PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

RESERVE, LA – MEETING OF AUGUST 4, 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 Lake Pontchartrain Elementary School, 3328 Highway 51, LaPlace Louisiana, on Thursday, August 4, 2022 at 6:00 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

The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. and called for a moment of silence (Mr. Triche led the Lord’s Prayer), followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Mr. Sanders.

ITEM 2. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS:

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

ABSENT: Holden, Burl, Jones

There were 8 members present and 3 members absent.

ITEM 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

ITEM 3a.  Public Comment.  Meeting of July 14, 2022

MOTION BY:  Triche

SECOND BY: DeFrancesch

MOTION:  To approve the minutes from the meeting of: July 14, 2022

Roll Call:

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

3 Absent – Holden, Burl, Jones

The motion carried.

Mr. Jones arrived at 6:03 p.m. and was recorded as present.

Mr. Burl arrived at 6:06 p.m. and was recorded as present.

ITEM 4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Mrs. Johnson gave the following report:

·        Vacancies

o   As of today, we have 16 classroom teacher vacancies.  8 of those vacancies are in Core Subjects (ELA, Math, Science, and/or Social Studies)

o   We have secured subs for 12 of the classroom teacher vacancies.  If we can not fill these 4 positions by the end of the day tomorrow or if new positions become vacant, we will utilize Master Teachers and/or Central Office Curriculum staff to ensure students have a teacher on the 1^st day of school. 

o   Tomorrow, our curriculum team will be hosting a sub training for all subs that were hired to start the school year with us.  This training will cover the following topics:

§  Classroom Management

§  Curriculum and Access to Curriculum Resources

§  Routines and Procedures

§  Student engagement strategies

§  Dress Code

§  Professional Conduct

·        School Safety and Security

o   Sheriff Mike Tregre and eight SWAT team members met with Mr. Schaff Wednesday, July 27, 2022.   According to Mr. Schaff, the meeting was extremely productive and below are bulleted the outcomes of the meeting:

§  Each school and program site (ESJH, STEM, ESJP,  RC/Connections, LPE, LES, WSJE, WSJH, , ECW, Fifth Ward, JLO) will have an assigned SWAT team member who has been committed to:

§  Review a comprehensive School Safety Audit provided in preparation of a scheduled walkthrough

§  Conduct a campus walkthrough with the Principal

§  Work with the school/program Crisis Team by providing input in the development of the 2022-2023 Crisis Plan at each site.

§  Review the revised 2022-2023 Crisis Plan for each school and program (STEM, RC/Connections have their own separate and distinct campus on the respective sites).

§  Make recommendations for improvement of the safety and security at sites.

• Crisis Plans and school in-servicing of those plans will take place before students arrive August 8th.

• All perimeter doors have been checked and we have a list of doors/locks that need to be fixed or replaced.  Many of our doors would need to be replaced for our buildings to be safe and secure. 

·        The intercom systems are operational.  Principals at 4 schools reported that the intercom does not work in isolated areas of the school. Ex. Gym, Classroom, Counselor Office, 1 hallway

The company will check these schools first and then do a check of all intercom systems to ensure they are working properly by Monday.

·        We have a few schools where the cameras only partially work. Camera systems are being replaced at this time.  The project should be complete within 3 weeks.  The order is as follows:

o   John L Ory  (JLO)

o   Laplace Elementary (LES)

o   West St. John Elementary (WSJE)

o   West St. John High (WSJH)

o    Garyville Magnet (GMMS)

o    Fifth Ward (FWE)

o   East St John Prep (ESJPA)

o   Lake Pontchartrain (LES)

o    East St John High (ESJH)

o    Central Office

o   Leon Godchaux (LGAH)

o   Emily C Watkins (ECW)

This order was based on the current levels of functionality of existing cameras.

·        The MOU with the Sheriff’s Office to access our cameras should be finished by tomorrow.  I will schedule a meeting with the Sheriff next week to sign the MOU.  The Sheriff’s Office will also have access to our wireless network so their radios will work inside of our buildings.

·        Monday, August 8^th, 2022, is our first day for students.  All central office staff will be at the school sites supporting school leaders on Monday and Tuesday.  We will extend support if needed. 

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

ITEM 5a.  Recognition of Sheriff Mike Tregre and School Resource Officers

Sheriff Mike Tregre, along with the School Resource Officers, were recognized by the Superintendent and Board and was thanked for their willingness to work with the school system.  Sheriff Tregre was out of town and was unable to attend the meeting.  Lt. Crawford will be coordinating the SRO’s this year.  The following were recognized and were presented with a plaque:  Deputy Darlene Cooper, Deputy Jacqueline Gabriel, and Sgt. Larry Williams.

