PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

RESERVE, LA – MEETING OF MARCH 10, 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, March 10, 2022 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 6:01 p.m. and called for a moment of silent meditation. Board Member Charo Holden recited a Prayer for School Board Members, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Board Member Patrick Sanders. 

ITEM 2. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS:

PRESENT:       Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams

ABSENT:          DeFrancesch, Jones

There were 9 members present and 2 members absent.

ITEM 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

ITEM 3a.  Public Comment.  Meetings of: February 7, 2022 Special Meeting; February 10, 2022; and February 23, 2022 Special Meeting

Public Comment:  Ms. Carolyn Batiste

MOTION BY:    Wallace

SECOND BY:   Triche

MOTION:  To approve the minutes from the meetings of: February 7, 2022 Special Meeting; February 10, 2022; and February 23, 2022 Special Meeting

Roll Call:

8 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, Schum, Johnson, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams

2 Absent – DeFrancesch, Jones

1 Abstention:  Burl

The motion carried.

MOTION BY:    Triche

SECOND BY:   Schum

MOTION:  To amend the agenda to address Items 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d at this time.

Roll Call:

9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams

2 Absent – DeFrancesch, Jones

The motion carried.

Mrs. DeFrancesch arrived at 6:14 p.m. and was recorded as present.

ITEM 5.  EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS BY TYE BOARD OR STAFF

ITEM 5a.  ESJH Boy’s and Girls’ Basketball Teams

Ms. Kendria Spears introduced Athletic Director, Coach Brandon Brown and Team.  Coach Brown introduced Coach Stasha James (head coach girls’ basketball).  Coach James finished this year with 26 wins, 4 losses. 

Coach Brown introduced Coach Joe Williams and Coach Rashaad Brown (boys’ basketball coach).  Head Coach Antonio Broadway had a prior engagement and could not be at the meeting.  Coach Broadway finished this year with 28 wins, 9 losses.  Our team advanced to the 3^rd round of the playoffs.

Mrs. Schum  stated that as their former principal, it is a proud moment to see graduates of East St. John High School  leading our students:  Coach Stasha James; Coach Rashaad Brown; Coach Brandon Brown; Coach Joe Williams.  Mr. Wallace echoed Mrs. Schum and added that these teams played on the road every single game this year and persevered.  Mrs. Holden stated that it was a pleasure hosting East St. John basketball teams at West St. John High School.

ITEM 5b.  Spelling Bee Winner Recognition

Mrs. Spears announce the Spelling Bee Winners:

2022 District Spelling Bee Winners

ITEM 5c.  Science Fair Winner Recognition   - Mrs. Spears recognized the Science Fair Winners:

ITEM 5d.  ESJP Academic Action Plan

Principal Johnika Gayden stated that the following will and is happening at ESJP:

·        Every Saturday, tutoring from 9-12 servicing 72-100 students.

·        Focusing on those virtual students who are returning to campus in-person and addressing their needs and any gaps they may have.

·        Moving forward to ensure our teachers are acclimated to our resources and availability aligned to student success.

·        Committed within the school day, providing academic intervention for every student and an additional 45 minutes for strategic students.

·        Academic endurance to ensure growth for our students.

Mrs. Schum asked Ms. Gayden to forward her written plan to the Board members. Mrs. Schum also added that Ms. Gayden is also a graduate of East St. John High School.

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

ITEMA 4a.  Community Forum

Dr. Hookfin shared the following information:

ITEM 4b.  Building Updates

Dr. Hookfin shared the following information:

Mr. Burl asked why these have not been advertised under the Emergency Declaration.  Ms. Janecke stated that they did not have authorization from the Board to either award or advertise these projects. Discussion followed.

