PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

GODCHAUX GRAMMAR CAFETERIA, - RESERVE, LA

MEETING OF MARCH 12, 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 Godchaux Grammar Cafeteria, 1600 Highway 44, Reserve, Louisiana, on Thursday, March 12, 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 6:00 p.m. He called for a moment of silent meditation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. 

ITEM 2. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS: The Chair called for Public Comment.

PRESENT:         Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders

ABSENT:            Johnson

There were 10 members present and 1 members absent. 

ITEM 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The Chair called for Public Comment.

ITEM 3a.  Approval of Minutes of:  Meeting of February 13, 2020

MOTION BY:    Triche

SECOND BY:   Mitchell

MOTION:  To approve the minutes of:  Meeting of February 13, 2020

Roll call:

9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, DeFrancesch, Jones, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders

1 Nay - Keller

1 Absent - Johnson

ITEM 4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. Mr. Cory Butler, Interim Superintendent.

Mr. Butler stated that the district is ahead of the game as far as the COVID-19 virus. We have ordered disinfecting foggers and additional sanitizing supplies and the added cleaning of all campuses has begun.  In addition to our buildings, the transportation department has initiated both a pre- and post-cleaning/sanitizing routine for all buses.

Mr. Johnson arrived at 6:06 p.m. and was recorded as present.

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

ITEM 5a.  Public Comment.  Mr. Andre’ Brock (LSU Ag Center) – Introduction of St. John the Baptist Parish 4-H Agent and update on 4-H in St. John Parish

Mr. Andre Brock introduced Ms. Ashley Terry as the new St. John the Baptist Parish 4-H Agent.  Ms. Terry addressed the Board and audience.

ITEM 5b.  Public Comment.  Mrs. Serina Duke – Recognition of Support Employees

The Chair declared a recess at 6:17 p.m., reconvening in regular session at 6:24 p.m.

ITEM 6.  PERSONNEL MATTERS

ITEM 6a.  Public Comment.  Mrs. Serina Duke – Introduction of Revised Policy:  GBBA – Qualifications and Duties

This item was for introduction only.

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

GBBA:  QUALIFICATIONS AND DUTIES

TEACHERS

The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board shall require that each teacher or substitute teacher hold not less than a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university to be eligible for employment, whenever possible. Each teacher, including administrative personnel, shall be required to hold a current and valid teacher's certificate issued by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) or demonstrate proficiency in meeting all requirements necessary to obtain such a certificate.

Certification in Progress

In the absence of an available, certified teacher, principals may recommend an applicant who is actively making progress toward earning permanent teacher licensure. The applicant shall be eligible for employment a maximum of three (3) years while working towards certification.

To be eligible for initial hire, the applicant must meet the requirements and obtain/maintain an initial Louisiana Temporary Authority to Teach (TAT), as set forth in Bulletin 746, Louisiana Standards for State Certification of School Personnel, §323. TATs are valid for one (1) year initially and may be renewed twice thereafter provided the applicant has met the specified requirements. The applicant shall be considered a temporary employee and shall follow the same classification as late-hire employees with employment ending within seven (7) days upon the employment of a certified teacher or the final day of the school year. Uncertified employees shall not be guaranteed teaching positions until earning permanent licensure. Teachers assigned to Head Start must meet program requirements; effectively perform requirements of their job description; follow all applicable policies/procedures; and complete assessments required for permanent state certification twice annually (once per semester). Scores must be received and available by April 30th of each year to continue employment. Personnel who do not meet these requirements may be employed as temporary teachers and shall not be entitled to employee benefits.

If the principal determines that the applicant teacher has met the standards of effectiveness, adhered to the corresponding job description, and evaluations and documentation supports satisfactory performance, the teacher may be recommended for a second (2"d) year of employment, but must meet the specified requirements and renew/maintain a TAT or a Practitioner License. By the end of year two, the applicant teacher must be enrolled in an alternative certification program to continue employment, with proper documentation being submitted for verification.

If the principal determines that the applicant teacher has demonstrated satisfactory performance of duties, adhering to the corresponding job description, and evaluations and documentation supports such determination, the teacher may be recommended for a third (3rd) and final year of employment as a teacher. The teacher must be enrolled in an alternative certification program, eligible for TAT3, and earn the practitioner license by the end of the first semester of the third (3rd) year of employment. The teacher shall only be eligible for continued employment if they have met the specified requirements and earned permanent licensure.

