PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
RESERVE, LA - Meeting of October 6, 2011
ITEM 1: 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, October 6, 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.
ITEM 2. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS:
PRESENT: Messrs. Jack, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Triche, Sanders.
ABSENT: Burl, Keller, Nicholas.
There were 8 members present, 3 absent.
ITEM 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Meetings of September 22, 2011.
A motion was made by Mr. Triche, seconded by Mr. Johnson, to accept the minutes of the September 22, 2011 meeting as printed and published. There were no objections.
The motion carried.
8 Yeas - Jack, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Triche, Sanders
3 Absent - Burl, Keller, Nicholas
Mr. Burl arrived at 6:04 p.m. and was recorded as present.
ITEM 4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT. Courtney P. Millet, Ph.D., Superintendent. Dr. Millet stated the following: This October marks the 27th annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month (BCAM). This is an annual international health campaign organized by major breast cancer charities every October to increase awareness of the disease and to raise funds for research into its cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure. The campaign also offers information and support to those affected by breast cancer.
St. John’s District Performance Score, which achieved a 3-point growth this year, is an 89.5 - just ½ point away from earning the rating of ”r;C”. We have come so far as a district. St. John has improved 27.5 points since 2001. We have earned steady and sustainable yearly gains as you can clearly see in the chart at your place.
A letter was prepared and sent to all schools for distribution to parents explaining the District Performance Score. Each principal will also prepare a letter to be sent home to parents which is specific to their school. Our steady academic growth can be attributed to our teachers, principals, administrators and staff members who put in countless hours every day to educate our students. I wish to thank them for their dedication to our students.
ITEM 5. EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS BY THE BOARD OR STAFF. None.
ITEM 6. PERSONNEL MATTERS: Dr. Leigh Ann Beard, Director of Human Resources.
a. Personnel Changes (Requires action by the Board). Dr. Beard presented the following Personnel Changes for approval:
I. PROFESSIONAL
A. New Hires
Joan Brooks, Teacher - Fifth Ward Elementary
Tara Mitchell, Teacher - Garyville/Mt. Airy Magnet
Monika Rogan, Part Time Teacher - Emily C. Watkins Elementary
Stasha Thomas, Teacher - East St. John High
B. Resignations
Shamika Mitchell, Teacher - East St. John High, September 26, 2011
Bertha Davis-Williams, Ph.D., Teacher - West St. John High, January 3, 2012
C. Extended Sick Leave
Odeal Alexis, Teacher - Garyville/Mt. Airy Magnet, Sept. 19, 2011 - December 31, 2011
April Wheeler-Galloway, Teacher - Fifth Ward Elementary, Sept.19, 2011-Oct. 14, 2011
Angerean Harris, Speech Therapist - East St. John Elem., Sept. 23, 2011- Jan. 3, 2012
D. Retirement
1. Kathy McWaters, Ph.D., Supervisor of Curriculum 9-12 - Central Office, Nov. 30, 2011
II. CLASSIFIED
A. Extended Sick Leave
Ann Hymel, Bus Attendant - Transportation, August 3, 2011 - January 3, 2012
Zelia Brooks, Paraprofessional - East St. John High, Sept. 12, 2011 - February 9, 2012
A motion was made by Mr. Wise, seconded by Mr. Bacas, to approve the Personnel Changes as presented in globo. Upon roll call, there were:
8 Yeas - Jack, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Triche, Sanders
1 Nay - Burl
2 Absent - Keller, Nicholas
Mr. Burl stated that he would continue to object to approving Personnel Changes as long as there are uncertified teachers being hired.
b. Recommendation to fill an upcoming vacancy for Coordinator of Curriculum/Assessment/Instruction (Secondary). Dr. Beard read the following:
On Wednesday, September 28, 2011, Mr. Herbert Smith, Dr. Stacey Spies, and I met as a committee to interview for the position of Coordinator of Curriculum/Assessment/Instruction (Secondary). The following were interviewed: Ms. Erin Hughes, Ms. Heidi Trosclair, Ms. Karen Cherry, Ms. Shannon Smith, Ms. Gail Brazile, Ms. Arlene Kennedy, Ms. Helane Chevis, Ms. Kendra Austin, Ms. Vickie August. As a result of the interviews, the committee recommended Heidi Trosclair to fill this position.