ITEMA 4c.  ESJH Building Move

Dr. Green stated that we received clearance today to have students in the 300 and 400 building. On March 23^rd, 9^th grade students and alternative assessment students will be moving into the 300 and 400 Buildings at ESJH.  Mrs. Mitchell-Williams asked if all students will be attending school every day at that point.  Dr. Green answered yes.  Mrs. Schum asked how many students will be moving to ESJH from Leon Godchaux site.  Dr. Green replied 265 students.  Mrs. Schum asked why we are later than anticipated.  Dr. Hookfin replied that we had a Mardi Gras break and many staff members were off that week.  Mr. Burl asked who was overseeing the construction and asked when the ceiling tiles were completed.  Ms. Janecke stated that the ceiling tiles were completed in the STEM building in October.  The ceiling tile in the 300 and 400 building was completed by the administration staff in December with the intent of that space being available.  Mrs. Holden stated that it is disappointing that we are still in this predicament and that neighboring parishes that have all their schools up and running and some were damaged much worse than ours.  Mr. Wallace asked what the projected completion date for ESJH is.  Mike Tuscon stated that the interior work should be 60 days from March.  The roofing project will take roughly 5-6 months.

Mrs. Mitchell-Williams asked administration to let the board know when the maintenance department had the ceiling tiles completed.  Mr. Songy stated it was some time in December 2021.

ITEMA 4d.  Testing Update

Dr. Juanita Hill shared the following information:

Mrs. Schum asked for a report on the percentage of attendance daily since the 2^nd semester for high schools, and the beginning of the year for K-8.  Also, what is the number of students by school that have missed more than 5 days in the 2^nd semester.

ITEM 4e.  Finance Update

Mr. Brian Coogan introduced Ms. Jawanza Joseph, the newly-hired Chief Financial Officer.  Mr. Coogan shared the following information:

·        The AFR was completed today and submitted to the state.  (P&N confirmed this.)

·        General Fund – loss of $5.6 million for fiscal year of 2021, per AFR - $10.5 million fund balance at the beginning.

·        Projecting by April 30^th, we will have journal entries caught up and will be able to produce a first quarter profit-loss for fiscal year 2022.

ITEM 5e.  WSJE Academic Action Plan

Dr. Hookfin stated that she will present the WSJE Academic Action Plan and the plan is to have the principals share their plan with the Board, but in the interest of time, she is providing a summary:

·        Daily Intervention to include small group instruction from 8:00-8:45 a.m.

·        Inclusion teachers are working with small groups with special needs.

·        Daily LEAP test prep questions

·        After-school LEAP Power Sessions

·        Teacher are focusing on Power Standards.

·        LEAP Blitz (April)

·        Strategy Saturdays

·        Mock LEAP test practice (April)

·        Increased parental involvement

·        Cluster PLC and ILTs on a regular basis

ITEMA 5f.  GMMS Academic Action Plan

Dr. Hookfin stated that she will present the GMMS Academic Action Plan and the plan is to have the principals share their plan with the Board, but in the interest of time, she is providing a summary.

Dr. Hookfin was prepared to present this item.  Mr. Burl respectfully asked that the administrative team from the school present this item. He asked that Dr. Hookfin present the District’s Action Plan to the Board.  Dr. Hookfin stated that the District Plan is a part of the school’s plan.  Dr. Hookfin stated that she will have the principal to present this to the Board at a later date.  Mr. Burl stated that Louisiana Revised Statute 17:54 states that each school that has a C, D, or F (and Garyville is an F), must have an action plan and the performance targets both from the school and the district level.  Dr. Hookfin stated that we have created a template for each school and our goal is to increase student achievement at all sites.  Mr. Burl asked if the District Curriculum Team is also creating with a plan for each school.  Dr. Hookfin stated that we have all been a part of the creation of these plans.  Mr. Burl stated that the state law requires that there be 2 plans – one from the school level and one at the district level.  Dr. Hookfin stated that her administration has worked with the school to create the plans presented, as she was asked to present on the high-needs schools and that is what she’s done.   Mrs. Schum stated that we should use district level planning to support all schools and that is why we need a plan from the District level.

