PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

RESERVE, LA – MEETING OF APRIL 15, 2021

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 LaPlace Elementary School, 393 Greenwood Drive, LaPlace, Louisiana, on Thursday, April 15, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.

An agenda for the meeting is attached.

Sincerely, s/Lynett Hookfin

Superintendent/Secretary

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

The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.  She 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, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell

ABSENT:          Burl

There were 10 members present and 1 member absent.

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

ITEM 3a.  Approval of Minutes of the Meeting:  March 10, 2021 Workshop; March 25, 2021 Workshop; and March 25, 2021 Special Meeting

MOTION BY:     Triche

SECOND BY:   Wallace

MOTION:  To approve the minutes from the meetings of March 10, 2021 Workshop; March 25, 2021 Workshop; and March 25, 2021 Special Meeting

Roll Call:

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

1 Absent - Burl

The motion carried.

ITEM 4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT.   Dr. Lynett Hookfin, Superintendent.

ITEM 4a.  Public Comment.  Celebrating School Clerks - Mrs. Patricia Triche

Mrs. Triche made the following announcement and presented the school clerks with a token of appreciation:

“Behind every successful team there is an efficient “Administrative Professional”.  Their work is key to our success every day, and a special reason they are all appreciated.  Secretaries lighten the burden of everyone around them.  On a day to day basis – They organize chaos on all of our campuses. They put Band-Aids on boo-boo’s, give out hugs to those who need them, and keep the principals in their lane!  Saint John the Baptist Parish wants to give them this honor today for all of their hard work and dedication to the scholars that they serve every day.”

Mr. Burl arrived at 6:15 p.m., and was recorded as present.

ITEM 4b.  Public Comment.  Testing Updates – Dr. Juanita Hill

Dr. Hill gave the following update on Testing:

LEAP 2025 

Content Area      Expected to Test    # of Seniors 

Algebra                377                         6 

Geometry             361                         3 

English I              449                         4 

English II             489                         15 

Biology                410                         37 

History                 421                         38 

Grade Level        Expected to Test 

3^rd                       406 

4^th                        437 

5^th                        384 

6^th                        453 

7^th                        494 

8^th                        463 

Testing Dates 

04/16/21 – U.S. History 

04/20/21 – Biology 

04/22/21 – English II 

04/26/21 – 5^th – 8^th grade (session 1 ELA & Math) 

04/27/21 – 5^th – 8^th grade (session 2 ELA & Math) 

04/29/21 – 5^th – 8^th grade (session 3 ELA & Math)  

04/29/21 – 3^rd – 4^th grade (session 1 ELA & Math) 

04/29/21 – English I 

04/30/21 – 3^rd – 4^th grade (session 2 ELA & Math) 

04/30/21 – 5^th – 8^th grade (session 1-3 Science) 

05/03/21 – 3^rd – 4^th grade (session 3 ELA & Math) 

05/03/21 – 5^th – 8^th grade (session 1-3 Social Studies)  

05/04/21 – 3^rd – 4^th grade (session 1-3 Science) 

05/04/21 – Geometry  

05/04/21 – 3^rd – 4^th grade (session 1-3 Social Studies) 

05/04/21 – Algebra 

Makeup sessions for 3rd & 4th grade scholars will be held daily through May 7^th. 

Makeup sessions will be held daily through May 14^th. 

ITEM 4c.  Public Comment.  Charter School Updates – Dr. Lynett Hookfin

Dr. Hookfin stated the following:  “In the last several months, Mr. Orthenal Jasmin, our general counsel, has provided representation for us regarding our desegregation matter.   At his recommendation and request, the law firm of Hammonds, Sills, Adkins, Guice, Noah & Perkins, LLP have accepted the role of desegregation counsel moving forward.  We have an existing special counsel resolution for Hammonds & Sills services, and the resolution effectively covers the new role.  Mr. Bob Hammonds and his associates Pamela Dill and John Blanchard have vast experience and knowledge of desegregation matters, having successfully achieved unitary status for many school districts in Louisiana.  Mr. Wayne Stewart, who leads our work on the Type 1 charter school with La. Premiere Charter, will collaborate with his colleagues regarding the intersection of the charter school and the desegregation order.”

ITEM 4d. Public Comment.  Academic Committee – Dr. Lynett Hookfin

Dr. Hookfin stated that there is an existing committee in Policy BCB that can be modified to suit the needs of an Academic Committee, therefore, all topics that need to be addressed can be done within the Curriculum Development Committee.  She further stated that although we will strive for 100% in-person learning, she wants to ensure that the District has a model in which we provide a true “virtual” school to those parents who wish for their students to remain virtual.  Teachers should not be responsible for virtual and in-person learning and going forward, virtual learning will be done at the district level.

