PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
RESERVE, LA - Meeting April 21, 2011
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, April 21, 2011, at 6:00 p.m.
An agenda for the meeting is attached.
Sincerely, s/Courtney P. Millet, Ph.D.
Superintendent/Secretary
The Chair called for a moment of silent meditation followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.
ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS:
PRESENT: Messrs. Burl, DeFrancesch, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche, Sanders.
ABSENT: Jack, Keller, Jones, Johnson.
There were 7 members present, 4 absent.
ITEM 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Meeting of April 7, 2011. A motion was made by Mr. Triche, seconded by Rev. Nicholas, to accept the minutes of April 7, 2011 as printed and published. There were no objections and the motion to approve the minutes carried.
Mr. Jack arrived at 6:20 and was recorded as present.
ITEM 4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. Courtney P. Millet, Ph.D., Superintendent.
TEACHERS OF THE YEAR
Our schools nominated leading teachers to compete for district teacher of the year in the categories of elementary, middle, and high school grades. The judges for this competition were Mrs. Kim Bourgeois, LA Federal Credit Union Business Development Coordinator and St. John Chamber of Commerce member, Ms. Josie Clement, retired Director of Curriculum, and Mrs. Roberta August, Branch Supervisor of the St. John Parish Library Central Branch.
Elementary Teachers of the Year
Angela Pea East St. John Elementary
Angela Tsuruda Emily C. Watkins Elementary
Pam Steib Fifth Ward Elementary
Leah Valdez Garyville/Mt. Airy Magnet
Sue Miller John L. Ory Magnet
Bridgette Oubre Lake Pontchartrain Elementary
Lacey Crowdus LaPlace Elementary
Kendra Austin West St. John Elementary
Middle School Teachers of the Year
Johnika Gayden-Gaines East St. John Elementary
Katherine Greisberger Fifth Ward Elementary
Alicia Bailey Garyville/Mt. Airy Magnet
Randie Bailey John L. Ory Magnet
Geraldine Gaudet Lake Pontchartrain Elementary
Keila Joseph LaPlace Elementary
Kathleen Williams West St. John Elementary
James Kline West St. John High
High School Teachers of the Year
Helane Chevis East St. John High
Chantell Walker West St. John High
DISTRICT WINNERS:
Elementary Teacher of the Year
Ms. Bridgette Oubre started her teaching career in St. John Parish at LaPlace Elementary in 1998. She has taught kindergarten at Lake Pontchartrain Elementary since the 05/06 school year. She graduated in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts in Teaching Elementary 1st-8th grade and kindergarten. In the spring of 2009 and the fall of 2010 she was Lake Pontchartrain Elementary's Teacher of the Quarter and in December 2009 she won the Wal-Mart Kindergarten Teacher of the Month contest. In Ms. Oubre's biography she states that children influenced her decision to become a teacher. Through her experiences with children, such as working at summer camps, babysitting, and spending time with the neighborhood children, Ms. Oubre watched them play games and laugh as they learned and experienced new things and decided that she wanted to work with children. Another reason she became a teacher is her compassion that she has for children. She wants to be a positive influence on all students who come through her classroom in addition to making learning a memorable experience.
Middle School Teacher of the Year
Mr. James Kline has taught Social Studies to 8th, 9th, and 10th grade students at West St. John High School. Mr. Kline received a Bachelor of Art in Political Science from Rutgers University as well as a certificate in Public Policy from Princeton University. He takes an active leadership role within the Teach for America Program as well as West St. John High School. Mr. Kline was named the St. John the Baptist Parish Middle School Teacher of the Year in 2010; St. John Parish High School Social Studies Teacher of the year in November 2009 by the Louisiana Council for Social Studies; Teacher of the Year in October 2009 through the L'Observateur Newspaper's Teacher Appreciation Program; West St. John High's Teacher of the Month in October 2008; and the Praxis: Principals of Learning and Teaching Recognition of Excellence Award by Educational Testing Services in June 2008. In a letter of recommendation, Ms. Erica Merrick, principal of West St. John High School states “Mr. Kline’s distinguishing characteristic is his relentless dedication to his students. He also deeply believes that the community must be a part of his classroom.” A fellow colleague, Ms. Nelann Taylor states It is rewarding and impressive to see Mr. Kline interact with his students—taking them to another level of higher order thinking and watching them step up to the challenge.
