PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
RESERVE, LA – MEETING OF MAY 13, 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 Lake Pontchartrain Elementary School, 3328 Highway 51, LaPlace, 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.
ITEM 2. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS: The Chair called for Public Comment.
PRESENT: Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell
ABSENT: Jones
There were 10 members present and 1 member absent.
ITEM 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The Chair called for Public Comment.
Public Comment. Derron Cook, SJAE VP – Commended the board for recording the meetings once again and also asked that the Board please survey employees before voting on items.
ITEM 3a. Approval of Minutes of the Meetings of: April 27, 2021 Board Workshop and April 29, 2021 Board Meeting
MOTION BY: Sanders
SECOND BY: Schum
MOTION: To approve the minutes from the meetings of April 27, 2021 Board Workshop and April 29, 2021 Board Meeting
Roll Call: 10 Yeas - Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell
1 Absent – Jones
The motion carried.
ITEM 4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. Dr. Lynett Hookfin, Superintendent.
Mr. Jones arrived at 6:13 p.m., and was recorded as present.
ITEM 4a. Public Comment. District Financial Update - Mr. Tommy Naquin, Postlewaite & Netterville
Public Comment. Derron Cook – Asked the Board to supply SJAE with last year’s budget as well as next year’s preliminary budget.
Mr. Naquin stated that the audit is progressing, as evidenced by the information being requested from the auditors. Cash balance: End of April $9.3 million and there was a decrease at the end of May of $4.5 million. This is due to the sales tax that is normally deposited in April, was received late and wasn’t in the bank until May. Mr. Sanders asked if Mr. Naquin was communicating with the sales tax auditor and if we anticipated any audits to come through. Mr. Naquin stated that he has communicated with the sales tax auditor and they did not anticipate any new audits for this year. He stated that he would follow up on that conversation. Mr. Burl asked if we had anyone in-house working on financials. Mr. Naquin stated that we do not at this time. Mr. Burl suggested we review the contract to see if we can keep someone in-house for 6 months to help transition the CFO once we hire one. Mr. Sanders asked if the Board could have a spreadsheet with numbers, not all transactions, but an overview of our money. Mrs. Schum requested that a Finance Committee meeting be called next week.
ITEM 4b. Public Comment. District 13% Cost Savings Measures – Dr. Lynett Hookfin
Public Comment. Derron Cook and Garrette Trosclair, SJAE – Stated that SJAE has not received a letter regarding a RIF as of today. They further stated that last week, the Board voted to extend the TAP Program, but there is actually a big price tag attached and the Board should know how much something costs before voting on it.
Dr. Hookfin stated that the 13% cost cutting is ongoing in every department. In addition, school sites are tasked with cutting 10% at their sites.
ITEM 4c. Public Comment. Phone Conference with State Representatives-SJBP Schools Financial Status and Future State Phone Conferences – Dr. Lynett Hookfin
Dr. Hookfin stated that she had a phone conversation with Ms. Scioneaux at the LDOE Finance Office regarding our journey to a healthy budget. They are closely monitoring our financial situation through meeting agendas and minutes. Mr. Burl asked if our State Representatives have contacted us regarding the MFP?
ITEM 4d. Public Comment. ESSER 1 Reimbursement Update – Mrs. Dominique Miller
Mrs. Miller presented the following information regarding ESSER 1 Reimbursements:
ITEM 4e. Public Comment. ESSER 2&3 Application Update – Mrs. Dominique Miller
Mrs. Miller presented the following information regarding ESSER 2&3 Application Update:
ITEM 4f. Public Comment. Testing Updates – Dr. Juanita Hill
Dr. Hill presented the following detailed information regarding Testing:
Mr. Burl asked for a comparison of virtual students and in-person students with regard to grades and benchmark tests.
ITEM 4g. Public Comment. Charter School Updates – Atty. Wayne Stewart
Dr. Hookfin stated that the district had received communication from the Charter School representative that they are now looking at an August 2022 opening date.
ITEM 4h. Public Comment. District COVID Cases – Dr. Stacey Spies
Dr. Spies stated that the positivity rate in St. John Parish is currently at 2.1%; St. Charles Parish is currently at 1.5%; and St. James Parish is currently at 3.6%. She stated that a survey had been sent to all employees and at this time, 159 responded. Of the 159, only 9 stated that they had not been vaccinated at this time. She stated that she is working with Ocshner regarding student vaccinations. Mr. Sanders asked that the Board be included in the emails when reporting positive cases in our school district.