ITEM 4e. Public Comment.  District Contacts – Ms. Tanya Faucheux

Mr. Sanders asked that this chart be uploaded to the District Website.

ITEM 4f. Public Comment.  District COVID Updates – Dr. Stacey Spies

Dr. Spies stated that she was happy to say that we have no new positive cases to report.  We are currently scheduling another vaccination event for our employees.

ITEM 4g. Public Comment.  Summer Acceleration & Enrichment Program – Mrs. Patricia Triche

The Louisiana Dept. of Education is encouraging all districts to operate a “Summer Learning Program”.  This summer program should be unique and encourage creativity in activities and foster a camp like environment.  Programming should be inclusive of academics, enrichment activities, physical education, and other opportunities to foster joy and engagement and address staff and student well-being.  All incoming KN – 8^th grade students are encouraged to participate. Our program is in the preliminary stages of development, and we will be using the acronym “S.H.I.N.E. – Super Heroes In Non-Stop” Education, because our staff and scholars have been heroes throughout this whole epidemic.  We have already forged partnerships with United Way, the Sheriff’s Office, Honorable Judge Nighana Lewis, The District Attorney’s Office, and the Parish President’s Office.  These entities will help encourage our students and families through empowerment and uplifting encounters.  Our goal will be to run programs at each school site with 75% enrollment.  We are also going to be asking to pay staff who are running these programs at a higher than normal rate to increase participation and reduce competition with other summer programs.  ESSER funding would cover the cost of this endeavor.

ITEM 4h. Public Comment.  District Financial Update - Mr. Tommy Naquin, P&N

David Andras – we are working with P&N to continue to get all transactions caught up for this fiscal year.  He gave the following account balances as of:

February 28^th – $16 million

March 30^th – $13.8 million

Currently - $12.3 million

Mr. Jones asked if we could confirm that we can make payroll through June of this year.  David Andras stated yes, we can meet payroll through June.  When asked by Mr. Burl about sales tax revenue,  Mr. Andras stated that in December, sales tax revenue was down 40%; as of March 31^st, collections were down about 20% from what was budgeted to be collected.

Mr. Burl asked where we are with the CFO.  Dr. Hookfin stated that we have been through several rounds of advertisements and interviews but she will not just choose anyone.  Mr. Burl asked President Mitchell to find out and report to the Board why we did not advertise immediately when the CFO left.  Dr. Hookfin stated that there should be a triangulation in the Finance Department, creating checks and balances.  She further stated that we did not find a qualified CFO yet, but we are asking to hire an Accounting Supervisor tonight to keep up with the day-to-day financial transactions.

ITEM 4i. Public Comment.  Cost Savings/Departmental Meetings – Dr. Lynett Hookfin

Dr. Hookfin stated that in addition to the cost savings measures already in place, we are implementing a 13% cost savings measure in each department.   Also, a staffing ratio will be implemented upon Board approval. 

ITEM 4j. Public Comment.  Cost Savings/Union Leaders – Mr. Garrette Trosclair

Public Comment:  Derron Cook – Asked the Board to reassure employees that the Board isn’t talking about reducing salaries.  He stated that there are rumors circulating regarding that and they want reassurance that if cuts are made, we start from the top and work down.  He also asked that administration please have conversations with employees regarding what’s going on.

Mr. Garrette Trosclair introduced Dr. Suzanne Harris, LAE, who shared a PowerPoint with the Board and audience regarding training available through the LAE.

ITEM 4k. Public Comment. Organizational Chart – Dr. Lynett Hookfin

Public Comment:  Cindy Graham – Once again, we the public, have nothing to look at to enable us to make a valid and effective public comments.  Everything the Board is viewing in front of them should have been put out to the public.

Mr. Burl stated that he has several problems with some things going on and agrees with Ms. Graham. No Facebook live, no recordings – why aren’t our meetings being recorded?  He stated that St. James has a similar financial situation going on and they immediately put out a statement with the decisions that were made to rectify the financial situation that included the cuts that would be made and we need someone to start making decisions here in St. John.  Mr. Sanders asked Dr. Hookfin if what she gave the Board was a “dream organizational chart”.  Dr. Hookfin stated that she was asked to create a chart of what would be an ideal situation.  She stated that she stopped hiring mid-year so that we could make payroll. She further stated that we are overstaffed.  Years ago, we had 1000 more students with the same number of staff that is on payroll today.   Mrs. Schum stated that the Board spent 4 hours yesterday discussing what cuts will have to be made.  She said that the Board will do what they can to make cuts through attrition and will let everyone know as soon as possible what will take place.  Mr. Burl stated that we’ve known since December that cuts will have to be made and it’s April and we still don’t know have any decisions.

