PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
RESERVE, LA – MEETING OF JANUARY 13, 2022
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, January 13, 2022 at 6:00 p.m.
An agenda for the meeting is attached.
Sincerely, s/Lynett Hookfin
Superintendent/Secretary
In the absence of the President, Vice-President Wallace was seated as Chair.
ITEM 1. CALL TO ORDER, INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. and called for a moment of silent meditation. The Lord’s Prayer was recited, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Board Member Keith Jones. Dr. Keller asked that we remember Ella Goudia, who recently passed away.
ITEM 2. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS:
PRESENT: Holden, Keller, Sanders, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche
ABSENT: Burl, DeFrancesch, Mitchell-Williams
There were 8 members present and 3 members absent.
ITEM 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
ITEM 3a. Public Comment. Meeting of: December 20, 2021 Special Meeting
Public Comment. Cindy Graham – stated that the last minutes posted on the website were those of November 11, 2021 and it is difficult for the public to speak on this item when they do not have access to it.
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: Johnson
MOTION: To approve the minutes from the meeting of: December 20, 2021 Special Meeting
Roll Call:
8 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche
3 Absent – Burl, DeFrancesch, Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
ITEM 4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. Dr. Lynett Hookfin, Superintendent.
ITEMA 4a. Recognition of LPE Star Students
Dr. Kara Washington, principal of LPE presented the LPE Star Students:
Marlee Moore, 2nd Grade – She is very enthusiastic about learning, always ready to help whatever way she can. Marlee always looks out for others by assisting with logging on to the computer and is always positive. She even gives uplifting notes to students and teachers alike.
Chelsea Turcios, 4th Grade – She is excited about learning! She always goes above and beyond to do her schoolwork. She follows all schoolwide expectations and helps others when needed. She is a class mentor who other students look up to and supports her bilingual peers.
Amaje Patterson 6th Grade – He has been a student at LPE since 4th grade. His 2 favorite subjects are ELA and math. He enjoys drumming in his spare time and at school it’s really fun to have him as a student. He is always eager to help others and he freely assists his classmates. We can always count on him to help his peers and teachers.
Mrs. Defrancesch arrived at 6:10 p.m. and was recorded as present.
Mr. Burl arrived at 6:13 p.m. and was recorded as present.
ITEM 4b. Recognition of ECW Star Students
Mrs. Peri Eldridge, principal of ECW, presented the ECW Star Students
1st grader-Matthew Cooke: Matthew Cooke is a first-grade student in Ms. Pickle’s homeroom. He is the personification of kindness and sensitivity. He is admired by his teachers and peers. He is currently on the A honor roll. Matthew is creative and generous. He is often referred by the adults that work with him as an “old soul” especially in his speech and mannerism. Matthew is a positive influence on his peers.
3rd grader-Julisa Amador is an all A student who loves to learn. Her questions in class are evidence that she is curious and wants to soak up every bit of knowledge that she can. She is a polite young lady who lives out her family values. She is kind to her classmates as well as adults. She respects authority and follows the rules. Her convictions of kindness and helpfulness cross all cultural boundaries in the classroom and without. She is a well- spoken student who is considerate and puts others first.
Jerrimiah Robertson is an exceptional 8th grader at ECW who has maintained honor roll status and was ECW’s second place “Student of the Year”. Jerrimiah continues to be driven towards academic excellence despite the fact that we have faced many obstacles this school year. Jerrimiah is a leader amongst his peers, and has recently become a member of the 8th grade planning committee. We are very proud of Jerrimiah, and we know that he will be prepared at the end of this school year to transition into the next phase of his life … “high school”! We are looking forward to tracking Jerrimiah’s success as he moves on. Great job Jerrimiah!
ITEM 4c. Recognition of WSJH Star Students
Mr. Claude Hill, principal of WSJH, presented the WSJH Star Students:
All three young ladies were selected 8TH grade student of the year during their cohort. All of them embody the qualities you want in a student. All of them are leaders among their peers. All of them are serious about their education and have made all “A’s “during this school year and a majority of their high school career. They are polite, respectful, and outstanding people.
Jayla Ezidore – 9th Grade - Three words that describe her are encouraging, friendly, and helpful.
My favorite subject in school is math.
After high school, my plans are to attend college and possibly study engineering or dance.
Skylar Edwards – 11th Grade - Three words that describe her: Creative, Understanding, Determined
Favorite subject: Social Studies
Goals after high school: I plan to get a doctoral degree in clinical psychology and open a mental health clinic.
Jenya Ketchens – 12th Grade - Three words that describe her: Warm-hearted, reliable, bright
Favorite subject: Math
Goals after graduating high school: to attend Southern University and major in Business Management.
ITEM 4d. Recognition of Participants of the Instructional Leadership Academy
Michelle Seymour recognized the members of the 1st Instructional Leadership Academy:
Tiffany Benoit, Jeremy Brown, Rajean Butler and Robin Gibson
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: Jones
MOTION: To waive policy to amend the agenda to address ITEMS 8a and 9a at this time.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche
1 Absent – Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
ITEM 8a. Public Comment. Mr. Joshua Manning, SCP – Request the Board approve a Resolution to establish and define the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board 2021 election districts in accordance with federal and state statutes
MOTION BY: Keller
SECOND BY: Triche
MOTION: To approve the Resolution to establish and define the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board 2021 election districts in accordance with federal and state statues.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche
1 Absent – Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
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The following resolution was offered by ______________________________________ and seconded by
________________________________:
A RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH AND DEFINE THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD 2021 ELECTION DISTRICTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH FEDERAL AND STATE STATUTES
Section I.