Dr. Hookfin shared the Highlights of the GMMS Action Plan:

·        Scheduled intervention time

·        Increased ELA and Math instruction daily

·        Small group instruction with curriculum designed small group activities

·        Differentiation to address individual needs of all scholars

·        30 minutes of LEAP practice imbedded into 3-8^th grade daily instruction

·        ILT/Cluster Meetings and Site Professional Development

·        ILT Walkthrough forms, teacher conferences

ITEMA 5g.  FWE Academic Action Plan

Dr. Hookfin shared a summary of the Fifth Ward Elementary Academic Action Plan:

·        Individualized/small group instruction to focus on areas of critical need based on analysis of student assessment data and priority standards

·        Utilizing power standards to create manipulatives

·        Intervention blocks to complete 20-30 minutes on Exact Path in ELA and Math

·        Super Saturday Tutoring Sessions

·        Individual student conferences to inform/set goals

·        Professional Development

·        Push for virtual scholars to return to in-person learning

·        Student assessment data and progress monitoring data analysis weekly

·        Literacy Night/Literacy Clinic

·        Parent LEAP Night

·        Family Engagement Meetings

ITEM 6.  PERSONNEL MATTERS

ITEM 6a.  Public Comment.  Dr. Curt Green – Request Board approval of Amended Salary Schedule to include the Staff Accountant Position

MOTION BY:    Sanders

SECOND BY:   Jones

MOTION:  To approve the amended salary schedule to include the Staff Accountant position.

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams

1 Absent – Jones

The motion carried.

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ITEM 7.  BUSINESS AND FINANCE

ITEM 7a.  Public Comment.  Attorney Jeff Diez - Executive Session to discuss pending litigation: Gaynelle Ransom v. St. John the Baptist School Board/Mitchell - Suit No. 67,731

MOTION BY:    Triche

SECOND BY:   Schum

MOTION:  To convene in Executive Session to discuss pending litigation: Gaynelle Ransom v. St. John the Baptist School Board/Mitchell - Suit No. 67,731.

Roll Call:

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams

1 Absent – Jones

The motion carried.

The Board convened in Executive Session at 8:09 p.m.

MOTION BY:    Wallace

SECOND BY:   DeFrancesch

MOTION:  To reconvene in Regular Session.

Roll Call:

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams

1 Absent – Jones

The motion carried.

The Board reconvened in Regular Session at 8:26 p.m.

MOTION BY:    Holden

SECOND BY:   Sanders

MOTION:  To approve settlement authority to Attorney Jeff Diez in the case of  Gaynelle Ransom v. St. John the Baptist School Board/Mitchell - Suit No. 67,731.

Roll Call:

9 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams

1 Absent – Jones

1 Abstention – Burl

The motion carried.

MOTION BY:    Keller

SECOND BY:   DeFrancesch

MOTION:  To amend the agenda to address Item 9c at this time.

Roll Call:

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams

1 Absent – Jones

The motion carried.

ITEM 9c.  Public Comment.  Mr. Andre’ Brock/Dr. Gerald Keller – Discussion/Action regarding the LSU AgCenter’s financial agreement with St. John the Baptist Parish School Board

Mr. Brock, Parish Chair of the LSU AgCenter introduced himself to the Board.

MOTION BY:    Entire Seated Board

SECOND BY:  

MOTION:  To approve the financial agreement between the LSU AgCenter and the School Board.

Roll Call:

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams

1 Absent – Jones

The motion carried.

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LSU AgCenter

and

St. John the Baptist Parish School Board

Cooperative Agreement to Support and Administer Louisiana Cooperative

Extension 4-H Youth Development

Background:

The process of developing a well-educated citizenry involves use of formal and informal approaches by dedicated professionals. Congress in 1914 signified the national interest in assuring that informal educational opportunities needed to emanate from the knowledge generating process of the Land Grant College system by passing the Smith-Lever Act. This Act created the Cooperative Extension Service system that links Land Grant campus faculty to those seeking information in off campus locales. This is achieved via a partnership of the United States Department of Agriculture, the Louisiana State University AgCenter and local government. Police Juries, Parish Commissions and School Boards are the critical third partner for effectively identifying, developing, and delivering Cooperative Extension programs. Educational needs and delivery mechanisms clearly have dynamic aspects that challenge the federal, state, and local partners to work effectively in order to meet community needs. This Cooperative Agreement between the LSU AgCenter and local government acknowledges the value to clientele of all partners having a uniform understanding for programming support.

