PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

RESERVE, LA – MEETING OF APRIL 11, 2024

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 (Board Meeting Room), 1600 Highway 44, Reserve, LA, on Thursday, April 11, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

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 prayer, led by Mr. Mamou, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by West St. John High School Senior Justin Duhe

ITEM 2a. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS:

PRESENT:        Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Vicknair, Wallace

ABSENT:          DeFrancesch, Mitchell-Williams

There were 9 members present and 2 members absent.

ITEM 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:

ITEM 3a.  Public Comment.  Meetings of: February 29, 2024, March 7, 2024 and March 26, 2024

MOTION BY:  Mamou

SECOND BY:   Morris

MOTION:  To approve the minutes from the meeting of: February 29, 2024, March 7, 2024 and March 26, 2024

Roll Call:

8 Yeas – Holden, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Vicknair, Wallace

2 Absent – DeFrancesch, Mitchell-Williams

1 Abstention – Burl

The motion carried.

MOTION BY:  Vicknair

SECOND BY:   Morris

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

Roll Call:

9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Vicknair, Wallace

2 Absent – DeFrancesch, Mitchell-Williams

The motion carried.

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

ITEM 5a.   Recognition of:  National ABC Welding Competition Winners

The following 2 students were recognized for their accomplishments at the National ABC Welding Competition:

Mitchell Walker - 1^st place

Ean Watson - 2^nd place

Mrs. Billie Dinvaut-Duncan also recognized their teacher, Mr. Courtney Branch, and also thanked Board Member Ali Burl for his support of the program.

ITEM 5a.   Recognition of:  Regional Science Fair and Social Studies Fair Winners

The following students were recognized:

Mrs. DeFrancesch arrived at 6:14 p.m. and was recorded as present.

MOTION BY:  Triche

SECOND BY:   DeFrancesch

MOTION:  To amend the agenda to delete Item 9 from the agenda.

Roll Call:

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, DeFrancesch, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Vicknair, Wallace

1 Absent – Mitchell-Williams

The motion carried.

ITEM 4.  SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

ITEM 4a.  District Updates

Dr. Perry gave an update on the following: 

Academics:  March 18-April 11 – All schools were visited by the Curriculum Team.  They did walkthroughs, were visible and reviewed CIA per site.  They are currently engaging in planning for the next school year.  Principal/Asst. Principal Collaboration was held March 20^th and 21^st.  Presentations were provided on HR, Accountability, and Finance.  District Team met with the Center for High School Success to begin course planning for ESJH and WSJH. Also, graduation audits have been conducted weekly.

Testing Windows: 

April 16th-19th – LEAP for graduating seniors

April 22nd-30th – LEAP 3^rd-10^th Grade

April 8th-19th – DIBELS

Human Resources:  Dr. Johnson hosting restaffing meetings with principals April 4-8; Finalized plans for restaffing fairs; Updated vacancies by school; Prepared for New Hire Orientation April 12; Status updates sent to staff requesting transfers; Attended training on how to create position controls; Surveyed all non-certified staff to gauge certification  efforts; Met with LSU for pipeline support; Proposed a certification celebration of cohort for our secondary non-certified teachers and outlined next steps for teacher pathway for our high school students.

Student Services:  Met with school administration to craft an intervention plan for Tier 3 students; Reviewed attendance numbers for high school students and Seniors and met to devise a plan of action; Met with a diverse group of stakeholders to update the Code of Conduct.

Data and Accountability:  Met to prepare for end of year closeout with school counselors; Submitted our civil rights report; facilitated EOY K-3 nursing testing schedules; finalized LEAP testing schedules; facilitated a LEAP testing security for principals and STCs.

Accountability and Risk Management:  Currently updating the mandatory reporting guidelines; in process of the auto accident claims and preventive measures; updating grievance procedures; expediting reporting deadlines for Public Records Requests, spring status report, unemployment claims, workers compensation claims, fulfillment of subpoenas, internal reviews of misconduct; and updating our website.

Finance Department:  Reminders:  Quarterly consultation meetings with non-public schools that receive federal funding; collaboration with multiple departments regarding summer school; conducted budget meeting to support WSJHS; presented important finance update in principals’ collaboration meeting; met with Capital One representing to discuss high-yield bank accounts; submitted Head Start Grant application prior to the deadline.

Transportation:  New SPED bus arrived, S-9 equipped with a wheel-chair lift; all buses relocated to be parked at one central location for improved accessibility for maintenance and security, with one location on the east bank and one on the west bank; met with Edulog to finalize a realistic timeline for completion of the routing project for all schools.