WHEREAS, as specified in Louisiana Revised Statutes 17:71.1 the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board is required to redraw the boundaries of the voting districts every ten (10) years in accordance with the decennial census; and,
WHEREAS, the Census was taken in 2020, and the population data was released by the Census Bureau in August of 2021; and,
WHEREAS, boundaries of any election district for a new apportionment plan from which members of a school board are elected shall contain whole precincts established by the parish governing authority; and,
WHEREAS, if a school board is unable to comply with applicable law regarding redistricting and reapportionment, including adherence to traditional redistricting principles, in the creation of its redistricting or reapportionment plan through the use of whole precincts, the school board may, in the creation of its redistricting or reapportionment plan, divide a precinct into portions which are bounded by visible features which are census tabulation boundaries. No such precinct shall be divided into more than two school board districts. No school board district shall contain more than three divided precincts; and
WHEREAS, the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board has examined, reviewed, and considered various alternative alignments based upon the findings of the United States Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census; now
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board establishes the considered map alignment entitled Alternative 1, and that the aforementioned districts are hereby established:
District 1
District 1 contains all of precincts 1-1, 1-2, 1-3, and portions of 1-4 described as follows:
Precinct 1-4
Beginning at the intersection of the straight line extension of the centerline of Persimmon Street and the Canadian National Railroad; thence, easterly along the Canadian National Railroad to its intersection with centerline of Louisiana Highway 44 (West 5th Street); thence, northwesterly along the centerline of Louisiana Highway 44 (West 5th Street) to its intersection with the centerline of Main Street; thence, northeasterly along the centerline of Main Street to its intersection with the centerline of United States Highway 61 (Airline Highway); thence, southeasterly along the centerline of United States Highway 61 (Airline Highway) to its intersection with the centerline of Walnut Street; thence, southwesterly along the centerline of Walnut Street and its extension to its intersection with the centerline of Louisiana Highway 628 (East 5th Street); thence, southeasterly along the centerline of Louisiana Highway 628 (East 5th Street) to its intersection with the centerline of the St. Charles/St. John the Baptist Parish boundary; thence, southwesterly along the centerline of the St. Charles/St. John the Baptist Parish boundary to its intersection with the center flow channel of the Mississippi River; thence, northerly and northwesterly along the center flow channel of the Mississippi River to its intersection with the centerline of the straight line extension of the centerline of Persimmon Street; thence, northerly along the centerline of Persimmon Street and its straight centerline extension to its intersection with the Canadian National Railroad, the point of beginning.
District 2
District 2 contains all of precincts 2-1, 2-2, and portions of 2-3 and 3-4 described as follows:
Precinct 2-3
Beginning at the intersection of the centerlines of United States Highway 61 (West Airline Highway) and an unnamed road west of Concha Lane in Section 62, T-11-S, R-6-E; thence, northwesterly, easterly, and northwesterly along the centerline of the unnamed road to its intersection with the center flow channel of an unnamed pipeline canal in Section 90, T-11-S, R-6-E; thence, northeasterly along the center flow channel of the unnamed pipeline canal to its intersection with the center flow channel of the Mississippi Bayou Canal; thence, northwesterly, southwesterly, northeasterly, and southwesterly along the center flow channel of the Mississippi Bayou Canal to its intersection with the center flow channel of the Garyville/Hope Canal; thence, northeasterly and northerly along the center flow channel of the Garyville/Hope Canal and its straight line extension through Lake Maurepas to its intersection with the Livingston/St. John the Baptist Parish boundary; thence, easterly along centerline of the Livingston/St. John the Baptist Parish boundary line to its intersection with the center flow channel of the Reserve Relief Canal in Lake Maurepas; thence, southerly along the center flow channel of the Reserve Relief Canal to its intersection with the centerline of United States Highway 61 (Airline Highway); thence, westerly along the centerline of United States Highway 61 (Airline Highway) to its intersection with the centerline of an unnamed road west of Concha Lane in Section 62, T-11-S, R-6-E, the point of beginning.
Precinct 3-4
Beginning at the intersection of the centerline of United States Highway 61 (Airline Highway) and the center flow channel of the Reserve Relief Canal; thence, northerly along the center flow channel of the Reserve Relief Canal to its intersection with the centerline of Interstate 10; thence easterly along Interstate 10 to its intersection with the straight-line extension of the center flow channel of the Guillot Canal; thence southeasterly along the straight-line extension of the center flow channel of the Guillot Canal to its intersection with the centerline of United States Highway 61 (Airline Highway); thence westerly along the centerline of United States Highway 61 (Airline Highway) to its intersection with the center flow channel of the Reserve Relief Canal, the point of beginning.