JOB DESCRIPTION/DUTIES

A written job description shall exist for every employment position with the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board, depicting the minimum qualifications and the responsibilities necessary for the position.

As part of their work assignment, teachers, as well as other employees, shall perform duties as necessary to reasonably maintain the safety and welfare of students. They shall at all times perform these duties in a reasonably prudent manner. There shall be intensive supervision of all students in areas of high risk, such as indoor or outdoor physical education classes, weight rooms, locker/dressing rooms, chemistry and biology labs, home economics classes, as well as other high risk technical education classes, and extracurricular activities including such things as practices, tutoring, try-outs, field trips, and athletic events.

Teachers may also be required to attend or conduct such other functions or activities of their respective school as deemed appropriate by the principal within the guidelines of their job description and their job responsibilities.

OTHER PERSONNEL

The Superintendent shall ensure that other school employees, both current and prospective, have proper certification, as applicable, and are qualified for the position to which employed.

New policy: June 2019

Revised February 2020

Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:81, 17:413, 17:414, 17:441, 17:3884, 17:3904; Harrah

Independent School District v. Martin, 99 S. Ct. 1062 (1979); Louisiana Standards for State Certification of School Personnel, Bulletin 746, Louisiana Department of

Education.

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

ITEM 7.  BUSINESS AND FINANCE

ITEM 7a.  Public Comment.  Mrs. Patricia Triche – Request Board approval for Head Start Grant Application and Budget for the 2020-2021 School Year

MOTION BY:   Keller

SECOND BY:   Wallace

MOTION:          To approve the Head Start Grant Application and Budget for the 2020-2021 School Year.

No objections.

Roll Call:

11 Yeas - Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders

The motion carried.

ITEM 7b.  Public Comment.  Mrs. Patricia Triche – Review of Head Start Training and Technical Assistance Plan

This item was for introduction only.

ITEM 7c.  Public Comment.  Mrs. Patricia Triche – Review of Head Start Self-Assessment 2019-2020

This item was for introduction only.

ITEM 7d.  Public Comment.  Mrs. Patricia Triche – Review of Head Start 5 Year Long Range Goals and Short-Term Objectives

This item was for introduction only.

ITEM 7e.  Public Comment.  Public Comment.  Ms. Terry Charles – Request board approval to advertise for bids for the SY 2020-2021 for Bread, Milk, Processed Foods, Frozen Foods, Meat/Meat Products, Cleaning Supplies, Paper Supplies, Large and Small Equipment for cafeteria

MOTION BY:   Keller

SECOND BY:   Triche

MOTION:          To allow administration to advertise for bids for the SY 2020-2021 for Bread, Milk, Processed Foods, Frozen Foods, Meat/Meat Products, Cleaning Supplies, Paper Supplies, Large and Small Equipment for cafeteria.

No objections.

Roll Call:

11 Yeas - Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders

The motion carried.

ITEM 8.  OLD BUSINESS

ITEM 9.  NEW BUSINESS

ITEM 9a.  Public Comment.  Ms. Michelle Seymour – Introduction of 2020-2021 School Year Calendar

This item was for introduction only.

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

St. John the Baptist Parish Schools – Calendar – 2020-2021

(Proposed)

ITEM 9b.  Public Comment.  Ms. Iman Montgomery – Selection of Search Firm for Superintendent’s Search

Public Comment:  Mr. Alvin Scioneaux and Mrs. Yvette Scioneaux state their concerns regarding a Superintendent’s Search.  Both felt that this process should be sped up so that permanent decisions can be made for the good of all students.

MOTION BY:   Schum

SECOND BY:   DeFrancesch

MOTION:          To enter into a contract with JG Consulting for the Superintendent’s Search at a cost of no more than $25,000 (all inclusive of national advertising, travel, lodging, meals, etc.)

Following extensive discussion, there was a

SUBSTITUTE MOTION BY:   Burl

SECOND BY:   Triche

MOTION:          To table this item

No objections.

Roll Call:

5 Yeas – Burl, Jones, Johnson, Mitchell, Triche

6 Nays – Holden, Keller, DeFrancesch, Schum, Wallace, Sanders

The motion to table failed.

Mr. Jones stated for the record that he is against this because the board has already expended over $17,000 for a search and ended up scrapping the entire process because one candidate dropped out.  He stated that he can’t justify spending another $25,000 with a guarantee that the Board will hire a Superintendent.