ITEM 4i. Public Comment. Update on Demolition of Godchaux Building – Ms. Cindy Janecke, All South Consulting
Ms. Cindy Janecke stated that the contract was signed last Wednesday by administration. Thursday, she was on site, along with engineers to survey the property. All South is working closely with an environmental company for advise throughout the demolition process. A letter has been sent to the Corp of Engineers regarding the river levels. All South will reach out to at least 5 qualified contractors for pricing and qualifications. Mr. Jones asked if the employees on site will be relocated while the demolition is happening. Mrs. Schum asked if All South is working with the insurance company. Ms. Janecke stated that they are working with John Faucheaux and the insurance company is entertaining several ideas but we have not heard back from them.
ITEM 4j. Public Comment. Update on Food and Nutrition Program Reimbursements – Mrs. Terry Charles
Ms. Charles shared the following information with the Board:
Revenue is generated for the Child Nutrition Program based on reimbursement of meals served to scholars. The Food and Nutrition Departments goal is to get as much participation in our nutrition program as possible to offset any operational expenses.
The next steps for our program to increase revenue are:
· Meet with schools to implement ways of encouraging scholars to eat.
· Involve scholars in the development of menus.
· Promote additional marketing and merchandising of meals to parents and scholars.
· Apply for grants to offset the budget.
· Along with other ideas.
In the past we have not received our maximum reimbursement amounts, but plans are being put into place to continuously increase our participation. This information will be reported to the Board each month during the next fiscal year in chart form. We will work hard to increase student participation in our nutrition program which will increase reimbursements. Principals will receive monthly updates informing them of progress in increasing reimbursements.
ITEM 4k. Public Comment. Update Regarding Milesville – Dr. Lynett Hookfin
Dr. Hookfin stated that we have engaged the services of A.R.E. Real Estate Service to perform a valuation of this property. Projected completion is June 3, 2021. We will report this information to the Board as soon as it is available. Mr. Wallace and Jones asked if Dr. Hookfin has contacted the Secretary of State’s Office regarding Milesville being a polling precinct. Dr. Hookfin stated that she will contact them. Mr. Triche asked why we wouldn’t move all of central office to LG site and have everyone under one roof?
ITEM 4l. Public Comment. “I’ve Walked These Halls” – Ms. Bonnie Dinvaut
Ms. Dinvaut stated that many times as she’s walked in the halls of East St. John, memories are triggered. While speaking to our students about the Summer Shine, someone said that we should get elected official to come in and speak with the scholars. As I reflected on that, it dawned on me that we have alumni that could come and speak to our scholars, because they have all walked the same halls. We have alumni that are doctors, lawyers, educators, accountants, engineers, nurses, contractors, electricians, plumbers, parish workers, entrepreneurs, barbers, cosmetologists, police officers, and even morticians. So many productive citizens that make contributions to our community. We will begin a new movement to get our alumni back into our schools.
ITEM 4m. Public Comment. Update on Summer SHINE Program – Mrs. Patricia Triche
Mrs. Triche presented the following information:
Mrs. Triche announced the goal is to have each school site have at least 50% of their enrollment to be signed up for the Summer SHINE program. As of this meeting we are up to 1,679 students enrolled. She gave a “shout-out” to Chantel Walker, Principal of West St. John Elementary School, who has obtained 72% of her enrollment signed up for the Summer Program. Also, “shout-out” to Principal Shelly Chauvin at Lake Pontchartrain Elementary, who has 53% of their enrollment signed up for the Summer Program as well.
ITEM 4n. Public Comment. Transportation Updates – Mr. Steve Vales
Mr. Vales presented the following information to the Board regarding the fleet:
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Sanders
MOTION: To waive policy to amend the agenda to move and address Items 5a-5d at this time.
Roll Call:
11 Yeas - Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell
0 Absent
The motion carried.
ITEM 5. EDUCATION PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS BY THE BOARD OR STAFF
ITEM 5a. Public Comment. Celebrating District Parent Advisory Committee – Mrs. Patricia Triche
The School Board celebrated the District Parent Advisory Committee, which is a committee made up of 25 members. This committee recently hosted the Brag and Brunch and will help promote the “I Walked These Halls” initiative. The committee members that were present at the meeting received a small token of appreciation.