ITEM 5b.  Recognition of 2021-2022 Perfect Attendance Students with the most years of perfect attendance

The following students were recognized: 

ITEM 6.  PERSONNEL MATTERS.   

ITEM 6a.  Public Comment.   Dr. Curt Green – Request Approval of Policy GBN – Dismissal of Employees

MOTION BY:  Wallace

SECOND BY: Schum

MOTION:  To approve Policy GBN – Dismissal of Employees

Roll Call:

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

2 Absent – Holden, Jones

The motion carried.

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GBN:  DISMISSAL OF EMPLOYEES

The St. John the Baptist Parish Sshool Board shall stri'le to assist personnel in adjusting to their positions and performing their duties satisfactorily.

With the exception of lay-offs caused by programmatic changes, budget cuts, staff reorganizations, and/or other personnel actions reducing numbers of employees, no St. John the Baptist Parish School Board employee shall be dismissed except as provided below by state law and this policy. Any sshool employee shall be dismissed by tho Superintendent or by tho School Board, in accordanso '+Yith  statutory pro11isions, upon final con¥iction of or pleading nolo contend-ere to certain srimes enumerated in La. Re¥. Stat. Ann. §15:587.1 and/or any other felony offense.

CRIMINAL OFFENSES

The Superintendent, on behalf of the School Board, shall dismiss:

1.             An administrator, teacher, or substitute teacher upon final conviction or submission of plea of nolo contendere to any crime listed in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §15:587.1, even if adjudication was withheld or a pardon or expungement was granted, in accordance with statutory provisions for dismissal applicable to the employee.

However, if the person has obtained tenure, such dismissal shall occur only after a hearing held pursuant to hearing procedures outlined in policy GBK. Employee Discipline.

2.             An administrator, teacher, or substitute teacher who is found to have submitted fraudulent documentation to the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) or the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) as part of an application for a Louisiana teaching certificate or other teaching authorization.

3.              An administrator, teacher. or substitute teacher who is found to have facilitated cheating on any state assessment as determined by BESE.

4.             Any other school employee if such employee is convicted of or pleads nolo contendere to crimes enumerated in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §15:587.1. except La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §14:74.

The Superintendent shall notify the State Superintendent of Education of any employee's dismissal for the criminal offenses above no later than thirty (30) days after such dismissal.

In addition, employees may be dismissed shall be subject to removal for failure to properly report arrests for certain offenses enumerated in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:16.

ABANDONMENT OF POSITION

If an employee is absent for ten (10) or more days without explanation or approved leave, the School Board may consider the job as abandoned and the employee may be terminated, unless the employee can provide acceptable and verifiable evidence of extenuating circumstances. The Superintendent or his/her designee shall be responsible for determining acceptability of evidence of extenuating circumstances.

CERTIFICATED EMPLOYEES

Non-tenured Teachers

The Superintendent may terminate the employment of any non-tenured teacher after providing such teacher with the written reasons therefor and providing the teacher the opportunity to respond. The teacher shall have seven (7) days to respond, and such response shall be included in the teacher's personnel file. The Superintendent shall notify the teacher in writing of his/her final decision. The teacher shall not be entitled to a hearing before the School Board. Within sixty (60) days of such notice, the teacher may seek summary review in district court of whether or not the Superintendent's action was arbitrary or capricious.

Tenured Teachers

A tenured teacher 1Nith tenure shall not be removed from office except upon written and signed charges by the Superintendent or his/her designee of poor performance, willful neglect of duty, incompetency, dishonesty, immorality, or of being a member of or contributing to any group, organization, movement, or corporation that is by law or injunction prohibited from operating in the state of Louisiana, and then only if furnished with a copy of such written charges and given the opportunity to respond. Dismissal of a teacher with tenure shall be governed by the provisions for discipline of tenured teacher§ with tenure as included in policy GBK, Employee Discipline.

Contract Appointees

Personnel who have entered into promotional employment contracts with the School Board, pursuant to La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:444, may be removed from their positions by non-renewal of their contracts or by termination of their contracts. Contracts may be non­ renewed by the School Board for any of the following reasons:

1.              The Superintendent has recommended against renewal of the contract based on an evaluation of the employee's performance;

2.              The failure to offer a new contract is based on a cause sufficient to support a mid-contract termination;

3.              The position in question has been discontinued; or

4.              The position in question has been eliminated as a result of district reorganization.

In a non-renewal situation, the employee shall not be entitled to a hearing before the School Board.