A motion was made by Mr. Triche, seconded by Mr. Bacas, to approve the recommendation of Ms. Heidi Trosclair to fill the position of Coordinator of Curriculum/Assessment/Instruction (Secondary). There were no objections.
The motion carried.
9 Yeas - Jack, Burl, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Triche, Sanders
2 Absent - Keller, Nicholas
Rev. Nicholas arrived at 6:10 p.m. and was recorded as present.
c. Introduce Athletic Trainer Job Description. This item was for introduction only. Mr. Sanders asked Dr. Beard to research whether or not we have ever had a job description for Athletic Trainer.
ST. JOHN PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Athletic Trainer DRAFT
REPORTS TO/EVALUATED BY: Athletic Director
TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:
SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITIES: To ensure a safe athletic program which meets the developmental needs of boys and girls in competitive sports and life-time activities; to assess all injuries and give treatments to the athletes.
To individuals with a disability, hiring decisions will be based on the individual’s ability to perform the essential functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Care and prevention of athletic injuries for St. John the Baptist Parish School System under the supervision of a physician.
Implementation of rehabilitation of injured athletes under the direction of the team physician.
Implementation and supervision of a student trainer program.
Education student athletes about proper nutrition.
File school athletic insurance form and maintain insurance records on athletes.
Maintenance of daily injury records, medical records, and record of recovering athletes as prescribed by a physician.
Maintain training room and equipment.
Inventory and order athletic training supplies.
Provide coverage for all football games.
Travel to all varsity football games. (Travel can be superseded when the home team will have a trainer covering that event)
Provide acceptable coverage for home sponsored tournaments (district track meets, jamboree, basketball tournament, etc) only when there is no conflicts.
Due to the number of spring and winter sports, coverage after football season will be limited to _____ nights per week with the exception of tournaments. The trainer will be available at the school for consultation with athletes and coaches until a reasonable time to be agreed by the athletic director, trainer and principal.
Assist and coordinate the drug testing for pre-participation and random testing.
Assist the coach in maintenance of protective equipment (repair, fitting, and reconditioning, i.e. helmets, should pads, etc.).
Notifies Athletic Director/Principal promptly in case of absence from athletic activities.
You may be required to teach class.
Attends work regularly and arrives punctually.
Works cooperatively in sharing knowledge, expertise, and skills with others.
Displays proper respect for superiors.
Observes professional lines of communication at all times with individuals inside and outside of the school system.
Maintains the confidentiality of school and student records.
Assisted by his/her evaluator collaboratively develop and implement a professional growth plan based on the district’s Personnel Evaluation criteria.
Serves as an acceptable role model for students, demonstrates personal and intellectual honesty, and respects the rights of others.
Makes use of constructive criticism and avoids use of sarcasm, undue criticism, inappropriate language and behavior, and use of racial and/or ethnic slurs when dealing with others.
Accepts other duties as may be assigned by the principal/supervisor which are related to the scope of the job.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The Athletic Trainer must be able to: 1) work in a school setting which includes both a climate controlled environment and outside areas which are subject to climate extremes; 2) sometimes work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by job responsibilities and supervisors;
COMMUNICATION SKILLS
The Athletic Trainer must be able to: 1) communicate in English both orally and in writing; 2) have ability to accurately give and receive information via telecommunication system; 3) communicate successfully and pleasantly with students, parents, the public and school personnel.
EQUIPMENT USED
Athletic training room.
PHYSICAL INVOLVEMENT
Standing, walking, reaching, bending, lifting 10 - 50 pounds is sometimes required.
MENTAL INVOLVEMENT
The Athletic Trainer must be able to: 1) understand and interpret written and verbal instructions from supervisor; 2) work independently with minimal supervision; 3) comply with federal and state guidelines.
HUMAN RELATIONS INVOLVEMENT
The Athletic Trainer must be able to: 1) work compatibly in group settings; 2) respond positively to supervisors and to accept suggestions for improvement.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Must be in accordance with Louisiana State Department of Medical Examiners.
d. Consideration of Resolution to Schedule Tenure Hearing. Dr. Beard stated that each board member had received a confidential packet with information regarding this item. She stated that a vote of Yes would mean the tenure hearing would be scheduled and a vote of No would mean the tenure hearing would not be scheduled.