Partnership Philosophy:

• The long-standing presence of Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service (LCES) faculty in the parish has established invaluable ties to the local clientele, government and industry.

• That educational programming offered is most valued when developed in concert with local and area needs as expressed through the advisory committee process.

• That LSU AgCenter faculty on campus and research stations/regional centers are an essential supplement to the technical capabilities of local LCES faculty.

• LCES faculty have, at a minimum, a baccalaureate degree, and must complete graduate level coursework with the intention that they will work toward a master’s degree.  LCES also provides additional technical training opportunities to offer local clientele enhanced information and educational programs.

• LCES faculty in parish offices may develop and deliver specialized programming of importance to surrounding parishes.

• Federal, state, and local financial support is necessary to meet the needs of the community as identified by advisory committees.

The LSU AgCenter agrees:

1. The LSU AgCenter working in the LCES format will deliver needs based, focused 4-H Youth Development programs.

2. That competent faculty and support personnel will be recruited and placed in parish offices on LSU AgCenter appointments by following LSU AgCenter Human Resources Office procedures.

3. Faculty are to be afforded training and professional improvement opportunities to assure the parish has the best technical resources available.

4. Faculty in parish offices will be supervised and evaluated by the appropriate unit leader pursuant to the LSU AgCenter’s employee policies and procedures.

5. To provide the School Board with oral and written reports from the parish chair and 4-H  faculty on a mutually agreed to schedule but at least annually.

6. Faculty in the parish will adhere to the Policy Statements and Presidential Memoranda issued by the LSU President’s office and AgCenter campus.

7. To evaluate the need for specialized office and program delivery equipment above that provided by the parish.

8. To establish mutually beneficial billing procedures for collection of financial support for 4-H faculty.

The School Board Agrees:

1.      To provide access to schools and the students for delivery of 4-H programs.

2.      To provide financial support of $13,414 annually for research based educational programing for the parish including but not limited to: 1) Agriculture and Natural Resources, 2) 4-H Youth Development, 3) Family and Consumer Sciences, and 4) Community Economic Development.

Local sources combined generally provide a minimum of 20% of the parish’s programmatic cost.

3.      That with reference to faculty vacancies due to resignation, retirement, or new positions the LSU AgCenter’s Office of Human Resource Management policies will be followed in the search for candidates. The LCES parish chair will assure that school board officials are well informed during the process.

Implementation:

This Cooperative Agreement between the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service and St. John the Baptist Parish School Board is entered into in order to assure continued informal educational programming from the LSU AgCenter. It shall be in effect for five year for the period March 1, 2022 to December 31, 2026.  The Cooperative Agreement will be renewed for subsequent periods after review by the School Board Superintendent and the Director of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service.

Approved:

________________________________                          _________________

School Board President (Superintendent)                                   Date

____________________________                                             ____________________

Regional Director                                                                      Date

LSU AgCenter

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ITEM 7b.  Public Comment.  Mrs. Dominique Miller – Request Board approval of the 2022-2023 Head Start Application and Cost Allocation Plan

MOTION BY:    Triche

SECOND BY:   Sanders

MOTION:  To approve the 2022-2023 Head Start Application and Cost Allocation Plan.

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams

1 Absent – Jones

The motion carried.

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ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

HEAD START PROGRAM

COST ALLOCATION PLAN

SERVICES PROVIDED

St. John the Baptist Parish School Board provides comprehensive academic services to Pre-K students enrolled in the Head Start, Universal Pre-K, LA-4, and Model Early programs.

COST PRINCIPLES

All costs charged to the Head Start grant are first determined to be allowable.  To be allowable, costs must be:

·        Reasonable – the cost is necessary for the performance of the award and do not exceed what would be incurred by a prudent person.

·        Allocable – the cost benefits the program.

·        Given consistent treatment.

·        In accordance with award limitations or exclusions.

ALLOCATION OF COSTS AMONG MULTIPLE FUNDING SOURCES

The costs incurred for carrying out some activities are funded by Head Start, along with other federal, state, and/or local funding sources.  While these costs are shared, they are distributed proportionately by benefit to each program.