For mid-contract termination of promotional employment contracts, the employee shall recei\'e have the right to written charges and a hearing before a disciplinary hearing officer in the manner provided in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:443 conducted in accordance with hearing procedures adopted by the School Board. A contract may be terminated if the employee is found guilty of being incompetent or inefficient or is found to have failed to fulfill the terms and performance objectives of his/her contract, or other reasons provided for by state law.

NON-CERTIFICATED EMPLOYEES

Non-Tenured Bus Operators

No bus operator hired after July, 1, 2012 shall earn tenure.

A non-tenured bus operator shall be immediately dismissed if he/she is convicted of or has pied nolo contendere to violations of local or existing state law prohibiting operating a vehicle while intoxicated regardless of whether the violation occurred while performing in his/her official capacity as a school bus operator at the time of the offense.

Each school bus operator shall serve a probationary term of three (3) years reckoned from the date of his/her first employment with the School Board. During such probationary term, any bus operator may be dismissed by the School Board upon the written recommendation of the Superintendent. Any bus operator employed on or after July 1, 2012, who has successfully completed his/her probationary term, may be dismissed by the Superintendent after providing such bus operator with written reasons therefor and providing the bus operator with the opportunity to respond. The bus operator shall have seven (7) days to respond, and such response shall be included in the bus operator's personnel file. Regardless of the date of his/her employment, a non-tenured bus operator shall not be entitled to a hearing before the School Board prior to termination.

A non tenured bus operator may also be dismissed by the School Board upon the Superintendent's 'Nritten recommendation. The employee shall not be entitled to a hearing bef.ore the School Board.

Tenured Bus Operators

The School Board may dismiss any tenured bus operator only after written and signed charges against the bus operator, and the bus operator hai.ie been prepared by the Superintendent and submitted to the School Board. Tho School Board, if it decides to proceed upon tho charges, shall notify tho bus operator in writing at least t\venty (20) days prior to the hearing, stating the charges brought against him/her, and shall arrange for a hearing to be held in accordance with due process provisions of the la•N, such hearing to be public or private at the option of the bus operator. A tenured bus operator may be dismissed for willful neglect of duty, or incompetence, or immorality, or drunkenness while on duty, or failure to comply with requirements of La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:491.3 relative to being arrested for one or more of the specified offenses, or physical disability to perform his/her duties, or failure to keep his/her transfer equipment in a safe, comfortable, and practical operating condition, or of being a member of or contributing to any group, organization, movement, or corporation that is prohibited by law or injunction from operating in the state, and tnen only if found guilty after a hearing by the School Board by a majority of the Schoo! Board's membership.

Additional grounds for the removal from office of any school bus operator shall be:

1.              the abolition, discontinuance, or consolidation of routes, but then only if it is found as a fact, after a hearing by tho School Board based upon a determination by the Superintendent that it is in the best interests of the school system to abolish, discontinue, or consolidate said route or routes. If abolition, discontinuance, or consolidation of bus routes is approved, the principle of seniority shall apply, so that the last school bus operator hired to serve within the school system to be affected shall be the first to be removed.

2.              conviction of or plea of nolo contendere to a violation of a parish or municipal ordinance that prohibits operating a vehicle while intoxicated or any of the existing state offenses relative to operating a vehicle while intoxicated, as enumerated in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §17:493, regardless of whether the violation occurred while performing in his/her official capacity as a school bus operator at the time of the offense.

A tenured bus operator shall not be removed from his/her position except upon written and signed charges against the bus operator, and the bus operator having been furnished with a copy of such written charges and given the opportunity to respond, in person or in writing, within ten (10) calendar days from written notice of the charges.

The Superintendent shall have ten (10) calendar days to review the school bus operator's response and to provide written notice to the bus operator of the interim disciplinary action, which may include placing the bus operator on paid administrative leave. If the bus operator has been arrested for a violation of any of the following: La. Rev. Stat. Ann.

§§14:42 through 14:43.5, 14:80 through 14:81.5, any other sexual offense affecting minors, any of the crimes provided in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §15:587.1, or any justified complaint of child abuse or neglect on file in the central registry pursuant to Children's Code Article 615, the administrative leave shall be without pay. Paid administrative leave shall not exceed fifty (50) days from notice of the Superintendent's interim decision.

Within twenty (20) calendar days after written notice of the charges, the bus operator may request a hearing before a disciplinary hearing officer, following the hearing procedures for tenured teachers found in policy GBK, Employee Discipline.  If the bus operator fails to timely request a hearing, the disciplinary action shall become final.