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

ITEM 6.  PERSONNEL MATTERS

ITEM 7.  BUSINESS AND FINANCE

ITEM 8.  OLD BUSINESS

a. Public Comment.  Mr. Albert Burl, III – Update on the old Leon Godchaux Grammar Building

Mr. Burl stated that the Land and Facilities Committee met to discuss the demolition of the historic Godchaux Grammar School.  They will meet again tomorrow, (Friday, April 16^th) to discuss the A&E for demolition and review the proposals sent in.

b. Public Comment.  Mrs. Michelle Seymour – Request Board approval to amend the 2020-2021 school calendar to reflect the change in end-date for virtual scholars (Requires action)

MOTION BY:     DeFrancesch

SECOND BY:   Schum

MOTION:  To approve the amended 2020-2021 school calendar to reflect the change in end-date for virtual scholars.

Roll Call:

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

0 Absent

The motion carried.

ITEM 9. NEW BUSINESS. 

ITEM 9a.  Public Comment.  Mrs. Michelle Seymour – Introduction of 2021-2022 school calendar

Public Comment:  Yvette Scioneaux:  Asked that the Calendar Committee include the 9 weeks exams for high schools on the calendar.  Also, she pointed out that January 1^st and 2^nd were listed as holidays, but those dates are a Saturday and a Sunday.  The 2021-2022 school calendar was introduced and will be brought to the April 29, 2021 meeting for approval:

ITEM 9b.  Public Comment.  Ms. Terry Charles – Request board approval to advertise for bids for the School Year 2021-2022 for Bread, Milk, Processed Foods, Frozen Foods, Meat/Meat Products, Cleaning Supplies, Paper Supplies, Large and Small Equipment for cafeterias  

MOTION BY:     Sanders

SECOND BY:   Keller

MOTION:  To allow for the advertisement of bids for the School Year 2021-2022 for Bread, Milk, Processed Foods, Frozen Foods, Meat/Meat Products, Cleaning Supplies, Paper Supplies, Large and Small Equipment for cafeteria.

Roll Call:

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

The motion carried.

ITEM 9c.  Public Comment.  Foley & Judell - Announcement of public meeting on May 13th for consideration of resolution calling election to renew existing ad valorem tax

Public Comment:  Sylvia Taylor stated that the Board can’t expect the public to approve any new or renewals of existing taxes without a voice.

Dr. Hookfin read the following:

“This announcement is required by Louisiana law for this Board to consider holding an election on October 9 to renew an existing ad valorem tax.  It does not obligate the Board to actually call the election – that resolution will be considered on May 13.  This is also just to renew a tax that would otherwise expire and is critical to our continued operations.  It is not a new tax.

In accordance with Louisiana law, this announcement will also be published in our official journal and will be e-mailed to our State Senators and Representatives.  The resolution to call the election will appear on the Board agenda on May 13, at which time the Board will consider whether to move forward with the October election.”

President Mitchell read the following announcement:

Announcement of Public Meeting

Notice is hereby given that at its meeting to be held on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 6:00 p.m. at Lake Pontchartrain

Elementary School, 3328 Hwy. 51, LaPlace, Louisiana, the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, plans to consider adopting a resolution ordering and calling an election to be held in School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana to authorize the renewal of an ad valorem tax therein.

ITEM 9d.  Public Comment.  Dr. Lynett Hookfin – Discussion and recommendation for district immediate and long-term cost savings measures

Public Comment.  Yvette Scioneaux stated that the Board should give employees a 30-day notice if they will not be rehired.  Mr. Derron Cook stated that the employees need to know when the cuts will begin happening and asked administration to please let them know a timeline on this.