Example

Field trip for 40 students from multiple pre-k programs.  15 Head Start students, 15 Universal Pre-K students, 10 Model Early students. 

Total cost of admission is $200.  $200/40= $5.00 per student.  The programs will be charged as follows:

Head Start - $75.00 (15 x $5.00)

Universal Pre-K - $75.00 (15 x $5.00)

Model Early - $50.00 (10 x $5.00)

At sites where busses are shared between Head Start students and students in other Pre-K programs, the cost will be allocated based on the number of classrooms at the site.

Example

Site has four Head Start classes and one Universal class.  Only 80% of the transportation costs (driver salary) will be allocated to the Head Start program.  The remaining portion (20%) will be charged to school board general funds.

METHOD FOR CHARGING SALARIES AND WAGES

All employees charging salary and wage costs to federal and state funded programs maintain personnel time and effort certifications that reflect an after the fact record of the actual activity of each employee and account for the total activity for which each employee is compensated.

Example

The Head Start/ Early Childhood Clerk spends 30% of time and effort on duties benefitting the Head Start program and 70% of time and effort on other duties.  Only 30% of salaries and fringe will be charged to the Head Start program.  The clerk will sign a time and effort certification as an after the fact record of actual activity.

COST ALLOCATION PLAN CERTIFICATION

This is to certify that I have reviewed the cost allocation plan submitted herewith and to the best of my knowledge and belief:

·        All costs charged to the Head Start program are necessary and reasonable for the performance and administration of the program.

·        All costs charged to the Head Start program are allowable and allocable in accordance with applicable OMB Cost principles.

·        Unallowable costs are not included in any allocations charged to the Head Start program.

·        Costs are accorded consistent treatment.

_______________________________________                                                 __________________________

       Dr. Lynett Hookfin, Superintendent                                                                         Date

_______________________________________                                                 __________________________

        Nia Mitchell, School Board President                                                                     Date

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ITEM 7c.  Public Comment. Mrs. Janice Gauthier – Request Board approval to award the Fleet Mechanic Contract

Mrs. Gauthier stated that based on Board Policy and the Fleet Mechanic RFP, administration requests Board approval to award the Fleet Mechanic Contract to the only proposer that submitted the proposal on the specified date and time, Tyrone’s Detail/Auto.  He has had this contract since 2012 and the cost is $255,000 annually.

MOTION BY:    Sanders

SECOND BY:   Triche

MOTION:  To award the Fleet Mechanic Contract to Tyrone’s Detail/Auto.

Mrs. Holden asked Mrs. Gauthier to explain how the RFP worked.  Mrs. Gauthier stated that the RFP was sent out for a total of 5 weeks (due to the holiday), a pre-proposal meeting was held (3 attended) where questions were asked.  An addendum was sent out, changing the meeting date and time because it was set to open on a holiday.  (The meeting was changed to March 4^th at 10:00 a.m.).  The proposal opening was changed from March 1^st at 11:00 a.m. to March 4^th at 10:00 a.m.  The addendum stated the change of date and time, and was sent by email to the 3 proposers that attended the pre-proposal meeting, and uploaded on Central Auction 2 weeks prior to the opening.  Mrs. Holden stated that she has received calls regarding this contract being problematic based on the condition of the buses, and asked if there were other proposals received?  Mrs. Gauthier stated that there was a proposal that came in at 10:15 a.m. and had to be rejected because it was received late.  The company didn’t realize the time had changed as well as the date.

Mrs. Schum asked how many buses were out of service at this time.  Mrs. Gauthier stated that she did not have that information on hand, but she can forward it to the Board.  Mrs. Gauthier stated that the RFP clearly states that the Board can reject any proposal that they feel is not in the best interest of the district, but documentation must be provided for the reasoning.  Following discussion, there was a

SUBSTITUTE MOTION BY:       Holden

SECOND BY:   Schum

MOTION:          To reject all proposals and re-advertise

Mr. Sanders asked if there were valid reasons to reject this proposal.  Mrs. Gauthier stated that she is not sure if there is documentation or not, but she is not aware of any type of documentation that would validate rejection.