School Employees

All employees of the system whose dismissal is not governed by the provision of La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:441-446, or by the provisions of La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:491-494, shall be subject to dismissal upon the written recommendation by the Superintendent to the School Board. Such employees shall not be entitled to a hearing before the School Board.

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ITEM 6b.  Public Comment.  Dr. Curt Green – Request Approval of Policy GBK – Employee Discipline

MOTION BY:                                                                                                                                    Keller

SECOND BY:                                                                                                                                 Triche

MOTION:  To approve Policy GBK – Employee Discipline

Roll Call:

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

1 Absent – Holden

The motion carried.

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GBK:  EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE

The Superintendent and his/her designee shall possess the authority to discipline employees when an employee's behavior warrants such action. A principal shall have the authority to recommend to the Superintendent when appropriate that employees at the school in which he/she is employed should be disciplined.

Discipline of an employee shall be progressive in nature such that penalties for poor job performance or broken rules become increasingly harsh as similar or related conditions continue or infractions are repeated. Such progressive discipline, however, shall not inhibit the Superintendent's authority or, in the case of certain employees, the School Board's authority, to discipline, suspend, or terminate an employee based on the circumstances of any single event. Documentation of employee behavior, employee performance and any disciplinary action taken shall be properly and thoroughly recorded.

Should any disciplinary measure become necessary, any documentation shall be considered confidential and treated in accordance with statutory provisions and School Board policy.

TEACHERS

Hearing procedures are statutorily required for certain disciplinary actions for teachers as defined below. However, such procedures do not prevent the Superintendent and/or principal from taking other disciplinary measures which do not require a hearing, as he/she feels appropriate.

Definitions

For the purpose of this section:

Discipline and disciplinary action shall include only suspension without pay, reduction in pay, involuntary demotion, or dismissal.

Written notice shall be considered given when the notice is hand delivered to the teacher, or on the day it is delivered to the teacher by registered mail, certified mail, or a commercial courier.

Non-Tenured Teachers

The Superintendent may take disciplinary action against any non-tenured teacher after providing such teacher with the written reasons therefor and providing the teacher the opportunity to respond. The teacher shall have seven (7) days to respond, and such response shall be included in the teacher's personnel file. The Superintendent shall notify the teacher in writing of his/her final decision. The teacher shall not be entitled to a

hearing before the School Board.

Within sixty (60) days of such notice, the teacher may seek summary review in district court of whether or not the Superintendent's action was arbitrary or capricious.

Tenured Teachers

A teacher with tenure shall not be disciplined except upon written and signed charges by the Superintendent or his/her designee of poor performance, willful neglect of duty, incompetency, dishonesty, immorality, or of being a member of or contributing to any group, organization, movement, or corporation that is by law or injunction prohibited from operating in the state of Louisiana, and then only if furnished with a copy of such written charges and given the opportunity to respond.

The teacher shall have ten (10) calendar days from written notice of the charges to respond, in person or in writing. Following review of the teacher's response, the Superintendent may take interim disciplinary action, which may include placing the teacher on paid administrative leave. If the teacher has been arrested for a violation of any of the following: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§14:42 through 14:43.5, 14:80 through 14:81.5, any other sexual offense affecting minors, any of the crimes provided in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §15:587.1, or any justified complaint of child abuse or neglect on file in the central registry pursuant to Children's Code Article 615, the administrative leave shall be without pay. Paid administrative leave shall not exceed fifty (50) days from notice of the Superintendent's interim decision.

Within ten (10) calendar days after written notice of the interim disciplinary action or within ten (10) calendar days after receipt of the teacher's response if no interim disciplinary action is taken, a teacher may request a hearing before a disciplinary hearing officer. If the teacher fails to timely request a hearing, the disciplinary action shall become final.

Hearing Procedures

Upon request for a review hearing, the Superintendent shall randomly appoint a hearing officer from a list of persons previously approved by the School Board as disciplinary hearing officers. If the school district serves fewer than twenty thousand students, the School Board shall maintain a list of at least five (5) hearing officers. If the school district serves twenty thousand students or more, the School Board shall maintain a list of at least ten (10) hearing officers. All hearing officers shall be qualified to serve as a disciplinary hearing officer in accordance with state law. If the School Board fails to maintain such a list, the Superintendent may randomly appoint a hearing officer from a list of persons previously approved by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Such hearing may be private or public, at the option of the teacher, and shall commence no sooner than ten (10) calendar days nor later than thirty (30) calendar days after receipt

of the teacher's request for such hearing. The disciplinary hearing officer shall have the power to issue subpoenas, and shall conduct the hearing in accordance with procedures adopted by the School Board.

