evaluation of the content and effectiveness of components and strategies of the School Board's parental involvement parent and family engagement program and assess the components' and strategies' usefulness. The evaluation shall attempt to identify ways of improving the academic quality of the schools served by the School Board, including identifying barriers to greater participation by parents in educational and parental involvement parent and family engagement activities; particular attention shall be directed to parents who are economically disadvantaged, are disabled, have limited English proficiency, have limited literacy, or are of any racial or ethnic minority background. The School Board and each school shall use findings of such evaluation to design strategies for more effective parental and family involvement, and to revise, if necessary, the parental involvement parent and family engagement policies and procedures.
5. Distribute to parents and families, in a language the parents can understand, information about the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board's parental involvement parent and family engagement program, as well as provide proper notification to parents about specific services or special programs, as required by state or federal law. Notification shall also include, at the start of school each year, the right of parents to request and receive timely information on the professional qualifications of their children's classroom teachers.
6. Submit with the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Consolidated Application plan to the Louisiana Department of Education comments of parents of participating children who are not satisfied with components of the parental involvement program.
7. Inform and notify parents and organizations of the existence of a parental information and resource center established by the state to provide training, information, and support to parents and individuals who work with parents, School Boards, and schools.
SCHOOL LEVEL RESPONSIBILITIES
As part of the parental involvement parent and family engagement program, the School Board shall encourage each public school and require those schools receiving federal Title I funds under the jurisdiction of the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board to:
1. Convene an annual meeting, at a convenient time, to which all parents of participating children shall be invited and encouraged to attend, to inform parents of their school's educational programs and to explain components of the parental involvement program, and the right of the parents to be involved.
2. Offer a flexible number of engagement meetings at convenient times services, and/or activities, on or off school campuses, at various times of the day to maximize parental participation, and may provide transportation, child care, appropriate refreshments, and/or home visits, as such services relate to parental involvement.
3. Involve parents in an organized, ongoing, and timely way, in the planning, review, and improvement of parental involvement parent and family engagement programs, including the planning, development, review, and improvement of the school parental involvement parent and family engagement policy and the joint development of the school-wide parental involvement parent and family engagement program plan.
4. Provide parents, especially those of participating children in NCLB programs:
A. timely information about educational and parental involvement parent and family programs;
B. a description and explanation of the curriculum in use at the school, the forms of academic assessment used to measure student progress, and the proficiency level students are expected to meet achievement levels of state academic standards;
C. if requested by parents, opportunities for regular meetings to formulate suggestions and to participate, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of their children, and respond to any such suggestions as soon as practicably possible; and,
D. the School Board’s written Parent and Family Engagement policy.
5. If the school-wide parental involvement parent and family engagement program plan is not satisfactory to the parents of participating children, submit any parent comments on the plan when the school makes the plan available to school district level personnel.
SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES
As part of the parental involvement parent and family engagement program, to build a capacity for involvement, the School Board and each public school under the jurisdiction of the School Board:
1. Shall provide assistance to parents of children served by the school or School Board, as appropriate, in understanding such topics as the state's academic content standards, state and local academic assessments, the components of the Board's parental involvement program, and how to monitor a child's progress and work with educators to improve the achievement of their children.
2. Shall provide materials and training to help parents to work with their children to improve their children's achievement, such as literacy training and using technology, as appropriate, to foster parental involvement.
3. Shall educate teachers, pupil services personnel, principals, and other staff, with the assistance of parents, in the value and utility of contributions of parents, and in how to reach out to, communicate with, and work with parents as equal partners, implement and coordinate parent programs, and build ties between parents and the school.
4. Shall, to the extent feasible and appropriate, coordinate and integrate parent involvement programs and activities with other outreach educational programs, such as Head Start, and public pre-school and other programs, and conduct other activities, such as parent resource centers, that encourage and support parents in more fully participating in the education of their children.
