PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
RESERVE, LA – MEETING OF APRIL 12, 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 West St. John Elementary School, 2555 Louisiana Hwy. 18, Edgard, Louisiana, on Tuesday, April 12, 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 6:04 p.m. and called for a moment of silent meditation, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
ITEM 2. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS:
PRESENT: Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
ABSENT: DeFrancesch
There were 10 members present and 1 member absent.
ITEM 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
ITEM 3a. Public Comment. Amended Minutes of February 10, 2022; March 9, 2022 Board Workshop; March 10, 2022; and March 24, 2022 Special Meeting
MOTION BY: Wallace
SECOND BY: Triche
MOTION: To approve the minutes from the meetings of: Amended Minutes of February 10, 2022; March 9, 2022 Board Workshop; March 10, 2022; and March 24, 2022 Special Meeting
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
1 Nay – Sanders
1 Absent – DeFrancesch
The motion carried.
Mrs. DeFrancesch arrived at 6:11 p.m. and was recorded as present.
ITEM 4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. Dr. Lynett Hookfin, Superintendent.
ITEMA 4a. Human Resources Update
Dr. Green gave a brief update on the Human Resources Department.
ITEM 4b. Testing Dates
Ms. Rebecca Johnson shared the following dates:
ITEMA 4c. Academic Updates – Summer SHINE
Ms. Johnson shared the following information:
Mr. Keith Jones acknowledged that Honorable Madeline Jasmine was in the audience.
ITEM 5a. Resolution to the Family of J. Hugh Martin
Mr. Keith Jones read the following resolution. Mr. Jerry Osbourne, Foley & Judell accepted the resolution on behalf of the family.
ITEM 6. PERSONNEL MATTERS
ITEM 7. BUSINESS AND FINANCE
ITEM 7a. Public Comment. Attorney Pat Amadee - Executive Session to discuss pending litigation: LA Board of Tax Appeals, Docket Number L01160; and Discussion regarding settlement authority in: Pin Oaks vs St. John the Baptist Parish School Board, LA Board of Tax Appeals
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Wallace
MOTION: To convene in Executive Session to discuss pending litigation: Attorney Pat Amadee - Executive Session to discuss pending litigation: LA Board of Tax Appeals, Docket Number L01160; and Discussion regarding settlement authority in: Pin Oaks vs St. John the Baptist Parish School Board, LA Board of Tax Appeals.
Roll Call:
11 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
The Board convened in Executive Session at 6:53 p.m.
MOTION BY: DeFrancesch
SECOND BY: Wallace
MOTION: To reconvene in Regular Session.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
1 Absent - Burl
The motion carried.
The Board reconvened in Regular Session at 7:26 p.m.
MOTION BY: Schum
SECOND BY: Sanders
MOTION: To approve settlement authority to Attorney Pat Amadee in the case of Pin Oaks vs St. John the Baptist Parish School Board.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
1 Nay - Burl
The motion carried.
MOTION BY: Schum
SECOND BY: Sanders
MOTION: To authorize Attorney Pat Amadee and ACI to resume the audit of Marathon Petroleum for the years 2015-2017.
Roll Call:
11 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
ITEM 7b. Public Comment. Mrs. Dominique Miller – Request Board approval of a one-time $500 incentive payment for all full-time employees who are active as of April 1, 2022, as recommended by the Finance Committee.
Mrs. Miller stated that this will be paid out of ESSR 3 funds.
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Wallace
MOTION: To approve a one-time $500 incentive payment for all full-time employees who are active as of April 1, 2022, as recommended by the Finance Committee.
Following discussion, there was a
SUBSTITUTE MOTION BY: Burl
SECOND BY: Keller
MOTION: To approve a one-time $500 incentive payment for all full-time employees who are active as of April 1, 2022 to be paid by the end of April, and another $500 incentive payment for all full-time employees who are active as of October 1, 2022, to be paid in November 2022.