Mrs. Holden withdrew her substitute motion.

Mr. Sanders asked Dr. Hookfin for her recommendation.  Dr. Hookfin stated that there are many procedures that our former transportation supervisor attempted to put in place, that would provide the documentation needed at this time. She stated that she has repeatedly and strongly advised the board that it is imperative that we put procedures in place to evaluate the services of all vendors before approving contracts.   Following discussion, Supt. Hookfin stated that due to the condition of our buses at this time, she recommends that the Board rethink what is on this agenda and re-advertise this contract. Mrs. Schum stated that on the pre-proposal meeting documentation, it says that 23 of the 70 buses are not operable – that’s 33% of our fleet not being used.  Further, it says that ½ of the remaining fleet is in good condition.  So that means that 23 out of 70 buses are in “good condition”.  That is with the current fleet mechanic.  That seems like evidence enough to reject this bid.  She asked if we could offer a less-than-3-year contract.  Mrs. Gauthier stated that yes, the board has that option. Dr. Hookfin stated that she has documentation regarding transportation services that she has shared and will continue to share. Following further discussion, there was a

SUBSTITUTE MOTION BY:       Keller

SECOND BY:   Schum

MOTION:          To award a 1-year contract and re-evaluate at the end of that year

Mrs. Schum withdrew her second to this motion.

Following further discussion, there was a

SUBSTITUTE MOTION BY:       Holden

SECOND BY:   Schum

MOTION:          To table.

Roll Call:

4 Yeas – Holden, Keller, DeFrancesch, Schum

6 Nays – Burl, Sanders, Johnson, Wallace, Triche, Michell-Williams

1 Absent - Jones

The motion failed.

Upon roll call on the original motion by Mr. Sanders, seconded by Mr. Triche, to award the Fleet Mechanic Contract to Tyrone’s Detail/Auto, there were:

7 Yeas – Burl, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams

3 Nays – Holden, Keller, Schum

1 Absent – Jones

The motion carried.

ITEM 7d.  Public Comment. Public Comment.  Mr. Albert Burl, III - Resolution to the State Legislature in Support of a concurrent resolution to be filed in the 2022 Regular Legislative Session in Support of reviewing Act 1 and Act 2, in regards to the hiring of key central office positions

Following discussion, Mr. Burl withdrew this item.

ITEM 7e.  Public Comment.  Mr. Clarence Triche – Request Board approval to revise the procedure for payment of ¼ cent Sales Tax for Retirees

Mr. David Andras stated that this is a request to amend the salary schedule as it relates to the ¼ cent sales tax, to read:

1.      *All full-time employees.

2.      *Eligible employees must be active on the last day of the school year unless retired during the school year.

3.      *Eligible employees must be active employees for the next fiscal year, unless retired.

4.      *If an employee leaves the school system for reasons other than retirement, the pro-rate(sic) amount will be deducted from their final paycheck.

MOTION BY:    Triche

SECOND BY:   Schum

MOTION:  To approve amending the salary schedule as it relates to the ¼ cent sales tax, to read as presented.

9 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams

1 Nay - Burl

1 Absent – Jones

The motion carried.

ITEM 7f.  Public Comment.  Ms. Cindy Janecke – Request Board approval of low bidder (Luster Group) for West St. John High School Ball Fields at a total cost of $99,500.00

MOTION BY:    Wallace

SECOND BY:   Sanders

MOTION:  To approve the low bidder for West St. John High School Ball Fields at a total cost of $99,500.00.

8 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Mitchell-Williams

3 Absent – Keller, Jones, Triche

The motion carried.

ITEM 7g.  Public Comment.  Ms. Cindy Janecke – Request Board approval of low bidder for West St. John High School Fencing at a total cost of $152,000.00

This item was withdrawn.

ITEM 7h.  Public Comment.  Ms. Cindy Janecke – Request Board approval of low bidder for East St. John High School Dugouts, Fieldhouse, and Baseball Fields at a total cost of $159,600.00

This item was withdrawn.