District 3
District 3 contains all of precinct 2-4, 3-1, and a portion of 2-3 described as follows:
Precinct 2-3
Beginning at the intersection of the centerline of Louisiana Highway 44 and West 23rd Street[JM1] ; thence, northwesterly along the centerline of West 23rd Street to its intersection with the centerline of Perimeter Road; thence westerly and northerly along the centerline of Perimeter Road to its intersection with the centerline of Marathon Avenue; thence continuing northerly along the centerline of Marathon Avenue to its intersection with the centerline of United States Highway 61 (West Airline Highway); thence easterly along the centerline of United States Highway 61 (West Airline Highway) to its intersection with the center flow channel of the Godchaux Canal; thence, southerly along the center flow channel of the Godchaux Canal to its intersection with the Kansas City Southern Railroad; thence, easterly along the Kansas City Railroad to its intersection with the centerline of Northwest 2nd Street; thence, southerly along the centerline of Northwest 2nd Street and its extension to its intersection with the Canadian National Railroad tracks; thence, westerly along the Canadian National Railroad tracks to its intersection with the centerline of West 7th Street; thence, southerly and southwesterly and southerly along the centerline of West 7th Street to its intersection with the centerline of Ram Alley; thence, easterly and southerly along the centerline of Ram Alley to its intersection with the centerline of Hart Drive; thence, easterly along the centerline of Hart Drive to its intersection with the centerline of West 5th Street; thence, southerly along the centerline of West 5th Street and its straight centerline extension to its intersection with the center flow channel of the Mississippi River; thence, westerly along the center flow channel of the Mississippi River to its intersection with the centerline of the straight line extension of the centerline of West 23rd Street; thence, northwesterly along the centerline of the straight line extension of West 23rd Street to its intersection with the centerline of Louisiana Highway 44, the point of beginning.
District 4
District 4 contains all of precinct 3-2, and a portion of 1-5, 3-4, and 4-1 described as follows:
Precinct 1-5
Beginning at the intersection of the centerlines of Louisiana Highway 44 (West 5th Street) and Louisiana Highway 636 (West 2nd Street); thence northeasterly and northwesterly and northeasterly along the centerline of Louisiana Highway 44 (West 5th Street) to its intersection with the centerline of Balsam Street; thence southeasterly along the centerline of Balsam Street to its intersection with the centerline of the Canadian National Railroad tracks; thence, westerly along the centerline of the Canadian National Railroad tracks to its intersection with the straight centerline extension of Phoenix Lane; thence southerly along the centerline of Phoenix Lane to its intersection with the centerline of Louisiana Highway 636 (West 2nd Street); thence easterly along the centerline of Louisiana Highway 636 (West 2nd Street) to its intersection with the centerline of Persimmon Street; thence southwesterly along the centerline of Persimmon Street and its straight centerline extension to its intersection with the center fow channel of the Mississippi River; thence westerly along the center flow channel of the Mississippi River to its intersection with the straight centerline extension of Louisiana Highway 44 (West 5th Street); thence northerly along the straight centerline extension of Louisiana Highway 44 (West 5th Street) to its intersection with the centerline of Louisiana Highway 636 (West 2nd Street), the point of beginning.
Precinct 3-4
Beginning at the intersection of the centerlines of United States Highway 61 (Airline Highway) and the East 12th Street Extension; thence easterly along the centerline of United States Highway 61 (Airline Highway) to its intersection with the center flow channel of the Guillot Canal; thence southeasterly along the center flow channel of the Guillot Canal and its extension to its intersection with the centerline of the Kansas City Southern Railroad Tracks; thence westerly along the centerline of the Kansas City Railroad Tracks to its intersection with the centerline extension of East 12th Street Extension; thence northerly along East 12th Street Extension to its intersection with United States Highway 61 (Airline Highway, the point of beginning.
Precinct 4-1
Beginning at the intersection of the center flow channel of the Guillot Canal and the centerline of United States Highway 61 (Airline Highway); thence, southeasterly along the centerline of United States Highway 61 (Airline Highway) to its intersection with the centerline of Elm Street; thence southerly along the centerline of Elm Street to its intersection with the centerline of Louisiana Highway 44 (West 5th Street); thence southwesterly along the centerline of Louisiana Highway 44 (West 5th Street) to its intersection with the centerline of Camphor Drive; thence northwesterly along the centerline on Camphor Drive to its intersection with Cypress Street; thence northeasterly along the centerline of Cypress Street to its intersection with the centerline of Harry Street; thence northerly along the centerline of Harry Street to its intersection with the centerline of the Kansas City Southern Railroad tracks; thence, westerly along the centerline of the Kansas City Railroad tracks to its intersection with the center flow channel of the Guillot Canal; thence, northwesterly along the center flow channel of the Guillot Canal to its intersection with the centerline of United States Highway 61 (Airline Highway), the point of beginning.
District 5
District 5 contains all of precinct 7-5 and portions of 4-1, 5-8, and 6-1 described as follows:
Precinct 4-1
Beginning at the intersection of the centerlines the westbound lane of United States Highway 61 (Airline Highway) and Elm Street; thence, easterly along the centerline of the westbound lane of United States Highway 61 (Airline Highway) to its intersection with the centerline of Carrollwood Drive; thence northerly along the centerline of Carrollwood Drive to its intersection with the centerline of Dominican Drive; thence easterly along the centerline of Dominican Drive to its intersection with the centerline of Madewood Drive; thence continuing easterly along the centerline of Madewood Drive to its intersection with the centerline Volion Alley; thence southerly along the centerline of Volion Alley to its intersection with the centerline of Oak Alley; thence westerly along the centerline of Oak Alley to its intersection with the centerline of Ormond Boulevard; thence southerly along the centerline of Ormond Boulevard to its intersection with the centerline of the eastbound lane of Louisiana Highway 61 (Airline Highway); thence westerly along the centerline of the eastbound lane of Louisiana Highway 61 (Airline Highway) to its intersection with Louisiana Highway 3224 (Hemlock Street); thence southerly along the centerline of Louisiana Highway 3224 (Hemlock Street) to its intersection with the Kansas City Southern Railroad Tracks; thence easterly along the Kansas City Southern Railroad Tracks to its intersection with the straight centerline extension of Bradford Place; thence southerly along Bradford Place to its intersection with the centerline of Louisiana Highway 44 (West 5th Street); thence, westerly and southwesterly along the centerline of Louisiana Highway 44 (West 5th Street) to its intersection with the centerline of Elm Street; thence northerly along the centerline of Elm Street to its intersection with the centerline of the eastbound lane of United States Highway 61 (Airline Highway), the point of beginning.