Roll Call:
11 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
ITEM 7c. Public Comment. Mrs. Dominique Miller – Request Board approval of the 2022 Summer SHINE pay rates
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: Jones
MOTION: To approve the 2022 Summer SHINE pay rates as presented.
Roll Call:
11 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
ITEM 7d. Public Comment. Ms. Cindy Janecke – Request Board approval to advertise for bids for Rudolph G. Dinvaut Football Stadium Repairs
MOTION BY: Holden
SECOND BY: Jones
MOTION: To approve advertising for bids for Rudolph G. Dinvaut Football Stadium Repairs.
11 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
ITEM 7e. Ms. Cindy Janecke – Request Board approval to award contract for Debris Removal Services
MOTION BY: Sanders
SECOND BY: Triche
MOTION: To award the contract for Debris Removal Services to Grillot Construction.
11 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
ITEM 7f. Public Comment. Mrs. Janice Gauthier – Request Board approval to advertise for bids for Chiller and Maintenance Services at all school sites listed in the bid package.
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: Wallace
MOTION: To approve advertising for bids for Chiller and Maintenance Services at all school sites listed in the bid package.
11 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
ITEM 7g. Public Comment. Mrs. Janice Gauthier – Request Board approval to advertise for proposals for Locksmith Services for all buildings
MOTION BY: Wallace
SECOND BY: Triche
MOTION: To approve advertising for bids for Locksmith Services.
11 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
ITEM 7h. Public Comment. Request Board approval to advertise for proposals for Pest Control Services for all buildings
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Holden
MOTION: To approve advertising for bids for Pest Control Services for all buildings.
11 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
ITEM 7i. Public Comment. Mrs. Janice Gauthier – Request Board approval to advertise for bids for Electrical Supplies
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Wallace
MOTION: To approve the advertising for bids for Electrical Supplies.
11 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
ITEM 7j. Public Comment. Mrs. Janice Gauthier – Request Board approval to advertise for bids for Copier/Printer Paper
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Triche
MOTION: To approve advertising for bids for Copy/Printer Paper.
11 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
ITEM 7k. Public Comment. Mrs. Janice Gauthier – Request Board approval to extend Verapro Staffing according to the current rate sheet, not to exceed $100,000 per quarter for one (1) year
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: DeFrancesch
MOTION: To approve extending Verapro Staffing according to the current rate sheet, not to exceed $100,000 per quarter for one (1) year.
Following discussion, there was a
SUBSTITUTE MOTION BY: Sanders
SECOND BY: Holden
MOTION: To table.
Roll Call:
11 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
ITEM 7l. Public Comment. Ms. Terry Charles – Request board approval to advertise bids for the SY 2022-2023 for Bread, Milk, Processed Foods, Frozen Foods, Meat/Meat Products, Cleaning Supplies, Paper Supplies, Large and Small Equipment for Cafeterias, and Transporting Commodities
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Keller
MOTION: To approve advertising for bids for the SY 2022-2023 for Bread, Milk, Processed Foods, Frozen Foods, Meat/Meat Products, Cleaning Supplies, Paper Supplies, Large and Small Equipment for Cafeterias, and Transporting Commodities.
11 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
ITEM 7m. Public Comment. Mrs. Janice Gauthier – Request Board approval to award the General Maintenance Supplies contract to Ace Hardware
MOTION BY: Keller
SECOND BY: Jones
MOTION: To award the General Maintenance Supplies contract to Ace Hardware
11 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
ITEM 8a. Public Comment. Dr. Curt Green – Request approval of Revised Policy DJE: Purchasing
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: Jones
MOTION: To approve Revised Policy DJE: Purchasing
10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
1 Nay - Sanders
The motion carried.
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DJE: PURCHASING
All purchasing for the school system to be paid from St. John the Baptist Parish School Board funds shall be made by the Superintendent or his/her designee in conformance with existing regulations and procedures of the School Board and the laws pertinent to state and federal agencies. Budget allocations for specific purposes shall constitute advance School Board approval for all purchases except in such cases as state law or School Board policy may require. No debt shall be contracted in the name of the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board without action by the School Board, except those items which are provided for in the regular budget. Purchases shall be made at the lowest possible cost to the school system consistent with the system specifications of quality and service.