5. Shall ensure that information related to school and parent programs, meetings, and other activities is sent to parents in a format and, to the extent practicable, in a language the parents can understand.
6. May involve parents in the development of training for teachers, principals, and other educators to improve the effectiveness of such training The district will provide parents with an opportunity to participate in professional development focused on parent engagement activities. This professional development will be provided by the district and/or state approved vendor depending on the availability of federal funds.
7. The district will inform parents of the type of training that will be provided to teachers, principals, and other educators every school year. The list will be available on the district website.
7. May provide necessary literacy training from federal and state funds received if the School Board has exhausted all other reasonably available sources of funding for such training. Literacy coaches will implement the district’s literacy curriculum and progress monitoring programs at all school sites. Parents can receive literacy data on their chil(ren) from the Principal or designee at their child’s homebased school. Any literacy training offered after school hours to teachers will be funded with federal funds on the school or district level.
8. May pay reasonable and necessary expenses associated with parental involvement activities, including transportation, appropriate refreshments, and/or child care costs, to enable parents to participate in school-related meetings and training sessions. Federal funds can be used at the district or school level to provide assistance such as supervised child care while the parents are attending the parent involvement activity at their child’s school. If transportation is preventing parents from attending parental involvement activities, the district will work with the transportation department and federal programs to develop a plan to assist with providing parents with transportation.
9. May train parents to enhance the involvement of other parents.
10. May arrange school meetings, at a variety of times and places, or conduct in-home conferences between teachers or other educators who work directly with children, with parents who are unable to attend such conferences at school, in order to maximize parental involvement and participation.
11. May adopt and implement model approaches to improving parental involvement.
12. Shall recognize parental activities and/or contributions outside the normal school setting that enhance student academic achievement, such as tutoring, improving attendance, and contributing and preparing school/classroom support materials and services.
12. May establish a district-wide parent advisory council to provide advice on all matters related to parental involvement in programs.
13. May develop appropriate roles for community-based organizations and businesses in parental involvement activities.
14. Shall provide such other reasonable support for parental involvement activities as parents may request.
15. Shall provide, to the extent practicable, full opportunities for the participation of parents with limited English proficiency, parents with disabilities, and parents of migratory children, including providing necessary information and school reports required in a format, and to the extent practicable, in a language such parents understand.
PARENTS' RESPONSIBILITIES
The School Board realizes that a child's education begins at birth. Parents and family members, as their child's primary teachers, play a vital role in the intellectual, social, and emotional growth of their children. A child's development and success is dependent on the direct support a child receives at home. In an effort to promote responsible and successful parenting skills, the Board expects parents to:
1. Make sure children attend school regularly and arrive at school on time.
2. Supervise completion of all homework assignments.
3. Assure proper hygiene and daily cleanliness of their children.
4. Make sure children are dressed properly, in accordance with the uniform or dress code.
5. Make sure that children get adequate amounts of sleep nightly.
6. Visit and discuss their child's academic progress regularly with teachers.
7. Discuss academic progress and school events regularly with their child.
8. Instill proper respect for parents, teachers, and other adults.
9. Volunteer in child's classroom, school, or related activities to the extent feasible and appropriate.
10. When feasible, attend school-sponsored programs in which their child may participate.
11. When feasible, join and be active in parent/teacher organizations.
Statement of Compliance
Each student in grades 4-12 and each parent or guardian of a student in grades 4-12, shall annually sign a Statement of Compliance, in accordance with state law. For students, the Statement of Compliance shall state that the student agrees to attend school regularly, arrive at school on time, demonstrate significant effort toward completion of homework assignments, and follow school and classroom rules. For parents, the Statement of Compliance shall state that the parent or legal guardian agrees to ensure his/her child's daily attendance at school, ensure his/her child's arrival at school on time each day, ensure his/her child completes all assigned homework, and attend all required parent/teacher/principal conferences.
