PROCEEDINGS OF THE ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
RESERVE, LA – MEETING OF MAY 23, 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, May 23, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.
ITEM 1. CALL TO ORDER, INVOCATION, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Chair called the meeting to order at 6:04 p.m. and called for a prayer, led by Mr. Mamou, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, led by student Omarion Duhone.
The Chair asked that the family of Gail Creecy be kept in your thoughts and prayers, as she passed away recently.
ITEM 2a. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS:
PRESENT: Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace
ABSENT: Holden, Burl, DeFrancesch, Vicknair
There were 7 members present and 4 members absent.
ITEM 3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
ITEM 3a. Public Comment. Meeting of: May 9, 2024
MOTION BY: Mamou
SECOND BY: Morris
MOTION: To approve the minutes from the meeting of: May 9, 2024
Roll Call:
7 Yeas – Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace
4 Absent – Holden, Burl, DeFrancesch, Vicknair
The motion carried.
ITEM 4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
ITEM 4a. District Updates
Dr. Perry gave an update on the following:
Principal Leadership Matters! Effective schools are run by effective principals who have proficiency – not just in leading programs, but also in reading people. There is no high-performing school without an effective principal. Although school leaders’ influence on student achievement is largely indirect, they improve teaching and learning in the schools they lead by influencing beliefs, attitudes, and conditions about teaching and learning.
Dr. Perry presented the principals for the 2024-2025 school year:
LES – Dr. Zina Jones
ESJH – Deshanna Bause
WSJH – Jeremy Brown
WSJE – Chantell Walker
ESJP – David Lewis
FWE – Rajean Butler
ECW – Michelle Seymour
JLO – Gillian King-Hughes
GMMS – Kara Lawson
LPE – Shantrece Lathers
SJAP – Corey Lambert
STEM – Tania Coleman
Message to Graduates: Congratulations on such an amazing milestone. Your hard work has paid off! I pray the lessons, chats and experiences you learned from St. John the Baptist Parish Schools has prepared you for your journey ahead. It is my hop0e that those lessons and experiences can be tools that you can use to become successful leaders in society. Congratulations on your accomplishments. He announced the Valedictorians and Salutatorians for each high school:
ESJH Valedictorian: Randi Joseph
ESJH Salutatorian: Aleaya Adams
WSJH Valedictorian: Rianna Lewis
WSJH Salutatorian: Jayla Thomas
Academic Updates:
Ø Operation Graduation 24 – Conducted graduation audits; provided individual student support. Results – Students not graduating went from 100 to less than 10
Ø Conducted EOY Sped meetings with principals
Ø Preparing and planning for summer school
Ø Continue to prepare for 24-25 school year
Operations Updates:
Ø Routing completed through Edulog on May 17th
Ø Optimized routing suggests 67 total routes needed for the 24-25 school year
Ø Mr. Miller and team working towards evaluating routing efficiency and staffing routes accordingly
Ø Operation Team End of Year Event will be held May 24th from 11:00-2:00 p.m. and East St. John Prep Gymnasium
Finance Updates:
Ø The Finance team is working diligently on preparing the 2023-2024 amended and the 2024-2025 proposed budgets
Ø Those items will be introduced at the June 6th Board meeting
Ø A new, cashless payment system is being explore to increase participation at athletic events, field trips and/or various school fundraisers.
Human Resources Updates:
Ø All employees assignment letters were sent out
Ø All schools are 98
Ø % staffed for the 2024-2025 school year
Ø 27 certifications were processed in the month of May
Ø 98% of Spring and Fall teacher evaluations have been completed and uploaded to EEPASS
Coming Soon…
Ø 120 day Superintendent’s Vision, Goals and Benchmarks for the 24-25 School Year
ITEM 5. EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS AND RECOGNITIONS BY THE BOARD OR STAFF
ITEM 5a. Recognition of: Principal of the Year
Dr. Kara Lawson was recognized as Principal of the Year and is a finalist for the State Principal of the Year. She thanked the Board and administration for all the support she’s received.
ITEM 5b. Recognition of Student: Jude Boynton
Ms. Frizzell read the following about Jude Boynton:
Jude is a student in the Alternate Assessment program at East St. John High School and will be graduating tomorrow night.
Jude gave testimony at the State Senate Finance Committee meeting advocating for Post Secondary Inclusive Education to restore funding for programs at the post-secondary education level. This funding is critical for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to gain a full college experience, complete internships, and prepare for real world experiences.
Jude was selected as a delegate to participate in the Partners in Policymaking leadership training program through the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council this past year.
How incredibly brave of this young man to testify before such an esteemed committee in state government.
Jude will also be attending Nicholas State University in the fall of 2024.
Jude was presented with a plaque to commemorate the occasion.
ITEM 5c. Recognition of: Hospitality Management, Career & Technical Certificate
Mrs. Billie Dinvaut-Duncan recognized the students who graduated from Delgado with a Hospitality Management CTC:
Derrick Aburime, Kahilil Brown, Teyonia Cannon, Sanyah Coxie, Omarion Duhone, Armando Gonzales, Lesly Mejia, Nigel Mitchell, Ethan Ortega, Freiwil Pimentel, Lina Reyes, Michael Rixner, Camryn Robinson, AND Kendall Walker.
Mrs. Holden arrived at 6:15 p.m. and was recorded as present.
ITEM 6a. Public Comment. Mr. Alvarez Hertzock – Request approval of Revised Policy: IDBB – Alcohol, Tobacco, Drug and Substance Abuse Education Program
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: Mamou
MOTION: To approve Revised Policy: IDBB – Alcohol, Tobacco, Drug and Substance Abuse Education Program
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace
2 Absent – DeFrancesch, Vicknair
The motion carried.
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IDBB: ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, DRUG, AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE EDUCATION PROGRAM
The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board shall require a comprehensive alcohol, tobacco, drug, and substance abuse prevention education program be incorporated into every school of the parish that shall include grade appropriate programs on the education, prevention, and counseling of alcohol, tobacco, drug, and substance abuse.
Such programs shall be included in the school program so that every student in grades kindergarten through nine (9) is involved for a minimum of sixteen (16) contact hours every school year, and every student in grades ten (10) through twelve (12) is involved for a minimum of eight (8) contact hours every school year. The required minimum contact hours shall be incorporated into a comprehensive school health program.
As part of the alcohol, tobacco, drug, and substance abuse program, substance abuse counselors shall be appointed who shall visit every school regularly for the purpose of counseling students who have been identified as having an alcohol, drug, or substance
abuse problem.
Any student enrolled in school who is identified as having a substance abuse problem, including manufacture or distribution, shall be required to participate in the school drug counseling program, or an equivalent approved by the Board.
