PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
RESERVE, LA – MEETING OF OCTOBER 14, 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 Godchaux Grammar Cafeteria, 1600 Highway 44, Reserve, Louisiana, on Thursday, October 14, 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 6:00 p.m. and called for a moment of silent meditation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
ITEM 2. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS:
PRESENT: Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
ABSENT: Burl, Jones
There were 9 members present and 2 members absent.
ITEM 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: The Chair called for Public Comment.
ADA Jasmin advised the Board of the following in his legal opinion: “…with respect to the minutes from August 12, 2021, Agenda Item 10a (adoption of an evaluation tool), the proposed minutes are not an accurate depiction of what transpired. In particular, it should be noted that Attorney Courtney Joiner, on behalf of Hammonds, Sills, Adkins, Guice, Noah & Perkins, L.L.C. [Special Counsel to the SJBP School Board], was called by the Board to speak on this particular agenda item. During said discussion Mr. Joiner explained the contents of this evaluation tool and provided legal guidance on the subject matter. The minutes should be revised to reflect this detail of Atty. Joiner’s statements to the Board.”
ITEM 3a. Approval of Minutes of the Meetings of: August 10, 2021; August 12, 2021; September 16, 2021; and September 22, 2021
MOTION BY: Wallace
SECOND BY: Triche
MOTION: To approve the minutes from the meetings of: August 10, 2021; August 12, 2021 – with amendment noted above; September 16, 2021; and September 22, 2021
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
2 Absent – Burl, Jones
The motion carried.
ITEM 4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. Dr. Lynett Hookfin, Superintendent.
ITEMA 4a. Public Comment. Update on Reopening of Schools
The following information was shared and discussion was held:
Mr. Burl arrived at 6:19 p.m. and was recorded as present.
Mr. Jones arrived at 6:20 p.m. and was recorded as present.
ITEM 4b. Public Comment. Update on District Facilities
Cindy Janecke (All South) shared the following information regarding our buildings post-Hurricane Ida:
ITEM 5. EDUCATION PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS BY THE BOARD OR STAFF
ITEM 6. PERSONNEL MATTERS
ITEM 7. BUSINESS AND FINANCE
ITEM 7a. Public Comment. Public Comment. Mr. David Andras/Mr. Brian Coogan – Request approval of Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire
Mrs. Mitchell-Williams stated that she is comfortable signing this document, but will include a cover sheet to explain that there was no CFO or Purchasing Agent in place during that time period. President Mitchell-Williams read the cover letter aloud.
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: Schum
MOTION: To approve the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire, with the cover sheet from President Mitchell-Williams.
10 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
1 Nay – Burl
The motion carried.
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ITEM 7b. Public Comment. Mr. David Andras/Mr. Brian Coogan – Introduction to the Comprehensive Budget for 2021-2022
This item was for introduction only. A public hearing will be held on November 2, 2021 regarding the budget. The comprehensive budget for 2021-2022 can be viewed on our website at www.stjohn.k12.la.us
*Mrs. Schum asked that the record reflect her concern that we are turning this budget in so late.
ITEM 7c. Public Comment. Mr. David Andras/Foley & Judell - A resolution indicating the intention of the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "school board"), to become a participating political subdivision in the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority (the "authority"); approving the appointment of a director to represent the school board on the board of directors of the authority; and otherwise providing with respect thereto as provided by Chapter 10-D of Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended.
Mr. Toby Cortez (legal), stated that this first resolution is to authorize joining the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority, which his a requirement of Resolution 2.
The Finance Committee met regarding this item and recommended the board appoint David Andras as the director.
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: Schum
MOTION: To approve a resolution indicating the intention of the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "school board"), to become a participating political subdivision in the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority (the "authority"); approving the appointment of a director to represent the school board on the board of directors of the authority; and otherwise providing with respect thereto as provided by Chapter 10-D of Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended and appointing David Andras as director to represent the school board.
10 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
1 Nay – Burl
The motion carried.
*Mr. Burl asked that the record reflect his reason for not voting on this item is due to the lack of a CFO.