ITEM 7i.  Public Comment.  Ms. Cindy Janecke – Request Board approval to advertise for bids for East St. John High School Roofing Repairs

MOTION BY:    Sanders

SECOND BY:   Wallace

MOTION:  To approve the advertising for bids for East St. John High School Roofing Repairs.

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams

1 Absent – Jones

The motion carried.

ITEM 7j.  Public Comment.  Ms. Cindy Janecke – Request Board approval to advertise for bids for Joe Keller Stadium Repairs

MOTION BY:    Wallace

SECOND BY:   DeFrancesch

MOTION:  To approve advertising for bids for Joe Keller Stadium Repairs.

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams

1 Absent – Jones

The motion carried.

MOTION BY:    Wallace

SECOND BY:   Triche

MOTION:  To extend the meeting beyond 10:00 p.m.

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams

1 Absent – Jones

The motion carried.

ITEM 7k.  Public Comment.  Ms. Cindy Janecke – Request Board approval to authorize Meyers Engineers to design specs for West St. John High School Football Stadium (Rudolph G. Dinvaut Stadium)

MOTION BY:    Holden

SECOND BY:   Triche

MOTION:  To authorize Meyers Engineers to design specs for West St. John High School Football Stadium (Rudolph G. Dinvaut Stadium).

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams

1 Absent – Jones

The motion carried.

ITEM 8.  OLD BUSINESS

ITEM 8a.  Public Comment. Mrs. Debra Schum - Update on Written Communication Plan

Mrs. Schum stated that on October 7, 2021, the Board directed the Superintendent to put information out weekly that lets the parents, staff and faculty know where we are on the progress of getting our buildings back to whole.  Mrs. Schum asked the Superintendent where we are on this directive.

Dr. Hookfin stated that communication has been sent through the school sites.  She stated that she presented a communication plan before, and asked the Board for feedback.  She stated that this continues to be listed on the agenda and she doesn’t understand the motive behind it, but to the public, a plan was shared and if feedback needs to be given, she would appreciate it.  Mrs. Schum stated the Board has not received a specific written plan on how the communication will be sent to the public, the staff, students, and the faculties.

Mrs. Mitchell-Williams stated that we must communicate with parents, staff and students to let them know what is going on with our buildings.

ITEM 8b.  Public Comment.  Mrs. Debra Schum – Update on Superintendent’s written plan to address academic deficiencies at each school site

Mrs. Schum stated that the Board has asked for this information repeatedly.  She stated that the Board is asking for the District’s plan for each school, not the school’s plan to address deficiencies.  A plan has never been brought to the Board.  How is the Superintendent assigning staff to assist schools?

Dr. Hookfin stated that regarding the individual school’s plan, we have a plan for each school in the district.  These plans are a part of the district’s plan.   Mrs. Schum asked the Superintendent to let us know in writing, how she will address the schools’ deficiencies from the district level.  Dr. Hookfin stated that the district will support the schools by allocating funding to support our instructional programs. 

ITEM 9. NEW BUSINESS. 

ITEM 9a.   Public Comment.  Mrs. Nia Mitchell-Williams – Request that the Board adopt the Superintendent’s Performance Targets

MOTION BY:  Mitchell-Williams

SECOND BY:  DeFrancesch

MOTION:  To adopt the Superintendent’s Performance Targets as presented.

Roll Call:

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams

1 Absent – Jones

The motion carried.

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PERFORMANCE TARGETS

a.      Under the Superintendent’s leadership, schools operated by the St John the Baptist Parish School Board shall achieve the following gains in district and school level performance:

b.      The district-wide percentage of elementary and middle grade students scoring proficiency (basic) or above on the state examinations each year will increase by at least two percent (2%) over the percentage of students scoring proficiency (basic) or above on the state examinations during the preceding school session ($500.00 once achieved; $1,000.00 following each subsequent year of this agreement).

