East Baton Rouge Parish School System

Regular Meeting

Thursday, June 20, 2019

 

 

Meeting Opening

Call to Order

Meeting called to order at 5:00 PM by School Board President Michael Gaudet.

 

Invocation by School Board Member Dawn Collins, and Pledge of Allegiance led by School Board Member Mark Bellue.

 

Roll Call

Members present:

Mark Bellue, Dadrius Lanus, Tramelle Howard, Dawn Collins, Evelyn Ware-Jackson, Jill Dyason, Michael Gaudet, Connie Bernard, David Tatman.

 

Others present were: Mr. Warren Drake, Superintendent; Mr. Gwynn Shamlin Jr., General Counsel; Mr. Adam Smith, 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

A request for further review of the May 9th and 13th Special Board Meeting minutes and defer approval to the July 18th Regular Meeting.

 

Approval of the School Board minutes of the May 2, 2019, Special Board meeting; May 2, 2019, and June 6, 2019, Committee of the Whole meetings; and the May 16, 2019, Regular Board meeting as published in the Official Journal.

 

Motion by Connie Bernard, second by Dawn Collins.

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

 

Point of Information

Announcement of the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board members who have successfully completed annual training for 2018 mandated by Louisiana Revised Statutes, Title 17, Section 53 and the total credit hours received: Mark Bellue (17.25 hours), Connie Bernard (35.5 hours), Dawn Collins (34.5 hours), Jill Dyason (25 hours), Mike Gaudet (25.5 hours), David Tatman (29 hours), and Evelyn Ware-Jackson (33 hours). Former School Board members: Vereta Lee (43.5 hours), Dr. Kenyetta Nelson-Smith (26.25 hours).

 

Personnel Changes

 

Monthly Financial Report

 

Public Hearing/Workshop

 

Public Hearing/Workshop

Discussion of the Proposed 2019-2020 General Fund Budget, the Budget Resolution, and the 2019-2020 Salary Schedules.

 

2019-2020 General Fund Budget and Related Matters

Bifurcate and consider the 2019-2020 General Fund Budget and 2019-2020 Salary Schedules as two separate items.

 

Motion by Connie Bernard, second by David Tatman.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Mark Bellue, Dadrius Lanus, Tramelle Howard, Evelyn Ware-Jackson, Jill Dyason, Michael Gaudet, Connie Bernard, David Tatman

Not Present at Vote: Dawn Collins

 

Adoption of the proposed 2019-2020 Salary Schedules.

 

Motion by Connie Bernard, second by Jill Dyason.

Motion Carries

Yea: Mark Bellue, Dadrius Lanus, Tramelle Howard, Dawn Collins, Evelyn Ware-Jackson, Jill Dyason, Michael Gaudet, Connie Bernard, David Tatman

 

Motion to move the adoption of the proposed 2019-2020 General Fund Budget, to the July 18, 2019 Regular Meeting.

 

Motion by Connie Bernard, second by Mark Bellue.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Mark Bellue, Dadrius Lanus, Tramelle Howard, Dawn Collins, Evelyn Ware-Jackson, Jill Dyason, Michael Gaudet, David Tatman

Not Present at Vote: Connie Bernard

 

Unfinished Business

 

Cooperative Agreement: Capitol Area Human Services

Approval of a Cooperative Agreement between the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board and Capital Area Human Services District Baton Rouge Mental Health Center/Children's Behavioral Health Services.

 

Motion by David Tatman, second by Dadrius Lanus.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Mark Bellue, Dadrius Lanus, Tramelle Howard, Evelyn Ware-Jackson, Michael Gaudet, David Tatman

Recuse: Dawn Collins, Jill Dyason

Not Present at Vote: Connie Bernard

 

East Baton Rouge Healthcare Plans and Ancillary Benefit Plans

a)   Approval/authorization of the following:

b)   Proposed 2020 Healthcare Rates and Plan design changes for active employees, non-Medicare and Medicare eligible retirees participating in the BlueCross BlueShield of Louisiana administered district program and a 3rd medical option with the Community Blue Narrow Network.

c)   Contract renewal with Unum for dental and vision and the proposed 2020 rates.

d)   Authorize the Superintendent and staff to negotiate and execute the contract renewal with WageWorks for flexible spending/Cobra administration.

e)   Contract renewal with Ochsner Health System for the 2019 benefits fair biometric screenings.

f)    Contract renewal with Lincoln for life and disability insurance.

g)   Authorize the Superintendent to negotiate and execute the 2020 contract for stop loss insurance coverage.

h)   Implement Express Scripts Rare Conditions Care Value safeguard program to proactively monitor certain future high costs specialty drugs at no additional cost.

i)     Contract approval of Express Scripts pharmacy audit to be conducted by Mercer and reimbursed by Express Scripts.

j)     Authorize the Superintendent to negotiate and execute an amendment to the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana Administrative Services Agreement to provide for the administration of the 3rd medical plan option.

k)   Propose a one month employee, retiree, and employer health insurance premium holiday to be provided in December 2019 contingent upon the availability of funds in the Health Insurance Fund.

