PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
RESERVE, LA – MEETING OF JULY 14, 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 LA Highway 18, Edgard, Louisiana, on Thursday, July 14, 2022 at 6:01 p.m.
An agenda for the meeting is attached.
Sincerely, s/Rebecca Johnson
Interim Superintendent/Secretary
ITEM 1. CALL TO ORDER, INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mr. Wallace was seated as Chair.
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. and called for a moment of silence, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Dr. Keller.
ITEM 2. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS:
PRESENT: Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
ABSENT: Burl, Johnson, Schum
There were 8 members present and 3 members absent.
ITEM 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
ITEM 3a. Public Comment. Meetings of June 23, 2022 and July 5, 2022 Special Meeting
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Triche
MOTION: To approve the minutes from the meeting of: June 23, 2022 and July 5, 2022 Special Meeting
Roll Call:
8 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
3 Absent – Burl, Johnson, Schum
The motion carried.
ITEM 4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Assistant Superintendent Dr. Juanita Hill was seated in the absence of Interim Superintendent Rebecca Johnson. Dr. Hill gave the following report:
July 25-28, the District is holding its “Journey to Excellence” conference. All current employees and new hires have been invited to attend. Currently, there are 142 employees who have signed up for the conference. There are curriculum, technology, special education, and morale building sessions. We are very excited for this conference.
Dr. Hill introduced Ms. Rayven Calloway in the audience, the new WSJH principal.
Mr. Burl arrived at 6:16 p.m. and was recorded as present.
ITEM 5. EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS BY THE BOARD OR STAFF
ITEM 5a. Review of Summer Shine Data
Mrs. Kendria Spears shared the following information regarding the Summer Shine Program:
ITEM 5b. LSU Ag Center, 4-H Youth Development
Mr. Xavier Bell introduced himself to the Board as the Assistant Extension Agenda, 4-H Youth Development. He stated that he is excited to begin building the 4-H program here in St. John and his goal this year is to learn the community and what the needs and wants are regarding the 4-H program.
ITEM 6. PERSONNEL MATTERS. ITEM 6a. Public Comment. Dr. Curt Green – Introduction of Policy GBN – Dismissal of Employees
This item was for introduction only. Pending committee approval, this item will be brought to the Board for approval at the next Board meeting.
ITEM 6b. Public Comment. Dr. Curt Green – Introduction of Policy GBK – Employee Discipline
This item was for introduction only. Pending committee approval, this item will be brought to the Board for approval at the next Board meeting.
ITEM 6c. Public Comment. Dr. Curt Green – Introduction of Policy JBC – School Admission
This item was for introduction only. Pending committee approval, this item will be brought to the Board for approval at the next Board meeting.
ITEM 6d. Public Comment. Dr. Curt Green – Introduction of Policy EBBC – Emergency/Crisis Management
This item was for introduction only. Pending committee approval, this item will be brought to the Board for approval at the next Board meeting.
ITEM 6e. Public Comment. Dr. Curt Green – Introduction of Policy JAA – Equitable Educational Opportunities
This item was for introduction only. Pending committee approval, this item will be brought to the Board for approval at the next Board meeting.
ITEM 7. BUSINESS AND FINANCE
ITEM 8. OLD BUSINESS
ITEM 9. NEW BUSINESS.
ITEM 9a. Public Comment. Ms. Janice Gauthier – Request Approval to award a service maintenance agreement for School Lift Stations and Backflow Preventers
MOTION BY: Wallace
SECOND BY: DeFrancesch
MOTION: To award the service maintenance agreement for School lift stations and backflow preventers to Gallo Mechanical Services
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
2 Absent – Johnson, Schum
The motion carried.
ITEM 9b. Public Comment. Request Approval to advertise for Emergency Disaster Restoration and Maintenance Packages
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Wallace
MOTION: To approve advertising for Emergency Disaster Restoration and Maintenance Packages.
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
2 Absent – Johnson, Schum
The motion carried.
ITEM 9c. Public Comment. All South – Request recommendation/approval to reject all bids for WSJH Roofing and Repairs
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: Holden
MOTION: To reject all bids for WSJH Roofing and Repairs.
Roll Call:
8 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
1 Abstention - Burl
2 Absent – Johnson, Schum
The motion carried.
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Holden
MOTION: To waive policy to amend the agenda to authorize readvertising for WSJH Roofing and Repairs
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
2 Absent – Johnson, Schum
The motion carried.
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Holden
MOTION: To authorize readvertising for WSJH Roofing and Repairs
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
2 Absent – Johnson, Schum
The motion carried.
ITEM 9d. Public Comment. All South – Request recommendation/approval to award contract for GMMS Roofing and Repairs
MOTION BY: Burl
SECOND BY: Triche
MOTION: To award the contract for GMMS Roofing and Repairs to DL Daigle.
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
2 Absent – Johnson, Schum
The motion carried.
ITEM 9e. Public Comment. All South - Request approval to advertise for Hurricane Ida East St John Prep Roof and Exterior Repairs with walkway to gym as an add alternate
MOTION BY: Sanders
SECOND BY: Keller
MOTION: To approve advertising for Hurricane Ida East St John Prep Roof and Exterior Repairs with walkway to gym as an add alternate.
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
2 Absent – Johnson, Schum
The motion carried.
ITEM 9f. Public Comment. All South - Request approval to advertise for Hurricane Ida CDC and Milesville Roof and Minor Interior Repairs
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Wallace
MOTION: To approve advertising for Hurricane Ida CDC and Milesville Roof and Minor Interior Repairs.
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
2 Absent – Johnson, Schum
The motion carried.