SCHOOL-PARENT COMPACT
Each school shall jointly develop with parents a school-parent compact that outlines how parents, the entire school staff, and students will share the responsibility for improved student academic achievement and the means by which the school and parents will build and develop a partnership to help children achieve the State's high standards. Such compact shall:
1. Describe the school's responsibility to provide high-quality curriculum and instruction in a supportive and effective learning environment that enables the children to meet the State's student academic achievement standards, and the ways in which each parent will be responsible for supporting their children's learning, such as monitoring attendance, homework completion, and television watching; volunteering in their child's classroom; contributing services outside the normal school setting; and participating, as appropriate, in decisions relating to the education of their children, and positive use of extracurricular time.
2. Address the importance of communication between teachers and parents on an ongoing basis through, at a minimum:
A. parent-teacher conferences in elementary schools, at least annually, during which the compact shall be discussed as the compact relates to the individual child's achievement;
B. frequent reports to parents on their children's progress;
C. reasonable access to staff, opportunities to volunteer and participate in their child's class, and scheduled observation of classroom activities; and
D. parental activities and/or contributions away from the school site that enhance academic achievement.
OTHER PROGRAMS
In conjunction with the district services rendered under the School Board's parental involvement program, the School Board shall maintain contact and communication with social service and health agencies, faith-based institutions, and community groups to support key family and community services and issues. In particular, the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board has a strong relationship with and support from community and/or governmental organizations such as Families in Need of Services (FINS), Partners in Education, and District Parent/Teacher Association (PTA). One of the primary goals of these groups is to support, supplement, and assist in improving involvement of parents of children in the St. John the Baptist Parish public schools.
Revised: February, 2003
Approved: October 15, 2009
Revised: December, 2017
Ref: 20 USC 6312 (Strengthening and Improvement of Elementary and Secondary Schools), 20 USC 6318 (Parent and Family Engagement); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:235.2; Board minutes, 4-19-01, 10-15-09.
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ITEM 9. NEW BUSINESS
ITEM 9a. Public Comment. Ms. Iman Montgomery - Introduction of New Policy: IDDFA – Special Education Advisory Council
This item was for introduction only.
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IDDFA - SPECIAL EDUCATION ADVISORY COUNCIL
The Superintendent, prior to January 1, 2020, shall create a Special Education Advisory Council, which shall provide advice and recommendations regarding special education policies, procedures, and resources. The council shall also engage in outreach activities to the community at large to increase the level of knowledge, support, and collaboration with respect to special education.
The number of council members and composition of the council shall be determined by the Superintendent. The Superintendent shall appoint the council members in accordance with the following statutory requirements:
1. Fifty percent (50%) of the membership shall be parents or legal guardians of students with an exceptionality, other than gifted and talented, who are enrolled in a school under the jurisdiction of the public school governing authority.
2. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the membership shall be teachers, principals, or paraprofessionals.
3. Twenty-five percent (25%) of the membership shall be other special education stakeholders.
In selecting council members, an effort shall be made to include parents of students in elementary, middle, and high school grades.
The Superintendent shall designate the chairperson of the council. The chairperson shall be responsible for calling the council’s meetings, preside over the meetings, and establish the agendas for the meetings, all in consultation with the Superintendent.
The Special Education Advisory Council shall meet at least three (3) times during a school year. A majority of the committee membership shall constitute a quorum for holding a meeting and making recommendations. Minutes shall be taken of the proceedings of all Special Education Advisory Council meetings. A written report shall be prepared by the Special Education Advisory Council and submitted to the Superintendent in May of each year regarding its activities.
No liability or cause of action against the public school district, public charter school or other public school, or any officer or employee thereof for any action taken by members of the Special Education Advisory Council.
New policy: July, 2019
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:81, 17:1944.1, 42:12, 42:13, 42:14, 42:15, 42:16, 42:17, 42:19, 42:20 42:24, 42:25.
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ITEM 9b. This item was addressed earlier in the meeting.
