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, November 12, 2020 at 6:00 p.m.
An agenda for the meeting is attached.
Sincerely,
Dr. Lynett Hookfin
Superintendent/Secretary
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.
He called for a moment of silent meditation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
The Chairs asked that everyone please keep Ms. Irene Burl’s family in their prayers, as she passed away earlier this week.
Mr. Sanders also thanked his fellow board members for checking on him while he was out.
ITEM 2. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS: The Chair called for Public Comment.
PRESENT: Holden, Keller, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders
ABSENT: Burl, DeFrancesch
There were 9 members present and 2 members absent.
ITEM 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The Chair called for Public Comment.
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Triche
9 Yeas - Holden, Keller, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders
2 Absent – Burl, DeFrancesch
ITEM 4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. Dr. Lynett Hookfin, Superintendent.
Blessed to be a Blessing Thanksgiving Turkey/Meal Giveaway: Saturday, November 21st at East St. John High School beginning at 7:00 a.m. until all are gone. These meals are sponsored by Cargill, Inc. in coordination with Blessed to be a Blessing.
a. Public Comment. Dr. Lynett Hookfin – Celebrating a Scholar - Jaycee Robinson, 6th Grade, Emily C. Watkins
Jaycee was unavailable to attend the meeting. Her principal, Ms. Eldridge accepted her gifts on her behalf. Her teacher had this to say about her:
Jaycee is a 6th grade virtual student who has been most responsible with attendance, turning in work, and contacting teachers. She is an excellent student and we are proud of her for her growth as she has learned virtually!
b. Public Comment. Celebrate Our Technology Department
The Technology Department was celebrated and thanked for all the extra work they’ve put in during the pandemic. The following were recognized:
Justin Bubay – 5 months; Jessie Cortez, Jr. – 2 years; Charles Ragas – 5 years; Jessie Cortez – 12 years; Tanya Faucheux – 18 years; Darby Loupe – 19 years; Ritchie Cortez – 21 years; Bonnie Dinvaut – 29 years; David Andras – 33 years.
c. Public Comment. Report on the Final Student Count Numbers; and
d. Public Comment. Report on In-person vs Virtual by School Site
Mr. Cory Butler – Presented Phase 3 enrollment numbers: 5,379 students total - 2,960 virtual; 2,419 in-person. He stated the district is currently down 724 students from this time last year.
e. Public Comment. Workshop Topics
Before speaking on the workshop, Dr. Hookfin stated that she would like to honor all district Veterans. She also asked Mr. Triche to speak on the Gold and Silver Award Program. Mr. Triche explained that this program that rewards students for academic achievement (A’s and A’s&B’s) each nine weeks.
Dr. Hookfin stated that it was suggested that the Board hold another Workshop. Topics would include, but not be limited to the financial audit and the upcoming strategic plan.
Dr. Hookfin also stated that we have experienced a spike in COVID-19 cases and due to transparency, she wanted to let the public know this. Although academic achievement is a priority, the safety of our staff and students will always be of utmost importance and her team will be meeting regarding a decision going forward.
Mr. Sanders asked if a decision could be made before next Friday whether or not to go back to virtual. Dr. Hookfin stated that next Friday is a good date because it will give us time to analyze the date and let our parents know what’s happening. We will make the best decision for OUR parish. This sudden spike has alarmed us, and we are discussing what action and next steps we will take. Mr. Sanders asked all adults (employees) to please stay home if they do not feel well and/or showing signs or symptoms of COVID-19.
Dr. Hookfin asked Mr. David Andras to come forward regarding our one-to-one virtual update. Mr. Andras stated that all grades 5th-12th are currently one-to-one. The computers are on-hand, but need to be processed and distributed. He stated that, if necessary, we could go into “emergency operations” and put all technology hands on deck and get the computers ready within 12-15 days.