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The following resolution was offered by__________ and seconded by_____________:
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION INDICATING THE INTENTION OF THE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD OF THE PARISH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST, STATE OF
LOUISIANA, TO BECOME A PARTICIPATING POLITICAL SUBDIVISION IN THE LOUISIANA LOCAL GOVERNMENT ENVIRONMENTAL
FACILITIES AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (THE "AUTHORITY"); APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF A DIRECTOR TO REPRESENT THE SCHOOL BOARD ON THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE AUTHORITY; AND OTHERWISE PROVIDING WITH RESPECT THERETO AS PROVIDED BY CHAPTER 10-D OF TITLE 33 OF THE LOUISIANA REVISED STATUTES OF 1950, AS AMENDED.
WHEREAS, Chapter 10-D of Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, comprised of R.S. 33:4548.1 through 4548.16 is known as the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority Act (the "Act"); and
WHEREAS, the Act creates the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority (the "Authority") for the purpose of assisting political subdivisions, as defined in the Act, and other designated entities in acquiring, financing and constructing certain facilities, including environmental, public infrastructure, community and economic development purposes and to otherwise establish programs to aid in the financing of local government and economic development projects; and
WHEREAS, the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of
Louisiana (the "School Board"), is eligible to become a participating political subdivision of the Authority in accordance with the Act; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 4548.4 of the Act, the governing authority of the School Board, desires to become a member of the Authority (Member) and to approve the appointment of _____________________________ to serve as a Director of the Authority and ratify any action taken heretofore by and on behalf of the member;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Parish School Board of the Parish of
St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, that:
Section 1. Under the authority of Section 4548.4 of the Act, it is hereby declared to be the express intention of the School Board to become a participating political subdivision and member of the Authority.
Section 2. Pursuant to the Act, the appointment of ______________________________ to serve as a Director of the Authority for a term of two (2) years from the date hereof is hereby approved.
Section 3. This resolution shall take effect immediately and a certified copy hereof shall be forwarded to the offices of the Authority.
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 14th day of October, 2021.
Secretary President
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST
I, the undersigned Secretary of the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, do hereby certify that the foregoing pages constitute a true and correct copy of the resolution adopted by said Parish School Board on October 14, 2021, indicating the intention of the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, to become a participating political subdivision in the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority (the "Authority"); approving the appointment of a Director to represent the School Board on the Board of Directors of the Authority; and otherwise providing with respect thereto as provided by Chapter 10-D of Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended.
IN FAITH WHEREOF, witness my official signature on this the 14th day of October, 2021.
_______________________________________
Secretary
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ITEM 7d. Public Comment. Mr. David Andras/Foley & Judell – A resolution declaring the intention of Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "board") to proceed with a financing in an amount not to exceed thirty million dollars ($30,000,000) for the purpose of financing damage demolition, repair, reconstruction, restoration and improvement of public school buildings and facilities caused by Hurricane Ida, including all necessary furnishings, fixtures and facilities therewith; employing bond counsel and other professionals, authorizing the form of and execution of a bond purchase agreement in connection with the issuance, sale and delivery of the bonds; authorizing an application to the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority and the Louisiana State Bond Commission; paying costs of issuance of the debt and providing for other matters with respect thereto.
Public Comment. Shondrell Perrilloux spoke in opposition of this item.
Atty. Hardey Andrews, (Foley & Judell, LLP) stated that this is the first step in obtaining the loan to assist with Hurricane Ida damages/remediation. Passing this resolution does not obligate the Board to borrow money, but will allow the Board to do so if needed.
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: Schum
MOTION: To approve a resolution declaring the intention of Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "board") to proceed with a financing in an amount not to exceed thirty million dollars ($30,000,000) for the purpose of financing damage demolition, repair, reconstruction, restoration and improvement of public school buildings and facilities caused by Hurricane Ida, including all necessary furnishings, fixtures and facilities therewith; employing bond counsel and other professionals, authorizing the form of and execution of a bond purchase agreement in connection with the issuance, sale and delivery of the bonds; authorizing an application to the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority and the Louisiana State Bond Commission; paying costs of issuance of the debt and providing for other matters with respect thereto.
10 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
1 Nay – Burl
The motion carried.
*Mr. Burl asked that the record reflect his reason for abstaining is due to the lack of a CFO.