Precinct 5-8
Beginning at the intersection of the centerlines of Louisiana Highway 3224 (Hemlock Street) and United States Highway 61 (Airline Highway); thence, southeasterly along the centerline of United States Highway 61 (Airline Highway) to its intersection with the centerline of Louisiana Highway 44 (Main Street); thence, southwesterly along the centerline of Louisiana Highway 44 (Main Street) to its intersection with the centerline of Louisiana Highway 44 (West 5th Street); thence, northwesterly along the centerline of Louisiana Highway 44 (West 5th Street) to its intersection with the centerline of Mahogany Street; thence, southwesterly along the centerline of Mahogany Street to its intersection with the centerline of Lilac Street; thence, northwesterly along the centerline of Lilac Street to its intersection with the straight extension of the center flow channel of an unnamed drainage ditch east of Bradford Place; thence southerly along the center flow channel of the unnamed drainage ditch east across Louisiana Highway 44 (West 5th Street) and between Mahogany Street and Holly Drive to its intersection with the centerline of the Canadian National Railroad Tracks; thence westerly along the Canadian National Railroad Tracks to is intersection with the centerline of Fir Street; thence northerly along the centerline of Fir Street to its intersection with the centerline of Louisiana Highway 44 (West 5th Street); thence easterly along the centerline of Louisiana Highway 44 (West 5th Street) to its intersection with the centerline of Bradford Place; thence northerly along the centerline of Bradford Place to its intersection with the centerline of the Kansas City Southern Railroad Tracks; thence westerly along the centerline of the Kansas City railroad Tracks to its intersection with the centerline of Louisiana Highway 3224 (Hemlock Street); thence northerly along the centerline of Louisiana Highway 3224 (Hemlock Street) to its intersection with the centerline of United States Highway 61 (Airline Highway), the point of beginning.
Precinct 6-1
Beginning at the intersection of the centerline of United States Highway 61 (Airline Highway) and the centerline of Ormond Boulevard; thence, northerly along the centerline of Ormond Boulevard to its intersection with the centerline of Oak Alley; thence, easterly along the centerline of Oak Alley to its intersection with the centerline of Volion Alley; thence, northerly along the centerline of Volion Alley to its intersection with the centerline of Madewood Road; thence, northeasterly along the centerline of Madewood Road to its intersection with the centerline of Fairway Drive; thence, easterly along the centerline of the Fairway Drive to its intersection with the centerline of West Frisco Drive; thence, southerly and easterly along the centerline of West Frisco Drive and its straight centerline extension to its intersection with the center flow channel of the Vicknair Canal; thence southwesterly along the center flow channel of the Vicknair Canal and its straight-line extension to its intersection with the centerline of United States Highway 61 (Airline Highway); thence, northwesterly along the centerline of United States Highway 61 (Airline Highway) to its intersection with the centerline of Ormond Boulevard, the point of beginning.
District 6
District 6 contains all of precinct 5-1 and portions of 1-4, 1-5, and 5-8 described as follows:
Precinct 1-4
Beginning at the intersection the centerline of the Canadian National Railroad and the straight extension of an unnamed drainage ditch approximately 180 feet northwest of Mahogany Street; thence, northeasterly along the Mahogany Street drainage ditch and its extension to its intersection with the centerline of Lilac Street; thence, southeasterly along the centerline of Lilac Street to its intersection with the centerline of Mahogany Street; thence, northeasterly along the centerline of Mahogany Street to its intersection with the centerline of Louisiana Highway 44 (West 5th Street); thence, southeasterly along the centerline of Louisiana Highway 44 (West 5th Street) to its intersection with the centerline of the Canadian National Railroad; thence westerly along the centerline of the Canadian National Railroad to its intersection with the straight extension of an unnamed drainage ditch approximately 180 feet northwest of Mahogany Street, the point of beginning.
Precinct 1-5
Beginning at the intersection of the centerlines of Louisiana Highway 44 (West 5th Street) and Fir Street; thence, southeasterly along the centerline of Fir Street to its intersection with the centerline of the Canadian National Railroad tracks; thence, easterly along the centerline of the Canadian National Railroad tracks to its intersection with the straight centerline extension of Persimmon Street; thence, southwesterly along the centerline of Persimmon Street to its intersection with the centerline of Louisiana Highway 636 (West 2nd Street); thence westerly along the centerline of Louisiana Highway 636 (West 2nd Street) to its intersection with the centerline of Phoenix Lane; thence northwesterly along the centerline of Phoenix Lane and its straight centerline extension to its intersection with the centerline of the Canadian National Railroad; thence easterly along the centerline of the Canadian National Railroad to its intersection with the centerline of Balsam Street; thence northerly along the centerline of Balsam Street to its intersection with the centerline of Louisiana Highway 44 (West 5th Street); thence northeasterly along the centerline of Louisiana Highway 44 (West 5th Street) to its intersection with the centerline of Louisiana Fir Street, the point of beginning.