ITEM 5. EDUCATION PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS BY THE BOARD OR STAFF
ITEM 6. PERSONNEL MATTERS
ITEM 7. BUSINESS AND FINANCE
ITEM 8. OLD BUSINESS
ITEM 9. NEW BUSINESS
ITEM 9a. Public Comment. Mrs. Terry Charles – Request increase in meal prices for eligible and non-eligible adults for both breakfast and lunch.
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Triche
9 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders
2 Absent – Burl, DeFrancesch
The motion carried.
ITEM 9b. Public Comment. Mrs. Janice Gauthier – Request adoption of the Protest Review Committee’s Determination regarding the Workers’ Compensation Third Party Administrator award
MOTION BY: Holden
SECOND BY: Schum
9 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders
2 Absent – Burl, DeFrancesch
The motion carried.
ITEM 9c. Mrs. Janice Gauthier – Request Board review and approve Addendum to Warranty for ESJP Gymnasium Roof
MOTION BY: Wallace
SECOND BY: Johnson
9 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders
2 Absent – Burl, DeFrancesch
The motion carried.
ITEM 9d. Public Comment. Ms. Iman Montgomery – Request Board approval to award contract for Excess Workers’ Compensation Insurance Policy
Ms. Montgomery stated that the proposals were opened and all were very high cost. She asked the Board to waive policy to amend the agenda to re-advertise this contract in an effort to secure a more cost effective policy.
MOTION BY: Schum
SECOND BY: Wallace
9 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders
2 Absent – Burl, DeFrancesch
The motion carried.
MOTION BY: Keller
SECOND BY: Mitchell
9 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders
2 Absent – Burl, DeFrancesch
The motion carried.
ITEM 9e. Public Comment. Ms. Iman Montgomery – Request Board approval to advertise for School Board Property Insurance expiring in March 2021
MOTION BY: Wallace
SECOND BY: Schum
9 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders
2 Absent – Burl, DeFrancesch
The motion carried.
ITEM 9f. Public Comment. Mr. Albert Burl – Consent Decree regarding the GMMS compliance
Ms. Iman Montgomery stated: The decree is approximately 400 pages, so a summary will be given. One requirement of the consent decree is reporting requirements. A report is filed every October and March with the United States Federal Court, Department of Justice. One of the reports include the demographics of students by race and gender, teachers by race and gender, the courses offered at our high schools, the demographics of those who contact our students daily by race and gender (counselors, nurses, social workers, principals, etc.). This report was recently filed by Mr. Orenthal Jasmin, St. John Parish District Attorney’s Office. Regarding GMMS, there is nothing in the actual consent decree specifically addressing this school. Most importantly, we are getting back in compliance with the reporting.
Ms. Mitchell asked for a copy of the reports filed by Mr. Jasmin. Ms. Montgomery stated that because of the size of the reports (over 500 pages), a summary will be sent to all Board members.
ITEM 9g. Public Comment. Mr. Albert Burl – Search for a permanent principal at GMMS
Dr. Hookfin stated that this position is still being advertised, but she met with parents, faculty and staff to gauge what the desired traits are for this position. The staff requested an anonymous survey to give feedback on their thoughts. An interview committee panel will be brought together to choose this most important position. There will be a first round of candidates, and then a second round of candidates. Also, we are down to final candidates for the CFO position and also the ESJH Principal position. The Board will be kept updated on the process.
Ms. Mitchell asked Dr. Hookfin to let the Board members know when the final interviews will be held so that they can sit in on the final interviews. Dr. Hookfin stated that she will let the Board know when it is scheduled.
ITEM 9h. Public Comment. Mr. Albert Burl – Superintendent’s 90 Day Action Plan for the next 90 days
Dr. Hookfin gave the Board a copy of her 90 Day Action Plan. She stated that the highlights: this week, the priority is the safety of our staff and students. The action plan is divided by: Governance, Academic Achievement, Community Relations, Operations & Finance and Overall Organizational Effectiveness.