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The following resolution was offered by ______________ and seconded by _______________:
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION DECLARING THE INTENTION OF THE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD OF THE PARISH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST, STATE
OF LOUISIANA TO PROCEED WITH A FINANCING IN AN AMOUNT
NOT TO EXCEED THIRTY MILLION DOLLARS ($30,000,000) FOR THE PURPOSE OF FINANCING PAYING ANY COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH
DEBRIS REMOVAL OR THE DEMOLITION, REHABILITATION, REPAIR,
RECONSTRUCTION, RENOVATION, RESTORATION AND
IMPROVEMENT OF THE BOARD'S CAMPUSES AND FACILITIES
RESULTING FROM OR RELATED TO HURRICANE IDA, INCLUDING
PURCHASING ANY FURNISHINGS, FIXTURES AND EQUIPMENT
INCIDENTAL OR NECESSARY IN CONNECTION THEREWITH;
AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION TO THE LOUISIANA LOCAL
GOVERNMENT ENVIRONMENTAL FACILITIES AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY AND THE LOUISIANA STATE BOND COMMISSION; AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS WITH RESPECT THERETO.
WHEREAS, as a result of damage and destruction inflicted upon the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, by Hurricane Ida, the public school campuses and facilities of the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "Board"), sustained damage, to varying degrees, and the Board must borrow funds for the purpose of paying costs associated with debris removal or the demolition, rehabilitation, repair, reconstruction, renovation restoration and improvement of the Board's campuses and facilities resulting from Hurricane Ida, in an amount not to exceed Thirty Million Dollars ($30,000,000) (the "Project"); and
WHEREAS, by companion resolution, this Board has indicated its intent to become a participating political subdivision and member of the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority (the "Authority"), a political subdivision of the State of Louisiana (the "State") established for public purposes pursuant to Chapter 10-D of Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1050, as amended (La. R.S. 33:4548.1 through 4548.16, inclusive) (the "Authority Act"); and
WHEREAS, to finance projects by the State’s political subdivisions of public infrastructure and public works of all types, the Authority is authorized to issue bonds and loan the proceeds thereof to political subdivisions who become members of the Authority for such purposes, under the authority of the Authority Act, and other constitutional and statutory authority; and
WHEREAS, the Board wishes to proceed with a financing through the Authority in an amount of not to exceed Thirty Million Dollars ($30,000,000) to fund the costs of the Project, in a manner and structure to be determined by subsequent resolution or ordinance; and
WHEREAS, this Board wishes to authorize filing of an application with the Authority requesting that the Authority grant approval for the issuance of revenue bonds to be issued on behalf of the Board (the "Bonds"), issuance of which are expressly authorized by the provisions of Subparts A and B of Part II, Chapter 4 of Subtitle II of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended (La. R.S. 39:501, et seq., and 524, et seq.) (the "Act") and in accordance with the Authority Act;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Parish School Board of the Parish of St.
John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, as follows:
SECTION 1. The foregoing recitals are hereby adopted.
SECTION 2. The Board shall proceed with a financing through the Authority in an amount not to exceed Thirty Million Dollars ($30,000,000) to be represented by the Authority’s Bonds to provide funds to finance the Project and pay the costs of issuance thereof. The Authority’s Bonds authorized to be issued may be issued in a single or multiple series on a taxable and/or tax-exempt basis, to mature not later than ten (10) years from their date of issuance, and bear interest at a fixed or variable rate or rates not to exceed five percent (5%) per annum.
The proceeds of the Bonds will be loaned by the Authority to this Board pursuant to a loan or other financing agreement (the "Loan Agreement"). This Board will make payments under the Loan Agreement from its receipt of lawfully available funds which shall be defined in the Loan Agreement to include, collectively, the funds, income, revenue, fees, receipts or charges of any nature from any source whatsoever on deposit with or accruing from time to time to the Board, including without limitation any reimbursements for Project expenditures, provided that no such funds, income, revenue, fees, receipts or charges shall be so included in this definition which have been or are in the future legally dedicated and required for purposes inconsistent with the Project by the electorate, by the terms of specific grants, by the terms of particular obligations issued or to be issued (to the extent pledged or budgeted to pay debt service on such other obligations) or by operation of law, and provided further that the full faith and credit of the Board is not pledged and there is no obligation to levy or increase taxes or other sources of revenue above any legal limits applicable to the Board from time to time (collectively, "Lawfully Available Funds").