Land and Facilities:  Goal of 85% complete work orders – currently at 76%; Cement repair at ESJP; began process to improve lighting with Entergy at JK Stadium; Added intercom system at entrances of ESJH and STEM; Thank you to Mr. Miller and his team for the added technology in the board room.

Safety & Security:  Completed site safety comprehensive assessment at ESJH; met with several representatives in across several parishes to collaborate on best security practices. (Introduced Marlon Harris)

Informational Technology:  New audio system and live streaming equipment added to the Board room; met with Howard Access Control to evaluate badge entry for all central office buildings; ongoing efforts to ensure we are prepared for upcoming testing at all school sites.

ITEM 6.  PERSONNEL MATTERS.

ITEM 6a.  Public Comment.  Request Approval of New Job Description:  Supervisor of Early Childhood Education  (Birth to 5)

MOTION BY:  Triche

SECOND BY:   Vicknair

MOTION:  To approve the New Job Description:  Supervisor of Early Childhood Education  (Birth to 5)

Roll Call:

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, DeFrancesch, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Vicknair, Wallace

1 Absent – Mitchell-Williams

The motion carried.

ITEM 7.  BUSINESS & FINANCE. 

ITEM 7a.  Public Comment.  Mr. Anthony Miller – Request Board approval to award a contract to the lowest responsive bidder for Plumbing Supplies

MOTION BY:  Frizzell

SECOND BY:   Morris

MOTION:  To award a contract to the lowest responsive bidder for Plumbing Supplies (Southern Pipe & Supply)

Roll Call:

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, DeFrancesch, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Vicknair, Wallace

1 Absent – Mitchell-Williams

The motion carried.

ITEM 7b.  Public Comment.  Mr. Anthony Miller – Request Board approval to award a contract to the lowest responsive bidder for AC Parts

MOTION BY:  Morris

SECOND BY:   Triche

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

Roll Call:

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, DeFrancesch, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Vicknair, Wallace

1 Absent – Mitchell-Williams

The motion carried.

MOTION BY:  Triche

SECOND BY:   Morris

MOTION:  To amend the agenda to return to Item 5a and recognize 2 students that were late to the meeting.

Roll Call:

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, DeFrancesch, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Vicknair, Wallace

1 Absent – Mitchell-Williams

The motion carried.

ITEM 7c.  Public Comment.  Mr. Anthony Miller – Request Board approval to award a contract to the lowest responsive bidder for Electrical Supplies 

MOTION BY:  Morris

SECOND BY:   Triche

MOTION:  To award a contract to the lowest responsive bidder for Electrical Supplies (Armstrong Supply)

Roll Call:

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, DeFrancesch, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Vicknair, Wallace

1 Absent – Mitchell-Williams

The motion carried.

ITEM 7d.  Public Comment.  Mr. Anthony Miller – Request Board approval to extend Powerhouse Church lease agreement for an additional 10 years

MOTION BY:  Morris

SECOND BY:   Vicknair

MOTION:  To extend the Powerhouse Church lease agreement for 10 years.

Roll Call:

9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, DeFrancesch, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Wallace

1 Nay – Vicknair

1 Absent – Mitchell-Williams

The motion carried.

ITEM 7e.  Public Comment.  Mr. Anthony Miller – Request Board approval to enter into a (2) year Grounds Maintenance contract with Firmin Trucking, LLC

MOTION BY:  Triche

SECOND BY:   Vicknair

MOTION:  To enter into a (2) year Grounds Maintenance contract with Firmin Trucking, LLC

Following discussion, there was a:

SUBSTITUTE MOTION BY:  Triche

SECOND BY:   Mamou

MOTION:  To table until Land and Facilities can review and make a recommendation.

Roll Call:

9 Yeas – Holden, Triche, Morris, DeFrancesch, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Vicknair, Wallace

1 Nay - Burl

1 Absent – Mitchell-Williams

The motion carried.

ITEM 7f.  Public Comment.  Mr. Anthony Miller – Request Board approval to advertise for a Public Relations Consultant

MOTION BY:  Vicknair

SECOND BY:   DeFrancesch

MOTION:  To advertise for a Public Relations Consultant

Following discussion, there was a

SUBSTITUTION MOTION BY:  Morris

SECOND BY:   Triche

MOTION:  To extend the current contract for 6 months and bring this item back to the Board at that time.

Roll Call:

10 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, DeFrancesch, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Vicknair, Wallace

1 Absent – Mitchell-Williams

The motion carried.

Mr. Wallace left the meeting at 7:49 p.m.

ITEM 7g.  Public Comment.  Mr. Anthony Miller – Request Board approval to advertise to receive bids for Office Supplies

MOTION BY:  DeFrancesch

SECOND BY:   Triche

MOTION:  To advertise to receive bids for Office Supplies

Roll Call:

8 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, DeFrancesch, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Vicknair

3 Absent – Morris, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace

The motion carried.