c.      The district-wide percentage of high school students scoring “good” or “excellent” on the End-of-Course (“EOC”) examinations each year will increase by at least two percent (2%) over   the   percentage   of students scoring “good” or “excellent” on the EOC examinations during the preceding school session ($500.00 once achieved; $1,000.00 following each subsequent year of this agreement).

d.      The percentage of tested students scoring at or above state average on the ACT during each year of this agreement shall be at least two percent (2%) greater than the percentage scoring at or above such level during the preceding year ($500.00 once achieved; $1,000.00 following each subsequent year of this agreement).

e.      The district-wide percentage of high school students graduating each year will exceed by at least one percent (1%) the percentage of such students who graduated in the previous school year ($500.00 once achieved; $1,000.00 following each subsequent year of this agreement).

f.       The percentage of teachers scoring “effective” or “highly effective” for each school session will

g.      exceed the percentage of teachers scoring “effective” or “highly effective” during the preceding school session ($500.00 once achieved; $1,000.00 following each subsequent year of this agreement).

h.      The base school performance score (without progress points) of the District shall increase by at least two percent (2%) once achieved school year and by at least two percent (2%) during each subsequent year of this agreement ($1500.00 once achieved; $3,000.00 following each subsequent year of this agreement).

i.       The base school performance scores (without progress points) of all schools in the district scoring in the letter grade range of C, D, or F per the latest accountability release shall increase by at least two percent (2%) once achieved, and by at least four percent (4%) during each subsequent year of this agreement. ($500.00 once achieved; $1000.00 following each subsequent year of this agreement).

j.       The base school performance scores (without progress points) of all schools in the district scoring in the letter grade range of A or B per the latest accountability release shall increase by at least one percent (1%) during each year of this agreement. ($500.00 once achieved; $1,000 following each subsequent year of this agreement.

k.      I. The school performance letter grade received by each school in the district shall be increased by one or more letter grades (i.e., from "C" to "B") during each year of this agreement. ($1000.00 per school once achieved; $2,000.00 per school following each subsequent year of this agreement). The number of schools experiencing declines in their letter grades each year, if any, shall be subtracted from the number of  schools having increases in their letter grades each year, and this performance bonus shall only be paid, per school, for the net increase each year in the number of schools experiencing increases in their letter grades.

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ITEM 9b.  Public Comment.  Mrs. Nia Mitchell-Williams – Request that the Board amend the Superintendent’s contract to include the Superintendent’s Performance Targets

MOTION BY:  Mitchell-Williams

SECOND BY:  Triche

MOTION:  To amend the Superintendent’s contract to include the Superintendent’s Performance Targets.

Roll Call:

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams

1 Absent – Jones

The motion carried.

ITEM 9c.  Public Comment.  Mr. Andre’ Brock/Dr. Gerald Keller – Discussion/Action regarding the LSU AgCenter’s financial agreement with St. John the Baptist Parish School Board

This item was addressed earlier in the meeting.

ITEM 10.  ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

ITEM 11.  BOARD ITEMS OF INTEREST

Mrs. Holden:

·        Asked administration to explore why Fulcrum has not been paid for the mitigation work performed at West St. John.  She shared a letter with the Board stating that Fulcrum has still not been paid for their services.

Mr. Burl:

·        Asked Dr. Hookfin to contact the Parish to speak with them about engaging in a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement to take over the maintenance of the fields at GMMS, and stated that the fields at GMMS are in deplorable condition.

Mrs. Holden:

·        Asked administration to address the Old Lucy School building, as it is literally falling down and something needs to be done.

Dr. Keller:

·        Asked Dr. Hookfin to send an update to the Board on the payment to Fulcrum.

Mrs. Schum:

·        Asked Dr. Hookfin for a list of administrative contracts, the cost per year and the year the contract expires.  Also, a list of any contracts that will not be renewed.  She asked that this information be provided to the Board at the next Board meeting.

ITEM 12.  ADJOURNMENT

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

MOTION BY:    Triche

SECOND BY:   Burl

MOTION:         Motion for adjournment.

Roll Call:

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchel-Williams

1 Absent – Jones

The motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 10:29 p.m.

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Dr. Lynett Hookfin, Secretary                                                     Nia Mitchell, President