PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
RESERVE, LA – MEETING OF APRIL 29, 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 Fifth Ward Elementary School, 158 Panther Drive, Reserve, Louisiana, on Thursday, April 29, 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 6:05 p.m. She called for a moment of silent meditation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Sanders asked all to keep the family of Mrs. Beverly Dinvaut-Harris, former educator, in our thoughts and prayers, as she recently passed away.
ITEM 2. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS: The Chair called for Public Comment.
PRESENT: Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell
ABSENT: Burl, Jones
There were 9 members present and 2 members absent.
ITEM 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The Chair called for Public Comment.
ITEM 3a. Approval of Minutes of the Meetings of: 04-14-2021 Board Workshop and 04-15-2021 Board Meeting
MOTION BY: Sanders
SECOND BY: Schum
MOTION: To approve the minutes from the meetings of 04-14-2021 Board Workshop and 04-15-2021 Board Meeting
Roll Call:
9 Yeas - Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell
2 Absent – Burl, Jones
The motion carried.
ITEM 4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. Dr. Lynett Hookfin, Superintendent.
Mr. Jones and Mr. Burl arrived at 6:07 p.m., and were recorded as present.
ITEM 4a. Public Comment. Testing Update – Dr. Juanita Hill
Dr. Hill shared the following information regarding Testing:
ITEM 4b. Charter School Update – Dr. Juanita Hill
Attorney Wayne Stewart stated that on April 19, 2021, he joined Lynett Hookfin and Juanita Hill in a conference with the Charter School President and their new counsel. We (SJBP) made it abundantly clear that time was of the essence if they planned to open in August. There is a lot of information that needs to be shared and turned in to Judge Zany (DOJ) for approval before opening. As of today, April 29th, 2021, we have still not received any information that we requested. Atty. Stewart stated that the chance of this school opening in August is very slim, and getting slimmer each day. Mr. Jones asked if the Board should take any action at this time. Atty. Stewart stated that we do not. Dr. Hookfin stated for the record, that this opening will put a strain on the team, and we need to know as soon as possible if this school still plans to open this August.
ITEM 4c. Public Comment. District COVID cases – Dr. Stacey Spies
Dr. Spies stated that there is currently 1 positive case in our district. This case affected 6 staff, as they were in quarantine. Of the 6, 4 have already returned to work, and 2 are schedule to return on Monday. Ms. Holden asked if we have the number of employees vaccinated. Dr. Spies stated that we do not, and due to possible violations, we cannot require employees to answer that question. She stated that perhaps we could do an anonymous survey to get a gauge of the numbers.
ITEM 4d. Public Comment. Netflix Filming at West St. John High School – Ms. Bonnie Dinvaut
Ms. Dinvaut stated that Netflix will be filming at West St. John High School on May 19th and 20th at Dinvaut Field and June 15th in the locker rooms at WSJH. The film is entitled “Home Team”. They will prep for 2 days before the actual shooting, and the district will be compensated. She noted that there were issues with the scoreboard and Netflix will be enhancing the scoreboard.
ITEM 4e. Public Comment. Senior Salute – Ms. Bonnie Dinvaut
Ms. Dinvaut shared that each day, beginning this Monday and throughout the month of May, SJBP will be celebrating the Class of 2021 with a social media Senior Salute. All seniors at all 3 campuses have the opportunity to be highlighted. Seniors will submit a photo and a short bio, telling of their accomplishments and future plans.
ITEM 4f. Public Comment. Updates on Food & Nutrition Program Reimbursements – Mrs. Patricia Triche
Mrs. Triche stated that Revenue is generated for this department based on meals served (participation). Due to Covid-19, reimbursement was drastically reduced, but the department is meeting with schools to implement ways to increase participation. We will encourage students to eat meals, involve the students in the planning of menus, promote marketing, apply for grants, etc. This department will present a monthly reimbursement report to the Board beginning next school year.
ITEM 4g. Public Comment. Parent Meetings at School Sites – Mrs. Patricia Triche
Public Comment. Mrs. Yevette Scioneaux stated that as a parent, there is a lack of communication between the schools and parents and would like to see a Parent TEAM be set up and made available for parents.