A certified copy of this Resolution and such other documents and certificates, as may be required by the Authority, shall be submitted to the Authority, for issuance of the Bonds under the provisions of the Act and the Authority Act.
SECTION 3. The structure, terms and conditions of any such borrowing by this Board shall be determined by subsequent resolution this Board.
SECTION 4. Prior to issuance of the Bonds, this Board anticipates that it may pay a portion of the costs of the Project from other available funds, including its general fund. Upon issuance of the Bonds, this Board reasonably expects to reimburse said expenditures from the proceeds of the Bonds. Any such allocation of the proceeds of the Bonds for reimbursement will be made with respect to the capital expenditures (as defined in Treasury Regulation 1.150-1 (h) and will be made upon the delivery of the Bonds and not later than eighteen (18) months after the date of (i) the date of such expenditure was made or (ii) the date the Project was placed in service. This resolution is intended to be a declaration of intent to reimburse in accordance with the provisions of the Treasury Regulation 1.150-
2.
SECTION 5. This Board hereby finds and determines that a real necessity exists for employment of special bond counsel in connection with the issuance of the Bonds, and accordingly, Foley & Judell, L.L.P. ("Bond Counsel") of New Orleans, Louisiana, is hereby employed (such employment to be by the Authority) to do and perform comprehensive legal and coordinate professional work with respect to the issuance of the Bonds. Said Bond Counsel shall prepare and submit to such officials of the Board and the Authority for adoption all proceedings incidental to, and shall counsel and advise the Board and the Authority on issuance and sale of the Bonds by the Authority. The fee of Bond Counsel is contingent upon issuance, sale and delivery of the Bonds, and shall be in accordance with the Attorney General’s then current Bound Counsel Fee Schedule for comprehensive legal and coordinate professional work in the issuance of the Bonds applied to the actual aggregate principal amount issued, sold, delivered and paid for at the time such Bonds are delivered, together with reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses incurred and advanced in connection with issuance of the Bonds, said fee to be subject to the Attorney General’s written approval of said employment and fee to be paid with Bond proceeds.
SECTION 6. The selection of Government Consultants, Inc., as municipal advisor (the "Municipal Advisor") for the issuance and sale of the Bonds, is hereby approved and authorized. The compensation of the Municipal Advisor shall be payable from proceeds of the Bonds and shall be subject to the approval of this Board and the Louisiana State Bond Commission.
SECTION 7. By virtue of this Board’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 "State 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 8. This Board hereby authorizes and directs it President and Secretary and such other officials of this Board to do any and all things necessary and incidental to carry out the provisions of this resolution.
SECTION 9. This Board shall incur no financial liability for issuance of the Bonds, other than the non-refundable application fee with the Louisiana State Bond Commission, until such time as issuance of the Bonds has been approved by the Louisiana State Bond Commission, and a bond resolution or ordinance has been duly approved and adopted by this Board.
SECTION 10. A copy of this Resolution shall be published immediately after its adoption in one (1) issue of the Board’s official journal. For a period of thirty (30) days from the date of such publication, any person in interest shall have the right to contest the legality of this Resolution and of the Bonds to be issued pursuant hereto and the provisions hereof securing the Bonds. After the expiration of said thirty (30) days, no one shall have any right to contest the validity of the Bonds or the provisions of this resolution, and the Bonds shall be conclusively presumed to be legal and no court shall thereafter have the authority to inquire into such matters.
SECTION 11. This Resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption. If any provision or item of this resolution is held invalid, such invalidity shall not affect other provisions, items or applications of this resolution which can be given effect without the invalid provisions, items or applications, and to this end, the provisions of this resolution are hereby declared to severable.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that all resolutions in conflict herewith are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict.
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 14th day of October, 2021.
Secretary President
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST
I, the undersigned Secretary of the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, do hereby certify that the foregoing pages constitute a true and correct copy of the resolution adopted by said Parish School Board on October 14, 2021, authorizing a resolution declaring the intention of the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana to proceed with a financing in an amount not to exceed Thirty Million Dollars ($30,000,000) for the purpose of financing paying any costs associated with debris removal or the demolition, rehabilitation, repair, reconstruction, renovation, restoration and improvement of the board's campuses and facilities resulting from or related to Hurricane Ida, including purchasing any furnishings, fixtures and equipment incidental or necessary in connection therewith; authorizing an application to the Louisiana Local Government Environmental Facilities and Community Development Authority and the Louisiana State Bond Commission; and providing for other matters with respect thereto.