Each principal shall assure that purchases by the individual school shall be made in accordance with applicable state and federal law, and administrative regulations and procedures developed by the Superintendent and staff.
No employee, officer or agent of the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board shall participate in the selection, award, or administration of a contract or purchase of supplies, materials and equipment if a conflict of interest, real or apparent, would be involved. St. John the Baptist Parish School Board employees shall neither solicit nor accept gratuities, favors or anything of monetary value from contractors, potential contractors, or parties to subagreements. All purchasing shall comply with the U.S. Department of Education General Administrative Regulations (EDGAR), the Louisiana Public Bid Law, the Louisiana Code of Governmental Ethics, the Louisiana Procurement Code, and applicable state or federal regulations, as applicable.
USE OF FEDERAL FUNDS
All procurement of materials, supplies, and services, as well as the construction of public works, funded in whole or in part with federal funds shall comply with the requirements contained in Title 2, Section 200, of the Code of Federal Regulations. All procurements using federal funds, in whole or in part, shall employ one of the procedures identified in 2 CFR 200.320, if more stringent that those procedures required by Louisiana law. Should the School Board adopt the Louisiana Procurement Code, whether in part or in its entirety, the accompanying administrative regulations as promulgated in the Louisiana Procurement Code, as well as guidelines and policies issued by the Louisiana’s Office of State Purchasing relevant to the particular adoption(s) may be applicable to the purchase, if more stringent.
Solicitations from Small and Minority Businesses, Women’s Business Enterprises, and Labor Surplus Area Firms
When spending federal funds, the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board shall take all necessary affirmative steps to assure that minority businesses, women’s business enterprises, and labor surplus area firms are used when possible. Affirmative steps shall include:
1. Placing qualified small and minority businesses and women’s business enterprises on solicitation lists;
2. Assuring that small and minority businesses, and women’s business enterprises are solicited whenever they are potential sources;
3. Dividing total requirements, when economically feasible, into smaller tasks or quantities to permit maximum participation by small and minority businesses and women’s business enterprises;
4. Establishing delivery schedules, where the requirement permits, which encourage participation by small and minority businesses and women’s business enterprises;
5. Using the services and assistance, as appropriate, of such organizations as the Louisiana Economic Development Agency, and Small Business Administration and the Minority Business Development Agency of the United States Department of Commerce; and
6. Requiring the prime contractor, if subcontracts are to be let, to take the affirmative steps listed in paragraphs 1 through 5 of this section.
Exclusion or Rejection of Quotes or Bids
A contract award or a purchase made with federal funds shall not be made to parties listed on the government-wide exclusions in the System for Award Management maintained by the U.S. Government, which contains the names of parties debarred, suspended, or otherwise excluded by agencies, as well as parties declared ineligible under statutory or regulatory authority.
USE OF STATE FUNDS
Procurement of materials and supplies when using state or locally generated funds shall follow the procurement method as authorized by Louisiana law.
Financing Purchases
The School Board may finance the purchase of equipment or other movable property to be used by the School Board by entering into an installment sale, lease, or similar agreement with any lender or other person. If required, such agreement shall be subject to approval of the State Bond Commission in accordance with statutory provisions. No individual school or employee shall obligate the School Board without proper school system personnel knowledge and approval.
Use of State Contract
If equipment, materials or supplies are available from a State of Louisiana Contract, the Superintendent and/or his/her designee may approve the purchase without using one of the purchasing procedures outlined in statutory provisions, if advantageous to the School Board.
The School Board may also piggyback, or purchase materials and supplies on valid contracts of other political subdivisions in accordance with La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§33:1321-1337 or La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §38:321.1.