Each school shall have a substance abuse prevention team, whose membership shall be in accordance with statutory provisions that shall investigate, research, and report on all instances or reports of possession of controlled dangerous substances or alcoholic beverages. The team shall adequately report its findings in writing and make appropriate recommendations for treatment, counseling, or other appropriate action to the principal of the school.
DRUG FREE ZONES
It is unlawful for anyone to use, distribute, be under the influence of, manufacture or possess any controlled substances as defined by statute on or around school property or an area within 2,000 feet of any property used for school purposes by any school, or on a school bus. These areas shall be designated as Drug Free Zones. The School Board, in cooperation with local governmental agencies, and the Louisiana Department of Education, shall designate and mark Drug Free Zones which surround all schools and
school property.
Revised: October, 1994 Revised: November, 2010
Revised: November, 1999
Revised: March, 2001
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''14:403.1, 17:154, 17:402, 17:403, 17:404, 17:405, 17:416.
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ITEM 6b. Public Comment. Mr. Alvarez Hertzock – Request approval of Revised Policy: IFA – Instructional Materials
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: Holden
MOTION: To approve Revised Policy: IFA – Instructional Materials
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace
2 Absent – DeFrancesch, Vicknair
The motion carried.
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IFA: INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board strongly encourages the utilization of a wide variety of materials and equipment in the instructional program. The selection of media shall be determined by the objectives of the course and the experiences and activities to be provided to meet such objectives. Instructional personnel shall keep abreast of the types of materials and equipment which can contribute toward meeting the goals and objectives of courses. Instructional personnel shall also assist the administration in the selection and purchase of such materials and equipment for the school.
The School Board believes that appropriate personnel and materials must be available for each student. It shall be the policy of the School Board that available system resources be allocated in a manner to ensure equivalence among schools of a similar
type and enrollment in: (1) teachers, administrators and auxiliary personnel; and (2) curriculum materials and instructional supplies.
PARENTAL ACCESS TO INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
A parent of a child attending a public elementary or secondary school shall be entitled to access to instructional materials as provided by law. A parent shall be entitled to:
1. Review instructional materials used by or administered to the parent's child.
2. Review any survey before the survey is administered or distributed by a school to a student.
The Superintendent and/or his/her designee shall develop and maintain pertinent administrative regulations and procedures governing parental access to instructional materials. At a minimum, such regulations and procedures shall specify reasonable hours for review, that instructional materials shall be provided upon reasonable request of the parent, and reasonable and customary fees for copying of material(s) requested.
Nothing shall prohibit or interfere with the parent making his/her own copies on school premises using any mobile or other device.
For the purpose of this policy:
Instructional materials means content that conveys the knowledge or skills of a subject in the school curriculum through a medium or a combination of media for conveying information to a student. It also includes any nonsecure test, nonsecure assessment, or survey administered to a student. The term also includes books, supplementary materials, teaching aids, computer software, magnetic media, DVD, CD-ROM, computer courseware, online material, information, or services, or an electronic medium or other means of conveying information to the student or otherwise contributing to the learning process. Parent means the parent or legal guardian of a child. Survey means any evaluative instrument or questionnaire that is not an assessment of academic knowledge, skills, or abilities, administered as part of a state, national, or international assessment or by itself.
RESPONSIBILITY FOR SELECTION
Responsibility for the purchase of library and instructional materials is vested legally in the School Board. The School Board delegates to the appropriate instructional staff the responsibility of developing final recommendations for purchase. The actual selection of materials shall be the responsibility of professionally trained personnel who are familiar with the courses of study, the methods of teaching, and the individual needs of students. The appropriate instructional staff, aided by suggestions from the school administrators, the school faculties, students and parents, make the final selection. The individual school faculty shall be responsible for the final evaluation and selection of materials based on the needs of the school. The selection of media shall be
determined by the objectives of the course and the experiences and activities to be provided to meet such objectives.
PROCEDURE FOR HANDLING CRITICISM OF MATERIAL
Criticism of specific materials should be handled by the principal whenever possible. If the criticism cannot be resolved by the principal to the satisfaction of the complainant, then the following procedures shall be followed.
1. The criticism shall be presented in writing and directed to the principal and shall include specific information as to author, title, publisher, and the reason for the criticism, giving specific examples of objectionable aspects or sections of the book.
2. The statement must be signed and identified so that a reply may be given.
3. The material shall be reviewed in the light of the objections by a committee appointed by the Superintendent or his/her designee.
4. The report of the special committee shall be forwarded to the Superintendent for action as rapidly as possible. The Superintendent may choose to refer the problem to the School Board.
5. The decision of the Superintendent and/or the School Board shall be sent in writing to the complainant. Copies of the decision shall also be sent to all staff personnel affected by the decision.
New Policy: May 7, 2015 Revised: November, 2015
Ref: Constitution of Louisiana, Art. VII, '13; La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:81, 17:355; Board minutes, 5-7-15.
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ITEM 6c. Public Comment. Mr. Alvarez Hertzock – Request approval of New Policy: IFAA – Textbook Selection & Adoption
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: Holden
MOTION: To approve New Policy: IFAA – Textbook Selection & Adoption
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace
2 Absent – DeFrancesch, Vicknair
The motion carried.
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IFAA: TEXTBOOK SELECTION AND ADOPTION
The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board shall authorize the Superintendent to develop and maintain an appropriate process for evaluating and recommending to the School Board for adoption all textbooks and other instructional materials that support the needs of students. Textbooks and other materials may be selected from a list provided by the Louisiana Department of Education, or the School Board may select textbooks or materials not on the list, provided those textbooks or materials have been reviewed by committee(s) appointed by the Superintendent, composed of classroom teachers or other educators who are employed in Louisiana public schools, parents of Louisiana public school students, and other persons in Louisiana who have an interest or knowledge of the curriculum or subject matter under consideration. The School Board shall provide an opportunity for parents and patrons to review and provide input of textbooks and materials under consideration prior to adoption by the School Board.
New policy: November, 2015
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ITEM 6d. Public Comment. Mr. Alvarez Hertzock – Request approval of Revised Policy: IDCH – Home Study Program
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: Mamou
MOTION: To approve Revised Policy: IDCH – Home Study Program
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace
2 Absent – DeFrancesch, Vicknair
The motion carried.
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IDCH: HOME STUDY PROGRAM
Students of the St. John the Baptist Parish School District may be permitted to have their educational skills developed through a home study program, or in an in-home private school program, if such a program offers a sustained curriculum of quality at least equal to that offered by public schools at the same grade level. The parent or legal guardian shall submit an application to the Louisiana Department of Education for approval together with a copy of the child's birth certificate. An initial application shall be made within fifteen (15) days after commencement of the home study program. A renewal application shall be submitted to the Louisiana Department of Education by October 1 of the school year, or within twelve (12) months of approval of the initial application, whichever is later.