Mrs. Triche shared the following schedule of Parent Meetings:
ITEM 4h. Public Comment. Principal Brag & Brunch, Saturday, May 1st – 11:00-2:00 – Mrs. Patricia Triche
Mrs. Triche shared the following information:
ITEM 4i. Public Comment. Summer S.H.I.N.E. Program – Mrs. Patricia Triche
Public Comment: Mrs. Yevette Scioneaux, parent, stated that this is an awesome program and asked if we are broadcasting this information across the parish.
Mrs. Triche shared the following information:
ITEM 4j. Public Comment. Summer S.H.I.N.E. Curriculum – Dr. Lynett Hookfin
Dr. Hookfin stated that the curriculum for this program will have scholars focusing on power standards. Power standards are standards at each grade level that scholars should be able to master. We will have baseline data, midline data and ending data to ensure all scholars are learning what they need. Not only will we have fun activities, but we are ensuring the scholars are mastering power standards.
ITEM 4k. Public Comment. Principal Institute – Dr. Lynett Hookfin
Dr. Hookfin stated the Principal Institute will include finances, a deep dive into curriculum, professional development, how to enhance family engagement and how to reach all scholars after the pandemic. The goal is to ensure that our principals have the least amount of interruptions to focus, collaborate and interact with each other and other principals from outside districts.
ITEM 4l. Public Comment. Maintenance Updates – Dr. Lynett Hookfin
As a part of our cost-savings measures, administration is reviewing maintenance issues that are immediate concerns. Although we have cost-saving measures to consider, there are immediate school-site issues that need to be addressed and prioritize.
ITEM 4m. Public Comment. Public Meeting on May 13th for consideration of resolution calling election to renew existing ad valorem tax – Dr. Lynett Hookfin
Public Comment: Shondrell Perrilloux – stated before we ask the public to engage in more/extending taxes, we need to see the budget publicly.
Dr. Hookfin stated that there will be a public meeting on May 13th for consideration of resolution calling election to renew existing ad valorem tax. This information has been shared with Louisiana representatives via email.
ITEM 4n. Public Comment. Millage Advertisement Update (Roll Forward) – Dr. Lynett Hookfin
Dr. Hookfin stated that advertisement for this roll forward has been advertised in 2 newspapers in the appropriate sections.
ITEM 4o. Public Comment. District Financial Updates – Mr. Tommy Naquin, CPA (Postlewaite & Netterville)
Mr. Naquin stated that as a reminder, he will again state that month-in and month-out, our cash balance is being depleted by approximately $2.5 million each month. At this rate, the cash balance will be depleted by July/August. At that point we will need a loan to carry us through the end of the year. Dr. Keller asked if we will have an amended 2020-2021 budget and a proposed 2021-2022 budget. Mr. Naquin stated that realistically, this may happen July-August. He also stated that sales tax is being collected at what appears to be the “normal” rate.
ITEM 5. EDUCATION PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS BY THE BOARD OR STAFF
ITEM 5a. Public Comment. Mrs. Patricia Triche - Celebrating District & Milesville Clerks
All Central Office and Milesville Clerks were celebrated and given a token of appreciation.
ITEM 6. PERSONNEL MATTERS
ITEM 7. BUSINESS AND FINANCE
ITEM 8. OLD BUSINESS
ITEM 8a. Public Comment. Mrs. Michelle Seymour – Request Board approval of 2021-2022 School Calendar
Public Comment. Mr. Alvin Scioneaux – Stated that at the previous meeting, several errors and additions were asked for.
MOTION BY: Schum
SECOND BY: DeFrancesch
MOTION: To approve the 2021-2022 school calendar as presented.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas - Holden, DeFrancesch, Wallace, Keller, Burl, Schum, Jones, Johnson, Sanders, Mitchell
1 Absent - Triche
The motion carried.
ITEM 8b. Public Comment. Mr. Albert Burl, III – Update on the old Leon Godchaux Grammar Building
Mr. Burl stated that at the workshop on Tuesday, there were 3 companies that submitted their qualifications for consideration on the demolition of the old Leon Godchaux Grammar Building.
ITEM 9. NEW BUSINESS.