The teacher shall have the right to appear before the disciplinary hearing officer with witnesses·on his/her behalf and with counsel of his/her selection. The disciplinary hearing officer shall hold a hearing and review on whether the interim decision of the Superintendent was arbitrary or capricious and shall either affirm or reverse the action of the Superintendent. The disciplinary hearing officer shall notify the Superintendent and the teacher of his/her final determination, with written reasons, within ten (10) days from the date of the hearing. If the Superintendent's disciplinary action is affirmed, it shall become effective upon the teacher's receipt of the decision of the disciplinary hearing officer. If the Superintendent's disciplinary action is reversed, the teacher shall be restored to duty.

Within sixty (60) days from the postmarked date of such written notification of the decision of the disciplinary hearing officer, the School Board or the teacher may petition a court of competent jurisdiction to review the matter as a summary proceeding.

The time periods contained above may be extended by mutual agreement of

 the parties.

BUS OPERATORS/CONTRACT APPOINTEES

The Superintendent shall have the authority to discipline tenured bus operators and persons employed on performance contracts, including suspension with or without pay, when circumstances necessitate immediate action. If sufficient grounds for suspension without pay are subsequently not found to exist by the School Board or Superintendent, the bus operator or contract appointee shall be reimbursed for any loss of compensation.

NON-TENURED EMPLOYEES

The Superintendent shall have the authority to discipline, including suspension, any non­ tenured, non-contract employee with or without pay, when circumstances warrant such action.

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ITEM 6c.  Public Comment.  Dr. Curt Green – Request Approval of Policy JBC – School Admission

MOTION BY:  Wallace

SECOND BY: Jones

MOTION:  To approve Policy JBC – School Admission

Roll Call:

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

1 Absent – Holden

The motion carried.

Mr. Burl questioned the re-admittance of students who have committed a felony and asked administration to review this portion of the policy with Forethought and legal counsel.

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JBC:  SCHOOL ADMISSION

The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board shall admit students to the schools of the school district once the student has been registered for school by the parent or legal guardian, under such rules and regulations as the School Board may prescribe.

The School Board shall grant admission or readmission to school to any person who meets all of the following criteria:

1.              Resides within the geographic boundaries of the school system.

2.              Meets the eligibility requirements for school entrance pursuant to statutory provisions

3.              Is nineteen (19) years of age or younger on September 30^th of the calendar year in which the school year begins or is twenty (20) years of age on September 30th of the calendar year in which the school year begins and has sufficient course credits that he/she will be able to graduate within one

(1) school year of admission or readmission.

4.              Has not received a high school diploma or its equivalent.

5.              Is otherwise eligible for enrollment in a public school pursuant to state law and the policies of the School Board and the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

If a person meets all of the criteria stated above, the School Board shall not deny admission or readmission based on any of the following characteristics:

1.          The person voluntarily withdrew from school.

2.          The person is pregnant.

3.          The person is a parent.

4.          The person is married.

The admission or readmission of a person who will be twenty (20) years of age on September 30^th of the calendar year in which the school year begins shall be limited to grade twelve (12).

The admission or readmission of a person with an exceptionality shall be subject to federal and state law governing the age of eligibility for services for students with exceptionalities.

No child shall be admitted to school for the first time until his/her parents do the following:

1.              Present to school officials an official birth certificate. A short-form birth certification card shall be acceptable. Only records from the local or state registrar of vital statistics shall be accepted for children born in Louisiana, except as otherwise provided herein. Children born in Louisiana shall be given a fifteen (15) day grace period to secure a copy of their birth record. Children born out of Louisiana shall be given thirty (30) days grace in which to produce a copy of their birth record. In cases where birth certificates and/or birth verification forms cannot be obtained, the school principal may accept whatever positive proof of age, race and parentage is available. It shall be left to the discretion of the Superintendent or designee as to whether or not a child shall continue in school upon failure to comply herewith.

2.              Present to school officials satisfactory evidence of immunity to or immunization against vaccine-preventable diseases according to the age appropriate schedule approved by the Office of Public Health, Department of Health and Hospitals.

3.              Present to school officials all official school records of school previously attended or information needed to access such records when transferring from another school to one inside the School District, including necessary authorization to obtain and/or access any and all records of the enrolling student.

