2015-07-23

Upon call of the President, the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board will meet in regular session at West St. John Elementary School, 2555 LA Hwy. 18, Edgard, Louisiana, on Thursday, July 23, 2015, at 6:00 p.m.

PRESENT: Jack, Burl, Keller, Sanders, Johnson, Wise, Wallace, Nicholas, Triche, Jones

Supt. Kevin R. George reported on the success of the first summer school held in St. John Parish in many years. He stated there were 408 students (K-8) and an additional 92 students (9-12) , who were able to earn credit to move forward to the next grade level.

Mr. George also shared the information regarding the reopening of East St. John High School: August 8, 2015 at 8:00 a.m. will be the ribbon cutting and public tours of the newly renovated facility. All are welcome to attend.

Ms. Cindy Janecke stated that everything is on schedule for the ribbon cutting ceremony and lots of “last minute” work is being done, but is certain that all will be completed on time.

ITEM 4b. Mr. Robert Schaff/Mr. Orlando Watkins - Update on St. John Alternative Program

Mr. Schaff and Mr. Watkins shared the following information with the Board and public:

1. The Redirection Center has been comprehensively redesigned to make the environment and school climate more conducive to learning.

2. From arrival to departure, reforms throughout the educational day have been made to create a safer and more engaging learning environment.

3. A systematic redesign of the campus layout has been made to improve the supervision of students.

4. Student on-task behavior will be enhanced through the school wide implementation of significant student engagement/classroom management technology and communication.

*** Note: The changes at this site are only for students assigned to the Redirection Center and those students serving an Alternate Site suspension on campus.

2. An administrator will meet and greet all busses as they arrive both a.m. and p.m.

3. Drivers, if necessary, will provide immediate feedback to the administrator with regard to student behavior.

4. Data will be used in the school's new student management and engagement system for accountability of student behavior.

1. Breakfast and Lunch will be prepared in the school's cafeteria and served in individual classrooms.

2. By grade-level grouping, students will eat separately within their three respective classrooms.

2. Students will take diagnostic tests with the results used for assigning them appropriate, individualized academic instruction.

3. Elementary students' computer-enhanced learning will be augmented with direct instruction, as applicable.

4. Teachers will serve as facilitators of instruction assisting students as they complete prescribed, on-level lessons

5. All stakeholders, including the student, will have access to performance achievement immediately.

3. Class Dojo student engagement/classroom management system (integrated with school's PBIS expectations).

4. Real-time access to student performance (messaging, on-line access, and weekly Class Dojo data reports).

5. Advisory period (social skills, Character Counts, restorative practices, including empowerment circles).

1. PBIS integrated with the classroom management and engagement system "Class Dojo" will be implemented throughout the school.

3. Students will be given daily feedback on attendance, behavior, and academic achievement.

4. "Ripple effects" behavior modification software will be utilized to address the behaviors in question that led to the student's placement and behavior while at the center.

1. All students expelled from their home-based schools will be required to wear a dress white, button down (oxford) shirt with a clip-on black bow tie.

Ø A proactive, preventative, and educative process will be implemented including social skills, counselling, and positive behavioral supports.

Ø A comprehensive, data-driven re-staffing point system to return eligible students to home-based schools early will be used.

Ø Students recommended for expulsion will be removed from their regular campuses and assigned to the Alternate Suspension Center while awaiting their hearings.

Ø Students that fail to respond to the interventions at the Redirection Center may be subjected to removal and assigned to web-based distance learning and/or homebound instruction.

Ø Continuous monitoring and feedback systems for students, parents, and school-level personnel.

Ms. Eugene stated that the Backpack Extravaganza will be held Saturday, July 25, 2015 at Regala Park from 10-1 and also on the Westbank from 1-4.

In the absence of Mrs. Merrick, Mr. Claude Hill presented Brett Bailey with a plaque recognizing his participation in the Young Leaders State Conference.