ITEM 5b. Public Comment. Recognition of ACT Elite Scholars – Dr. Juanita Hill
ITEM 5c. Public Comment. Recognition of Perfect 850 on LEAP 2025 Assessment – Dr. Juanita Hill
The following students were recognized for their Academic Excellence:
ITEM 5d. Public Comment. Recognition of WSJH Track & Field State Championship – Mr. Claude Hill
WSJH Principal Claude Hill recognized some outstanding student athletes’ achievements:
Ty'Jon Monroe ~ 1st place in 110 meter hurdles; 1-A STATE CHAMPION & 3rd place in 300 meter hurdles
Kharma Creecy ~ 8th place Girls’ Shot Put
ITEM 4o. Public Comment. Maintenance Updates/Advertising for Coordinator of Custodial Maintenance – Dr. Lynett Hookfin
Dr. Hookfin stated that the application period opened on April 29th and closed May 11th. There were 16 applicants. Mr. Jones asked if there were any in-house applicants. Dr. Hookfin replied that she will send that information via email to the Board members.
ITEM 4p. Public Comment. Honor Roll Pride Caravan – Mrs. Patricia Triche
Public Comment. Derron Cook – Wanted to point out that ESJH student Imani Payne recently won the Regional Art Contest and competed at State.
Mrs. Triche stated the following: This event was initiated to allow community involvement with honor roll activities during these times of financial constraints. Donations made:
Honor roll bags from AMP cost (Donated by DA Dinvaut & Eliza Eugene)
Chips and candy purchased from Sam's (Donated by Eliza Eugene)
In Kind Donations:
-Raisin Cane Achievement Awards
-Brochures SJP Parks & Recreation
-Bardell LLC- Draw string bags
-Community Bank Cash Donation
-River Parish Community College- high lighters, ink pens, pencils
-DA Dinvaut- mints
The first tour was postponed due to weather. All students who made all A’s and A’s and B’s for the first three nine weeks or 6 Marking periods will be honored.
5/18 – ESJP/ECW/LPE/JLO
5/20 – LES/FEW/GMMS
Possibly 5/24 – ESJH/STEM/WSJH/WSJE
Dr. Hookfin, District Attorney and other members of her office/ Eliza Eugene will visit schools – give encouraging words – and present the bags. We thank District Attorney Dinvaut and Ms. Eugene for all of the support for our scholars.
ITEM 4q. Public Comment. Staff Appreciation – Mrs. Patricia Triche
Mrs. Triche asked Ms. Eliza Eugene to come present this information. She then honored Ms. Eugene by saying the following words: “There are many people that talk a good game, but Ms. Eliza Eugen is intentional with her actions to provide service to this great school district. She had the nerve to invoice us for the great amount of money – 1 penny. She has spent countless hours on the phone and calling everyone she could get her hands on in order for our staff to be honored this month. She doesn’t do it for the praise, but she does it because she has a love for education We appreciate you!”
Ms. Eugene shared the following information:
The total amount of donations raised is $4500.00:
$500.00 Luster Group
$1,500 Steven from All South
$2,500 Marathon
These funds raised are to pay the following vendors for Teacher's Appreciation Month.
Donut Hole – Donuts were provided for all school sites and Central Office
Cooks Catering - prepare jambalaya and fried chicken on 5/14/2021 and pastalaya on 5/21/2021 for 850 people
May 28th - small teacher gifts
Fantastic Friday Prizes
Roussel’s- Candle
Ace Hardware- wagon
Raising Canes - 3 gift card baskets
Total Choice Federal Credit Union- (4) $25 gift cards
Hymel's Flowers - plant
Smoothie King – 20 - Gift Cards
La’ Observateur – 3 online subscriptions
Baskin Robbins
Louisiana Products – 2 leather stools
Black and Gold Locksmith - $25.00 gift cards
We would like to thank everyone who contributed to Staff Appreciation month, as our employees deserve the best.
ITEM 4r. Public Comment. Upcoming Parent Meetings-Spanish Version – Dr. Lynett Hookfin
Dr. Hookfin stated that a Summer SHINE parent meeting – a Spanish version – will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 at Lake Pontchartrain Elementary on May 26th. She introduced Lucilla Arzu, who shared information regarding the Summer SHINE Program in Spanish.
ITEM 6. PERSONNEL MATTERS
ITEM 7. BUSINESS AND FINANCE
ITEM 7a. Public Comment. Dr. Lynett Hookfin/Mr. Jason Akers, Foley & Judell – Approval of a resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of not exceeding Twelve Million Dollars ($12,000,000) of Revenue Anticipation Notes of the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana; providing certain terms of said Notes; making application to the State Bond Commission for approval of said Notes; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
MOTION BY: DeFrancesch
SECOND BY: Sanders
MOTION: To approve a resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of not exceeding Twelve Million Dollars ($12,000,000) of Revenue Anticipation Notes of the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana; providing certain terms of said Notes; making application to the State Bond Commission for approval of said Notes; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas - Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell
1 Nay - Burl
The motion carried.