Any child eligible by law to attend elementary or secondary school shall be eligible to participate in a home study program.
Secondary students who are home schooled shall not earn a regular high school diploma unless they return to an approved school and meet all the necessary credits and requirements needed for high school graduation. Home study students shall be eligible to take the General Educational Development (GED) high school equivalency test upon completion of the home study program, upon proper application.
TEXTBOOKS
The School Board may shall supply textbooks and other instructional materials, as available, to home study students who have been approved by the Louisiana Department of Education, if extra copies are available. children enrolled in a state-approved home study program. Textbooks and any materials supplied shall be returned when the student has completed the applicable coursework. A deposit equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the replacement costs shall be required. Such deposit shall be returned when the books are returned. No refunds shall be made for lost or damaged textbooks. If books are not returned or paid for, the parent or legal guardian shall not be eligible to continue participation in the textbook rental program until all textbook debts have been cleared.
Textbooks should be issued from the school of the student's assigned attendance zone for no longer than the length of the current school term. Principals may require periodic inspection of the textbooks.
READMISSION
Students seeking admission or readmission to the St. John the Baptist Parish public schools shall be required to fulfill such screening and evaluation requirements as the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) and/or the School Board may establish, including the taking of tests and diagnostic instruments used to determine appropriate grade levels or Carnegie units. The requirements and procedures for admission or readmission shall be made a part of the School Board’s Pupil Progression Plan. In addition, students in grades 5 and 9 transferring to the public school system shall be required to take the 4th and 8th grade LEAP 21 tests in order to determine the appropriate grade levels.
ACHIEVEMENT TESTING
A parent of a child in home study may request the Superintendent to permit the child to be administered the LEAP 21 tests. Such tests shall occur on the date of the test as determined by the Superintendent. The examination shall be administered with the same
restrictions and under similar conditions as provided to students enrolled in public schools with a certified teacher administering the test. The parent shall be provided the student’s score and whether the student passed the examination and met the state performance standards.
A testing fee of up to thirty-five dollars ($35) may be charged to cover actual costs of administering, scoring, and reporting the results of the tests.
New policy: April, 2008
Revised: November, 2015
Revised: June, 2016
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. ''17:236, 17:236.1, 17:236.2, 17:351.1; Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, State Textbook Adoption Policy and Procedure Manual, Bulletin 1794, Louisiana Department of Education; Board minutes, 7-15-08.
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ITEM 6e. Public Comment. Mr. Alvarez Hertzock – Request approval of Revised Policy: EE – Child Nutrition Program Management
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: Mamou
MOTION: To approve Revised Policy: EE – Child Nutrition Program Management
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace
2 Absent – DeFrancesch, Vicknair
The motion carried.
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EE: CHILD NUTRITION PROGRAM MANAGEMENT
The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board believes the school district should have a sound child nutrition program and that the child nutrition program should be an integral part of the total educational program. The School Board also believes that the highest possible sanitation standards should be maintained and that every effort should be made to make it possible for every child to participate in the child nutrition program without regard to race, color, disability, national origin, sex, or age.
GUIDELINES
The School Board shall administer a Food and Nutrition Program in accordance with federal and state standards and requirements as outlined by the Louisiana Department of Education, Bulletin 1196, Louisiana Food and Nutrition Programs, Policies of Operation, including that only products that have met all state certification requirements shall be utilized in child nutrition facilities. The School Board, as the recognized child nutrition program authority for the school district, shall annually approve the national school lunch program, school breakfast program, U.S.D.A school commodity programs and any other related programs. The approved agreement shall meet all specifications mandated by the Louisiana Department of Education's Division of Nutrition Assistance Support. Guidelines of the Louisiana Sanitary Code shall be strictly followed in the preparation, serving, and cleaning of all child nutrition programs and facilities.
Each school shall abide by state and federal guideline restrictions on the operation of concessions, canteens, snack bars, vending machines or other food and beverage sales. No supplies or foods, including leftovers, shall be removed from the child nutrition department by any employee of the school system unless he/she has been authorized to transfer the items to another school location. Disciplinary action may result for unauthorized food removal.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Special events should not interfere with the preparation and service of school lunch, breakfasts, or snacks. School functions involving the use of the cafeteria shall be arranged through the principal and approved by the child nutrition supervisor. Whenever the cafeteria is used by the school, one or more of the child nutrition employees shall be in charge to ensure control over child nutrition foods and to ensure proper use and care of equipment and facilities. A Special Event form must be completed and sent to the supervisor of child nutrition at least two (2) weeks in advance of the event. Events that occur at scheduled times during the school year can be handled by sending in one notice listing all of the dates.
PAYMENT FOR MEALS
Meals may be paid for daily, weekly, monthly, or annually. Those students not eligible for free meals must pay for their meals at the prices established for full price and reduced price students. Those students not eligible for free meals who have not paid for a scheduled meal may have that meal withheld.
In elementary schools, prior to withholding a meal, the school shall:
1. Provide actual notification to the child's parent or legal guardian as to the date and time after which meals may be denied, the reason for such denial, any action that may be taken by the parent or legal guardian to prevent further denial of meals, and the consequences of the failure to take appropriate actions to prevent such denial, including that the school governing authority shall contact the office of community services within the Department of Social Services upon the third instance of such denial during
a single school year.
2. Verify with appropriate school staff that the child does not have an Individual Education Plan that requires the child to receive meals provided by the school to ensure that neither the child's health nor learning ability will be negatively affected by denying the child meals during school hours. If the school denies a scheduled meal to a child, the school shall provide a sandwich or
a substantial and nutritious snack item to the child as a substitute for the meal denied. Upon the third (3rd) instance during a single school year of the same elementary school child being denied a meal during school hours, the School Board shall contact the office of community services within the Department of Social Services to report the failure of the parent or guardian to pay for meals which has resulted in repeated denials of meals during school hours.
The School Board shall document each instance that a child is denied a meal in an elementary school.
Charitable funds donated by school employees or other charitable funds may be used to pay for a child's meal in the event that he/she is subject to the denial of a meal during school hours.
No discrimination against any individual shall occur because of his/her inability to pay, nor shall the School Board or any nutrition service provider publish or permit to be published the names of any individual unable to pay for the food.
Any public school employee who discloses the name of any individual unable to pay for such food, either orally or in written form, except as reasonably necessary in the conduct of his/her official duties, shall be subject to the penalties provided in state law. No employee shall disclose such information to any student for any reason.