ITEM 6a. Ms. Page Eschette – Request approval of new job description: Athletic Trainer

11 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Wise, Wallace, Nicholas, Triche, Jones

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.

1. Care and prevention of athletic injuries for St. John the Baptist Parish School System under the supervision of a physician.

2. Implementation of rehabilitation of injured athletes under the direction of the team physician.

5. File school athletic insurance form and maintain insurance records on athletes.

6. Maintenance of daily injury records, medical records, and record of recovering athletes as prescribed by a physician.

11. Provide acceptable coverage for home sponsored tournaments (district track meets, jamboree, basketball tournament, etc) only when there is no conflicts.

12. Due to the number of spring and winter sports, coverage after football season will be limited to 3 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.

13. Assist and coordinate the drug testing for pre-participation and random testing.

14. Assist the coach in maintenance of protective equipment (repair, fitting, and reconditioning, i.e. helmets, should pads, etc.).

15. Notifies Athletic Director/Principal promptly in case of absence from athletic activities.

18. Works cooperatively in sharing knowledge, expertise, and skills with others.

20. Observes professional lines of communication at all times with individuals inside and outside of the school system.

22. Assisted by his/her evaluator collaboratively develop and implement a professional growth plan based on the district’s Personnel Evaluation criteria.

23. Serves as an acceptable role model for students, demonstrates personal and intellectual honesty, and respects the rights of others.

24. 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.

25. Accepts other duties as may be assigned by the principal/supervisor which are related to the scope of the job.

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.

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.

Standing, walking, reaching, bending, lifting 10 – 50 pounds is sometimes required.

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.

The Athletic Trainer must be able to: 1) work compatibly in group settings; 2) respond positively to supervisors and to accept suggestions for improvement.

ITEM 8a. Mr. Ronnie Smith – Request approval of revisions to the Student Code of Conduct and Attendance Handbook

MOTION: To approve the revisions to the Student Code of Conduct and Attendance Handbook as presented.

11 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Wise, Wallace, Nicholas, Triche, Jones

Rational: Develop needed language referencing assignment of students to an Alternate Site Suspension location. (Note: inserted in handbook after Alternate Site Suspension and Expulsion)

Provides relative to the collection and sharing of certain student information. New law changes the June 1st dates on the effectiveness of present law prohibition on sharing student information and the required assignment of identification of numbers to Aug. l, 2015.

Present law requires public school governing authorities annually to provide a parental consent form (for students beginning in the eighth grade) that contains a statement notifying a student's parent or legal guardian of what student information will be collected. New law provides that such consent shall continue unless withdrawn in writing and requires annual notification to parents as to the right and process used to withdraw consent. Deletes public school governing authorities from present law requirement to destroy data and adds the Board of Regents to such requirement. New law prohibits a contractor from using student information to conduct predictive modeling to limit the educational opportunities of students. New law provides that present law shall apply to a person employed in a public school (whether an employee of the system or not). Specifies that student records provided or accessed pursuant to present law and proposed law shall be in accordance with local public school board policy and deletes the condition that the records be provided or accessed as necessary to perform his duties. New law requires each public school governing authority to make the information available at the main office of the governing authority instead of on its website. Changes present law references to "local education agencies" to "public school governing authorities".

Constructive criticism of the schools is welcomed by the St. John the Baptist School Board (SJBP) whenever it is motivated by a sincere desire to improve the quality of the educational program or to equip the schools to do their tasks more effectively.

The SJBP has, however, confidence in its professional staff and desires to support their actions in order that they are free from unnecessary, spiteful, or negative criticism and complaint. Therefore, whenever a complaint is made directly to the Board as a whole or to a Board member as an individual, it will be referred to the school administration for study and possible solution and the following procedures shall be followed.