Following even further discussion, the Chair called for a roll call on the original motion to enter into a contract with JG Consulting for the Superintendent’s Search:

7 Yeas – Holden, Keller, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Sanders

4 Nays – Burl, Jones, Mitchell, Triche

The motion carried.

ITEM 9c.  Public Comment.  Mr. Patrick Sanders – Announce members of the Salary Study Committee

Salary Study Committee:

Debbie Schum, Phillip Johnson, Mr. Burl, Kim Miller (ESJH), Glenn Chenier (STEM), Terry Charles (Central Office), Annette Houston (Community)

ITEM 9d.  Public Comment.  Mrs. Debra Schum – Request Board approval to direct administration to present all Administrative Contracts to the Board for approval

MOTION BY:   Schum

SECOND BY:   Triche

MOTION:          To direct administration to present all Administrative Contracts to the Board for approval.

Following discussion regarding this item, there was a

SUBSTITUTE MOTION BY:   Burl

SECOND BY:   Holden

MOTION:          To direct administration to present all Administrative Contracts, including non-certificated employees to the Executive Committee for approval.

No objections.

Roll Call:

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

0 Nays

The motion carried.

ITEM 9e.  Public Comment.  Mrs. Debra Schum – Implement a hiring freeze on employment, excluding school-based personnel, effective immediately.

Public Comment:  Mr. and Mrs. Scioneaux both spoke in opposition of this item because they feel the CFO and Purchasing department is critical to run the system. Ms. Schum stated that both of these positions were in the original budget, and the freeze will not affect proceeding with hiring these vital positions.

Ms. Following extensive discussion, there was a

MOTION BY:   Schum

SECOND BY:   Triche

MOTION:          To implement a hiring freeze on employment for all positions that were not funded in the Original 2019-2020 budget, excluding school based personnel, effective immediately.

No objections.

Roll Call:

6 Yeas – Holden, Keller, DeFrancesch, Schum, Triche, Sanders

5 Nays – Burl, Jones, Johnson, Wallace, Mitchell

The motion carried.

ITEM 9f.  Public Comment.  Mr. Nathan Stein (Assured Compliance, Inc.) – Executive Session:  Update on Audit Collections

Mr. Sanders read the following from the Legal Report:

The Louisiana Open Meetings Law (R.S. 42:17) does not provide an exception for “update on audit collections” to be discussed in executive session. Our office strongly advises and cautions the Board that holding “update on audit collections” in executive session would be a violation of the Louisiana Open Meetings Law and may subject each participating member to personal liability. We further advise the Board to fully comply with the requirements of the Louisiana Open Meetings Law including, but not limited to, exceptions to open meetings law as found in La. R.S. 42:17.

MOTION BY:   Burl

SECOND BY:   DeFrancesch

MOTION:          To table this item.

No objections.

Roll Call:

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

0 Nays

The motion carried.

ITEM 9g.  Public Comment.  Mr. Albert Burl, III - Salary Adjustment, equivalent to the 2019 educational raise by the State of Louisiana, to be provided effective July 1, 2020

Public Comment:  Garrett Trosclair (SJAE) stated that SJAE would like to talk about this before it is voted on and that SJAE is not in favor of this item at this time.

MOTION BY:   Burl

SECOND BY:   Holden

MOTION:          To approve a Salary Adjustment, equivalent to the 2019 educational raise by the State of Louisiana, to be provided effective July 1, 2020 and added to the Salary Schedule.

No objections.

Roll Call:

6 Yeas – Holden, Burl, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Wallace, Mitchell,

3 Nays – Keller, Schum, Sanders

2 Abstentions – Jones, Triche

The motion carried.

ITEM 10.  ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

ITEM 11.  BOARD ITEMS OF INTEREST

Mr. Jones stated for the record that he supports raises for all employees, but due to his recent nuptials, he feels he should check with the Ethics Dept. before voting on any raise for employees.  Also, he asked the record to reflect that he asked about in-house Board legal counsel.

Dr. Keller stated that he voted against the raise because he feels the employees deserve more than what the motion offered.

Mr. Burl asked administration to meet with Mr. and Mrs. Scioneaux regarding their concerns.

ITEM 12.  ADJOURNMENT

The agenda having been completed, and there being no further business, there was a

MOTION BY:    Holden

SECOND BY:   Wallace

MOTION:         Motion for adjournment.

There were no objections.

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

The motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 8:13 p.m.

_____________________________________                               _____________________________________

Cory Butler, Interim Superintendent/Secretary                                                       Patrick H. Sanders, President