FREE AND REDUCED PRICE MEAL APPLICATIONS
Eligibility for participation of students in the free and reduced meal program shall be determined by family meal application or direct certification of participation in migrant, runaway, or homeless education programs. A multi-child, family application to apply for school meal benefits shall be sent to the parents or guardians of each student within the first week of school. Parents shall be requested to complete an application listing all students enrolled in St. John the Baptist Parish public schools and return it to the determining official for review. The applicant should be made aware that deliberate misrepresentation on the application may subject him or her to prosecution under applicable state and federal criminal statutes. Such applications (approved and
disapproved) and documentation of the action taken shall be maintained for three (3) years after the end of the fiscal year to which they pertain.
State guidelines allow for the limited disclosure of information about free and reduced price meal eligibility without consent of the parent. The information may be used only for the purpose authorized and may not be shared with any other parties for any reason. Aggregate information that does not identify individuals continues to be permitted without parental consent. Under the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) National School Lunch Act (NSLA), the release of a child's eligibility status is permitted to persons directly connected with and who need to know a child's free and reduced price meal eligibility status in order to administer and enforce the Title I requirements under the NCLB carry out an activity specifically authorized by the NSLA. The statute, however, does not allow the disclosure of any other information obtained from the free lunch application form or obtained through the direct certification information received from the food stamp office.
Revised: October, 1997 Revised: June, 2014
Revised: August, 2005 Revised: December, 2017
Approved: October 15, 2009
Revised: December 2, 2010
Revised: October 17, 2013
Ref: No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB); 42 USC 1751 et seq. (School Lunch Programs); 42 USC 1771 et seq. (Child Nutrition); 7 CFR 210 (National School Lunch Program); 7 CFR 220 (School Breakfast Program); La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:82, 17:191, 17:192, 17:192.1, 17:195, 17:196, 17:197.1, 17:198, 17:199, 39:2101, 40:4; Louisiana Food and Nutrition Programs, Policies of Operation, Bulletin 1196, Louisiana Department of Education; Louisiana Sanitary Code, La. Dept. of Health and Hospitals; Board minutes, 10-15-09, 12-2-10, 10-17-13.
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ITEM 6f. Public Comment. Introduction to Revised Policy: IFDA – Parental Rights/Student Rights to Privacy
This item was for introduction only.
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The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board recognizes the rights of parental access to certain information regarding their children and the importance of notifying parents of children enrolled in the district’s schools of these rights.
At least annually at the beginning of each school year, parents of each child enrolled in the public schools of St. John the Baptist Parish shall be notified of:
· Their right to view any instructional material used in the curriculum for the student of time after the request is received.
· Their right to view any 3rd party surveys (including evaluations) before they are administered to their child, and to opt out of participation for surveys that delve into sensitive subjects identified by the Protection of Children’s Rights of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
· The collection or use of any personal information for the purpose of marketing the information or for selling that information, including arrangements to protect student privacy that are provided by the School Board in the event of collection, disclosure, or use and their right to opt their child out of participation.
· The administration of any non-emergency, invasive physical examination or screening that is:
required as a condition of attendance;
administered by the school and scheduled by the school in advance; and not necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student,or of other students;
and their right to opt out of participation.
· Their rights under FERPA, including giving notice to the parent of the categories of information which the School Board has designated as directory information with respect to students, and allowing a reasonable period of time after such notice for the parent to inform the School Board that any or all of the information so designated should not be released without the parent’s prior consent.
In addition, the School Board shall encourage each public school and require those schools receiving federal Title I funds under the jurisdiction of the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board to notify parents:
· Annually, of their right to request from the School Board information regarding the professional qualifications of the student’s classroom teachers, including the following:
- Whether their child’s teacher has met state licensing criteria for the grade level and subject taught.
- Whether their child’s teacher is teaching under emergency or provisional status whereby state licensing criteria have been waived.
- Whether the child’s teacher is teaching in the field of certification of the teacher.
- Whether the child is provided services by a paraprofessional and, if so, their qualifications.
· The achievement level and academic growth of their child on each of the state academic assessments.
· Timely notice that a student has been assigned, or has been taught for four (4) or more consecutive weeks by a teacher who does not meet state certification requirements at the grade level and subject area in which the teacher has been assigned.
Revised: February, 2003
Approved: October 15, 2009
Revised: December, 2017
Ref: 20 USC 1232 (h) (Protection of Pupil Rights); 20 USC 6312(e) (Parents Right-to- Know); Board minutes, 10-15-09.
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ITEM 6g. Public Comment. Mr. Alvarez Hertzock – Introduction to Revised Policy: DJA – Authorized Signatures
This item was for introduction only.
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CHECKS
The St. John the BaptistParish School Board shall require,in accordance with state law, the President and Superintendent, as secretary-treasurer, the Vice-President in the absence of the President, or any two (2) officers or persons designated by the School Board, to review all expenditures and sign any and all checks issued in payment of said expenditures. The School Board authorizes the use of a facsimile signature device for those persons designated to sign checks. The Superintendent shall establish and maintain appropriate procedures for assuring the proper issuance of all checks.
FACSIMILE SIGNATURE
A facsimile signature device may be used by and/or for the Superintendent and the President of the School Board for the following purposes:
1. Processing payroll checks and accounts payable checks. These checks will be printed on a specific printer which uses MICR ink and has the secure check device attached that is activated only when a valid signature key is inserted.
2. Emergency situations that arise requiring immediate signatures and either one or both parties with signature responsibility is not available. Example: Certain payroll deductions which according to IRS regulations, must be deposited on a timely basis.
No document shall be stamped that requires actual signatures.
The check printing signature key shall be maintained by the Superintendent or his/her designee. The signature facsimile device shall be kept inside of a safe in the central office main vault. The safe shall be kept locked at all times and only the Business Manager shall have a key to the safe and is responsible for the use of the facsimile device.
Whenever a facsimile device is used under the above described emergency situations, a copy of the stamped check shall be sent to the party whose facsimile stamp was used for their review.
GENERAL CONTRACTS
Contractual agreements approved by a majority vote of the School Board obligating the School Board or School District shall be signed by the School Board President or the Superintendent. Any person purporting to enter into any contract on behalf of the School Board, school district, or any school under the School Board’s jurisdiction, including but not limited to contracts with vendors or contracts of membership in any private or quasi- public entity, shall do so in compliance with policies adopted by the School Board and administrative procedures in effect at the time the contract is executed.
BILLS, INVOICES, STATEMENTS
The School Board directs that only authorized school employees shall sign bills, invoices, or statements in accordance with pertinent accounting procedures.
TEACHER CONTRACTS
The Superintendent shall sign each teacher contract.
SCHOOL CHECKING ACCOUNTS
The School Board authorizes principals, with the approval of the Superintendent, to open bank accounts for their schools and related clubs and organizations. The use of checking accounts at schools shall be in accordance with appropriate accounting regulations and procedures maintained by the Superintendent or his/her designee.
