Regular Meeting
Thursday, February 21, 2019
Members present
Mark Bellue, Dadrius Lanus, Tramelle Howard, Dawn Collins, Evelyn Ware-Jackson, Jill Dyason, Michael Gaudet, Connie Bernard, David Tatman
Meeting called to order at 5:00 PM
Meeting Opening
School Board President, Michael Gaudet, called the meeting to order.
Invocation was led by School Board Member Connie Bernard, and Pledge of Allegiance led by Cadet Staff Sergeant Fallyn Melton of Woodlawn High School, accompanied by Colonel Eric Keys.
Roll Call
Others present were: Mr. Warren Drake, Superintendent; Mr. Gwynn Shamlin Jr., General Counsel; Mr. Adam Smith, Associate Superintendent; Mr. Ben Necaise, Associate Superintendent; Dr. Quentina Timoll, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction; Mrs. Andrea O’Konski, Chief Officer for Accountability and Assessments; Mr. James Crochet, Chief Officer for Business Operations; Mrs. Millie Williams, Chief Officer for Human Resources; Mr. Gary Reese, Chief Officer for Student Support Services; Mrs. Stacey Dupre, Chief Officer for Support and Special Projects; Mr. Richard Ellis, Chief Officer for Technology; and Mrs. Taylor Gast, Director of Communications and Public Relations.
Minutes
Meeting Minutes
Approval of the School Board minutes of the January 17, 2019, Regular Board meeting, and the February 7, 2019, Committee of the Whole meeting, as published in the Official Journal.
Motion by Jill Dyason, second by Connie Bernard.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Mark Bellue, Dadrius Lanus, Tramelle Howard, Dawn Collins, Evelyn Ware-Jackson, Jill Dyason, Michael Gaudet, Connie Bernard, David Tatman
Recognitions
Resolution-"Music in our Schools" Month
Adoption of a Resolution proclaiming March 1-31, 2019, as "Music in our Schools" month.
Motion by Dadrius Lanus, second by Connie Bernard.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Mark Bellue, Dadrius Lanus, Tramelle Howard, Dawn Collins, Evelyn Ware-Jackson, Jill Dyason, Michael Gaudet, Connie Bernard, David Tatman
Information Only
Monthly Financial Report
Personnel Changes
Consent Agenda
Consent Vote
The following items were approved as part of the Consent Agenda Excluding Item # 6.
Motion by Dawn Collins, second by Tramelle Howard.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Mark Bellue, Dadrius Lanus, Tramelle Howard, Dawn Collins, Evelyn Ware-Jackson, Jill Dyason, Michael Gaudet, Connie Bernard, David Tatman
Grants
Acceptance of the following grants:
a) Lowe's Toolbox for Education grant in the amount of $2,500.00 for the Glasgow Middle technology project.
b) Lowe's Toolbox for Education grant in the amount of $5,000.00 for the Parkview Elementary project: Expanding the Chromebook Initiative.
c) Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence (CSPV) at the University of Colorado Boulder LIFESKILLS Training Program grant in the amount of $82,700.00 for training and technical assistance as well as curriculum materials for various schools for a period of 3 school years.
Construction of Tara High School Facility Modifications
Authorization for staff to advertise, accept the low bids meeting specifications and make the award of a contract for construction of the Tara High School Facility Modifications or reject any and all bids for just cause in accordance with the Louisiana Public Bid Law, Louisiana Revised Statute, Title 38; Chapter 10. Funding Source: Phase 3 Tax Plan - Proposition 1.
Northeast High School Freezer Replacement
Authorization to receive quotes for the Northeast High School Freezer Replacement to be funded from the Child Nutrition Program.
Yea: Mark Bellue, Dadrius Lanus, Tramelle Howard, Dawn Collins, Evelyn Ware-Jackson, Jill Dyason, Michael Gaudet, Connie Bernard, David Tatman
Freezer/Cooler Additions
Approval to increase the current budget for the freezer/cooler addition at Ryan Elementary School, Westdale Middle School, and Forest Heights Academy of Excellence from the current project budget of $460,000.00 to the requested project budget of $560,000.00 to be funded by the Child Nutrition Program.
Litigation
Approval of the recommendation from Mr. Gwynn Shamlin, General Counsel, EBRPSB, in the matter of:
a) Kamika Williams and Kedric Lee, individually and on behalf of their minor daughter, (Name Redacted) vs. EBRPSB, Capitol Middle School, John and Jane Doe, on behalf of their minor child, (Name Redacted), ABC Insurance Company and XYZ Insurance Company, Suit No.: 619,471; Section 22; 19th JDC, Parish of EBR and to provide for related matters.
b) Dolie Jones v. Gwendolyn Belton, et al, Suit No.: 645217, Section 23, 19th JDC, Parish of EBR, State of Louisiana.
End of Consent Agenda Items
Redesign of Alternative Programs
Approval of the proposed redesign of alternative programs.
Motion by David Tatman, second by Connie Bernard.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Mark Bellue, Jill Dyason, Michael Gaudet, Connie Bernard, David Tatman
Nay: Dadrius Lanus, Tramelle Howard, Dawn Collins, Evelyn Ware-Jackson
Stand Alone Items
Construction of Howell Park Elementary School Facility Upgrades
Authorization for staff to advertise, accept the low bids meeting specifications, and make the award of a contract for construction of the Howell Park Elementary School Facility Upgrades, or reject any and all bids for just cause in accordance with the Louisiana Public Bid Law; Louisiana Revised Statutes, Title 38; Chapter 10. Funding Source: Phase 3 Tax Plan - Proposition 1.
Motion by David Tatman, second by Mark Bellue.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Mark Bellue, Dadrius Lanus, Tramelle Howard, Evelyn Ware-Jackson, Jill Dyason, Michael Gaudet, Connie Bernard, David Tatman
Nay: Dawn Collins
New Business
Resolution - Acquisition of Land
Adoption of a Resolution authorizing the Superintendent to identify and negotiate purchase agreements for the acquisition of land for the development of schools in the 2019 Tax Plan.
Motion by Connie Bernard, second by David Tatman.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Mark Bellue, Dadrius Lanus, Tramelle Howard, Dawn Collins, Evelyn Ware-Jackson, Jill Dyason, Michael Gaudet, Connie Bernard, David Tatman
Resolution - Sale of Property
Adoption of a Resolution authorizing the Superintendent to identify and negotiate purchase agreements for the sale of the Wyandotte School property.
Motion by Connie Bernard, second by David Tatman.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Mark Bellue, Dadrius Lanus, Tramelle Howard, Dawn Collins, Evelyn Ware-Jackson, Jill Dyason, Michael Gaudet, Connie Bernard, David Tatman
Appeal Hearing for Student Expulsion
President Gaudet asked the Lee High student, family, or representative to indicate whether they would like the hearing to be public or executive session. The student’s father indicated they would like the hearing to be public.
Discussion followed.
Motion to affirm the decision of the Superintendent to expel the Lee High student.
Motion by Mark Bellue, second by Michael Gaudet.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Yea: Mark Bellue, Dadrius Lanus, Tramelle Howard, Dawn Collins, Evelyn Ware-Jackson, Jill Dyason, Michael Gaudet, Connie Bernard
Recused: David Tatman
There being no further business, the Board adjourned by acclamation.
_________________________________
Warren Drake
Secretary/Treasurer to the Board