Precinct 5-8
Beginning at the intersection of the centerline of United States Highway 61 (Airline Highway) and the straight extension of the center flow channel of an unnamed drainage ditch east of Bradford Place; thence, southeasterly along the centerline of United States Highway 61 (Airline Highway) to its intersection with the centerline of Louisiana Highway 44 (Main Street); thence, southwesterly along the centerline of Louisiana Highway 44 (Main Street) to its intersection with the centerline of Louisiana Highway 44 (West 5th Street); thence, northwesterly along the centerline of Louisiana Highway 44 (West 5th Street) to its intersection with the centerline of Mahogany Street; thence, southwesterly along the centerline of Mahogany Street to its intersection with the centerline of Lilac Street; thence, northwesterly along the centerline of Lilac Street to its intersection with the center flow channel of an unnamed drainage canal west of Mahogany Street; thence, northerly along the center flow channel of the unnamed drainage canal west of Mahogany Street across Louisiana Highway 44 (West 5th Street) along the eastern side of Bradford Place and its extension to its intersection with the centerline of United States Highway 61 (Airline Highway), the point of beginning.
District 7
District 7 contains all of precincts 4-2 and 4-3.
District 8
District 8 contains all of precincts 7-2 and 7-3.
District 9
District 9 contains portions of 6-1 and 6-3 described as follows:
Precinct 6-1
Beginning at the intersection of the centerlines of West Frisco Drive and Fairway Drive; thence easterly along the centerline of Fairway Drive to its intersection with the centerline of Greenwood Drive; thence northerly along the centerline of Greenwood Drive to its intersection with the centerline of Newport Drive; thence southeasterly along the centerline of Newport Drive to its intersection with the center flow channel of the Vicknair Canal; thence southwesterly along the center flow channel of the Vicknair Canal to its intersection with the centerline extension of Frisco Drive; thence proceeding westerly and northwesterly and northerly along Frisco Drive and West Frisco Drive to its intersection with the centerline of Fairway Drive, the point of beginning.
Precinct 6-3
Beginning at the intersection of the centerlines of Cambridge Drive and Woodland Drive; thence easterly along the centerline of Cambridge Drive to its intersection with the centerline of English Colony Drive; thence southerly along the centerline of English Colony Drive to its intersection with the centerline of Plymouth Drive; thence westerly along the centerline of Plymouth Drive to its intersection with the centerline of Cambridge Drive; thence northerly along the centerline of Cambridge Drive to its intersection with Woodland Drive, the point of beginning.
District 10
District 10 contains all of precincts 4-14, 6-4, 7-7 and a portion of 6-3 described as follows:
Precinct 6-3
Beginning at the intersection of the centerline of Fairway Drive and Yorktowne Drive; thence, northeasterly along the centerline of Yorktowne Drive to its intersection with the centerline of Newport Drive; thence westerly a short distance along the centerline of Newport Drive to its intersection with the center flow channel of the Vicknair Canal; thence northerly along the center flow channel of the Vicknair Canal and its straight-line extension to its intersection with the centerline of Interstate 10; thence easterly along the centerline of Interstate 10 to its intersection with the straight-line extension of the center flow channel of the Lasseigne Canal; thence southwesterly along the center flow channel of the Lasseigne Canal to its intersection with the centerline of Woodland Drive; thence, westerly along the centerline of Woodland Drive to its intersection with the centerline of Cambridge Drive; thence southwesterly along the centerline of Cambridge Drive to its intersection with the centerline of Fairway Drive; thence, northwesterly along the centerline of Fairway Drive to its intersection with the centerline of Yorktowne Drive, the point of beginning.
District 11
District 11 contains all of precincts 4-13, 5-4, and 5-7.
This resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:
YEAS: 10 (Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche)
NAYS: 0
ABSENT: 1 (Mitchell-Williams)
And the resolution was declared adopted on this, the 13th day of January, 2022
_____________________________________________
Secretary
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ITEM 9a. Public Comment. Mr. Jason Akers, Foley & Judell, LLP – To consider and take action with respect to adopting 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 incurring of debt and issuance of bonds therein; making application to the State Bond Commission and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: DeFrancesch
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 incurring of debt and issuance of bonds therein; making application to the State Bond Commission and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
Roll Call:
8 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche
1 Abstention - Burl
2 Absent – Jones, Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
Mr. Burl asked that the record reflect his abstention vote was due to the fact that projects have not yet been identified for this and he wants to ensure that the money is equitably spent.
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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 incurring of debt and issuance of bonds 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 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 VI, Section 33 thereof, Part II of Chapter 4 of Subtitle II of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, 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, APRIL 30, 2022, 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
(BOND)
Shall School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "District"), incur debt and issue bonds to the amount of not exceeding $58,000,000, in one or more series, to run not exceeding 20 years from date thereof, with interest at a rate not exceeding 6% per annum, for the purpose of financing capital expenditures for school purposes for the District, including constructing, acquiring and/or improving schools and related facilities, together with equipment and furnishings therefor, title to which shall be in the public, and refinancing prior obligations of the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board incurred for such purposes, and which bonds will be general obligations of the District and will be payable from ad valorem taxes to be levied and collected in the manner provided by Article VI, Section 33 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974 and statutory authority supplemental thereto, with no estimated increase in the millage rate to be levied in the first year of issue above the 11 mills currently being levied to pay other general obligation bonds of the District?