The Superintendent shall be given authority to make changes on school checking accounts as each school principal or school administrator changes, or at any other time deemed necessary, without the necessity of any additional resolution being adopted by the School Board. School Board personnel shall monitor the appropriateness of each checking account and shall be authorized to recommend to the Superintendent the closure of any account deemed necessary.
Revised: June, 1991
Revised: August,1991
Revised: October,2013
Revised: August7, 2014
Revised and recoded from DJAA: April 6, 2017 Revised: May, 2018
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:81,17:83,17:97; Board minutes,1-24-91, 6-13-91, 9-5-13, 8-7-14,4-6-17.
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ITEM 6h. Public Comment. Mr. Alvarez Hertzock – Introduction to Revised Policy: JCAB – Student Searches
This item was for introduction only.
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The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board is the exclusive owner of any public school building and any desk or locker utilized by any student contained therein or any other area that may be set aside for the personal use of the students. Any teacher, principal, administrator, or school security guard employed by the School Board, having a reasonable belief that any public school building, desk, locker, area or grounds of any public school contains any weapons, illegal drugs, alcoholic beverages, nitrate based inhalants, stolen goods, or other items the possession of which is prohibited by any law, School Board policy, or school rule, may search such building, desk, locker, area or grounds of said public school. Students shall have no expectation of privacy in use of the lockers which have been assigned to them. The acceptance and use of locker facilities or the parking of privately owned vehicles on school campuses by students shall constitute consent by the student to the search of such locker facilities or vehicles by authorized school personnel. Any student not present during the search shall be informed of the search immediately thereafter.
Any teacher, principal, administrator, or school security guard employed by the School Board, may search the person of a student or his/her personal effects when based on the attendant circumstances at the time of the search, there are reasonable grounds to suspect that the search will reveal evidence that the student has violated the law, School Board policy, or a school rule. Such a search shall be conducted in a manner that is reasonably related to the purpose of the search and the nature of the suspected offense. Such factors to be considered in determining the manner in which searches may be conducted are:
1. Age and sex of student
2. Behavior record of student
3. Need for search
4. Purpose of search
5. Type of search
6. Reliability of the information used to conduct search
7. The relative importance of making the search without delay
8. Nature and severity of problem in overall school environment
Random searches with a metal detector of a student or his/her personal effects may be conducted at any time, provided such searches are conducted without deliberate touching of the student.
Any search of student's person shall be done privately by a teacher, administrator, or security guard of the same sex as the student to be searched. At least one witness who is of the same sex as said student shall be present throughout the search. Detailed documentation shall be made of all searches. If requested, notification of the search shall be sent to the parents of the student involved.
Any automobile parked on School Board property by a student may also be searched at any time by school officials who have articulable facts which lead them reasonably to believe that items in violation of state law, School Board policy or school rule are contained therein. If the automobile is locked, the student shall unlock the vehicle. If the student refuses to unlock the vehicle, proper law enforcement authorities shall be summoned and the student shall be subject to disciplinary action.
No actions taken pursuant to this policy by any teacher,principal, administrator, or school security guard employed by the School Board shall be taken maliciously or with willful and deliberate intent to harass, embarrass or intimidate any student.
Upon proper school personnel confiscating any firearm, bomb, knife, or other implement which could be used as a weapon, or any controlled dangerous substance, the principal or designee shall report the confiscation to the appropriate law enforcement officials. Any implement or material confiscated shall be retained, catalogued, and secured by the principal so as to prevent the destruction, alteration, or disappearance until such time as the implement or material is given to law enforcement personnel for disposal. Any principal or designee failing to report any prohibited weapon or confiscated material or implement to law enforcement personnel or failing to properly secure any weapon or confiscated material or implement shall be subject to appropriate disciplinary action as may be determined by the Superintendent and/or School Board.
If any teacher, principal, administrator, or school security guard employed by the School Board should be sued for damages by any student, the parent of such student or by any other person on behalf of such student, based upon a search conducted in compliance with this policy, the School Board shall provide such teacher, principal, administrator, or school security guard with a legal defense thereto, including reasonable attorney's fees, investigative costs and other related expenses. In such suit, the School Board shall indemnify him/her fully against said judgment including principal, interest and costs.
If in any suit brought against any teacher, principal, administrator, or school security guard employed by the School Board, as stated above, there is a specific finding that the action of the teacher,principal, administrator, or school security guard was malicious and willfully and deliberately intended to harass, embarrass or intimidate the student, the School Board shall not indemnify such teacher, principal, administrator, or school security guard in the event a judgment for damages shall be rendered against him. Whenever any search is conducted pursuant to this policy, a written record shall be made thereof by at least two (2) adult employees of the School Board who conducted the search and shall include names of the persons involved, the circumstances leading to the search and the results of the search.
Revised: October, 1994
Revised: May, 2018
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ITEM 6i. Public Comment. Mr. Alvarez Hertzock – Introduction to Revised Policy: GBC - Recruitment
This item was for introduction only.
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The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board shall make a concerted effort to recruit the best qualified applicants available. When vacancies occur in existing positions or when new positions are created, and such positions are not filled by transfer of qualified personnel, the Superintendent or his/her designee shall post notice of the vacancy and shall have the discretion to advertise for certain positions when circumstances warrant.
When filling vacancies in positions of authority or those with policymaking duties, the Superintendent or his/her designee shall not utilize only oral contacts and interviews of applicants considered, or use any other means to circumvent the provisions of state statute. Nothing, however, shall prohibit oral contact prior to a person becoming an applicant or shall prohibit oral contact which may result in a written application or other documents.
APPLICATIONS
Applications submitted for any vacancy shall be retained by the personnel department. Disclosure of Information by Applicant
As part of the application process, the School Board shall require the applicant to sign a statement that authorizes the release and disclosure of the following information by the applicant’s current or previous employer(s):
1. All actual cases of sexual misconduct with a minor or student by the applicant.
2. All instances of sexual misconduct with students, as defined by the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE), and outlined in the Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, committed by the applicant, if any, if such employer is/was a city, parish, or other local public School Board.
3. All investigations of sexual misconduct by the applicant with a minor or student that occurred within thirty-six (36) months prior to the applicant’s resignation, dismissal, or retirement from employment.
4. All actual or investigated cases of abuse or neglect committed by the applicant, if any, if such employer is/was the Louisiana School for the Deaf, the Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired, or the Louisiana Special Education Center.
If an investigation determined that a formal allegation of an applicant was inconclusive, unjustified, or otherwise without cause for further formal pursuit, the applicant shall not be required to disclose such information.
The statement shall also request the current or previous employing School Board make available to the School Board, through its Superintendent or his/her designee, within twenty (20) business days of receipt of the request, copies of all documents as contained in the applicant's personnel file maintained by such employer relative to instances of sexual misconduct, if any. Such request for information shall include a copy of the required statement signed by the applicant.