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RESOLUTION
A resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of not exceeding Twelve Million Dollars ($12,000,000) of Revenue Anticipation Notes of the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana; providing certain terms of said Notes; making application to the State Bond Commission for approval of said Notes; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
WHEREAS, Part II of Chapter 4 of Subtitle II of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended (the AAct@), authorizes school boards to borrow money to pay current operations for the current school year and to issue notes or other evidences of indebtedness payable before the close of the school year and to pledge as security therefor their revenues for the current fiscal year; and
WHEREAS, the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "Governing Authority" or the "Issuer"), desires to incur debt and issue not exceeding Twelve Million Dollars ($12,000,000) of its Revenue Anticipation Notes (the "Notes"), in the manner authorized and provided by the Act, for the purpose of paying for current operations, in anticipation of the revenues of the Issuer for the current fiscal year ending June 30, 2022, said Notes to mature on or before June 30, 2022, and to bear interest at a rate not to exceed five per centum (5%) per annum; and
WHEREAS, the Issuer desires to make formal application to the State Bond Commission for approval of the above described borrowing;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "Issuer"), that:
SECTION 1. Preliminary Approval of Revenue Anticipation Notes. Preliminary approval is given to the indebtedness of not exceeding Twelve Million Dollars ($12,000,000) in the aggregate, by the Issuer, to be evidenced by one or more Revenue Anticipation Notes (the "Notes"), pursuant to Part II of Chapter 4 of Subtitle II of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, and other constitutional and statutory authority, to bear interest from date thereof at a rate not to exceed five per centum (5%) per annum, and to mature on or before June 30, 2022, for the purpose of paying current operations of the Issuer in anticipation of the revenues of the Issuer for the current fiscal year. The Notes shall be secured by and payable from a pledge of the Issuer=s revenues for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.
SECTION 2. State Bond Commission Approval. Application be and the same is hereby formally made to the State Bond Commission, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for its consent and authority to issue and sell the Notes, and a certified copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to the State Bond Commission on behalf of the Issuer, together with a letter requesting the prompt consideration and approval of this application. By virtue of applicant/issuer=s application for, acceptance and utilization of the benefits of the Louisiana State Bond Commission=s approval(s) resolved and set forth herein, it resolves that it understands and agrees that such approval(s) are expressly conditioned upon, and it further resolves that it understands, agrees and binds itself, its successors and assigns to, full and continuing compliance with the AState Bond Commission Policy on Approval of Proposed Use of Swaps, or other forms of Derivative Products Hedges, Etc.@, adopted by the Commission on July 20, 2006, as to the borrowing(s) and other matter(s) subject to the approval(s), including subsequent application and approval under said Policy of the implementation or use of any swap(s) or other product(s) or enhancement(s) covered thereby.
SECTION 3. Employment of Bond Counsel. This Governing Authority finds and determines that a real necessity exists for the employment of special counsel in connection with the issuance of the Notes, and accordingly, Foley & Judell, L.L.P., of New Orleans, Louisiana, as Bond Counsel, is hereby employed to do and perform work of a traditional legal nature as bond counsel with respect to the issuance and sale of said Notes. Said Bond Counsel shall prepare and submit to the Issuer for adoption all of the proceedings incidental to the authorization, issuance, sale and delivery of such Notes, shall counsel and advise the Issuer as to the issuance thereof and shall furnish its opinions covering the legality of the issuance of the Notes. The fee of Bond Counsel for each series of said notes shall be fixed at a sum not exceeding the fee allowed by the Attorney General's fee guidelines for such bond counsel work in connection with the issuance of revenue notes and based on the amount of said notes actually issued, sold, delivered and paid for, plus "out-of-pocket" expenses, said fees to be contingent upon the issuance, sale and delivery of said notes. The Secretary is hereby authorized and directed to execute, and the Issuer hereby agrees to and accepts the terms of, the engagement letter of Bond Counsel attached as Exhibit A hereto. A certified copy of this resolution shall be submitted to the Attorney General of the State of Louisiana for his written approval of said employment and of the fees herein designated, and the Secretary is hereby empowered and directed to provide for payment for the work herein provided for upon completion of the work herein specified and under the conditions herein enumerated.
SECTION 4. Appointment of Municipal Advisor. The Issuer hereby retains Government Consultants, Inc., Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to act as its Municipal Advisor ("MA") pursuant to the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the rules promulgated thereunder by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Issuer hereby acknowledges that it is represented by the MA and will rely upon the advice of the MA with respect to the Notes. The fee to be paid the MA shall be payable solely from the proceeds of the Notes when and if issued, and the amount thereof shall be subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission. The Secretary is hereby authorized and directed, to execute any contract the MA may require with respect to the engagement.
This resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:
YEAS:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
And the resolution was declared adopted on this, the 13th day of May, 2021.
/s/ Lynett Hookfin /s/ Nia Mitchell
Secretary President
ENGAGEMENT LETTER
May 13, 2021
Superintendent Lynett Hookfin
St. John the Baptist Parish School Board
Re: Not Exceeding $12,000,000 of Revenue Anticipation Notes of the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, State of Louisiana
Dear Superintendent Hookfin:
The purpose of this engagement letter is to set forth certain matters concerning the role we will serve and the legal services we will provide as bond counsel to the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "Issuer") in connection with the issuance of the captioned bonds (the "Notes"). We understand that the Notes will be issued for the purpose (the “Project”) described in the resolution adopted by the Issuer, acting as the governing authority of the Issuer, on May 13, 2021.
As bond counsel, we will prepare and submit to the Governing Authority for adoption all of the legal proceedings required for the authorization, issuance, sale and delivery of the Notes and provide advice of a traditional legal nature as to the issuance and sale of the Notes. Our job is principally to render certain opinions to the Issuer regarding (i) the validity of the Notes under applicable Louisiana law, (ii) the exemption of interest paid on the notes from federal and/or state taxes, and (iii) other matters as may be applicable. The bond opinion will be based on facts and law existing as of its date. In rendering such opinion, we will rely upon the certified proceedings and other certifications of public officials and other persons furnished to our firm without undertaking to verify the same by independent investigation, and we will assume continuing compliance by the Issuer with applicable laws and other resolutions relating to the Notes. During the course of this engagement, we will rely upon the staff of the Issuer and the members of the Governing Authority to provide us with complete and timely information on all developments pertaining to any aspect of the Notes.
In our engagement as bond counsel, we will:
· Confer with members of the working group, including you and other officials of the Issuer, relating to the Project and review legal issues relating to the structure of the Bond issue;
· Prepare the Issuing Bond Resolution and all related financing documents (collectively, the "Bond Documents");
· Attend meetings of the Governing Authority at which the Bond Documents are adopted;
· Prepare the application for approval of the issuance of the Notes by the State Bond Commission and attend the State Bond Commission meeting at which such approval will be considered;
· Review any insurance policy in the event the Issuer determines that the Notes will have credit enhancement;
· Prepare the closing index and various closing certificates, including the Tax Compliance Certificate, and supervise the execution of certain closing documents by the various parties thereto;
· Prepare and file Internal Revenue Service Form 8038-G, as required by Federal law;
· Prepare the Notes and supervise their execution and authentication;
· Prepare complete transcripts of record covering the issuance of the Notes and furnishing the transcripts to various parties in connection therewith; and
· Submit applicable post-closing reports to the State Bond Commission.
Our fee as bond counsel is based upon the terms, structure, size and schedule of the financing, the services provided, and the responsibilities assumed; however, our fee will not exceed that permitted by guidelines set forth by the Attorney General of the State of Louisiana and is subject to his approval. Our fee as bond counsel is a “contingent fee,” meaning you are required to pay for our legal services only in the event the Notes are actually sold and delivered. Other vendors or members of the working group may charge additional fees or costs for their services.
We will continue to serve as bond counsel until the delivery of the Notes; however, the Issuer and our firm each have the right to terminate this engagement at any time after providing reasonable advanced written notice, subject to the applicable rules of professional responsibility. Upon conclusion or termination of our representation of the Issuer, papers and property furnished by the Issuer will be returned promptly upon request.
Please note that we are not municipal advisors, and we do not render financial advice or other financial services to the Issuer; however, in the course of providing traditional legal services, we may provide factual information to the Issuer that is not specifically tailored to the Notes or that does not rise to the level of a recommendation concerning a course of action. We will, however, analyze and advise the Issuer regarding the legal ramifications of the structure, timing, terms and other provisions of the Notes, as these functions are essential to developing a plan of finance.
On behalf of the Issuer, you have represented to us that in connection with the issuance of the Notes the Issuer is represented by, and with respect to financial matters will rely on the advice of, Government Consultants, Inc., a registered municipal advisor under the rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. By obtaining such representation from you, our firm is not a municipal advisor and is not subject to the fiduciary duty established in Section 15B(c)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Applicable ethical rules in Louisiana prohibit us from undertaking this representation if we represent another party that is directly adverse to the Issuer or if there is a significant risk that other considerations will materially limit our representation of the Issuer. As you are aware, our firm represents the State of Louisiana and many other political subdivisions, including others in St. John the Baptist Parish. At this time, we do not believe any other current or past engagement of our firm adversely affects our ability to represent the Issuer as provided in this letter; however, we invite you to discuss any concerns you have with us.