ITEM 9a. Public Comment. Mrs. Nia Mitchell-Williams – Award Contract to a Firm to Proceed with Demolition of Old Godchaux Grammar School
Dr. Hookfin stated that three companies submitted their qualifications at the workshop for the demolition of the Old Godchaux Grammar School: 1. All South Consulting Engineers, LLC; 2. Meyer Engineers, Ltd.; 3. Yeates Mancil Architects, LLC. Dr. Hookfin stated that her recommendation will be All South Consulting Engineers, as they presented the least expensive cost estimate.
Following further discussion, there was a
MOTION BY: Wallace
SECOND BY: Keller
MOTION: To award the contract for demolition of Old Godchaux Grammar School to All South Consulting Engineers.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas - Holden, DeFrancesch, Wallace, Keller, Burl, Schum, Jones, Johnson, Sanders, Mitchell
1 Absent - Triche
The motion carried.
ITEM 9b. Public Comment. Dr. Lynett Hookfin – Request approval to Combine West St. John Elementary School and West St. John High School at the West St. John Elementary School site
Public Comment: Derron Cook asked that the Board table these items until there is a plan.
Tyler Lewis spoke against supporting this item.
Shondrell Perrilloux spoke against supporting this item.
Atty. Lawson spoke against supporting this item.
Eliza Eugene spoke against supporting this item.
Nalon Taylor spoke against supporting this item.
Student Jania Ketchens spoke against supporting this item.
Ronnie Fiest spoke against supporting this item.
Claude Hill spoke against supporting this item.
Ambria Perrilloux spoke against supporting this item.
Mrs. Holden stated that everyone should know how she feels, our students should not suffer for adult problems and she will vote NO for this item. Following extensive discussion, there was a
MOTION BY: Holden
SECOND BY: Burl
MOTION: To not combine West St. John Elementary School and West St. John High School at the West St. John Elementary School site.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas - Holden, DeFrancesch, Wallace, Keller, Burl, Schum, Jones, Johnson, Sanders, Mitchell
1 Absent - Triche
The motion carried.
ITEM 9c. Public Comment. Dr. Lynett Hookfin – Request approval to Relocate the STEM Program to Garyville/Mt. Airy Magnet site
Public Comment: Derron Cook spoke against this item.
Yevette Scioneaux spoke against this item.
Alvin Scioneaux spoke against this item.
Shondrell Perrilloux spoke against this item.
Mrs. Holden proposed that we move the STEM to GMMS and move the GMMS elementary students to WSJE.
There was extensive discussion on this item. Upon conclusion of discussion, there was no motion offered.
ITEM 9d. Public Comment. Dr. Lynett Hookfin – Request approval to Relocate the STEM Program to East St. John High School Freshmen Academy
Public Comment. Derron Cook asked that the Board table these items until a plan is put in place.
Eliza Eugene asked the community to get involved with assisting the Schools with their children.
M. Lawson, Steven Murray, Dr. Tia Mills, Alvin Scioneaux all spoke on this item.
There was extensive discussion.
MOTION BY: Keller
SECOND BY: Schum
MOTION: To relocate the STEM Program to East St. John High School Freshmen Academy.
Roll Call:
8 Yeas - Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell
2 Nay – Holden, Burl
1 Absent - Triche
The motion carried.
ITEM 9e. Public Comment. Dr. Lynett Hookfin – Request approval to Relocate the STEM Program to West St. John High School, with Bus Transportation
This item is moot based on the decision of Item 9d.
ITEM 9f. Public Comment. – Request approval of the Superintendent Recommendation of a Staffing Model - 1:22 (K-5); 1:24 (5th-8th); 1:26 (9th-12th)
Public Comment. Alvin Scioneaux spoke against this item.
Derron Cook and Shondrell Perrilloux spoke on this item.
Following discussion, there was a
MOTION BY: DeFrancesch
SECOND BY: Jones
MOTION: To approve the Superintendent Recommendation of a Staffing Model - 1:22 (K-5); 1:24 (5th-8th); 1:26 (9th-12th).
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell
1 Absent – Triche
1 Abstention - Burl
The motion carried.
ITEM 9g. Public Comment. Dr. Lynett Hookfin – Request approval to close the Connection Program.