The Superintendent, or principal, with the approval of the Superintendent, may employ any applicant on a conditional basis pending a review of any information obtained pursuant to this request. Permanent employment shall not occur until the information has been satisfactorily verified. However, in accordance with statutory provisions, the Superintendent shall not hire any applicant who does not sign the release of information statement as required by law.
Any information obtained by the School Board as a result of the signed release statement and request outlined above shall be used by the Superintendent only for the purpose of evaluating an applicant's qualifications for employment in the position for which he/she has applied, is not subject to the state public records statutes, and shall not be disclosed to any person, other than the applicant, who is not directly involved in the process of evaluating the applicant’s qualifications for employment.
In addition to the above, as part of the application process, the School Board shall request the applicant’s performance evaluation results, if applicable. The applicant, once the evaluation results have been received, shall be given an opportunity to review the information received and provide any response or information the applicant deems appropriate.
Finally, the applicant shall grant permission by signing a statement on the application form that permits the School Board to have access to any and all reference, background, and previous employment information and to receive copies of any such documentation from a current or previous employer.
Disclosure of Applicant’s Records
The name of each applicant for certain positions of authority or those with policymaking duties, the qualifications of such an applicant, and any relevant employment history or experience of such an applicant shall be available for public inspection, examination, copying, or reproduction as provided for in the statutory provisions governing public works.
Bus Operators
All persons, prior to employment as a bus operator with the School Board, shall fill out an application form. Each applicant shall complete all prerequisites required by law and Bulletin 119, Louisiana Student Transportation Specifications and Procedures, before he/she shall be considered for employment as a bus operator or substitute bus operator.
Upon completion of the prerequisites, the applicant’s valid application shall be filed in the personnel department for consideration of employment to fill vacancies as they occur. All applications shall be validated each year.
CRIMINAL HISTORYOF APPLICANTS
The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board shall require, in accordance with state law, applicants for employment with the School Board to submit necessary information regarding their backgrounds. Every prospective employee shall be required to provide authorization for the disclosure of any information regarding past criminal activities, including arrests, convictions, having pled nolo contendere, or other dispositions, including dismissal of convictions, of any criminal offense, in accordance with La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §15:587.
A standard applicant fingerprint card acceptable to the Louisiana Bureau of Criminal Identification and Information and a disclosure authorization form shall be provided the applicant by the School Board or may be obtained from local police authorities. It shall be the responsibility of the applicant to have his/her fingerprints taken by a qualified individual and submitted to the proper authorities for processing. Any cost associated with fingerprinting or the disclosure of background information on an applicant may be passed on to the applicant.
1. For the purposes of reviewing the criminal history of prospective employees, any person employed to provide cafeteria, transportation, janitorial or maintenance services by any person or entity that contracts with a school or school system to provide such services shall be considered to be hired by the school system.
2. A person who has been convicted of or has plead nolo contendere to crimes listed in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §15:587.1 shall not be hired as a bus operator, substitute bus operator, or janitor, or as a temporary, part-time, or permanent school employee of any kind.
a) The School Board may hire a person as an administrator, teacher, or substitute teacher who has been convicted of or plead nolo contendere to a felony not listed in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §15:587.1(C), who has been found to have submitted fraudulent documentation to the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) or the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) as part of an application for a Louisiana teaching certificate or other teaching authorization, or who has been found to have facilitated cheating on any state assessment if BESE properly issues a teaching certificate or authorization after a formal appeal request submitted by the person.
b) The School Board may reemploy an administrator, teacher, or other school employee who has been dismissed for conviction of a crime, except a crime listed in La. Rev. Stat. Ann. 15:587.1(C) only upon written approval of the district judge of the parish and district attorney, or upon written documentation from the court in which the conviction occurred stating that the conviction has been reversed, set aside, or vacated. Such statement of approval from the judge and district attorney and any written documentation from the court shall be kept on file and produced upon request by law enforcement.
No later than thirty (30) days after the documentation is placed on file by the school,the school principal shall submit a copy of said documentation from the court to the Louisiana Superintendent of Education.
New policy:November, 2006 Approved: October 15, 2009
Revised: October18, 2012
Revised: March15, 2018
Revised: December,2018
Ref: La. Rev. Stat.Ann. 15:587, 15:587.1, 17:15, 17:24.2, 17:81,17:81.9, 17:83,
17:430, 17:3884, 23:291, 42:1119, 44:12.1, 44:31, 44:31.1, 44:32, 44:33, 44:34;
La. Children’s Code, Art. 603, 606; Board minutes, 10-15-09,10-18-12, 3-15-18.
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ITEM 6j. Public Comment. Mr. Alvarez Hertzock – Introduction to GBD – Employment of Personnel
This item was for introduction only.
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The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board and its administrative staff believes that it has an obligation to provide the children attending its schools with the very best personnel available regardless of race, color,creed, sex, age, national origin or any similar personal characteristic. Age shall be considered only with respect to minimums set by law.
St. John the Baptist Parish School Board hereby assures compliance with federal and state statutory provisions, that no person in the United States shall on the basis of age, be excluded from participation, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity for which the St. John the Baptist Parish School Board received federal financial assistance from the Louisiana Department of Education:
1. Applications will be accepted from all individuals who apply for positions regardless of age, exceptno person under eighteen years of age shall drive a school bus having children therein en route to or from school or a school function;
2. No individual who is at least forty (40) years of age or over will be rejected for any position because of his/her age; and,
3. No individual who is at least forty (40) years of age or over will be discharged, or forced to retire because of his/her age.
The Superintendent or his/her designee shall be responsible for establishing and maintaining appropriate procedures for reviewing and evaluating any and all applicants for selection, including administrative and supervisory personnel, and assuring adherence to applicable state and federal legal requirements. Selection of personnel to fill all positions shall be based upon performance, effectiveness, and qualifications applicable to each specific position. Decisions shall be made on a non-discriminatory basis with selection procedures and evaluative criteria known to all applicants. Applicants should not resort to the use of political, social, or other pressures to gain employment or promotion.
Teachers and all other personnel shall be selected for employment by the Superintendent. It shall be the responsibility of the Superintendent to ensure that all persons recommended have proper certification where applicable, and are qualified for the position. Seniority and tenure shall not be used as the primary criteria when making any employment decision.
The Superintendent shall delegate to the school principal all decisions regarding the employment of any teacher or other personnel at the school in which the principal is employed, subject to the approval of the Superintendent.
The Superintendent and/or his/her designee shall consult with teachers regarding any possible selections made by the Superintendent for the hiring or placement of a principal at the school in which such teachers are employed, subject to the provisions of any applicable court order.