In the interest of facilitating our services to you, we may (i) send documents, information or data electronically or via the Internet or (ii) store electronic documents or data via computer software applications hosted remotely or utilize cloud-based storage. Confidential electronic documents or data of the Issuer may be transmitted or stored using these methods. We may use third party service providers to store or transmit these documents or data. In using these electronic communication and storage methods, we employ reasonable efforts to keep such communications, documents and data secure in accordance with our obligations under applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards; however, the Issuer recognizes and accepts that we have no control over the unauthorized interception or breach of any communications, documents or data once it has been transmitted or if it has been subject to unauthorized access while stored, notwithstanding all reasonable security measures employed by us or by our third party service providers. By acceptance of this letter, the Issuer consents to our use of these electronic devices and applications and submission of confidential client information to or through third party service providers during this engagement.
If this letter is acceptable to the Issuer, please so indicate by executing below and returning a copy to us, retaining an original for your files. We appreciate the opportunity to serve the Issuer and look forward to working with you.
Foley & Judell, L.L.P.
By: _______________________________
M. Jason Akers, Partner
Accepted and Approved:
The Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana
By: _____________________________
Name: Lynett Hookfin
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ITEM 7a. Public Comment. Dr. Lynett Hookfin - Announce intent to levy/roll forward millages for the 2021 tax roll at the June 17, 2021 School Board Meeting.
President Mitchell read the following announcement:
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT:
JUNE 17, 2021 – PUBLIC HEARING - 5:30 p.m.-6:00 p.m.
JUNE 17, 2021 - SCHOOL BOARD MEETING – 6:00 p.m.
Levy/Roll Forward Millages
Notice is hereby given pursuant to Article 7, Section 23(C) of the Louisiana Constitution and R.S. 47:1705(B) that a public hearing of St. John the Baptist School Board in St. John the Baptist Parish will be held at its regular meeting place in LaPlace Elementary School, 393 Greenwood Drive LaPlace, Louisiana on Thursday, June 17, 2021, at 5:30 p.m. to consider levying additional or increased millage rates without further voter approval or adopting the adjusted millage rates after reassessment and rolling forward to rates not to exceed the prior year's maximum. The estimated amount of tax revenues to be collected in the next year from the increased millage is $31,742,812.35, and the amount of increase in taxes attributable to the millage increase is $9,684,171.99.
Following the Public Hearing, on June 17, 2021 at 6:00 p.m., the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board intends to levy/roll forward the millage rates.
ITEM 8. OLD BUSINESS
ITEM 8a. Public Comment. Mrs. Terry Charles – Request approval to award Bid #85-Small Equipment
MOTION BY: Sanders
SECOND BY: Triche
MOTION: To approve Bid #85-Small Equipment – (Economical, Douglas Food Stores and Pyramid School Products).
11 Yeas - Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell
The motion carried.
ITEM 8b. Public Comment. Mrs. Terry Charles – Request approval to award Bid #10-Bread/Bread Products
MOTION BY: Sanders
SECOND BY: Jones
MOTION: To approve Bid #10-Bread/Bread Products – (Bimbo Bakeries, USA).
11 Yeas - Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell
The motion carried.
ITEM 8c. Public Comment. Mrs. Terry Charles – Request approval to award Bid #35-Frozen Food
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Wallace
MOTION: To approve Bid #35-Frozen Foods – (Diamond Food Distributors, Pon Food Corporation).
11 Yeas - Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell
The motion carried.
ITEM 8d. Public Comment. Mrs. Terry Charles – Request approval to award Bid #50-Meat/Meat Products
MOTION BY: Wallace
SECOND BY: Jones
MOTION: To approve Bid #50-Meat/Meat Products – (Diamond Food Distributors, Pon Food Corporation).
11 Yeas - Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell
The motion carried.
ITEM 8e. Public Comment. Mrs. Terry Charles – Request approval to award Bid #30-Processed Foods
MOTION BY: Wallace
SECOND BY: Sanders
MOTION: To approve Bid #30-Processed Foods – (Diamond Food Distributors, Pon Food Corporation).
11 Yeas - Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell
The motion carried.
ITEM 8f. Public Comment. Mrs. Terry Charles – Request approval to award Bid #60-Cleaning Supplies
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Wallace
MOTION: To approve Bid #60-Cleaning Supplies – (Economical Janitorial, Terrabooste Media, and SFS PAC).
