PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

RESERVE, LA – MEETING OF MAY 25, 2023

The Chair called the meeting to order and read the following call:

HONORABLE MEMBERS OF THE SCHOOL BOARD

Parish of St. John the Baptist

Dear Board Member:

Upon call of the President, the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board will meet in regular session at Godchaux Grammar Cafeteria, 1600 Highway 44, Reserve, Louisiana, on Thursday, May 23, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.

The agenda for the meeting is attached.

ITEM 1.  CALL TO ORDER, INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. and called for a moment of silence, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

ITEM 2a. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS:

PRESENT:       Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Schum, Vicknair, Wallace

ABSENT:          Holden, Burl, DeFrancesch, Mamou, Mitchell-Williams

There were 6 members present and 5 members absent.

ITEM 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

ITEM 3a.  Public Comment.  Meeting of: May 11, 2023

MOTION BY:    Frizzell

SECOND BY:   Morris

MOTION:  To approve the minutes from the meeting of: May 11, 2023

Roll Call:

6 Yeas – Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Schum, Vicknair, Wallace

5 Absent – Holden, Burl, DeFrancesch, Mamou, Mitchell-Williams

The motion carried.

MOTION BY:    Morris

SECOND BY:   Holden

MOTION:  To amend the agenda and address Item 5 before Item 4

Roll Call:

7 Yeas – Holden, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Schum, Vicknair, Wallace

4 Absent – Burl, DeFrancesch, Mamou, Mitchell-Williams

The motion carried.

Mr. Mamou arrived at 6:16 p.m. and was recorded as present.

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

ITEM 5a.  Public Comment.  Science Fair, Social Studies Fair and Spelling Bee Winners

The following students were recognized:

SJBP Regional Science Fair Winners

Junior Division

Animal Science 2nd Place - Kiley Cosey - ESJP

Biomedical and Health Sciences 2nd Place-  Lauren Arceneaux - LPE

Behavioral and Social Sciences 2nd place - Rani Johnson - ESJP

Chemistry 1st Place - Kylee Williams - LES

Cellular and Molecular Biology 1st Place - Aiden Coleman - ECW

Engineering Mechanics 1st Place - Cordarryl Albert - ESJP

Microbiology 1st Place - Sarai Gaines - ESJP

Microbiology 1st Place - Victoria Carter - LPE

Mathematics 1st Place - Tramain Evans - ESJP

Materials Science 1st Place - Ro’Loni Joseph - ESJP

Materials Science 1st Place - Juan Alexander - ESJP

Physics and Astronomy 1st Place - Hayden Gordon - LES

Physics and Astronomy 2nd Place - Justin Torres-  ESJP

Plant Sciences 1st Place - Devaughn Gross – ESJP

Plant Sciences 2nd Place - Lamar Grover - ESJP

Robotics and Intelligent Machines 1st Place - Matthew Bocage-  LPE

Senior Division

Biomedical and Health Science 1st Place - Heaven Trepagnier - STEM

Cellular and Molecular Biology 1st Place Alaycia Cannon - STEM

Microbiology 1st Place - Kendrick Harrell - WSJH

Materials Science 1st Place - Kylin Smith - WSJH

Materials Science 1st Place - Darrious Patterson - WSJH

Physics and Astronomy 1st Place - Natalia Barnett - STEM

Plant Sciences 1st Place - Nevaeh Dewey - WSJH

Plant Sciences 1st Place - Ty Gordon - WSJH

SJBP Regional Social Studies Fair Winners

Division I

Anthropology 1st Place - Roselyn Lopez - GMMS

Anthropology 2nd Place - Donald Nixon - ESJP

Economics – SPED 1st Place - Jai Jasmine - WSJE

Geography 2nd Place - Jason Ray - WSJE

Louisiana History 2nd Place - Chance Wordlaw - LES

Louisiana History 3rd Place - Ashley Medina - LPE

Political Science 1st Place - Madison George - LPE

Political Science 3rd Place - Leroy Paul - LPE

Sociology 3rd Place - Emmely Deras - ESJP

Division II

Political Science – Group 2nd Place - Jah Anderson and Dernell Nelson - LPE

Anthropology 1st Place - Veronica Mayeaux - LES

Economics 1st Place - Kenzie Smith - WSJE

History 2nd Place - Michaela Davis - LES

Political Science 2nd Place - Sofia Perez - LES

Division III

Economics 1st Place-  Jayden Bailey – ESJH

SJBP State Social Studies Fair Winners

Division I

Geography 2nd Place - Jason Ray - LES

Anthropology 2nd Place - Donald Nixon - ESJP

Division III

Economics 3rd Place - Jayden Bailey - WSJH

**Research Paper Award

2022-2023 District Science Fair Winners

2022-2023 District Social Studies Fair Winners

SJBP District 2023 Spelling Bee Winners

ITEM 4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT:  Mrs. Rebecca Johnson

Mrs. Johnson gave the following report:

We are pleased to announce that we will be offering summer remediation for RETAINED students only in grades K-8. 