The St. John the Baptist School Board advises that the proper channeling and form of complaints involving a) instruction, b) discipline, or c) learning materials is as follows:

Any complaint shall be in writing, shall state the specific factual basis of the complaint, and shall be specific in terms of the action desired by the complainant. A parental complaint form can be obtained at your child's school or the Child Welfare and Attendance Office. Complaints shall not be discourteous, personal, vile, or unnecessarily or purposefully hurtful.

Informal Level - Any student, or parent, with a complaint must first request redress orally with his/her teacher and principal. In the event the complainant is not satisfied with the deposition of his/her complaint at the informal level, or if no decision is rendered within 5 days after presentation, the complaint may elevate the complaint to the Formal Level.

1. In the event the complainant is not satisfied with the deposition of his/her complaint at the informal level, or if no decision is rendered within 5 days after presentation, the complaint may elevate the complaint to the Formal Level by submitting a writing complaint to his/her principal.

2. In the event the complainant is not satisfied with the deposition of his/her complaint at the principal's formal level, or if no decision is rendered within 5 days after presentation, the complaint may elevate the complaint to the central office supervisor/Director of CWA exercising control over the school.

3. In the event the complainant is not satisfied with the deposition of his/her complaint at the central office level, or if no decision is rendered within a reasonable period of time after presentation, the complaint may elevate the complaint to the Superintendent.

4. In the event the complainant is not satisfied with the deposition of his/her complaint at the Superintendent level, or if no decision is rendered within a reasonable period of time, the complaint may request, in writing, that the Superintendent place the complaint on the agenda for the next regularly scheduled meeting for the school board. The request must be made no later than five (5) days after receipt of the Superintendent's decision.

Any complaint shall be in writing, shall state the specific factual basis of the complaint, and shall be specific in terms of the action desired by the complainant.

> The same type of information, in writing, will be required in each stages of the formal level. No additional information can be introduce. Complaints shall not be discourteous, personal, vile, or unnecessarily or purposefully hurtful.

Any complaint not meeting these standards may be rejected by the staff of the SJSB.

The SJSB will consider complaints only when the complaint cannot be resolved by the administration through the above stages.

Appeals of Complaints taken to the SJSB shall be in writing, shall state the specific factual basis of the complaint, and shall be specific in terms of the action desired. They shall be hand-delivered or mailed (by certified mail) to the Central Office within 5 days of the written response to the complaint by the Superintendent or designee.

The SJSB will not consider or act on any complaint that has not been explored at all of the appropriate administrative levels or through the proper channels.

This procedure is not for appeals relative to the discipline of students (suspension or expulsion). Those types of appeals must meet the requirements and procedures provided in the Handbook.

The Board believes regular attendance in the school accompanied by the responsibility to study and participate in school activities is essential to the learning process. Once a pupil arrives at school, he/she is expected to remain and attend each class through the day. Exceptions can be made only in the event of extended personal illness as verified by a physician and/or other extenuating circumstances as approved by the parish Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, after consultation with the Principal and Superintendent.

Compulsory attendance laws and Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) regulations require high school students to be in attendance a minimum of 30,060 minutes (equivalent to 83.5 six hour school days), per semester or 60,120 minutes (equivalent to 167 six hour school days) a school year for schools not operating on a semester basis in order to be eligible to receive credit for courses taken. Elementary students shall be in attendance a minimum of 60,120 minutes (equivalent to 167 six-hour days) a school year in order to be eligible to receive credit for courses taken.

Students in danger of failing due to excessive absences may be allowed to make up missed time in class sessions held outside the regular class time. The make-up sessions must be completed before the end of the current semester and all other applicable policies must be met.

Alternate Site Suspension - An administratively imposed assignment of a student to the Redirection Center Campus "Alternate Site Suspension Room" for a period not to exceed 9 days while awaiting an expulsion hearing and/or placement at the Redirection Center. Upon notification of an assignment of an alternate site suspension, a student is not be allowed to participate in any school-sponsored activity or event (during or after school hours, including athletic events).