11 Yeas - Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell
The motion carried.
ITEM 8g. Public Comment. Mrs. Terry Charles – Request approval to award Bid #70-Paper Products/Supplies
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Keller
MOTION: To approve Bid #70-Paper Products/Supplies – (Economical Janitorial and Interboro).
11 Yeas - Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell
The motion carried.
ITEM 8h. Public Comment. Mrs. Terry Charles – Request approval to award Bid #20-Milk/Milk Products
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Wallace
MOTION: To approve Bid #20-Milk/Milk Products – (Kleinpeter Dairy).
11 Yeas - Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell
The motion carried.
ITEM 9. NEW BUSINESS.
ITEM 9a. Public Comment. Dr. Lynett Hookfin/Mr. Jason Akers, Foley & Judell – Approval of a resolution ordering and calling a special 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 a special tax therein; making application to the State Bond Commission and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
MOTION BY: Entire Board
SECOND BY:
MOTION: To approve a resolution ordering and calling a special 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 a special tax therein; making application to the State Bond Commission and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas - Holden, DeFrancesch, Wallace, Burl, Schum, Jones, Johnson, Sanders, Triche, Mitchell
1 Absent - Keller
The motion carried.
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The following resolution was offered by ___________________________________and seconded
by __________________________________:
RESOLUTION
A resolution ordering and calling a special 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 a special tax therein; making application to the State Bond Commission and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
BE IT RESOLVED by the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "Governing Authority"), acting as the governing authority of School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "District"), that:
SECTION 1. Election Call. Subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission, and under the authority conferred by the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, including Article VIII, Section 13(C) Third thereof, the applicable provisions of the Louisiana Election Code, and other constitutional and statutory authority, a special election is hereby called and ordered to be held in the District on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2021, between the hours of seven o'clock (7:00) a.m. and eight o'clock (8:00) p.m., in accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 18:541, and at the said election there shall be submitted to all registered voters qualified and entitled to vote at the said election under the Constitution and laws of this State and the Constitution of the United States, the following proposition, to-wit:
PROPOSITION
(MILLAGE RENEWAL)
Shall School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "District"), continue to levy a special tax of three and forty-seven hundredths (3.47) mills on all of the property subject to taxation in said School District (an estimated $2,665,700 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of ten (10)
years, beginning with the year 2022 and ending with the year 2031, for the purpose of providing additional funds for salaries and fringe benefits for all employees (except for privately contracted services) of the school system but not to supplant current revenues being expended for all employee salaries and benefits?
SECTION 2. Publication of Notice of Election. A Notice of Special Election shall be published in the L’Obsevateur, a newspaper of general circulation within the District, published in LaPlace, Louisiana, and being the official journal of the District, once a week for four consecutive weeks, with the first publication to be made not less than forty-five (45) days nor more than ninety (90) days prior to the date of the election, which Notice shall be substantially in the form attached hereto as "Exhibit A" and incorporated herein by reference the same as if it were set forth herein in full.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to the publication of the Notice of Election, the Secretary of the Governing Authority is authorized and directed to make any amendments to the foregoing proposition that may be required to comply with any state or federal regulatory agencies.
SECTION 3. Canvass. This Governing Authority shall meet at the LaPlace Elementary School, 393 Greenwood Drive, LaPlace, Louisiana, on THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021, at SIX O’CLOCK (6:00) P.M., and shall then and there in open and public session proceed to examine and canvass the returns and declare the result of the said special election.
SECTION 4. Polling Places. The polling places for the precincts in the District are hereby designated as the polling places at which to hold the said elections, and the Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners, respectively, will be the same persons as those designated in accordance with law.
SECTION 5. Election Commissioners; Voting Machines. The officers designated to serve as Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners pursuant to Section 4 hereof, or such substitutes therefor as may be selected and designated in accordance with La. R.S. 18:1287, shall hold the said special election as herein provided, and shall make due returns of said election for the meeting of the Governing Authority to be held as provided in Section 3 hereof. All registered voters in the District will be entitled to vote at the special election, and voting machines shall be used.
SECTION 6. Authorization of Officers. The Secretary of the Governing Authority is hereby empowered, authorized and directed to arrange for and to furnish to said election officers in ample time for the holding of said election, the necessary equipment, forms and other paraphernalia essential to the proper holding of said election and the President and/or Secretary of the Governing Authority are further authorized, empowered and directed to take any and all further action required by State and/or Federal law to arrange for the election.