4.              Present to school officials as a prerequisite to enrolling in the first grade, evidence of having attended at least a full-day public or private kindergarten for a full school year; or satisfactorily passed academic readiness screening administered by the school system prior to the time of enrollment in first grade.

5.              Present to school officials evidence of being bona fide residents of the school district, with limited exception. However, children temporarily residing within the jurisdiction of the School Board who have no permanent address, who have been abandoned by their parents, or who are in foster care shall be admitted to school, except as may be allowed by statute.

ADMISSION OF NON-PUBLIC AND HOME SCHOOLING STUDENTS

All students transferring to public schools of St. John Parish from any in-state nonpublic school, any home schooling program or any Louisiana resident transferring from any out­ of-state school in the fifth or ninth grade shall be required to take the fourth or eighth grade placement test LEAP 21 English Language Arts and Mathematics Test.

The nonpublic school and parent (or home schooling parent) shall be responsible for providing the St. John the Baptist Parish School District Test Coordinator at least ten (10) working days prior to the testing date, valid and documentation required for requested standard testing accommodations.

ADMISSION OF CHILDREN OF MILITARY FAMILIES

The School Board shall allow a dependent child of an active duty member of the United States Armed Forces, of the military reserve forces, or of the National Guard or a Department of Defense civilian to register and preliminarily enroll in a public school under its jurisdiction by remote means, including electronic means, prior to becoming a resident of the state, provided all of the following apply:

1.          The student's parent or legal guardian is transferred or pending transfer to a military installation or comparable duty location in Louisiana pursuant to an official military order.

2.          The student's parent or legal guardian provides a copy of the official military order transferring the parent or legal guardian to a military installation or comparable duty location in Louisiana to the School Board.

3.          The student's parent or legal guardian completes and submits all required registration and enrollment forms and documentation, except that proof of residency shall not be required until ten (10) days after the arrival date specified on the parent or legal guardian's transfer orders.

The School Board shall provide a student of a military family who remotely registers the same enrollment opportunities available to resident students, including requesting and applying for school assignment, registering for courses, participating in extracurricular activities, and applying to any school or program that requires an additional request, including a lottery for admission to a specific school or program.

A student of a military family registered and enrolled shall not attend school until proof of residency is provided in accordance School Board policy.

ADMISSION OF EXPELLED STUDENTS

No student who has been expelled in accordance with state law from any school in the state shall be admitted to any school in the school system except upon the review and approval of the School Board.

No student who has been expelled from any school outside the state of Louisiana or anynonpublic school within Louisiana for committing any of the offenses enumerated in state law shall be admitted to any school in the school system except upon the review and approval of the governing body of the admitting school.

ADMISSION OF STUDENTS WHO COMMIT A FELONY

The conviction of any student of a felony or the incarceration of any student in a juvenile institution for an act, whether committed in Louisiana or any other state or country, which had it been committed by an adult would have constituted a felony in Louisiana, may be sufficient cause for the Superintendent to refuse admission of the student to any school in the school district, except upon review and approval of a majority of the elected members of the School Board when a request for admission has been made to the School Board.

ADMISSION OF HOMELESS STUDENTS

Except as provided above with regard to students who have been expelled, no provision in this or any other St. John the Baptist Parish School Board policy shall be interpreted to impede the immediate or continued enrollment of homeless youth, as addressed in policy JBCBB, Homeless Students.

ADMISSION OF STUDENTS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

Neither the School Board nor any public school shall require the parent or legal guardian of any student to disclose the student's medical information or special education needs prior to enrolling the student in a public school, unless otherwise specifically required by law.

Nothing herein shall prohibit a public school from providing an enrollment preference to a student with special needs when the student's parent or legal guardian has voluntarily provided the school with information regarding such needs.

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ITEM 6d.  Public Comment.  Dr. Curt Green – Request Approval of Policy EBBC – Emergency/Crisis Management

MOTION BY:  Jones

SECOND BY: DeFrancesch

MOTION:  To approve Policy EBBC – Emergency/Crisis Management

Roll Call:

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

1 Absent – Holden

The motion carried.

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EBBC:  EMERGENCY/CRISIS MANAGEMENT

CRISIS MANAGEMENT AND RESPONSE

Unanticipated tragic events can quickly escalate into a school-wide catastrophe if not dealt with immediately and effectively. School personnel shall plan in advance for the welfare, safety, and care of students and staff members. Every school shall be required to have a Crisis Management and Response Plan. A Crisis Management and Response Plan means a plan to address school safety and the incidence of a shooting or other violence at schools, on school buses, and at school-related activities; to respond effectively to such incidents; and to ensure that every student, teacher, and school employee has access to a safe, secure, and orderly school that is conducive to learning. Such plans shall also address the management of any other emergency situation.