ITEM 7h.  Public Comment.  Request Board approval to advertise to receive bids for Welding Supplies

MOTION BY:  Triche

SECOND BY:   Schum

MOTION:  To award a contract to advertise to receive bids for Welding Supplies

SUBSTITUTE MOTION BY:  Burl

MOTION:  To table

The substitute motion failed to receive a second.

Upon roll call on the original motion to advertise to receive bids for Welding Supplies, there was

8 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, DeFrancesch, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Vicknair

3 Absent – Morris, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace

The motion carried.

ITEM 7i.  Public Comment.  Mr. Anthony Miller – Request Board approval to advertise to receive proposals for Pest Control

MOTION BY:  Triche

SECOND BY:   Holden

MOTION:  To advertise to receive proposals for Pest Control

Roll Call:

8 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, DeFrancesch, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Vicknair

3 Absent – Morris, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace

The motion carried.

ITEM 7j.  Public Comment.  Mr. Anthony Miller – Request Board approval to advertise to receive proposals for Waste Disposal

MOTION BY:  Triche

SECOND BY:   Morris

MOTION:  To advertise to receive proposals for Waste Disposal

Roll Call:

8 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, DeFrancesch, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Vicknair

3 Absent – Morris, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace

The motion carried.

ITEM 7k.  Public Comment.  Mr. Anthony Miller – Request Board approval to remove staffing service RFP from the table for discussion and approve for advertisement

MOTION BY:  Holden

SECOND BY:   Vicknair

MOTION:  To remove staffing service RFP from the table for discussion and approve for advertisement,

Roll Call:

8 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, DeFrancesch, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Vicknair

3 Absent – Morris, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace

The motion carried.

ITEM 7l.  Public Comment.  Mr. Anthony Miller – Request Board approval to lease 10 vehicles for five (5) years

MOTION BY:  Schum

SECOND BY:   Morris

MOTION:  To approve leasing 10 vehicles for five (5) years

Roll Call:

3 Yeas – DeFrancesch, Frizzell, Schum

6 Nays – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Mamou, Vicknair

2 Absent – Mitchell-Williams, Wallace

The motion failed.

ITEM 8.  OLD BUSINESS

ITEM 8a.  Public Comment. Dr. Jaimee Williams – Request Approval of School Calendar for School Year 2024-2025

MOTION BY:  Holden

SECOND BY:   Triche

MOTION:  To approve the School Calendar for School Year 2024-2025

Roll Call:

9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, DeFrancesch, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Vicknair,

2 Absent – Mitchell-Williams, Wallace

The motion carried.

ITEM 9. NEW BUSINESS

ITEM 9a.  Public Comment. Dr. Jaimee Williams – Public Comment.  Dr. Jaimee Williams – Request approval of Anet Assessments contract

MOTION BY:  Triche

SECOND BY:   Mamou

MOTION:  To approve the Anet Assessments contract

Roll Call:

9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, DeFrancesch, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Vicknair,

2 Absent – Mitchell-Williams, Wallace

The motion carried.

ITEM 9b.  Public Comment.  Dr. Cleo Perry, Jr. – Consideration of Class Grievance under Collective Bargaining Agreement

This item was deleted from the agenda.

ITEM 10.  ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS

ITEM 11.  BOARD ITEMS OF INTEREST

Schum – SJBP Foundation Scholarships:  6-$10,000 Scholarship are available and the Nathan P. Stein Scholarships: 2 @ $2500 and 2@ $5000.  Also, Finance Committee Meetings will be scheduled to the week before Board Meetings on Tuesdays.  The next Finance Committee Meeting will be on April 30^th.

Morris – Asked for a list of contracts and asked that a plan on how to spend the remaining ESSER funds be presented at the Workshop

Vicknair – Thanked Mr. Miller and the Maintenance Team for the upgrades to the Board Room.

Holden – Reminded everyone that the Rudolph Dinvaut Golf Tournament is being held April 29^th

Mamou – Thanked administration for auditing the Senior transcripts and stated that he will not be present at the Workshop on the 25^th.

ITEM 12.  ADJOURNMENT

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

MOTION BY:    Schum

SECOND BY:   Holden

MOTION:           Motion for adjournment.

Roll Call:

9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, DeFrancesch, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Vicknair,

2 Absent – Mitchell-Williams, Wallace

The motion carried.

The meeting adjourned at 8:39 p.m.

________________________________                                     ________________________________

Dr. Cleo Perry, Secretary                                                           Shawn Wallace, President