School Site Locations/ Grade Span/Time:

The summer school program will be held Monday through Thursday

Summer School Start Date:  Monday, June 5, 2023 

Juneteenth Holiday:  June 19, 2023 (NO SCHOOL)

Summer School End Date:  Thursday, June 29, 2023 

LPE PreK-4^th Grade and ESYP ~ Time:  8:00 am – 1:00 pm 

LES 5^th -8^th Grade and ESYP ~ Time:  7:40 am – 12:40 pm 

WJSE Prek-8^th Grade ~ Time:  8:00 am – 1:00 pm  

SJAP

The Alternate Assessment Classes (AA classes) will be held at LES and ESJH.  The AA Summer School Program is a transition program for 4th and 8^th-grade students going to a different school site.

Summer School Site Coordinators

LPE:  Dr. Latricia Blain

LES:  Mr. Corey Lambert

WSJE:  Mr. Jeremy Brown

SJAP:  Tyra Duhe

WSJE/LPE PreK:  Claire Fernandez

Something New:

SJBP will offer a “Kickoff to Kindergarten” summer program.  PreK students will have the opportunity to work on skills that will further prepare them for kindergarten.  Teaching, learning, lessons, and activities will be differentiated to address the various learning styles and student groups.

Curriculum and Instruction

ELA Curriculum, Resources, and Assessments: 

• Heggerty (Direct Instruction Lessons) 20 minutes

• Amira (Computer-based Lessons) 20 minutes

• Imagine Learning Literacy Worksheets (Direct Lessons) 30 minutes 

• Imagine Learning (Computer-based lessons) 20 minutes

• Small Group Interventions (MCLASS Literacy Lessons) 30 minutes  

Math Curriculum, Resources, and Assessments: 

·        Zearn Direct instruction 30 minutes 

·        Zearn Computer-based Lessons 25 minutes 

·        Zearn Small group intervention 30 minutes (based on student reports) 

Social and Emotional Learning:

Social skills lessons will be implemented for 25 minutes daily.

Professional Development (See DRAFT PD Attachment)

Professional Development will be held on June 1^st and June 2^nd at LaPlace Elementary. 

Student Attendance

Students who are attending summer remediation are expected to attend ALL days and maintain passing grades to be eligible for promotion to the next grade.

*For students attending Summer Remediation for promotional purposes, attendance and passing grades will NOT guarantee a promotion.  School site SBLC committees will be held once LEAP 2025 scores are received and will determine promotion to the next grade.

Materials and Supplies:

Students attending summer school will receive supplies from the district. 

Student Uniform Requirements:

Students are asked to wear their school uniform each day!  This will assist in identifying students and ensuring the safety of everyone on our sites.  Please communicate this information to parents daily. 

Please note that summer school is for RETAINED STUDENTS Only!

REAL TUTORING

We are thrilled to receive the exciting news about the additional support for students in grades PreK-3, with a specific focus on literacy utilizing REAL Tutoring. Okin Educators, an approved LDOE vendor extended their services to support students during the summer months.

Students in PreK-3^rd grade who scored below grade level on the end-of-the-year state-approved literacy assessment (DIBELS) and did not fail will have an opportunity to receive additional literacy instruction and interventions during the summer.  Principals were asked to assign a member of their team to reach out to parents and extend this opportunity.  Parents must complete the online form by scanning the QR Code on the flyer provided.  Once the parent completes the online form by scanning the code, the enrollment process will begin.  We are extending this opportunity to all PreK-3 grade students who would benefit from additional support. 

In closing, I would like to thank the members of the school board for their continued support and commitment to student success.

Mrs. Holden arrived at 6:02 p.m. and was recorded as present.

Mrs. Mitchell-Williams arrived at 6:04 p.m. and was recorded as present.

ITEM 6.  PERSONNEL MATTERS.    None.

ITEM 7.  BUSINESS & FINANCE. 

ITEM 7a.  Public Comment.  Ms. Jawanza Joseph – Introduction of the 2022-2023 Revised Budget

Ms. Joseph presented the 2022-2023 Revised Budget for consideration at the June 22, 2023 meeting.  The budget detail is available for viewing at the Central Office - 118 West 10^th Street in Reserve, LA:

Mrs. Holden arrived at 6:12 p.m. and was recorded as present.