The Crisis Management and Response Plan shall be prepared by each public school principal jointly with local law enforcement, fire, public safety, and emergency preparedness officials. In preparing the plan, the principal and such officials shall consider and include, if appropriate, input from students enrolled in the school and their parents, teachers at the school, other school employees, and community leaders. The plan, which shall focus on preventing the loss of life and the injury of students and teachers and other school employees, shall detail the roles and responsibilities of each school employee and the relevant coordination agreements, services, and security measures of a school and provide for parental notification in the event of a shooting or other violent incident or emergency situation. The plan may also provide for the counseling of students by mental health professionals, encouraging peer helper programs, and identifying students who may have experienced rejection or other traumatic life events.

Each principal, jointly with local law enforcement, fire, public safety, school resource officers, and emergency preparedness officials, shall review the plan at least once annually and shall revise the plan as necessary. In reviewing and revising the plan, the principal and such officials shall consider and include input, if appropriate, from students enrolled in the school and their parents, teachers at the school, other school employees, and community leaders. When conducting the annual review for a high school, the school principal shall seek input from the president of the senior class or the president of the student council, and at least one other responsible student selected by the principal as representatives of students enrolled in the high school. Each principal shall submit such plan in writing to the Superintendent for approval at least once annually, including upon each revision, and shall notify all teachers and other school employees of the contents of the plan and any revisions made to it.

Within the first thirty (30) days of each school year, each principal shall conduct a safety drill to rehearse the components of the Crisis Management and Response Plan. Not later than seven (7) days after the drill, the principal shall submit a written report summarizing the details of the drill to the Superintendent.

The Superintendent shall make an annual report to the School Board on the status of the plan of each school under the School Board's jurisdiction.

OTHER EMERGENCY DRILLS

The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board shall require procedures be planned by the principal and faculty of each school to assure orderly movement and evacuation of students to the safest area in the event of fire, weather, or other disasters. Practice drills shall be used to ensure the effectiveness of the procedures.

    Every separate administration building shall conduct practice drills as well.

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ITEM 6e.  Public Comment.  Dr. Curt Green – Request Approval of Policy JAA – Equitable Educational Opportunities

MOTION BY:  Jones

SECOND BY: Triche

MOTION:  To approve Policy JAA – Equitable Educational Opportunities

Roll Call:

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

1 Absent – Holden

The motion carried.

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JAA:  EQUAL EQUITABLE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNIT¥1ES

It is the polisy of the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board that eash student, regardless of his or her rase, solor, national origin or disability shall receive an equal educational opportunity and an equal opportunity to seek participation in education programs and student and e:><trasurrisular activities. The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board directs that all pupils enrolled in the schools under its jurisdiction shall be afforded equal educational opportunities in strict accordance with law.  No pupil shall be denied access to or benefit from any educational program or activity or from a co-curricular or athletic activity on the basis of the pupil's race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, affectational or sexual orientation or sex, social or economic status, or disability. The School Board shall assure that all pupils are free from harassment, sexual or otherwise.

The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board is committed to the success of all students and to achieving the goal of ensuring that students are ready for college, career and life. To accomplish this, the School Board shall provide an equitable educational environment for all students.

For purposes of this policy, equity means providing the opportunities and resources required for student success. The concept of educational equity goes beyond simple equality, where all students are treated the same, to fostering a barrier-free environment in which all students, regardless of their background or personal attributes are extended both the opportunities and resources required for success. In addition, the School Board seeks to eliminate any practices throughout the School District that perpetuate disparities among students so that no student shall be prevented from achieving their full potential.

In committing to provide equitable educational opportunities for all students in all of its schools, the School Board establishes the following objectives:

•        To raise the achievement of all students

•        To allocate resources to meet the needs of students who require additional educational support to achieve academic success

•        To allocate resources to extend opportunities so that advanced students achieve their full potential

•        To provide culturally responsive education

•        To significantly reduce the racial disproportionality within all aspects of education, including student discipline, special education and advanced programs

•        To ensure all students, regardless of race, socioeconomic class, and other factors have the opportunity and resources to succeed, in a career or in continued learning

The Superintendent shall be authorized to develop regulations, procedures and practices to implement this policy, including an action plan with clear accountability. The Superintendent

shall report to the School Board at least annually on progress toward equity throughout the School District.