SECTION 2. Publication of Notice of Election. A Notice of Special Election shall be published in the official journal of the School Board 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 President 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 its regular meeting place, the Godchaux Grammar Cafeteria, 1600 Hwy. 44, Reserve, Louisiana, on THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022, 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 set forth in the aforesaid Notice of Special Election are hereby designated as the polling places at which to hold the said election, 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 issue, sell and deliver the bonds 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. 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 “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 9. Confirmation of 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 Bonds, and accordingly, Foley & Judell, L.L.P., of New Orleans, Louisiana, as Bond Counsel, to do and perform work of a traditional legal nature as bond counsel with respect to the issuance and sale of said Bonds. Said Bond Counsel shall prepare and submit to this Governing Authority for adoption all of the proceedings incidental to the authorization, issuance, sale and delivery of such Bonds, shall counsel and advise this Governing Authority as to the issuance and sale thereof and shall furnish its opinions covering the legality of the issuance of the Bonds. The fee of Bond Counsel for each series of bonds 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 general obligation bonds and based on the amount of said Bonds 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 Bonds. The Superintendent is hereby authorized and directed to execute, and this Governing Authority hereby agrees to and accepts the terms of, the engagement letter of Bond Counsel appended hereto as Exhibit B. 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 Superintendent is hereby empowered and directed to provide for payment of the work herein specified upon completion thereof and under the conditions herein enumerated without further approval of this Governing Authority.
SECTION 10. Confirmation of Appointment of Municipal Advisor. The Issuer hereby confirms the retention of Government Consultants, Inc., of 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 Bonds. The fee to be paid the MA shall be payable solely from the proceeds of the Bonds when and if issued, and the amount thereof shall be subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission. The Business Manager is hereby authorized and directed, in her discretion, to execute any contract the MA may require with respect to the engagement.
SECTION 11. Confirmation of Appointment of Underwriter/Placement Agent. Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana (the "Underwriter"), is hereby appointed as underwriter/placement agent in connection with the Bonds if approved as set forth herein, any compensation to be subsequently approved by the Issuer and to be paid from the proceeds of the Bonds when and if issued; provided that no compensation shall be due to said underwriter/placement agent unless the Bonds are sold and delivered.
SECTION 12. Declaration of Official Intent. Prior to the delivery of the Bonds, the Governing Authority anticipates that it may pay a portion of the costs of the projects from the General Fund. The projects include those purposes set forth in the proposition herein. Upon the issuance of the Bonds, the Issuer reasonably expects to reimburse any such expenditures of other available funds from a portion of the proceeds of the Bonds. Any such allocation of proceeds of the Bonds for reimbursement will be with respect to capital expenditures (as defined in Reg. 1.150-1(b)) and will be made upon the delivery of the Bonds and not later than eighteen (18) months after the later of (i) the date such expenditure was paid or (ii) the date on which the project was placed in service. This Section is intended to be a declaration of official intent within the meaning of Reg. 1.150-2.
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 January, 2022.
Secretary President
EXHIBIT "A"
NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTION
Pursuant to the provisions of a resolution adopted by the Parish School Board of the Parish 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 January 13, 2022, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a special election will be held within the District on SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 2022, 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
(BOND)
Shall School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "District"), incur debt and issue bonds to the amount of not exceeding $58,000,000, in one or more series, to run not exceeding 20 years from date thereof, with interest at a rate not exceeding 6% per annum, for the purpose of financing capital expenditures for school purposes for the District, including constructing, acquiring and/or improving schools and related facilities, together with equipment and furnishings therefor, title to which shall be in the public, and refinancing prior obligations of the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board incurred for such purposes, and which bonds will be general obligations of the District and will be payable from ad valorem taxes to be levied and collected in the manner provided by Article VI, Section 33 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974 and statutory authority supplemental thereto, with no estimated increase in the millage rate to be levied in the first year of issue above the 11 mills currently being levied to pay other general obligation bonds of the District?
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 at the precincts in the Parish 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 $65,800.
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 its regular meeting place, the Godchaux Grammar Cafeteria, 1600 Hwy. 44, Reserve, Louisiana, on THURSDAY, MAY 12, 2022, 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. 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 January, 2022.
ATTEST:
President
Secretary
EXHIBIT “B”
ENGAGEMENT LETTER
January 13, 2022
Dr. Lynett Hookfin, Superintedent
St. John the Baptist Parish School Board
Reserve, Louisiana
Re: Proposed General Obligation Bonds of School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana
Dear Dr. 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 School District No. 1 of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana (the "Issuer") in connection with the issuance of the captioned bonds (the "Bonds"). We understand that the Bonds will be issued for the purpose (the “Project”) described in the 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 the Issuer, on January 13, 2022.
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 Bonds and provide advice of a traditional legal nature as to the issuance and sale of the Bonds. Our job is principally to render certain opinions to the Issuer regarding (i) the validity of the Bonds under applicable Louisiana law, (ii) the exemption of interest paid on the bonds 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 Bonds. 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 Bonds.