SECTION 7. Furnishing Election Call to Election Officials. Certified copies of this resolution shall be forwarded to the Secretary of State, the Clerk of Court and Ex-Officio Parish Custodian of Voting Machines of St. John the Baptist Parish and the Registrar of Voters of St. John the Baptist Parish, as notification of the special election, in order that each may prepare for said election and perform their respective functions as required by law.
SECTION 8. Application to State Bond Commission. Application is made to the State Bond Commission for consent and authority to hold the special election as herein provided, and in the event said election carries for further consent and authority to continue to levy and collect the special tax provided for therein. A certified copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to the State Bond Commission on behalf of this Governing Authority, together with a letter requesting the prompt consideration and approval of this application. This resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:
YEAS:
NAYS:
ABSENT:
And the resolution was declared adopted on this, the 13th day of May, 2021.
/s/ Dr. Lynett Hookfin /s/ Nia Mitchell-Williams
Secretary President
EXHIBIT "A"
NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION
Pursuant to the provisions of a resolution adopted by the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "Governing Authority"), acting as the governing authority of School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "District"), on May 13, 2021, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special election will be held within the District on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2021, and that at the said election there will be submitted to all registered voters in the District qualified and entitled to vote at the said election under the Constitution and Laws of the State of Louisiana and the Constitution of the United States, the following proposition, to-wit:
PROPOSITION
(MILLAGE RENEWAL)
Shall School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "District"), continue to levy a special tax of three and forty-seven hundredths (3.47) mills on all of the property subject to taxation in said School District (an estimated $2,665,700 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of ten (10)
years, beginning with the year 2022 and ending with the year 2031, for the purpose of providing additional funds for salaries and fringe benefits for all employees (except for privately contracted services) of the school system but not to supplant current revenues being expended for all employee salaries and benefits?
Said special election will be held at each and every polling place in the Parish of St. John the Baptist, which polls will open at seven o’clock (7:00) a.m. and close at eight o’clock (8:00) p.m., in accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 18:541. The polling places for the precincts are hereby designated as the polling places at which to hold the said election, and the Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners, respectively, shall be those persons designated according to law. The estimated cost of this election as determined by the Secretary of State based upon the provisions of Chapter 8-A of Title 18 and actual costs of similar elections is $66,000. Notice is further given that a portion of the monies collected from the tax described in the Proposition shall be remitted to certain state and statewide retirement systems in the manner required by law. The said special election will be held in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 5 and Chapter 6-A of Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority, and the officers appointed to hold the said election, as provided in this Notice of Special Election, or such substitutes therefor as may be selected and designated in accordance with La. R.S. 18:1287, will make due returns thereof to said Governing Authority, and NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Governing Authority will meet at the LaPlace Elementary School, 393 Greenwood Drive, LaPlace,
Louisiana, on THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2021, at SIX O’CLOCK (6:00) P.M., and shall then and there in open and public session proceed to examine and canvass the returns and declare the results of the said special election. All registered voters of the District are entitled to vote at said special election and voting machines will be used.
THUS DONE AND SIGNED at Reserve, Louisiana, on this, the 13th day of May, 2021.
ATTEST: /s/ Nia Mitchell-Williams, President
/s/ Dr. Lynett Hookfin, Secretary
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ITEM 9b. Public Comment. Mrs. Patricia Triche – Request approval to revise Summer Shine Program Staff Pay
MOTION BY: Sanders
SECOND BY: Schum
MOTION: To approve the revised Summer Shine Program Staff Pay.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas - Holden, DeFrancesch, Wallace, Keller, Schum, Jones, Johnson, Sanders, Triche, Mitchell
1 Absent - Burl
The motion carried.
ITEM 10. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
· Grass at John L. Ory is very high behind the school
· Finance Committee Meeting Wednesday, May 19th at 4:00 p.m.
· Mr. Sanders asked Dr. Hookfin to please meet with SJAE Reps regarding teacher evaluations
ITEM 11. BOARD ITEMS OF INTEREST
· Mrs. Holden - Christian Rousseve – signed a scholarship to be an angler at LSU Eunice and Jake Hamilton signed a scholarship to Milsap for baseball and football
· Mrs. Holden – Asked administration for a timeline on the revision of policy JBCD
· Graduations: West St. John High – May 22nd at 10:00 a.m. in the West St. John High Gymnasium; East St. John High – May 27th at 6:00 p.m. at Pontchartrain Center in Kenner.
ITEM 12. ADJOURNMENT
The agenda having been completed, and there being no further business, there was a
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: Jones
MOTION: Motion for adjournment.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas - Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell
1 Absent – Burl
The motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 9:19 p.m.
________________________________ ________________________________
Dr. Lynett Hookfin, Secretary Nia Mitchell, President