Pursuant to School Board policy, incidents of sexual harassment and/or intimidation and harassment and/or intimidation because of a student's race, color, national origin, or disability are prohibited and procedures are provided for reporting and investigating such incidents and for the disposition thereof.

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***The Chair stated that All South would now give a report on the current state of all school buildings.

ITEM 7.  BUSINESS AND FINANCE

ITEM 7a.  Public Comment.  Mrs. Janice Gauthier – Request approval to advertise for General Liability and Fleet Insurance

MOTION BY:  Jones

SECOND BY: DeFrancesch

MOTION:  To grant approval to advertise for General Liability and Fleet Insurance

Roll Call:

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

1 Absent – Holden

The motion carried.

ITEM 7b.  Public Comment.  Mrs. Rebecca Johnson – Request approval of a $2,500 supplement for one staff member to provide interpreting services for one year to be paid through Title Funds

MOTION BY:  Jones

SECOND BY: Triche

MOTION:  To approve a $2,500 supplement for one staff member to provide interpreting services for one year to be paid through Title Funds

Roll Call:

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

1 Absent – Holden

The motion carried.

ITEM 8.  OLD BUSINESS

ITEM 9. NEW BUSINESS. 

ITEM 9a.   Public Comment.  Discussion regarding warranties for track repairs at both high schools, and turf treatment to prevent weeds on the fields (Requested by Mrs. Charo Holden)

Mrs. Gauthier  stated that she researched this topic and discovered that the maintenance of the turf is the responsibility of the owner.  Mrs. Gauthier reported that the turf was treated for weeds this past week. 

ITEM 9b.   Public Comment.  Mrs. Debra Schum - Update on building preparation for opening of school

Mrs. Schum stated that she specifically is concerned with the air conditioning problems at ESJHS.  She asked Mrs. Johnson if there were any other schools with air conditioning problems.  Mrs. Johnson stated that WSJE is having issues.  The Board directed administration to ensure that ALL schools have temporary air conditioning for Monday morning when students arrive.

ITEM 9c.   Public Comment.  Mrs. Debra Schum – Update on fencing for schools and timeline for completion

Following discussion regarding safety, there was a

MOTION BY:  Jones

SECOND BY: DeFrancesch

MOTION:  To waive policy to amend the agenda to add an action item.

Roll Call:

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

1 Absent – Holden

The motion carried.

MOTION BY:  Jones

SECOND BY: Schum

MOTION:  To authorize administration to get 3 quotes to secure fencing for all schools.

Roll Call:

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

1 Absent – Holden

The motion carried.

ITEM 9d.   Public Comment. Mrs. Debra Schum - Update on Project Management and Capital Bond Projects

Mrs. Johnson asked that the Board receive an update from The Luster Group on WSJE.  Mr. Luster gave an update on all  current work and assured the Board that the school will be ready for students on Monday.

Mrs. Johnson stated that she had met with representatives from Volkert and they are working with administration to create the list of estimated costs from the Capital Project list previously approved by the Board.  Mrs. Johnson stated that Volkert is preparing to give a report at the Retreat.

ITEM 10.  ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

Mrs. Johnson stated that LDOE will allow us to enter into the LDOE Strategic Planning Cohort 3 with Strong Start Systems.  At this time they did not budget for us, so it will cost the district $74,999, but if/when their budget allows, they will reimburse the district this cost.

ITEM 11.  BOARD ITEMS OF INTEREST

Dr. Keller asked if our teachers and staff are trained in CPR.  Mrs. Johnson stated that this is a part of our crisis management plan, so yes, there is someone on campus that is trained to perform CPR.  Mrs. Mitchell-Williams also mentioned that Narcon training is needed and we have requested information from the Sheriff’s Office.

Mrs. Schum extended an invitation to all for the Education Foundation’s Meet and Greet on August 22^nd, from 6-7:30 at the Sheriff’s Training Center on Cambridge Drive.

Mrs. Johnson thanked Marathon for the very generous donation of $350,000 to ensure certification for all teachers.

Mr. Jones asked Mrs. Johnson to reach out to LSBA to present at our Board Retreat.

Mrs. Mitchell-Williams thanked the staff for the Journey to Excellence training and wished everyone a great 1^st day of school next Monday.

ITEM 12.  ADJOURNMENT

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

MOTION BY: Jones

SECOND BY: Sanders

MOTION: Motion for adjournment.

Roll Call:

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

1 Absent – Holden

The motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m.

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Rebecca Johnson, Secretary                                                                  Nia Mitchell, President