High School Teacher of the Year
Ms. Helane Chevis received her Bachelor of Art in English Education from Southern University at New Orleans in May 2001, and Master of Arts in Educational Administration from the University of New Orleans in July 2006. Ms. Chevis began her teaching career in 2006 in St. John the Baptist Parish. She is presently teaching 10th grade English at East St. John High. Ms. Chevis was the Middle School Teacher of the Year for West St. John Elementary in 2007/2008, LaPlace Rotary Club Teacher of the Quarter in 2008, Teacher of the month at East St. John High in August 2009, Teacher of the Year finalist in 2009/2010 and Teacher of the Year for East St. John this school year. Mrs. Patricia Triche, Principal of East St. John, had this to say about Ms. Chevis "Ms. Chevis is a teacher who takes command over her classroom and subject matter. Her regard for students to perform at the highest achievement levels drives Ms. Chevis to always search for ways to better the teaching and learning in her classroom as well as other classrooms in the school." Ms. Chevis is a third generation teacher and states "my students deserve a well-rounded adult who applies real world applications to the classroom. My students have a need to expand their knowledge of themselves and the world around them in order to promote good citizenship. This sense of purpose inspires me to be the best teacher I can for my students."
OUTSTANDING SCHOOL SUPPORT EMPLOYEES OF THE YEAR
Tonight we would like to recognize the Outstanding School Support Employees for St. John the Baptist Parish:
Outstanding Elementary School Support Employees of the Year
Crystal Roberts Emily C. Watkins Elementary
Evella Brown Fifth Ward Elementary
Patti Snyder John L. Ory Magnet
Willa Gordon West St. John Elementary
Outstanding Middle School Support Employees of the Year
Edna Duhe Lake Pontchartrain Elementary
Cleona Bethancourt West St. John Elementary
Outstanding High School Support Employees of the Year
Joe Williams East St. John High
DISTRICT WINNERS:
Outstanding Elementary School Support Employee of the Year
Ms. Evella Brown has worked as a custodian in St. John Parish for twelve years and as Head Custodian for the last four years, all at Fifth Ward Elementary. Her principal, Ms. Spears, wrote " I have had the privilege of working with Ms. Brown throughout this school year as her principal, and for several years prior. During this time, I have been consistently impressed with her positive attitude, professionalism, and dedication to the impeccable beauty of our school. Ms. Brown works persistently throughout the week and most weekends to assure that our school is immaculate".
Outstanding Middle School Support Employee of the Year
Ms. Cleona Bethancourt has worked as a special education paraeducator in St. John Parish for 19 years. She has worked at St. John Redirection Center and West St. John Elementary where she presently works. Her principal, Ms. Singleton, wrote "She could be described as a master paraeducator if such a position existed. She participates in all school functions, activities, dress-up days, and events with no prompting necessary. She serves on the PBS team and is also a part of the support staff for our 21st Century After School Academy. You can find her in the classroom with our students the majority of the day, providing educational and moral support".
Outstanding High School Support Employee of the Year
Mr. Joseph Williams has worked as a general maintenance worker in St. John Parish for six years. In addition, he is a coach at East St. John High School. Mrs. Triche, principal of East. St. John High wrote "Mr. Williams is a very humble man who has dedicated his life to East St. John High School. On any given Friday night he can be seen working the game clock for our grand football games. When we lost Coach Troy he was an integral factor in the healing of our school and team, and without his care and compassion we would not have pulled through. He is also a major contributor to the Wildcat Basketball Team. He is a regular on the bench as he tallies scores and coaches our boys on to victory. Joe is respected as a man of his word and lives up to the high levels of character expected from him".
ITEM 5. EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS BY THE BOARD OR STAFF. Dr. Millet recognized three schools for their academic achievements. The Louisiana Department of Education has identified the following schools in St. John Parish as achieving academic growth based on their 2010 School Performance Scores:
a. Exemplary Academic Growth:
Lake Pontchartrain Elementary School
Garyville/Mt. Airy Math and Science Magnet School
b. Recognized Academic Growth:
1. East St. John Elementary School
The chair declared a recess at 6:20 p.m.
A motion was made by Mr. Bacas, seconded by Mr. Triche, to reconvene in regular session. There were no objections and the Board reconvened in regular session at 6:36 p.m.
ITEM 6. PERSONNEL MATTERS: Dr. Leigh Ann Beard, Director of Human Resources.