ITEM 9g. Public Comment. All South - Request approval to advertise for Hurricane Ida Fencing and Miscellaneous Repairs
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Triche
MOTION: To approve advertising for Hurricane Ida Fencing and Miscellaneous Repairs.
Following discussion, there was a
MOTION BY: Burl
SECOND BY: Holden
MOTION: To table
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
2 Absent – Johnson, Schum
The motion carried.
ITEM 9h. Public Comment. All South – Request approval of Recommendation on Selection of HVAC repair options for Emily C. Watkins
MOTION BY: Wallace
SECOND BY: Triche
MOTION: To select Option 4 (full replacement) for the HVAC system at Emily C. Watkins.
Mr. Jones asked for the record, what option was recommended by our Maintenance Coordinator, Ricky Songy. Mr. Songy stated that at the last Board meeting, he recommended to select at least Option 2. Following extensive discussion, there was a
SUBSTITUTE MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Burl
MOTION: To select Option 2 (partial replacement with new chillers/boilers) for the HVAC system at Emily C. Watkins, based on the recommendation of Maintenance Coordinator, Ricky Songy.
Roll Call:
2 Yeas – Burl, Jones
7 Nays – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
2 Absent – Johnson, Schum
The motion failed.
Following further discussion and upon roll call on the original motion to select option 4 for the HVAC system at Emily C. Watkins, there was
7 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
2 Nays – Burl, Jones
2 Absent – Johnson, Schum
The motion carried.
ITEM 9i. Public Comment. All South – Request approval to design and advertise for Emily C. Watkins HVAC Repair
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Wallace
MOTION: To approve designing and advertising for Emily C. Watkins HVAC Replacement.
Roll Call:
7 Yeas – Holden, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
2 Abstentions – Burl, Jones
2 Absent – Johnson, Schum
The motion carried.
ITEM 9j. Public Comment. All South – Request approval to award contract for Interior/Exterior/Roofing Repairs for Emily C. Watkins
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: Sanders
MOTION: To award the contract for Interior/Exterior/Roofing Repairs for Emily C. Watkins to Taylor Enterprises, pending review and approval of documents by the architectural team.
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
2 Absent – Johnson, Schum
The motion carried.
ITEM 9k. Public Comment. Mrs. Nia Mitchell-Williams – Remove from table and Request Board approval to award a project management firm to manage non-Hurricane Ida related Capital Projects
MOTION BY: Mitchell-Williams
SECOND BY: Jones
MOTION: To remove this item from the table.
Roll Call:
8 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, Jones, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
3 Absent – DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum
The motion carried.
MOTION BY: Mitchell-Williams
SECOND BY: Burl
MOTION: To award the management of non-hurricane related, Board approved Capital Projects to Volkert, Inc.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION BY: Keller
SECOND BY: Triche
MOTION: To award the management of non-hurricane related, Board approved Capital Projects to All South.
Roll Call:
4 Yeas – Keller, DeFrancesch, Wallace, Triche
5 Nays – Holden, Burl, Sanders, Jones, Mitchell-Williams
2 Absent – Johnson, Schum
The motion failed.
Upon roll call on the original motion to award the management of non-hurricane related, Board approved Capital Projects to Volkert, Inc., there were:
7 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Wallace, Mitchell-Williams
2 Nays – Keller, Triche
2 Absent – Johnson, Schum
The motion carried.
MOTION BY: Holden
SECOND BY: Sanders
MOTION: To waive policy to receive an update on all buildings (from All South Engineers) that were damaged from Hurricane Ida.
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
3 Absent – DeFrancesch, Johnson, Schum
The motion carried.
Update on all buildings:
ITEM 9l. Public Comment. Mrs. Nia Mitchell-Williams – Remove from table and Request Board approval to award a project management firm to manage Hurricane Ida related projects included on the Board approved Capital Projects List
MOTION BY: Mitchell-Williams
SECOND BY: Jones
MOTION: To remove this item from the table.
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
2 Absent – Johnson, Schum
The motion carried.
MOTION BY: Mitchell-Williams
SECOND BY: Jones
MOTION: To award the management of Hurricane Ida related projects included on the Board approved Capital Projects List to All South Engineers.
Following discussion, there was a
SUBSTITUTE BY: Burl
SECOND BY: Holden
MOTION: To award the Hurricane Ida related projects that are not currently in design to Volkert.
Roll Call:
3 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Sanders
5 Nays – Keller, DeFrancesch, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
1 Abstention – Jones
2 Absent – Johnson, Schum
The motion failed.
Upon roll call on the original motion to award the management of Hurricane Ida related projects included on the Board approved Capital Projects List to All South Engineers, there were:
7 Yeas – Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
2 Nays – Holden, Burl
2 Absent – Johnson, Schum
The motion carried.
MOTION BY: Burl
SECOND BY: Sanders
MOTION: To waive policy to amend the agenda to add an action item.
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
3 Absent – Johnson, Schum
The motion carried.
MOTION BY: Burl
SECOND BY: Sanders
MOTION: To waive policy to amend the agenda to request that legal counsel review all contracts (construction).
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
2 Absent – Johnson, Schum
The motion carried.
ITEM 10. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
Board Retreat will be held August 15-16, 2022. Location will be announced soon.
ITEM 11. BOARD ITEMS OF INTEREST
Dr. Hill recognized the recently named Transportation Coordinator, Mr. Ulysses Jarrow, in the audience.
ITEM 12. ADJOURNMENT
The agenda having been completed, and there being no further business, there was a
MOTION BY: Jones
SECOND BY: Wallace
MOTION: Motion for adjournment.
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Jones, Wallace, Triche, Mitchell-Williams
2 Absent – Johnson, Schum
The motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m.
________________________________ ________________________________
Rebecca Johnson, Secretary Nia Mitchell, President