Louisiana Procurement Code
State law authorizes School Boards to adopt all or any part of the Louisiana Procurement Code as contained in state statutes (La. Rev. Stat. Ann. '39:1551-39:1755). For proper and efficient operations, the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board may adopt, by resolution or otherwise, pertinent provisions of the Louisiana Procurement Code, accompanying administrative regulations as promulgated in the Louisiana Procurement Code, as well as guidelines and policies issued by the state’s Office of State Purchasing relevant to the procurement of materials, supplies, merchandise, and other types of property.
Sole Source Provider
The School Board may award a contract for the purchase of supplies, services, or major repairs without competition when the Superintendent or designated employee has determined, in writing, that there is only one source for the supply, service, or major repair item(s) to be acquired. Pertinent procedures for purchasing such items from a sole source shall be as outlined in the State of Louisiana Office of State Purchasing's Purchasing Rules and Regulations.
Qualified Group Purchasing Organizations
A qualified group purchasing organization means an organization, whether for profit or not for profit, of which two (2) or more public school districts are members and which solicits proposals or bids from vendors of materials, equipment, or supplies of the type and nature as may be purchased by a public school district or public school.
As provided in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §38:2212.1, the School Board may enter into an agreement with: (A) one or more School Boards to form a qualified group purchasing organization; or (B) one or more qualified group purchasing organizations for the purchase of materials, equipment, and supplies, including installation thereof. Any such agreement shall require that the qualified group purchasing organization submit a price list for those materials, equipment, and supplies offered by it and that the prices quoted on the list remain in effect for a stated period of time of not less than three (3) months. Any such price list shall be considered, for all purposes, to be a valid and binding bid by the qualified group purchasing organization during the effective period of the agreement, and no additional bid by the qualified group purchasing organization is necessary.
The School Board may purchase materials, equipment, or supplies directly from or through a qualified group purchasing organization if either the price is less than that for the same or substantially similar materials, equipment, or supplies on the state contract or bid list, or if the same or substantially similar materials, equipment, or supplies are not under state contract or on the state bid list. Nothing included in this paragraph shall be construed to authorize the School Board to purchase materials, equipment, or supplies from or through an entity or vendor other than a qualified group purchasing organization as defined herein without using a procurement process otherwise provided by state law.
Reverse Auction
The School Board may use a reverse auction in lieu of the more formal bid process when the School Board’s procurement officer determines that the electronic bidding is more advantageous and in the best interests of the School Board. Reverse auction means a competitive online solicitation process on the Internet for the purchase of equipment, supplies, and other materials or consulting services.
Prior to the use of the reverse auction, the School Board may require that:
1. Vendors register before opening dates and time, and as part of the registration, require that the vendors agree to any terms and conditions and other requirements of the solicitation.
2. Vendors be prequalified prior to placing bids and allow only bidders who are prequalified to submit bids.
3. The solicitation shall designate an opening date and time and the closing date and time. The closing date and time may be fixed or remain open depending on the structure of the item being bid.
4. At the opening date and time, the School Board shall begin accepting online bids and continue accepting bids until the bidding is officially closed. Registered bidders shall be allowed to lower the price of their bid below the lowest bid posted on the Internet until the closing date and time.
5. Bidders’ identities shall not be revealed during the bidding process; only the successively lower prices, ranks, scores, and related bid details shall be revealed.
6. All bids shall be posted electronically and updated on a real-time basis.
7. The School Board shall retain the right to cancel the solicitation if it determines that it is in the School Board’s best interest.
8. The School Board shall retain its existing authority to determine the criteria that will be used as a basis for making awards.
Adequate public notice for the purchases of materials, supplies, equipment, or consulting services using a reverse auction shall be given as follows:
1. The advertisement or notice shall be published two (2) times in a newspaper in the locality, the first advertisement to appear at least fifteen (15) days before the opening date of the reverse auction. In addition to the newspaper advertisement, the School Board may also publish an advertisement by electronic media available to the general public.