BUSOPERATORS
Whenever a school bus operator is needed to drive a new route or a route vacated by a previous operator, the school bus operator who is tenured and has acquired the greatest seniority shall be offered the opportunity to and may change from driving his/her route to the vacant route before another operator is selected. The School Board shall notify such bus operator of the route vacancy by mail to his/her residence. If the tenured bus operator with the greatest seniority chooses not to change to the vacant route,the route shall then be offered in order of seniority to a school bus operator who has acquired tenure.
If no tenured operator chooses to change to the vacant route, the route shall then be offered to a full-time probationary bus operator.
If no regular bus operator, tenured or probationary, chooses to change to the vacant route, then a substitute bus operator shall be selected for the position from a list of approved substitute school bus operators. If no tenured, probationary, or substitute bus operator wants the route, then a new bus operator shall be hired.
Whenever a school bus operator owning his/her own bus retires, a vacated route shall be offered first to any person meeting the requirements of the School Board who is willing to acquire the bus of the retiring operator at full appraised value. This provision shall be applicable only when the bus owned by the retiring operator has been manufactured within a period of five (5) years immediately prior to the operator's retirement and the operator is retiring due to a documented physical disability.
The Superintendent may select an operator to fill a vacant route using a different process than outlined above, but only if the School Board is required to bear an increase in the unreimbursed costs for nonpassenger miles over those attributable to the previous operator who vacated the route.
Whenever a vacancy occurs on a route due to death, resignation, retirement, or the expiration of the regular operator's approved leave, or a new route is established, the route shall be filled with a regular school bus operator using the process stated above no later than the following school year unless the route is consolidated or eliminated. A substitute bus operator may only be used as a temporary measure until a permanent operator is appointed to a route.
If an operator is on approved leave, his/her route shall not be considered a vacant route. A substitute shall be used to drive a route for an operator on approved leave regardless of the length of time of the approved leave.
Substitute operators for bus routes shall have and shall meet the same qualifications as regular bus operators.
FEDERAL OR STATE GRANT FUNDED POSITIONS
Whenever the School Board is the recipient of grants from federal, state or private funding agencies for supplementing and/or funding of innovative educational strategies, long range planning, and special supportive services, such grants may fund staff positions related to the grants. Grant-funded positions may be full-time or part-time positions established for specific periods of time, not to exceed the scheduled termination date of the applicable grant funded. The letter of appointment sent to an employee for grant- funded positions shall state that continuation of the employee’s service in that position shall be contingent upon the continuing availability of funds from the applicable grant funding source.
Revised: December, 1990 Revised: September, 2006
Revised: December, 1992 Revised: September, 2008
Revised: November, 1993 Revised: October15, 2009
Revised: March, 1995 Revised: October18, 2012
Revised: November, 1995 Revised: June, 2016
Revised: December, 1995 Revised: February15, 2017
Revised: October, 1997 Revised: December,2018
Revised: June, 1998
Revised: July, 1999
Revised: October,2001
Revised: August,2002
Revised: June, 2003
Revised: August,2005
Ref: La. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§17:81, 17:81.9,17:413, 17:493.1, 23:897;
Louisiana Handbook for School Administrators, Bulletin 741, Louisiana Department of Education; Board minutes, 10-5-95,2-4-99, 7-1-99, 8-17-00,10-15-09, 10-18-12, 2-15-17.
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ITEM 7. BUSINESS & FINANCE.
ITEM 7a. Public Comment. Request Board approval to issue RFP to Demolish Buildings that are not covered under Powerhouse Lease
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: Morris
MOTION: To grant approval to issue RFP to demolish buildings that are not covered under the Powerhouse Lease.
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace
2 Absent – DeFrancesch, Vicknair
The motion carried.
Mr. Miller stated that the last appraised value for insurance purposes, was $21,769,762 (based on an appraisal done in 2019), but he is working to have the property appraised and has reached out to 3 appraisers for this purpose.
Mr. Burl asked that administration research whether the Board has the batture rights to the property or not.
ITEM 7b. Public Comment. Mr. Anthony Miller – Request Board approval to award a contract to the lowest responsive bidder for the bond project: East St. John High Gymnasium Improvements (Tasch Construction, LLC)
MOTION BY: Morris
SECOND BY: Mitchell-Williams
MOTION: To award a contract to the lowest responsive bidder for the bond project: East St. John High Gymnasium Improvements (Tasch Construction, LLC).
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace
2 Absent – DeFrancesch, Vicknair
The motion carried.
ITEM 7c. Public Comment. Mr. Anthony Miller – Request Board approval to award a contract to the lowest responsive bidder for the bond project: West St. John High Gymnasium Improvements (Tasch Construction, LLC)
MOTION BY: Morris
SECOND BY: Mamou
MOTION: To award a contract to the lowest responsive bidder for the bond project: West St. John High Gymnasium Improvements (Tasch Construction, LLC).
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace
2 Absent – DeFrancesch, Vicknair
The motion carried.
ITEM 7d. Public Comment. Mr. Anthony Miller – Request Board approval to enter into a one-year contract with Partin Roofing to perform routine maintenance on district-wide roofs
MOTION BY: Mitchell-Williams
SECOND BY: Triche
MOTION: To enter into a one-year contract with Partin Roofing to perform routine maintenance on district-wide roofs.
Following discussion, there was a
SUBSTITUTE MOTION BY: Mamou
SECOND BY: Triche
MOTION: To table (specifics are needed on scope of work)
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace
2 Absent – DeFrancesch, Vicknair
The motion carried.
ITEM 7e. Public Comment. Mr. Anthony Miller – Request Board approval to repair all or some of the exterior grounds repairs within the school district
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: Mamou
MOTION: To approve repairing all or some of the exterior grounds repairs within the school district
Mr. Burl stated that the L&F Committee tabled this item because it was mostly cosmetic work and it is $1 million. Mrs. Holden asked that this be brought back to the L&F Committee with the work prioritized.
Following discussion, there was a
SUBSTITUTE MOTION BY: Frizzell
SECOND BY: Mitchell-Williams
MOTION: To table
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace
2 Absent – DeFrancesch, Vicknair
The motion carried.
ITEM 7f. Public Comment. Mr. Anthony Miller – Request Board approval to enter into a contract with Thompson Luke & Associates, LLC to oversee the HVAC upgrades at all district schools, with the exception of ESJH and John L. Ory
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: Schum
MOTION: To enter into a contract with Thompson Luke & Associates, LLC to oversee the HVAC upgrades at all district schools, with the exception of ESJH and John L. Ory
There was discussion regarding the legality of entering into a contract with a cost over $250,000 without advertising a RFQ, ADA Keith Green stated that it is not optional and we must advertise a Request for Qualifications. Mr. Frank Thompson stated that they are currently working in St. James, Terrebonne and Iberville Parishes and Mr. Miller stated that he is researching if it would be acceptable to piggyback on one of these other parishes.