ITEM 9i. Public Comment. Mr. Albert Burl – Status on the number of schools in corrective action with the SPED Department
Dr. Stacey Spies began by defining “corrective action”: Corrective Action is a formal process that requires the develop of a corrective action plan for non-compliance of special education regulations. We do not have any schools in corrective action in St. John Parish. Our district is not in corrective action. What we do have are schools that have received the label “Urgent Intervention Required” for the Special Education performance on LEAP 2025. In order for our schools to emerge from this label, our schools must meet certain criteria for 2 consecutive years. Schools are working diligently on intervention, individualized plans, and special education student data. Special Education Staff is working with Principals and School Leaders to created individualized plans by school and focusing on their particular school data.
Further discussion was held.
ITEM 9j. Public Comment. Mrs. Debra Schum – Set date for next Board Workshop
Ms. Schum asked that we have workshops in the months that there is only 1 board meeting. Following discussion, the board would like to have a workshop on Monday, November 23, 2020 from 10:00-noon.
ITEM 9k. Public Comment. Mrs. Debra Schum – Set date for first Salary Study Committee Meeting
Mr. Garrett Trosclair stated that there is no SJAE representative on the Salary Study Committee. Mr. Sanders stated that we would rectify that. Mrs. Schum asked that this meeting happen in December.
ITEM 9l. Public Comment. Mr. Patrick H. Sanders – Introduction to 2021 School Board Meeting Calendar
This item was for introduction only.
ITEM 9m. Public Comment. Mr. Andrew Barr, Mr. Courtney Joiner - Executive Session--Shirley Trench v. St. John the Baptist Parish School Board, Docket 19-02926, Office of Workers’ Compensation District 06; Dedra Williams v. St. John the Baptist Parish School Board, Docket 19-06529, Office of Workers’ Compensation District 06; Serina Duke vs. St. John the Baptist Parish School Board, Docket 75866 Division A 40th JDC
MOTION BY: Holden
SECOND BY: Schum
MOTION: To convene in Executive Session for: Shirley Trench v. St. John the Baptist Parish School Board, Docket 19-02926, Office of Workers’ Compensation District 06; Dedra Williams v. St. John the Baptist Parish School Board, Docket 19-06529, Office of Workers’ Compensation District 06; Serina Duke vs. St. John the Baptist Parish School Board, Docket 75866 Division A 40th JDC
8 Yeas – Holden, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders
3 Absent – Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch
The motion carried.
The Board convened in Executive Session at 7:32 p.m.
MOTION BY: Holden
SECOND BY: Schum
MOTION: To reconvene in Regular Session.
9 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders
2 Absent – Burl, DeFrancesch
The motion carried.
The Board reconvened in Regular Session at 8:00 p.m.
MOTION BY: Mitchell
SECOND BY: Wallace
MOTION: To grant settlement authority to Hammonds & Sills for Docket 19-02926. Shirley Trench vs St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools.
9 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders
2 Absent – Burl, DeFrancesch
The motion carried.
MOTION BY: Holden
SECOND BY: Triche
MOTION: To grant settlement authority to Hammonds & Sills for Docket 19-06529. Dedra Williams vs St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools
9 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders
2 Absent – Burl, DeFrancesch
The motion carried.
ITEM 10. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
ITEM 11. BOARD ITEMS OF INTEREST
Mrs. Schum wants an update on the school calendar at the workshop.
Mr. Jones asked if Administration would revisit having our District Attorney’s office as our General Counsel and give the board some feedback on having the DA’s Office back on board full time.
ITEM 12. ADJOURNMENT
The agenda having been completed, and there being no further business, there was a
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Mitchell
MOTION: Motion for adjournment.
There were no objections.
9 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell, Triche, Sanders
2 Absent – Burl, DeFrancesch
The motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
Dr. Lynett Hookfin, Superintendent/Secretary Patrick H. Sanders, President