2. The first publication of the advertisement shall not occur on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.
PREFERENCES
Local Purchasing
The St. John the Baptist School Board desires to support local businesses, and they shall direct any and all persons responsible for purchasing in the school system to first prioritize local businesses when soliciting pricing for any and all goods and/or services purchased for the school system.
The School Board shall also require that any and all persons responsible for purchasing document their contacts in contact order. With regard to purchases under $2,000, purchasers are to use local businesses if available and document unavailability if using non-local businesses. With regard to quotes for purchases ($2,000 to $20,000), contact order is to be indicated on quote sheets. With regards to bids for purchases ($20,000+), contact order is to be indicated on bid list sheets.
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board is dedicated to serving the community, including small businesses seeking opportunity for growth. The School Board’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program intends to help local and small disadvantaged businesses compete in and obtain School Board contracts. The School Board shall assure that all DBE certified businesses who apply to be qualified to bid on School Board contracts are given equal access and assistance to successfully participate in School Board contracts regardless of race, color, national origin, gender identity, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, religion or veteran status.
Participation in the DBE program shall be in accordance with the guidelines established by the School Board.
VENDORS
The School Board shall seek business and bids from all eligible vendors, regardless of race, creed, color, sex, national origin, age or handicap. No favoritism shall be extended to any vendor. Each order shall be placed on the basis of quality, price and delivery; past services being a factor if all other considerations are equal.
No person officially connected with or employed by the School Board shall be an agent for, or have any pecuniary or beneficial interest in or receive any compensation or reward from any vendor for the sale of supplies, materials, equipment, services or public works contracts.
No employee of the School Board shall solicit or accept, directly or indirectly, anything of economic value as a gift or gratuity from any vendor representative or agent of a vendor, or a prospective vendor or contractor.
Vendors may set up an appointment to see the principal with written prior approval from the Superintendent. The principal may present the information to the appropriate staff member. If the staff member wishes to set up an appointment with the vendor to discuss products offered, he or she may do so.
PURCHASE OF BAND UNIFORMS
It shall be the policy of the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board to purchase basic band uniform sets for the high and junior high schools of the school system that have bands. Each of these schools shall be entitled to a set of uniforms equal to the number of students in the band for the preceding year plus an additional ten percent to allow for growth and sizing. The maximum number of uniform sets purchased for any school shall be 110 (band size of 100 students). The uniform sets shall be purchased on a ten-year revolving cycle. Initially the School Board will pay the entire cost of the uniform sets. In subsequent purchases, the School Board will fund only $300 per uniform set, if funds are available. This amount shall be adjusted according to the Consumer Price Index. Costs exceeding this limit shall be the responsibility of the school. The school may choose to reduce the quantity of the uniform sets to affect a cost equal to or lower than the limit.
Each school shall be totally responsible for the upkeep and perpetual inventory of its uniform sets during the years between purchases.
The uniform sets shall be purchased in the following rotation order:
East St. John High School
West St. John High School
Lake Ponchartrain School
Revised: November, 1999 Revised: February 15, 2017
Revised: January, 2000 Revised: May, 201
Revised: February, 2004 Revised: February 15, 2017
Revised: November, 2011 Revised: December, 2018
Revised: November, 2014 Revised: August, 2020
Revised: December, 2014 Revised: October, 2021
Revised: May 7, 2015
Ref: 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principals, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards), 48 CFR 2.101 (Definitions); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''33:1321-1337, 33:4712.7, 38:321.1, 38:2211, 38:2212, 38:2212.1, 38:2214, 38:2218, 38:2219, 38:2271, 39:1551, 39:1552, 39:1553, 39:1554, 39:1554.1, 39:1556, 39:1557, 39:1558, 39:1597, 39:1710; Board minutes, 9-1-94, 11-18-99, 11-6-03, 9-4-14, 5-7-15, 2-15-17.
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ITEM 8b. Public Comment. Dr. Curt Green – Request approval of Revised Policy DJED: Bids & Quotes
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: DeFrancesch
MOTION: Toapprove Revised Policy DJED: Bids & Quotes.