The Board stated that a representative Volkert be present at all future meetings.
SUBSTITUTE MOTION BY: Morris
SECOND BY: Holden
MOTION: To leave HVAC system repairs/upgrades under the Volkert project management contract and direct Volkert to use an architect that has already gone through the RFP process and move forward with the HVAC repairs.
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace
2 Absent – DeFrancesch, Vicknair
The motion carried.
ITEM 7g. Public Comment. Mr. Anthony Miller – Request Board approval to enter into a contract with Thompson Luke & Associates, LLC to oversee the HVAC upgrades at ESJH and John L. Ory
Extensive discussion was held. Mr. Miller stated that the quickest way to get this done, is to order the equipment now with other funds and get reimbursement from ESSER. He continued that the equipment is available now, but if we don’t move quickly, it may not be available.
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: Burl
MOTION: To leave HVAC system repairs/upgrades under the Volkert project management contract and direct Volkert to use an architect that has already gone through the RFP process and move forward with the HVAC repairs at ESJH and JLO.
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace
2 Absent – DeFrancesch, Vicknair
The motion carried.
ITEM 7h. Public Comment. Mr. Anthony Miller – Request Board approval to discuss and decide on revisions to the bond project: Emily C. Wakins and LaPlace Elementary Gymnasiums
MOTION BY: Burl
SECOND BY: Morris
MOTION: To leave plans on the gymnasiums as is on the bond projects: Emily C. Wakins and LaPlace Elementary Gymnasiums.
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace
2 Absent – DeFrancesch, Vicknair
The motion carried.
ITEM 7i. Public Comment. Mr. Anthony Miller – Request Board approval to have CBIZ perform an insurance appraisal on district properties
MOTION BY: Morris
SECOND BY: Holden
MOTION: To approve CBIZ performing an insurance appraisal on district properties (Tasch Construction, LLC).
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace
2 Absent – DeFrancesch, Vicknair
The motion carried.
ITEM 7j. Public Comment. Mr. Anthony Miller – Request Board approval to extend Guarantee Restoration Contract for 1 year
MOTION BY: Mamou
SECOND BY: Morris
MOTION: To approve extending the Guarantee Restoration Contract for 1 year.
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace
2 Absent – DeFrancesch, Vicknair
The motion carried.
ITEM 7k. Public Comment. Mr. Anthony Miller – Request Board approval to extend Bay Pest Control Contract for 1 year
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: Mamou
MOTION: To approve extending the Bay Pest Control Contract for 1 year.
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace
2 Absent – DeFrancesch, Vicknair
The motion carried.
ITEM 7l. Public Comment. Ms. Terry Charles – Request Board approval of Bid Award for Transport of USDA Commodities
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: Morris
MOTION: To approve the bid award for transport of USDA Commodities to Pon Food Corporation.
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace
2 Absent – DeFrancesch, Vicknair
The motion carried.
ITEM 7m. Public Comment. Ms. Terry Charles – Request Board approval of Bid Award for Transport of USDA Commodities
MOTION BY: Triche
SECOND BY: Mamou
MOTION: To approve the bid award for Large Equipment to: Douglas Food Stores (5 items); Associated Food and Equipment (13 items); and Lafayette Restaurant & Supply (7 items).
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace
2 Absent – DeFrancesch, Vicknair
The motion carried.
ITEM 7n. Public Comment. Ms. Terry Charles – Request Board approval of Bid Award for Small Equipment
MOTION BY: Mitchell-Williams
SECOND BY: Frizzell
MOTION: To approve the bid award for Small Equipment to: Economical (84 items); Pyramid School Products (4 items); Quill, LLC (3 items); and Lafayette Restaurant (7 items)
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace
2 Absent – DeFrancesch, Vicknair
The motion carried.
ITEM 7o. Public Comment. Ms. Terry Charles – Request Board approval of Bid Award for Paper Supplies
MOTION BY: Morris
SECOND BY: Frizzell
MOTION: To approve the bid award for Paper Supplies to: Economical (56 items); Interboro (1 item); and Pon Food (6 items)
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace
2 Absent – DeFrancesch, Vicknair
The motion carried.
ITEM 7p. Public Comment. Ms. Terry Charles – Request Board approval of Bid Award for Cleaning Supplies
MOTION BY: Morris
SECOND BY: Mamou
MOTION: To approve the bid award for Cleaning Supplies to: SFS PAC (8 items); Pyramid Paper Products (5 items); Pacific Star Corporation (1 item); Quill LLC (1 item); and Economical Janitorial & Supplies (12 items).
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace
2 Absent – DeFrancesch, Vicknair
The motion carried.
ITEM 7q. Public Comment. Ms. Terry Charles – Request Board approval of Bid Award for Milk/Milk Products
MOTION BY: Mitchell-Williams
SECOND BY: Morris
MOTION: To approve the bid award for Milk/Milk Products to: Borden’s Dairy (6 items)
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace
2 Absent – DeFrancesch, Vicknair
The motion carried.
ITEM 8. OLD BUSINESS
ITEM 9. NEW BUSINESS
ITEM 10. ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS
ITEM 11. BOARD ITEMS OF INTEREST
Burl – Asked if we would have the Summer Feeding Program. Ms. Charles answered yes
Mamou – Congrats to all the graduates and recognized Aaron Scioneaux, who has 814 service hours.
Holden – Congrats to all graduates
Frizzell – Asked administration to schedule walkthroughs of all schools
Mitchell-Williams – Congrats to all graduates and educators
Schum – Congrats to Class of 2024 and noted that the graduating class began high school during Covid. She asked that we add a workshop to have conversation regarding the new accountability system and that it would be voted on by BESE. She stated for the record that our BESE Board member is Sharon Letten Clark and her phone number is 225-342-5482
Wallace – Retreat dates will be sent to Board members this week.
Perry – Thanked Board members for trusting him and his team and extended thanks to teachers, faculties and staff, bus drivers and everyone who has worked this year to make it a success.
Miller – Tomorrow will be an end of year celebrations for Operations for a job-well-done at the ESJP Gymnasium from 11:00-2:00
ITEM 12. ADJOURNMENT
The agenda having been completed, and there being no further business, there was a
MOTION BY: Frizzell
SECOND BY: Mamou
MOTION: Motion for adjournment.
Roll Call:
9 Yeas – Holden, Burl, Triche, Morris, Frizzell, Mamou, Schum, Mitchell-Williams, Wallace
2 Absent – DeFrancesch, Vicknair
The motion carried.
The meeting adjourned at 7:58 p.m.
________________________________ ________________________________
Dr. Cleo Perry, Secretary Shawn Wallace, President