Mrs. DeFrancesch assumed the seat of Chair for the next item.
ITEM 9c. Public Comment. Mr. Patrick H. Sanders – Request approval to release an RFQ for a district-wide forensic audit
MOTION BY: Sanders
SECOND BY: Wallace
MOTION: To direct administration to release an RFQ for a district-wide forensic audit.
No objections.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas - Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders
1 Absent - Schum
The motion carried.
Mr. Sanders resumed the seat of Chair.
ITEM 9d. Public Comment. Mr. Cory Butler – Request approval of Organizational Chart
Public Comment: Ms. Cindy Graham spoke against the approval of this item.
Following discussion, Mr. Butler asked that the Board table this item so that discussion can take place at the Board retreat, scheduled for the first week of February.
ITEM 9e. This item was addressed earlier in the meeting.
ITEM 10. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
MOTION BY: Burl
SECOND BY: Wallace
MOTION: To waive policy to discuss the insurance expiring on March 20, 2020.
No objections.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas - Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders
1 Absent - Schum
The motion carried.
MOTION BY: Burl
SECOND BY: Mitchell
MOTION: To direct administration to solicit proposals for property insurance that will be expiring on March 20, 2020.
No objections.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas - Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders
1 Absent - Schum
The motion carried.
Mrs. DeFrancesch assumed the seat of Chair for the next item.
MOTION BY: Sanders
SECOND BY: Jones
MOTION: To waive policy to discuss ratification of Mr. Cory Butler’s Interim Superintendent contract.
No objections.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas - Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders
1 Absent - Schum
The motion carried.
MOTION BY: Sanders
SECOND BY: Jones
MOTION: To ratify the contract (which will mirror the contract of former Interim Superintendent Heidi Trosclair) between Mr. Cory Butler and St. John the Baptist Parish School Board for the Interim Superintendent position.
No objections.
Roll Call:
9 Yeas - Holden, Burl, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders
1 Absent - Schum
1 Not Seated – Keller
The motion carried.
MOTION BY: Sanders
SECOND BY: Jones
MOTION: To waive policy to discuss the RFP for the Superintendent Search.
No objections.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas - Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders
1 Absent - Schum
The motion carried.
MOTION BY: Sanders
SECOND BY: Holden
MOTION: To direct administration to release an RFP for the Superintendent Search.
No objections.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas - Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders
1 Absent - Schum
The motion carried.
Mr. Sanders resumed the seat of Chair.
ITEM 11. BOARD ITEMS OF INTEREST
Gerald Keller: Asked that administration review the school rental policy, in light of a recent incident at a school over the holiays.
Ms. Holden invited everyone to the celebration and march in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King on Monday, January 20, 2020.
ITEM 12. ADJOURNMENT
The agenda having been completed, and there being no further business, there was a
MOTION BY: Mitchell
SECOND BY: Wallace
MOTION: Motion for adjournment.
There were no objections.
The meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m.
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
Cory Butler, Interim Superintendent/Secretary Patrick H. Sanders, President
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LEGAL REPORT AS SUBMITTED BY THE
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S OFFICE:
AGENDA - ST. JOHN PARISH SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
January 16, 2020 – 6:00 p.m.
West St. John Elementary School - Edgard, Louisiana
This Legal Report is the official communication of legal advice and recommendation(s) to the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board. This document is a public record. This Legal Report shall be incorporated into the approved minutes of the meeting specified above and made a part of the official public record of the St. Joh the Baptist Parish School Board.
Each public officer in St. John the Baptist Parish is required by LSA–R.S. 42:141 to take the oath of office prescribed for in Article 10 §30 of the Louisiana Constitution. In accordance therewith, each public officer has a duty to support the constitution and laws of the United States and the constitution and laws of this state, including but not limited to the Louisiana Open Meetings Law, St. John the Baptist Parish School Board Policies and Robert’s Rules of Order.