ITEM 7b.  Public Comment. Ms. Jawanza Joseph – Introduction of the 2023-2024 Proposed Budget

Ms. Joseph presented the 2023-2024 Proposed Budget for consideration at the June 22, 2023 meeting.  The budget detail is available for viewing at the Central Office - 118 West 10^th Street in Reserve, LA:

ITEM 7c.  Public Comment.  Ms. Jawanza Joseph – Introduction to the 2023-2024 Salary Schedule

Ms. Joseph presented the 2023-2024 Salary Schedule for consideration at the June 22, 2023 meeting.  The budget detail is available for viewing at the Central Office - 118 West 10^th Street in Reserve, LA

ITEM 7d.  Public Comment.  Ms. Jawanza Joseph - Adopt resolution levying millages for the 2023 tax roll

MOTION BY:    Mitchell-Williams

SECOND BY:   Triche

MOTION:  To adopt resolution levying millages for the 2023 tax roll.

Roll Call:

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Vicknair, Wallace

1 Absent – DeFrancesch

The motion carried.

RESOLUTION

            BE IT RESOLVED, that the following millages are hereby levied on the 2023 tax roll on all property subject to taxation by St. John the Baptist Parish School Board:

                                                                                                            MILLAGE

            School Dist Regular    Support                                                 3.710 mills

            School District No. 1      Maintenance & Operations                      4.330 mills

            School District No. 1      Additional Funding                                  3.470 mills

            School District No. 1      Salaries & Benefits                                10.560 mills

            School District No. 1      Support                                      8.000 mills

            School District No. 1      Bond                                                      0.190 mills

            School District No. 1      Bond                                                      5.620 mills

            School District No. 1      Bond                                                      1.650 mills

            School District No. 1      Bond                                                      1.770 mills

            School District No. 1      Bond                                                      1.770 mills

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the proper administrative officials of the Parish of St. John the Baptist, State of Louisiana, be and they are hereby empowered, authorized, and directed to spread said taxes, as hereinabove set forth, upon the assessment roll of said Parish for the year 2023, and to make the collection of the taxes imposed for and on behalf of the taxing authority, according to law, and that the taxes herein levied shall become a permanent lien and privilege on all property subject to taxation as herein set forth, and collection thereof shall be enforceable in the manner provided by law.

            The foregoing resolution was read in full, the roll was called on the adoption thereof, and the resolution was adopted by the following votes:

            YEAS:

            NAYS:

            ABSTAINED:

            ABSENT:

CERTIFICATE

            I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true and exact copy of the resolution adopted at the board meeting held on May 25, 2023, at which meeting a quorum was present and voting.

Reserve, Louisiana, this 25^th day of May, 2023.

________________________________________

Shawn Wallace, Board President

*******************************

ITEM 7e.  Public Comment. Mrs. Janice Gauthier – Request Board approval to award a contract to the lowest responsible bidder for electrical parts to Armstrong’s Supply Company, Inc.

MOTION BY:    Triche

SECOND BY:   Vicknair

MOTION:  To award a contract to the lowest responsible bidder for electrical parts to Armstrong’s Supply Company, Inc.

Roll Call:

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Vicknair, Wallace

1 Absent – DeFrancesch

The motion carried.

ITEM 7f.  Public Comment. Mrs. Janice Gauthier – Request Board approval to award a contract to the lowest responsible bidder for AC Parts to Air Nu

MOTION BY:    Frizzell

SECOND BY:   Holden

MOTION:  To award a contract to the lowest responsible bidder for AC Parts to Air Nu.

Roll Call:

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Vicknair, Wallace

1 Absent – DeFrancesch

The motion carried.

ITEM 7g.  Public Comment. Mrs. Janice Gauthier – Request Board approval to advertise for an Office Supply Vendor

MOTION BY:    Morris

SECOND BY:   Vicknair

MOTION:  To approve advertising for an Office Supply Vendor.

Roll Call:

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Vicknair, Wallace

1 Absent – DeFrancesch

The motion carried.

ITEM 8.  OLD BUSINESS

ITEM 9. NEW BUSINESS.

ITEM 9a.  Public Comment.  Atty. John R. Blanchard, Hammonds & Sills – Motion to enter into Executive Session to discuss strategy and pending litigation in the case of Kathy Duhon et al. v. St. John the Baptist Parish School Bd., Doc. No. 90-1669 (Eastern District of Louisiana) (Judge Jay Zaney)

MOTION BY:    Charo

SECOND BY:   Schum

MOTION:  To enter into Executive Session to discuss strategy and pending litigation in the case of Kathy Duhon et al. v. St. John the Baptist Parish School Bd., Doc. No. 90-1669 (Eastern District of Louisiana) (Judge Jay Zaney).