Note: A student suspended out of his regular home-based school found on a regular campus is considered to be trespassing and subject to arrest.

Note: To be considered for re-staffing, an individual assigned to an Alternate Site Suspension and/or an Alternative Site Expulsion (St. John Alternative Program) shall successfully complete terms of assignment.

No cargo pants, flare-legged pants, jean-style pants, oversized pants, frayed hems or holes, no elastic waist, and no large outside pockets will be

The length of the pants must be hemmed at least to the top of the shoe and must not drag the ground.

Any student with sagging pants and underwear showing will result in an immediate ISS.

No student shall wear tight-fitting outer garments, leotard-type pants, biker pants, spandex pants, skinny pants or leggings for school wear. Biker

pants/spandex pants will be permissible during the student's physical education class only. These may be worn only under physical education

No cargo shorts, jean style shorts, oversized shorts, frayed hems or holes and no large outside pocket will be allowed.

Belt must not have adornments. No added, oversized buckles allowed. Belts are preferably black, white, or khaki.

The only button-down shirts allowed will be oxford shirts. If shirt has logo, it must be embroidered or ironed on the shirt. No airbrushing.

Students are allowed to wear to school CLUB SHIRTS on Fridays and Athletic Shirts/Jogging suits the day of the athletic event.

No sandals, slip on shoes, or slippers of any form will be accepted; feet must be totally enclosed/shoes with backs. Boots and ballerina slippers are

Only WSJH approved black sweatshirts are approved. Classification sweatshirts approved by the school are also allowed. Jostens sweatshirts are allowed for Juniors and Seniors depicting the graduation year.

No other sweatshirt colors allowed at school. Students can order a WSJH Sweatshirt at the beginning of the school year. SENIORS ONLY: College sweatshirts may be worn provided an acceptance letter is on file in the office.

All students taking Physical Education must have approved P.E. uniforms purchased from the school. Students must be fully dressed in official

Excessive and/or large jewelry is not allowed. (No larger than a quarter.) Visible body piercing is not accepted (except for the ears and small nose

No type of cap/hat/bandanna or any other head covering is acceptable in the buildings. Pointy objects/elastic bands are not allowed in hair.

No usage during instructional times. Cell Phone Clips are not allowed to be worn at school. Cell phones and accessories should not be seen. Cell

Student ID Cards -Must be visibly worn on the upper body at all times. No stickers, extra photos or changes to ID. Any damages to ID will result in confiscation and your requirement to purchase a new one.

No cargo, flare-legged, jean style, oversized, frayed or holes, and no large outside pocket pants, shorts or capris. No over seized pants or shorts.

Athletes may wear team jersey or team shirt on game day but MUST wear school uniform pants.

Pants - khaki long pants hemmed to top of shoe, fitted properly (Belt required). Plaid clothing is not part of the dress code. (Capri pants for girls are allowed), worn at waist with a belt. No Jeggings or leggings pants. Sweat pants are not allowed. Joggers are not allowed.

Shorts/Skirts - Khaki hemmed to the knee, fitted properly, worn at waist (Belt required). Plaid clothing is not part of the dress code.

Belts - Regular belt (preferably black, white or khaki) with regular size buckle without adornments.

Shirts - Collared (White or Black) with buttons and sleeves. Oxford or pull over are accepted. School logo optional (embroidered or ironed on, no airbrushing). Shirts must be buttoned and tucked in with belt visible at all times. Cannot be oversized or too tight. Freshmen can only wear approved Khaki freshmen T-shirts or polo shirt. No T-Shirts are allowed as an outer garment. No "Dickey" Shirts. Students will be allowed to wear "Spirit Shirts" only on Friday with uniform pants and shorts.

Shoes - Totally enclosed shoes with backs. (No sandals, slippers, strapless, or backless shoes) Preferably black/white/or a combination of both).

School Bags/Purses -Anything larger than the ESJH school planner must be mesh or see through. Any enclosed bag is subject to search.