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 Bonds 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 Bonds 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 Bonds and supervise their execution and authentication,
· Prepare complete transcripts of record covering the issuance of the Bonds 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 Bonds are actually sold and delivered. Other vendors or members of the working group may charge additional fees or costs for their services.
In addition to our services provided as bond counsel, you have requested that we prepare an official statement with respect to the sale of the Bonds in coordination with the working group. The costs associated with the preparation of the official statement will be invoiced separately from our fee as bond counsel as approved by the State Bond Commission.
We will continue to serve as bond counsel until the delivery of the Bonds; 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 Bonds 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 Bonds, 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 Bonds the Issuer is represented by, and with respect to financial matters will rely on the advice of, Government Consultants, Inc., of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 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:
School District No. 1
of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana
By: _____________________________
Name: Lynett Hookfin
Title: Superintendent
Dated: January 13, 2022
cc: Government Consultants, Inc.
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST
I, the undersigned Secretary of the Parish School Board of the Parish 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 pages constitute a true and correct copy of the proceedings taken by the Governing Authority on January 13, 2022, 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 incurring of debt and issuance of bonds therein; making application to the State Bond Commission and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
IN FAITH WHEREOF, witness my official signature at Reserve, Louisiana, on this, the 13th day of January, 2022.
____________________________________
Secretary
*************************************
ITEM 4c. Human Resources Update
The following information was shared:
Mr. Sanders asked if we have instituted an exit interview process? Dr. Hill stated that yes, we do have an exit survey. Mr. Sanders asked if the reason people are leaving our district could be shared publicly and Dr. Hill stated that she would have to check with legal and get back to him.
Mrs. Schum asked for a breakdown of certified vs non-certified, by school, to be presented at the retreat.
Mrs. Schum asked what we are doing to fill the 27 vacancies. Dr. Green stated that he is meeting with Kelly Services soon and has also reached out to LRCE, who is sending 18 candidates to interview.
Mrs. Schum asked how we are filling classrooms with teachers when there are no substitutes. Dr. Hookfin stated that we are using Master Teachers, Mentor Teachers, Principals, Asst. Principals and other teachers are called upon to help. The biggest issue is at the high schools, where you need course-specific substitutes. We have asked teachers to record lessons that can be used in their absence. She asked if the Board would like a breakdown of how classes are being covered by school site. Mrs. Schum asked that that report be given to all Board members. Mrs. Schum also asked for a report with an explanation of whether the in-house pool of substitutes worked or not, and why we would go back to using Kelly Services. Mr. Burl stated in regards to using Kelly Services again, it seems as if a lot of the “cuts” that were made last year are being re-engaged without funding sources. Mr. Burl asked if we are having after-school tutoring or weekend tutoring sessions and how are we advertising that? Dr. Hookfin stated that yes, we do have tutoring sessions planned, and they are advertised at the actual school site. She further stated that this information is included in the Curriculum Update, but she will give you a list of tutoring services being offered at each school site.
Mrs. Holden stated that she understands we have “shuffled” teachers to fill particular vacancies and wants an explanation of how this works. She stated that she received a call from a parent that her daughter has had 3 ELA teachers thus far this year. Dr. Hookfin stated that all of the scholars did not return after the storm, and that it allowed us to combine/condense some classes. Dr. Hookfin also stated that she was aware of this particular situation.
ITEM 4f. Curriculum Update
Michelle Seymour: In regards to the question regarding Saturday tutoring, both ESJH and ESJP provide Saturday tutoring for their scholars - 4 hour sessions. Mr. Burl asked what about the lower-performing schools? Ms. Rebecca Johnson stated that some schools offer tutoring during the day within their schedules, they’ve added intervention blocks within the day, and some schools have used their Title I funds to hire a retired teacher to come in and help with those lower-performing students, after school tutoring, etc. Mrs. Seymour stated that our TAP Rosters have been verified and sent to payroll for payout.
Mr. Burl stated that there were students in the wrong classes in the Summer Shine program and asked if that had been rectified. Dr. Hookfin stated that the information was sent to the board via email. Mr. Burl stated that at the December 9th meeting, he spoke of students that weren’t in their correct classes based on their grade level and never received any information regarding the solution. Mr. Burl asked if all Seniors were on track and in the right classes to graduate. Mrs. Johnson stated that all students have gone through Checkpoint 1 in December with counselors and there will be Checkpoint 2 in February to follow up.
ITEM 4g. Update on Covid Cases
Dr. Spies stated that the Covid cases are rising with the emergence of the Omnicron variant, but we are following all protocols. The CDC guidelines have changed and the average isolation/quarantine period is 5 days as opposed to the 10 days. There is a Covid tracker on our website that is updated with the latest numbers. Mr. Burl asked if the schools are deep cleaning. Mr. Jones asked how we are letting parents know about the deep cleaning and the steps we are taking to keep the students safe. Dr. Spies stated that yes, we are deep cleaning in the schools and offices and she will have that information put on the website. Positivity rate in St. John is currently 35%, but changes weekly.