Roll Call:

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Vicknair, Wallace

1 Absent – DeFrancesch

The motion carried.

The Board convened in Executive Session at 6:28 p.m.

MOTION BY:    Frizzell

SECOND BY:   Vicknair

MOTION:  To reconvene in Regular Session

Roll Call:

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Vicknair, Wallace

1 Absent – DeFrancesch

The motion carried.

The Board reconvened in Regular Session at 7:15 p.m.

ITEM 9b.  Public Comment.  Atty. John R. Blanchard, Hammonds & Sills – Motion to suspend the rules to reconsider St. John the Baptist Parish School Board’s prior action of April 20th 2023, wherein the Board authorized administration to negotiate and execute a contract with South Central Planning and Development Corp. for the purpose of providing the Board with revised enrollment boundaries using all current schools and a separate option that does not use Fifth Ward Elementary and uses East St. John Prep as a K-8 school.

MOTION BY:    Mitchell-Williams

SECOND BY:   Vicknair

MOTION:  To suspend the rules to reconsider St. John the Baptist Parish School Board’s prior action of April 20th 2023, wherein the Board authorized administration to negotiate and execute a contract with South Central Planning and Development Corp. for the purpose of providing the Board with revised enrollment boundaries using all current schools and a separate option that does not use Fifth Ward Elementary and uses East St. John Prep as a K-8 school.

Roll Call:

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Vicknair, Wallace

1 Absent – DeFrancesch

The motion carried.

ITEM 9c.  Public Comment.  Atty. John R. Blanchard, Hammonds & Sills – Motion to reconsider St. John the Baptist Parish School Board’s prior action of April 20th 2023, wherein the Board authorized administration to negotiate and execute a contract with South Central Planning and Development Corp. for the purpose of providing the Board with revised enrollment boundaries using all current schools and a separate option that does not use Fifth Ward Elementary and uses East St. John Prep as a K-8 school

MOTION BY:    Morris

SECOND BY:   Holden

MOTION:  To reconsider St. John the Baptist Parish School Board’s prior action of April 20th 2023, wherein the Board authorized administration to negotiate and execute a contract with South Central Planning and Development Corp. for the purpose of providing the Board with revised enrollment boundaries using all current schools and a separate option that does not use Fifth Ward Elementary and uses East St. John Prep as a K-8 school.

Roll Call:

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Vicknair, Wallace

1 Absent – DeFrancesch

The motion carried.

ITEM 9d.  Public Comment.  Atty. John R. Blanchard, Hammonds & Sills - Consideration and action to approve administration negotiating and entering into a contract with Geographic Planning and Demographic Services, LLC to provide the Board with professional expert services, including services related to the revision of the enrollment boundaries for all current schools and a separate option that does not use Fifth Ward Elementary and uses East St. John Prep as a K-8 school.

MOTION BY:    Morris

SECOND BY:   Triche

MOTION:  To approve administration negotiating and entering into a contract with Geographic Planning and Demographic Services, LLC to provide the Board with professional expert services, including services related to the revision of the enrollment boundaries for all current schools and a separate option that does not use Fifth Ward Elementary and uses East St. John Prep as a K-8 school.

Roll Call:

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Vicknair, Wallace

1 Absent – DeFrancesch

The motion carried.

ITEM 10.  ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

ITEM 11.  BOARD ITEMS OF INTEREST

Triche, Mamou, Burl, Holden, Frizzell, Mitchell-Williams, Vicknair, Morris – All congratulated all graduates as well as the students that were recognized at tonight’s meeting.

Schum:  BESE voted to defer the teacher/support employee pay raise back to the Legislature.  She asked that you contact your representatives regarding this deferment.

Mrs. Johnson:  End of year get together for employees:  May 29^th, 11:00-3:00 @ ESJP Campus

President Wallace announced that the June 8, 2023 School Board Meeting is cancelled.  The next regularly schedule School Board Meeting will take place on June 22, 2023.

ITEM 12.  ADJOURNMENT

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

MOTION BY:    Mitchell-Williams

SECOND BY:   Vicknair

MOTION:         Motion for adjournment.

Roll Call:

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Vicknair, Wallace

1 Absent – DeFrancesch

The motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.

________________________________                                    ________________________________

Rebecca Johnson, Secretary                                                     Shawn Wallace, President