A motion was made by Mr. Wise, seconded by Mr. Triche, to approve the resolution to schedule a tenure hearing. Following discussion, upon roll call, there were:
1 Yea - Triche
9 Nays - Jack, Burl, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Wise, Bacas, Nicholas, Sanders
1 Absent - Keller
The motion failed.
ITEM 7. BUSINESS AND FINANCE: Mr. Felix Boughton, Executive Director of Business and Finance
ITEM 8. OLD BUSINESS.
Mr. Sanders left the meeting at 6:37 p.m. and turned the chair over to Vice President Triche. Mr. Sanders was recorded as absent.
ITEM 9. NEW BUSINESS. a. Mr. Albert Burl - Parish Recreation.
A motion was made by Mr. Burl, seconded by Mr. Jack to allow 3 private football teams to use Joe Keller Stadium 10 times each year, beginning next year, with the stipulation that they (private organization) are responsible for all clean up of the stadium. Dr. Millet stated that in the past, the St. John School System has been responsible for all clean-up and maintenance for our field and stadium. Due to the 2.2 million dollar field, track, and stadium upgrades, along with budget issues this school year, administration is recommending that the high school students have primary access to this high school field. Mr. Herbert Smith, Assistant Superintendent, also advised the board against granting the use of the field for a specified number of events for the private leagues.
Upon roll call, there were:
9 Yeas - Jack, Burl, DeFrancesch, Jones, Johnson, Bacas, Nicholas, Triche, Sanders
1 Nay - Wise
1 Absent - Keller
The motion carried.
b. Mr. Albert Burl, Board Member - What are the federal guidelines for children with disabilities, in regards to being placed at Redirection?
Dr. Millet stated that generally, the IEP Team makes placement decisions as indicated below; however, on a case by case basis, school personnel may consider unique circumstances that may warrant a change of placement (Federal Regulations are attached). The IEP Team will follow Federal Regulations when considering a change in placement or when developing the IEP.
SJAS might be considered by the IEP Team for the following reasons: A student with a disability needs programming changes to address lack of adequate progress in the general curriculum at their current school setting. There may be a safety concern, a need for a small campus, a smaller class size, or a unique behavioral/educational programming such as that provided by Rescare. SJAS is designed to provide students the opportunity to progress in the general curriculum.
The IEP Team might consider placement at SJAS as an Interim Alternative Educational Setting (IAES) for disciplinary changes that exceed 10 school days for infractions found not to be related to the student’s disability. The Hearing Officer findings would be considered at this IEP meeting.
The IEP Team might consider placement at SJAS for disciplinary changes that do not exceed 10 school days for any infraction regardless if it is related to the student’s disability.
The IEP Team might consider placement at SJAS as an Interim Alternative Educational Setting (IAES) regardless if it is related to the student’s disability for weapons,d rugs, or inflicted serious bodily injury (all of which are defined in the Federal regulations).
The IEP Team might consider placement at SJAS as a transition program for students coming from homebound, hospital, or other nontraditional school settings.
Detailed information including ”r;excerpt from the Louisiana Administrative Code” was distributed to the board members and members of the press.
c. Mr. Albert Burl, Board Member - What are the discipline procedures for children with a 504 plan.
Dr. Millet stated that generally, since 504 students are regular education students, their discipline is handled in the same manner as their regular education peers. However, if a suspension would result in an accumulation of 5 or more days, the District has certain steps that are followed:
The school 504 Coordinator would contact the District 504 Facilitator within one school day to meet and review documents.
A Relatedness Review (Example form was distributed) is conducted to determine whether each incident is/is not related to the 504 disability.
Parent consent is needed to conduct a section 504 reevaluation. Parent rights are given to them. A 504 recommendation is made to determine what action needs to be performed.
504 plan is updated. Evaluation date is changed. Services continue.
Detailed written information was handed to each Board member.
d. Lloyd LeBlanc, Board Attorney - Legal Update. None.
ITEM 10. ADMINSTRATIVE MATTERS: a. Committee Reports. None.
ITEM 11. BOARD-RELATED ITEMS OF INTEREST. Rev. Nicholas asked that administration please convey to all principals that the district has insurance to cover all injuries to athletes.
ITEM 12. ADJOURNMENT: The agenda having been completed, and there being no further business, Mr. Wise offered a motion for adjournment, seconded by Mr. Jones. There were no objections. The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
________________________________ ________________________________
Courtney P. Millet, Ph.D., Secretary Patrick H. Sanders, President