The District Attorney’s office is available to render written opinions, upon the submission of a duly passed motion or resolution of the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board stating the legal question. A minimum of forty–five (45) calendar days from the date a motion or resolution is passed may be required to render an opinion, if it is necessary to gather facts and documents for a comprehensive legal review and analysis.
1. CALL TO ORDER, INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
2. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a. Public Comment. Meeting of December 12, 2019 (Requires action)
4. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT – Mr. Cory Butler
a. Public Comment. Mr. Cory Butler - School Board Member Credit Hours
5. EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS BY THE BOARD OR STAFF
a. Public Comment. Resolution to the family of Melba Collins
b. Public Comment. Marathon: STEM Investment
6. PERSONNEL MATTERS
a. Public Comment. Mrs. Serina Duke – Introduction of revised job descriptions: IEP Coordinator; Purchasing Agent/Director; Executive Director of Business and Finance; Executive Director of Assessment & Accountability (Requires action)
The District Attorney’s Office was not consulted or asked to review any materials related to this issue.
b. Public Comment. Mrs. Serina Duke – Introduction of new job descriptions: Coordinator of Information Technology; Assistant Superintendent (Requires action)
The District Attorney’s Office was not consulted or asked to review any materials related to this issue.
7. BUSINESS AND FINANCE
8. OLD BUSINESS
a. Public Comment. Ms. Iman Montgomery – Request removal from table and approval of Revised Policy: IFD – Parent and Family Engagement (Requires action)
The District Attorney’s Office was not consulted or asked to review any materials related to this issue.
9. NEW BUSINESS
a. Public Comment. Ms. Iman Montgomery - Introduction of New Policy: IDDFA – Special Education Advisory Council
The District Attorney’s Office was not consulted or asked to review any materials related to this issue.
b. Public Comment. Mr. Wayne Stewart – Request approval of execution of Type 1 Louisiana Premiere Charter Contract at LifeHouse Campus/Facility, Reserve, Louisiana (Requires action)
The District Attorney’s Office was not consulted or asked to review any materials related to this issue.
c. Public Comment. Mr. Patrick H. Sanders – Request approval to release an RFQ for a district-wide forensic audit (Requires action)
The District Attorney’s Office was not consulted or asked to review any materials related to this issue.
d. Public Comment. Mr. Cory Butler – Request approval of Organizational Chart (Requires action)
The District Attorney’s Office was not consulted or asked to review any materials related to this issue.
e. Public Comment. Mr. Kevin Klibert – Executive Session – Litigation Updates: Eileen Green v. St. John The Baptist Parish School Board, Office of Workers’ Compensation, District 6, Docket No. 19-03686; Kabrrisha Robinson, obo Deri'niya Halbert v. St. John The Baptist Parish School Board, 40th Judicial District Court, Docket No. 69,490 Div. "A"; Joyce Farlough v. St. John The Baptist Parish School Board, Office of Workers’ Compensation, District 6, Docket No. 18-00096; Mary Bright and Jason Bright, obo Sarah Bright v. St. John The Baptist Parish School Board and Barbara Lennix, 40th Judicial District Court, Docket No. 67,261 Div. "C"; Valerie Lewis v. St. John The Baptist Parish School Board, Office of Workers’ Compensation, District 6, Docket No. 17-07548; Letoyia Webber, et al v. Jennifer Davis, St. John The Baptist Parish School Board, et al, 40th Judicial District Court, Docket No. 67,241, Div. A (Requires action)
Pursuant to LSA-R.S. 16:2, the District Attorney is the statutory general counsel for the School Board. However, pursuant to La. Attorney General Opinion No. 16-0003, the School Board’s contract with the Becnel Law Firm “confines itself to litigation matters.” As such, the Becnel Law Firm does not provide the District Attorney any information regarding litigation matters.
10. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
11. BOARD ITEMS OF INTEREST
12. ADJOURNMENT