Dr. Hookfin stated that day to day we are cutting where we can.  The bottom line is that we are overstaffed.  She read the following numbers:

2016-17:  687 employees, 6028 scholars

2017-18:  738 employees, 5977 scholars

2018-29:  779 employees, 6064 scholars

2019-20:  884 employees, 6066 scholars

2020-21:  859 employees, 5706 scholars

Dr. Hookfin further stated that long term, we will have to follow a staffing model or close sites.  Mr. Burl stated that we need a CFO to help make these decisions and we also need to start cutting contracts.  Dr. Hookfin agreed that all contracts need to be studied for possible cost savings.  Mrs. Schum stated that although difficult decisions have to be made, the Board must balance the budget.  Mrs. Holden stated that among the cuts presented at the workshop were: a 13% reduction, closing Redirect, closing Milesville site, moving students and staff from STEM to GMMS, eliminating the NIET grant, centralizing bookkeepers, and combine WSJH to WSJE at WSJE.  Mr. Sanders thanked Dr. Hookfin, stating that he knows now that he made the right decision by voting for her as Superintendent.

Mrs. Mitchell stated that the Board will hold another Workshop on April 27th.

ITEM 9e.  Public Comment.  Dr. Lynett Hookfin – Request Board approval to advertise for the Accounting Supervisor position

MOTION BY:     Triche

SECOND BY:   Sanders

MOTION:  To give administration the approval to advertise for the Accounting Supervisor position.

Roll Call:

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

1 Nay – Burl

The motion carried.

ITEM 9f.  Public Comment.  Dr. Lynett Hookfin – Relocate Milesville employees and close the building

Public Comment.  Dr. Stacey Spies, Director of Special Education:  Dr. Spies stated that Milesville has been here for 35 years and serves as a Child Search Facility.  Teachers use Milesville as a meeting place.  Mr. Tyler Lewis:  Special Education is so important to our district.  Not having a central place to meet with staff in 1 building is not a good idea.  To say that we will close Milesville without a plan will cause multiple problems on so many levels.

Dr. Hookfin stated that we will definitely consider keeping the employees together.  Mr. Jones asked what the total amount of savings this move would create.  Mr. Wallace stated the amount is $11,000.  Dr. Hookfin added that you have to factor in how much the building and property would sell for.  Mr. Jones asked if we have had the property assessed and without knowing how much of a cost savings this move would create, he felt it was premature to vote on this tonight.  Following extensive discussion, there was a

MOTION BY:     Sanders

SECOND BY:   Schum

MOTION:  To relocate Milesville employees and close the building.

Following further discussion, there was a

SUBSTITUTE MOTION BY:       Jones

SECOND BY: Wallace

MOTION:  To table until the next meeting so further discussion can be held.

Roll Call:

4 Yeas – Burl, Jones, Wallace, Triche

7 Nays - Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Mitchell

The motion failed.

Upon roll call on the original motion to relocate Milesville employees and close the building, there were:

8 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Triche, Mitchell

3 Nays – Burl, Jones, Wallace

The motion carried.

ITEM 9g.  Public Comment.  Mr. Jeffery Diez – Executive Session – Mary Bright v. St. John the Baptist Parish School Board, 67,261-Division C, 40th Judicial District Court.

MOTION BY:  Jones

SECOND BY:  DeFrancesch

MOTION:   To convene in Executive Session:  Mary Bright v. St. John the Baptist Parish School Board, 67,261-Division C, 40th Judicial District Court.

Roll Call:

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

The motion carried.

The Board convened in Executive Session at 8:44 p.m.

MOTION BY:  Keller

SECOND BY:  Holden

MOTION:   To reconvene in Regular Session

Roll Call:

9 Yeas - Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell

2 Absent – Burl, Triche

The motion carried.

The Board reconvened in Regular Session at 9:15 p.m.

MOTION BY:  Schum

SECOND BY:  Keller

MOTION:   To grant authority to Jeff Diez to settle the case “Mary Bright v. St. John the Baptist Parish School Board, 67,261-Division C, 40th Judicial District Court” for St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools within the amount of self-insured retention.

Roll Call:

9 Yeas - Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell

2 Absent – Burl, Triche

The motion carried.

ITEM 10.  ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

ITEM 11.  BOARD ITEMS OF INTEREST

Dr. Keller asked that we keep the family of Beverly Harris in our prayers.  She was a long-time St. John the Baptist Parish educator and she passed away recently.

ITEM 12.  ADJOURNMENT

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

MOTION BY:    Jones

SECOND BY:   DeFrancesch

MOTION:           Motion for adjournment.

Roll Call:

9 Yeas - Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell

2 Absent – Burl, Triche

The motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 9:21 p.m.

________________________________                                      ________________________________

Dr. Lynett Hookfin, Secretary                                                     Nia Mitchell, President