Following discussion, there was a
SUBSTITUTE MOTION BY: Schum
SECOND BY: Sanders
MOTION: To table
11 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
ITEM 8c. Public Comment. Dr. Curt Green – Request approval of Revised Policy JCBE: Public School Choice
Dr. Green stated that based on Board Policy, this policy will be for introduction only.
Mrs. Mitchell-Williams asked that this item be placed on the next Board Meeting agenda.
ITEM 9. NEW BUSINESS.
ITEM 9a. Public Comment. Public Comment. Mrs. Nia Mitchell-Williams – Request Board approval of Proposed Capital Projects List, Pending Election Results
Public Comment. Honorable Madeline Jasmine, on behalf of the West Bank Civic Association, asked that this list be distributed to the public.
MOTION BY: Mitchell-Williams
SECOND BY: Triche
MOTION: To adopt the Proposed Capital Projects List, pending election results.
Roll Call:
10 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
1 Abstention - Burl
The motion carried.
ITEM 9b. Public Comment. Ms. Michelle Seymour – Introduction of School Calendar for 2022-2023
The following School Calendar for 2022-2023 was introduced:
ITEM 9c. Public Comment. Mr. Shawn Wallace – Update on Location of Emily C. Watkins for 2022-2023 School Year
Dr. Hookfin stated that staff members and community were informed that ECW will not be ready to open in the Fall of 2022 at the ECW forum. Parents and staff members will complete surveys regarding the plans for the location of ECW for next year. Meetings will be held after testing to discuss survey results and finalize plans. We plan to finalize plans by May of 2022. Options that will be given: remain at LPE site with additional buildings; utilize the portion of the ESJP site that is currently being used by LES scholars; utilize the LGJH site currently being used by ESJH scholars.
Mrs. Schum stated that the district level needs to present these options to the Board with a monetary value attached to each.
ITEM 9d. Public Comment. Mr. Albert A. Burl, III – Update on Federal Consent Decree
Dr. Hookfin read the following email from Hammonds and Sils:
As of now, we do not have any updates to provide to you. Since the last meeting that we attended, we have not heard from the United States Department of Justice or the NAACP Legal Defense Fund about the deseg case in any way. As such, things are status quo at the moment.
MOTION BY: Schum
SECOND BY: Sanders
MOTION: To waive policy to amend the agenda to add an action item.
11 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
MOTION BY: Schum
SECOND BY: Sanders
MOTION: To place a hiring freeze for all Central Office positions, effectively immediately, with the exception of the Staff Accountant position.
11 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
ITEM 9e. Public Comment. Mrs. Debra Schum – Update on Student Count by School Site (Virtual and In-Person)
The following information was shared:
ITEM 10. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Mr. Jones, along with the other board members, wished Board Member Sherry DeFrancesch a Happy Birthday.
Mrs. Schum - Agenda Item for Next Meeting: A monthly report updating the Board regarding busses and repairs, and where we are in getting our busses at 100% usable (repaired).
Mrs. Holden – Asked for a monthly report on the conduct of our scholars at both high schools. Also asked for a L&F Meeting to be called so we can discuss the rentals of our buildings.
Mrs. Holden – Agenda Item for Next Meeting: Address the “Old Lucy School”.
Mrs. Schum gave an update on Educational Scholarships: There are 3 - $10,000 scholarships for ESJH and 3 $10,000 scholarships for WSJH. The deadline is April 29th.
Mr. Burl stated that he will contact the Justice Department and the NAACP regarding the consent decree.
Mrs. Schum asked Dr. Hookfin if HR has been working on the report for the deseg order. Dr. Hookfin stated that we have to have discussions regarding this.
Curriculum Committee will schedule its first meeting soon.
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: Triche
SECOND BY: Jones
MOTION: Motion for adjournment.
Roll Call:
11 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Schum, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
The motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 10:29 p.m.
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Dr. Lynett Hookfin, Secretary Nia Mitchell, President