Jackets/Sweatshirts -Pullover sweatshirts with hoods and no zippers are not allowed unless endorsed by the school. Sweaters and jackets of solid colors will be allowed.

Head Coverings - No head coverings of any type in buildings. Hats are not part of the dress code for males or females. No pointy objects in hair. Hair color should be of natural coloration (i.e. black, brown, blonde, or red).

Jewelry - Excessive and /or large jewelry is not allowed. (Not larger than a quarter.) Visible body piercing is not accepted (except for the ears and small nose stud).

P.E. Uniforms - All students taking Physical Education must have approved P.E. Uniform and be fully dressed in official school uniform before leaving gym.

Anv student with sagging pants and underwear showing will result in an immediate ISS.

ESJH is not responsible for any items brought to school of value. It is recommended that students maintain valuable items at all time with proper care.

Failure to abide by the school policy will be a referral for disciplinary actions according to the "STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL

ITEM 9a. Ms. Cindy Janecke – Request Board approval of the Certificate of Substantial Completion for East St. John High School

MOTION: To approve the Certificate of Substantial Completion for East St. John High School.

10 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Wise, Wallace, Nicholas, Jones

ITEM 9b. Mr. Peter Montz – Request Board approval to solicit proposals for General and Fleet Liability Insurance

MOTION: To approve the solicitation of proposals for General and Fleet Liability Insurance

11 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Wise, Wallace, Nicholas, Triche, Jones

ITEM 9c. Mr. Peter Montz – Request Board approval on Proposal 16.24 Student and Athletic Insurance

11 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Wise, Wallace, Nicholas, Triche, Jones

Mr. Sanders requested that a flyer be sent out to parents notifying them of the insurance available and asked that administration send information to the board on student insurance.

ITEM 9d. Ms. Page Eschette – Introduction of Revised Policy - JR: Student Records

ITEM 9e. Ms. Erica Merrick - Introduction to proposed changes for the 2015-2016 Pupil Progression Plan

This item was for introduction only. A copy of the Proposed Changes to the 2015-16 Pupil Progression Plan can be viewed at the School Board Central Office, 118 West 10^th Street in Reserve, Louisiana.

ITEM 9f. Mrs. Patricia Triche/Ms. Pamelyn Smith - Request Approval of Policies for Student Activity Fund and Head Start Accounting

MOTION: To approve the Policies for Student Activity Fund and Head Start Accounting

11 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Wise, Wallace, Nicholas, Triche, Jones

The Policies for Student Activity Fund and Head Start Accounting can be viewed at the School Board Central Office, 118 West 10^th Street in Reserve, Louisiana.

Mr. Nicholas stated that following a conversation with the Superintendent regarding this item, he will ask the President to table this item, pending discussion between all parties involved.

A motion was made by Mr. Burl, seconded by Mr. Nicholas, to waive policy to include discussion on legal matters involving the MFP lawsuit in Executive Session.

11 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Wise, Wallace, Nicholas, Triche, Jones

ITEM 9i. Executive Session – Review of the Superintendent’s contract and take appropriate action

MOTION: To reconvene in Executive Session to discuss: Sales Tax Litigation; Review of the Superintendent’s contract and take appropriate action; and the MFP lawsuit.

MOTION: To accept the Amendment to the Superintendent’s contract as presented and written, for an additional three (3) years beyond the original expiration date. (Extending the contract until June 30, 2019).

10 Yeas – Jack, Burl, Keller, Sanders, DeFrancesch, Johnson, Wallace, Nicholas, Triche, Jones

Mr. Charles congratulated Mr. George for his contract extension and also wanted to express his gratitude to the Superintendent for his support of the youth of our parish.

Mr. Jones asked that Mr. Ronnie Smith be kept in everyone’s prayers, as he had a serious medical issue recently.

ITEM 12. ADJOURNMENT - The agenda having been completed, and there being no further business, there was a