Personnel Changes (Requires action by the Board). Dr. Beard presented the following Personnel Changes for approval:
I. PROFESSIONAL
A. Extended Sick Leave
1. Keith Hill, Teacher, Fifth Ward Elementary, February 17, 21 and March 10, 24, 2011
2. Jennifer Hill, Teacher, Emily C. Watkins, February 17, 21 and March 10, 24, 2011
3. Libby Ducre, Teacher, LaPlace Elementary, March 17, 18, 21, 2011
4. Cara Hellmers, Teacher, LaPlace Elementary, March 30, 2011
5. Linda Bailey, Teacher, West St. John High, March 1, 2, 4, 2011
B. Terminations
1. Ida Wilson, Probationary Teacher, St. John Alternative School, April 21, 2011
II. CLASSIFIED
A. Extended Sick Leave
1. Judith Gaudia, Paraprofessional, West St. John Elementary, March 30-April 1, 2011
A motion was made by Mr. Wise, seconded by Mr. Triche, to accept the Personnel Changes as presented. There were no objections and the motion carried. (8 Yeas, 3 Absent).
ITEM 7a. BUSINESS AND FINANCE: Mr. Felix Boughton, Executive Director of Business and Finance
a. General Fund Budget to Actual Report 2010-2011. Mr. Boughton gave a brief report on the state of the budget. He stated that all indications show that the year should end with a small surplus. Mr. Wise stated that he would like to extend a verbal pat on the back to Mr. Boughton and the Superintendent for the fiscal responsibility shown this past year.
b. CSRS – Monthly Progress Update on the Master Plan and Program Management Services. Mr. Floyd Luster gave the board an update on all ongoing projects including West St. John Elementary School, Child Development Center, LaPlace Elementary School, and East St. John High School. Mr. Burl asked if the baseball field at Garyville/Mt. Airy had been turned over to the system. Mr. Luster reported that the field had been turned over to maintenance about 1 month ago.
ITEM 8. OLD BUSINESS. a. None
ITEM 9. NEW BUSINESS. a. Mr. Kevin Klibert, Attorney – Executive Session – Pending Litigation
A motion was made by Mr. Wise, seconded by Mr. Triche, to convene in Executive Session. There were no objections and the Board convened in Executive Session at 6:45 p.m.
A motion was made by Mr. Bacas, seconded by Mr. Triche, to reconvene in Regular Session. There were no objections and the Board reconvened in Regular Session at 7:35 p.m.
A motion was made by Mr. Wise, seconded by Mr. Triche, to allow CSRS under the terms of the current contract, to seek a contractor who can make necessary repairs to HVAC system at Emily C. Watkins. Upon roll call there were 7 Yeas (Jack, DeFrancesch, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche, Sanders), 1 Nay (Burl) and 3 Absent (Keller, Jones, Johnson) and the motion carried.
b. Mr. Albert Burl III, Board Member
1. Discussion: High Schools Dropout Rate. Dr. Millet reported the following: The attached charts show the percent of high school student dropouts for each high school over the last three years. The St. John the Baptist Parish high school dropout rate is steadily decreasing. This is certainly a positive trend for our district.
Dr. Millet also presented a copy of the dropout prevention plan which includes details of “how the high schools attempt to reduce the dropout rate.” Following the discussion, Dr. Millet commended all teachers and counselors for the hard work devoted to reducing the dropout rates in both high schools.
2. Long-term objectives for St. John Alternative School. Dr. Millet reported the following:
Goals for the 2011-2012 academic school year at St. John Alternative School are to improve in three key areas: academics, attendance, and behavior:
Improve academic achievement by increasing student GPAs by at least 2% for 75% of the students.
Work closely with faculty and staff, focusing on the Padeia Model, differentiated instruction, small groups, mindful teaching strategies, and computer assisted instruction
Increase attendance to 75%
Work closely with the district’s truancy services, parent contact letters, and other community groups
Reduce suspension rate by 50%
Work closely with behavior specialists, on-site construction, alternative discipline strategies, school-wide incentive plan, individual behavior plans, and provide positive behavior support.
Dr. Millet also presented a report from the Louisiana Department of Education dated April 11, 2011 showing that based on a recent monitoring visit to the St. John Alternative School, all items were in compliance.
c. Lloyd LeBlanc – None.
ADDENDUM ITEM 9d. Rev. Rodney Nicholas, Board Member – Presentation: Data Center, LLC. Mr. Cedric Floyd, Data Center, LLC, gave a brief presentation to the Board concerning redistricting. He reported to the Board that the School Board must have the redistricting complete by December of 2012.
ITEM 10. ADMINSTRATIVE MATTERS: a. Committee Reports. None.
ITEM 11. BOARD-RELATED ITEMS OF INTEREST.
ITEM 12. ADJOURNMENT: The agenda having been completed, and there being no further business, Mr. Burl offered a motion for adjournment, seconded by Rev. Nicholas. There were no objections. The meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
________________________________
Patrick H. Sanders, President
__________________________________
Courtney P. Millet, Ph.D., Secretary