IN FAITH WHEREOF, witness my official signature on this the 14th day of October, 2021.
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ITEM 8. OLD BUSINESS
ITEM 9. NEW BUSINESS.
ITEM 9a. Public Comment. Mr. John Faucheux – Request Board approval to ratify Dr. Lynett Hookfin’s execution of the LA UMBI/PD (Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage) Rejection Form applicable to the 10/1/21-22 renewal of the District’s vehicle insurance policy.
MOTION BY: Wallace
SECOND BY: Keller
MOTION: To ratify Dr. Lynett Hookfin’s execution of the LA UMBI/PD (Uninsured Motorist Bodily Injury Coverage) Rejection Form applicable to the 10/1/21-22 renewal of the District’s vehicle insurance policy.
11 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell
The motion carried.
ITEM 9b. Public Comment. Mr. Jeff Diaz - Executive Session to discuss pending litigation: R. Williams v. St. John the Baptist School Board - Suit No. 70,649-C
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Holden
MOTION: To convene in Executive Session to discuss pending litigation: R. Williams v. St. John the Baptist School Board - Suit No. 70,649-C
10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell
1 Absent – Keller
The motion carried.
The Board convened in Executive Session at 8:53 p.m.
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: Keller
MOTION: To reconvene in Regular Session.
7 Yeas – Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
4 Absent – Holden, Sanders, Jones, Wallace
The motion carried.
The Board reconvened in Regular Session at 9:06 p.m.
MOTION BY: DeFrancesch
SECOND BY: Burl
MOTION: To grant authority to Atty. Jeff Diaz to approve the settlement recommended in connection to R. Williams v. St. John the Baptist School Board - Suit No. 70,649-C.
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
2 Absent –Sanders, Jones
The motion carried.
ITEM 9c. Public Comment. Mr. Courtney Joiner – Executive Session to discuss pending litigation: Serina Duke vs. St. John the Baptist Parish School Board, Docket #75866 Division A, 40th JDC
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: DeFrancesch
MOTION: To table this item.
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
2 Absent –Sanders, Jones
The motion carried.
ITEM 9d. Public Comment. Dr. Juanita Hill – Request approval of 2021-2022 Pupil Progression Plan Additions and Revisions.
MOTION BY: Keller
SECOND BY: Triche
MOTION: To approve the 2021-2022 Pupil Progression Plan Additions and Revisions.
11 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
The Pupil Progression Plan is available for viewing at www.stjohn.k12.la.us
ITEM 9e. Public Comment. Ms. Sherry DeFrancesch – Request approval of Group Health Plan as recommended by the Insurance Committee
MOTION BY: DeFrancesch
SECOND BY: Schum
MOTION: To approve the retiree portion of the Medicare Advantage Plan by United Health Care.
11 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
ITEM 9f. Public Comment. Dr. Lynett Hookfin – A resolution confirming an election date change pursuant to Executive Order of the Governor; establishing a new date to canvass the returns of the election; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
MOTION BY: Wallace
SECOND BY: Triche
MOTION: To approve a resolution confirming an election date change pursuant to Executive Order of the Governor; establishing a new date to canvass the returns of the election; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
11 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
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The following resolution was offered by and seconded by :
RESOLUTION
A resolution confirming an election date change pursuant to Executive Order of the Governor; establishing a new date to canvass the returns of the election; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
WHEREAS, the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, acting as the governing authority of School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, heretofore called for an election to be held on Saturday, October 9, 2021; and
WHEREAS, the Governor issued Executive Order Number 2021 JBE 13 on September 9, 2021 (said Executive Order, with any supplements or modifications, herein the “Executive Order”), to reschedule elections due to the Statewide State of Emergency caused by Hurricane Ida;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED 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. This Governing Authority acknowledges the change in the election date, pursuant to the Executive Order, from October 9, 2021 to November 13, 2021.
SECTION 2. This Governing Authority shall meet at the Godchaux Grammar Cafeteria, 1600 Highway 44, Reserve, Louisiana, on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2021, at SIX O’CLOCK (6:00) P.M., and shall examine and canvass the returns and declare the result of the said special election.