ITEM 5. EDUCATION PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS BY THE BOARD OR STAFF
ITEM 6. PERSONNEL MATTERS
ITEM 7. BUSINESS AND FINANCE
ITEM 7a. Public Comment. Mrs. Janice Gauthier - Request Board approval to Advertise for Awards & Incentives
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Triche
MOTION: To allow administration to advertise for Awards & Incentives.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche
1 Absent – Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
ITEM 7b. Public Comment. Mrs. Janice Gauthier - Request Board approval to Advertise for General Maintenance Supplies
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Triche
MOTION: To allow administration to advertise for General Maintenance Supplies.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche
1 Absent – Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
ITEM 7c. Public Comment. Mrs. Janice Gauthier – Mrs. Janice Gauthier - Request Board approval to Advertise for Official Journal
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Triche
MOTION: To allow administration to advertise for the Official Journal.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche
1 Absent – Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
ITEM 8. OLD BUSINESS
ITEM 8b. Public Comment. Mrs. Debra Schum - Update on Written Communication Plan
Mrs. Schum read from a motion passed on October 7th: “To direct the Superintendent to provide a written communication plan that will provide all employees, parents, students and School Board members with updated information about schools and other pertinent information for the continued opening of schools on a weekly basis using email and the texting system, effectively immediately.” She continued, to her knowledge, we still have not received this. The reason I believe this is still a strong need is that we have schools that don’t know if their buildings are being repaired, when they will be repaired and when they will reopen. There is no information being given to the stakeholders regarding where we are on the construction and repairs to our building. Everyone in this district is entitled to a weekly update on the reopening of our schools and where we are in the process. She asked Dr. Hookfin to please clarify how information is being given to parents. Dr. Hookfin stated that the first step is to take a look at our communication tools. We need to send a survey out to determine how parents, staff members and others feel about communication. After learning the survey results, what are the next steps. I attended the Parish Council meeting this week so we could showcase information from each school site and they are looking forward to information from schools at every meeting they have. She stated that we will have a monthly bulletin, and the first edition will be January 2022. We will allow parents and staff members and others to give us feedback on the information shared in the bulletin. Dr. Hookfin has also spoken with Brook at the L’Observateur and she will give us a spotlight in the paper. Due to the spikes in COVID, we have had to cancel/reschedule several public meetings.
Mrs. Schum stated that 3 months ago, we gave the Superintendent a directive to communicate weekly with our staff and parents, specifically about our reopening and the progress each week with each and every school. It is now January and this still has not happened. Dr. Hookfin stated that this will all be in the January 2022 District Bulletin. Mrs. Schum stated that we directed the Superintendent to give a weekly communication and that has not happened. I am still looking for the written plan that will provide weekly communication.
Mr. Burl stated that he has not gotten information on repairs and construction in months. Mr. Sanders stated that All South is not here, they were not at the workshop and he feels that All South should be at every meeting to give an update on the state of our buildings. It seems that nothing is happening at East St. John High or Emily C. Watkins. We have no information to tell the public. Dr. Keller agreed with Mr. Sanders, adding that he learned from an outside source about some GOSEP reimbursements owed us. There is a lack of communication, especially where our construction is concerned. Mr. Sanders stated that we have been through mitigation with our schools and that’s all. Destrehan High School was practically totally destroyed, and it’s been 141 days and they will be opening school next week for all students, full time. Mr. Triche stated that we need to find out what our contractors are doing at our schools. We need to get an engineering firm that will work for us.
ITEM 9. NEW BUSINESS.
ITEM 9b. Public Comment. Mr. Courtney Joiner - Executive Session to discuss pending litigation in Grant v. St. John the Baptist School Board, Docket No. 20-05031, Office of Workers’ Compensation (District No. 7)
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Holden
MOTION: To convene in Executive Session to discuss pending litigation in Grant v. St. John the Baptist School Board, Docket No. 20-05031, Office of Workers’ Compensation (District No. 7).
Roll Call:
10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche
1 Absent – Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
The Board convened in Executive Session at 7:37 p.m.
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: DeFrancesch
MOTION: To reconvene in Regular Session.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche
1 Absent – Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
The Board reconvened in Regular Session at 7:51 p.m.
ITEM 9c. Public Comment. Mr. Courtney Joiner - Consideration and action regarding recommendation resulting from executive session to discuss litigation in the lawsuit entitled Grant v. St. John the Baptist School Board, Docket No. 20-05031, Office of Workers’ Compensation (District No. 7).
MOTION BY: Schum
SECOND BY: Keller
MOTION: To give Courtney Joiner settlement authority in the lawsuit entitled Grant v. St. John the Baptist School Board, Docket No. 20-05031, Office of Workers’ Compensation (District No. 7).
Roll Call:
8 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche
3 Absent – Burl, Jones, Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
ITEM 10. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Mrs. Schum restated items asked for at the Retreat:
1. Certified vs Non-Certified teachers, listed by school
2. Kelly Service Contract Information
3. Information regarding finance: Items approved as cuts and where those cuts stand now and a List of financial cuts from June, sent to the state, showing which of these are still in effect (or not).
Mr. Sanders asked if there is a plan in case we must go to virtual. Dr. Hookfin stated that yes, we have enough computers to go to one-on-one learning and she is meeting tomorrow with her team to discuss this.
Mrs. Holden requested that the Superintendent send communication to all schools (parents) to remind them of the new tutoring sessions going on.
Mr. Wallace gave a shout-out to Pilot Travel for a monetary donation of $5,000 to ESJHS.
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: Jones
SECOND BY: Holden
MOTION: Motion for adjournment.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche
1 Absent – Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m.
________________________________ ________________________________
Dr. Lynett Hookfin, Secretary Nia Mitchell, President