Administration has sent information and questions to the state and is awaiting an answer regarding this item. Administration is requesting the Board table this item.
MOTION BY: Wallace
SECOND BY: DeFrancesch
MOTION: To table.
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell
1 Absent – Jones, Triche
1 Abstention - Burl
The motion carried.
ITEM 9h. Public Comment. Dr. Lynett Hookfin – Request approval to Redesign the Redirection Program.
Administration has sent information and questions to the state and is awaiting an answer regarding this item. Administration is requesting the Board table this item.
MOTION BY: Wallace
SECOND BY: DeFrancesch
MOTION: To table.
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell
1 Absent – Jones, Triche
1 Abstention - Burl
The motion carried.
ITEM 9i. Public Comment. Dr. Lynett Hookfin – Request approval to Close Fifth Ward Elementary Site.
Public Comment: Carolyn Batiste spoke against this item.
Shondrell Perrilloux stated the students should be moved due to health concerns.
Brandy Vaughn-Turner spoke against this item, but asked the Board to consider keeping the staff and students remain together if it must happen.
MOTION BY: Sanders
SECOND BY: Schum/Wallace
MOTION: To not close Fifth Ward Elementary Site.
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell
2 Absent – Burl, Triche
The motion carried.
ITEM 9j. Public Comment. Dr. Lynett Hookfin – Request approval of Non-Renewal of the NIET Program.
Public Comment: Carolyn Batiste asked why we are pulling a program that was supposedly so good in 2016.
A representative from NIET joined the meeting via Zoom link to afford the Board an opportunity to ask questions.
MOTION BY: Schum
SECOND BY: Wallace
MOTION: To approve the NIET no cost extension.
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell
2 Absent – Burl, Triche
The motion carried.
ITEM 9k. Public Comment. Dr. Lynett Hookfin – Request approval to Centralize Bookkeepers.
MOTION BY: Keller
SECOND BY: Holden
MOTION: To approve centralizing bookkeepers.
Roll Call:
1 Yea – Keller
8 Nays – Holden, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell
2 Absent – Burl, Triche
The motion failed.
MOTION BY: Keller
SECOND BY: Sanders
MOTION: To waive policy to amend the agenda to include extending the meeting beyond 10:00 p.m.
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell
2 Absent – Burl, Triche
The motion carried.
MOTION BY: Keller
SECOND BY: Wallace
MOTION: To extend the meeting beyond 10:00 p.m.
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell
2 Absent – Burl, Triche
The motion carried.
ITEM 9l. Public Comment. Dr. Lynett Hookfin – Request approval to Reduce the District Athletic Director positions from two (2) to one (1).
Public Comment: Mr. Lewis spoke against this item.
Dr. Tia Mills spoke against this item.
Nalon Taylor spoke against this item.
Following discussion, there was no motion offered on this item.
ITEM 9m. Public Comment. Dr. Lynett Hookfin – Request that the District Attorney’s Office review the deed for West St. John Elementary.
MOTION BY: Holden
SECOND BY: Sanders
MOTION: To request that the District Attorney’s Office review the deed for West St. John Elementary
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell
2 Absent – Burl, Triche
The motion carried.
ITEM 10. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
MOTION BY: Holden
SECOND BY: Sanders
MOTION: To waive policy to amend the agenda to include a request to ask Hammonds and Sills to prepare documents to present to the DOJ that will allow up to 100 east bank students to attend West St. John High in an effort to increase the student enrollment.
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell
2 Absent – Burl, Triche
The motion carried.
MOTION BY: Holden
SECOND BY: DeFrancesch
MOTION: To request that Hammonds and Sills prepare documents to present to the DOJ that will allow up to 100 east bank students to attend West St. John High in an effort to increase the student enrollment.
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell
2 Absent – Burl, Triche
The motion carried.
ITEM 11. BOARD ITEMS OF INTEREST
ITEM 12. ADJOURNMENT
The agenda having been completed, and there being no further business, there was a
MOTION BY: Sanders
SECOND BY: Wallace
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 10:17 p.m.
________________________________ ________________________________
Dr. Lynett Hookfin, Secretary Nia Mitchell, President