SECTION 3. All provisions of the election call resolution previously adopted by this Governing Authority, other than the change in the election date and the canvass date, shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 4. The President and/or Secretary are further authorized, empowered and directed to take any and all further action required by State and/or Federal authorities to conduct the election.
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 14th day of October, 2021.
/s/ Dr. Lynett Hookfin /s/ Nia Mitchell-Williams
Secretary President
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST
I, the undersigned Secretary of the Parish School Board of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "Governing Authority"), the governing authority of School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "District"), do hereby certify that the foregoing page constitutes a true and correct copy of the proceedings taken by the Governing Authority on October 14, 2021, confirming an election date change pursuant to proclamation of the Governor; establishing a new date to canvass the returns of the election; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
IN FAITH WHEREOF, witness my official signature at Reserve, Louisiana, on this, the 14th day of October, 2021.
Secretary
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ITEM 9g. Public Comment. Dr. Lynett Hookfin – Ms. Janice Gauthier – Request Board approval to ratify Dr. Lynett Hookfin’s execution of the contract with Bernhard MCC, LLC for emergency HVAC repairs to all St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools.
MOTION BY: DeFrancesch
SECOND BY: Holden
MOTION: To ratify Dr. Lynett Hookfin’s execution of the contract with Bernhard MCC, LLC for emergency HVAC repairs to all St. John the Baptist Parish Public Schools.
11 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
ITEM 9h. Public Comment. Mr. David Andras - Permission to file and accept all required documents and forms for the 2022-2023 E-Rate Grant for Priority 1 and 2 items.
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: Schum
MOTION: To grant permission to file and accept all required documents and forms for the 2022-2023 E-Rate Grant for Priority 1 and 2 items.
11 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
ITEM 9i. Public Comment. Mrs. Nia Mitchell-Williams - Executive Session: Discussion of Character and Professional Compentency as part of the Board Evaluation of Superintendent Lynett Hookfin.
Shondrell Perrilloux spoke in opposition of this item.
Mr. Brett Conrad, attorney for Dr. Hookfin stated the following: “Good evening Board, my name is Brett Conrad and I represent Mrs. Hookfin in connection with her employment. I’ll be brief because I know it’s late. Under 17:54, Mrs. Hookfin is entitled to specific performance objectives and performance targets. If you take a look at her contract, it provides those same rights to her. In particularly, it also provides a provision that in the event that there should be any discussion regarding discipline or termination, she is entitled to specific reasons and an opportunity to respond before the Board addresses that issue. …I’m sure you guys got a copy of the letter earlier this week, when you take a look at her employment contract, there’s no specific performance objectives or specific performance targets provided to Mrs. Hookfin, to the extent that there is any discussion itemized in the agenda, that is specifically going to address Mrs. Hookfin’s job performance, that is going to be a violation of her contract. There is also a provision that allows an evaluation period for Mrs. Hookfin and that is due January of 2021. We are now in October of 2021. For those reasons Board, on behalf of Mrs. Hookfin, we maintain that any discussion on this line item would be in violation of her contract and law and request that it at least be tabled.”
President Mitchell-Williams stated that at the direction of our legal counsel, this item will be tabled.
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Schum
MOTION: To table.
11 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
ITEM 10. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
ITEM 11. BOARD ITEMS OF INTEREST
Mrs. Schum – remind everyone that November 13 is the election to renew the millage for employees’ salaries and benefits and is a principal part of our current budget. We are asking Dr. Hookfin and SJAE to share this information at public forums because if this does not pass in November, we lose those dollars that maintain employee salaries and benefits. Dr. Hookfin stated that she will craft a message and ensure that our staff members understand the importance of this election.
Mrs. Schum also asked if we have applied for the critical shortage for certified teachers. She also asked for a report at the next meeting on certified vs uncertified teachers in our district, broken down by school.
Mrs. Mitchell-Williams asked if the packet from the Finance Committee meeting could be forwarded to all board members.
ITEM 12. ADJOURNMENT
The agenda having been completed, and there being no further business, there was a
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Wallace
MOTION: Motion for adjournment.
Roll Call:
11 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 9:34 p.m.
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Dr. Lynett Hookfin, Secretary Nia Mitchell, President