 

Motion by David Tatman, second by Mark Bellue.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Mark Bellue, Dawn Collins, Michael Gaudet, Connie Bernard, David Tatman

Nay: Dadrius Lanus, Tramelle Howard

Recuse: Jill Dyason

Not Present at Vote: Evelyn Ware-Jackson

 

Closure of North Banks Middle

Approval to close North Banks Middle School as part of the 2019 Tax Plan addressing facilities and to provide for related matters.

 

Motion by David Tatman, second by Mark Bellue.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Mark Bellue, Dawn Collins, Michael Gaudet, Connie Bernard, David Tatman

Nay: Dadrius Lanus, Tramelle Howard, Evelyn Ware-Jackson, Jill Dyason

 

Consent Agenda

 

Consent Vote

The following items to be approved as part of the Consent Agenda, excluding items #9, #11, and #15.

 

Motion by Jill Dyason, second by Mark Bellue.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Mark Bellue, Dadrius Lanus, Tramelle Howard, Dawn Collins, Evelyn Ware-Jackson, Jill Dyason, Michael Gaudet, Connie Bernard, David Tatman

 

Grant (Music In Our Schools)

Acceptance of the Music in Our Schools Grant in the amount of $2,500.00.

 

Advertising in Official Journal FY 2019-2020

Approval to select The Advocate as the Official Journal (newspaper advertising) of the East Baton Rouge Parish School System for FY 2019-2020.

 

Advertising of Bids for FY 2019-2020

Authorize staff to advertise, receive, and award bids for materials, equipment, supplies, and services, through June 30, 2020, to the lowest responsible bidder/proposer meeting specifications and all state and federal requirements for quotes and formal invitations to bid.

 

Community Partner Agreement

Approval of the "Painted Playground" Community Partner Agreement between the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board and the Junior League of Baton Rouge for $24,250.00 for elementary school beautification.

 

LA4 Charter and Childcare Sites Grant MOU

Approval of the 2019-2020 LA4 Grant for Charter and Childcare Sites Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board ("Lead Agency") and the following:

a) South Baton Rouge Charter Academy "Center Partner" not to exceed a maximum of $91,600.00.

b) Impact Charter School "Center Partner" not to exceed a maximum of $91,600.00.

c) Juz Us Childcare Development Center "Center Partner" not to exceed a maximum of $68,700.00.

d) Raising Angels Learning Center "Center Partner" not to exceed a maximum of $91,600.00.

e) God's Lil Angels Childcare "Center Partner" not to exceed a maximum of $68,700.00.

 

Dual Enrollment (MOU)-Southern University

Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board and Southern University to provide dual enrollment courses.

 

Professional Services Contracts

Approval of the following professional services contracts between the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board and the following:

a)   Louisiana Resource Center for Educators in the amount of $31,185.00 for a one year district library membership for all schools in EBRPSS. (Funding Source: General Fund)

b)   Pearson in the amount of $125,000.00 for SuccessMaker professional development and support. (Funding Source: Federal Funds-Title I)

c)   PowerSchool in the amount of $15,450.00 for Pre-K Coordinated Enrollment Lottery. (Funding Source: Federal Funds)

d)   Teaching Lab in the amount of $39,700.00 for professional development training for teachers, principals and district personnel. (Funding Source: Federal Funds)

e)   Teaching Lab in the amount of $16,250.00 for professional development training for teachers, principals and district personnel (CIR Schools). (Funding Source: Federal Funds)

f)    The Achievement Network, Ltd. in the amount of $184,700.00 to provide online platform access, system level support and professional learning, school-based training and coaching, and network events for nine (9) CIR schools. (Funding Source: School Redesign Grant)

g)   Nearpod, Inc. in the amount of $125,000.00 for district licenses for teacher lessons and trainings. (Funding Source: Title IV)

 

Professional Services Contract: Program Management Services

Approval of a professional services contract between the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board and CSRS/Tillage for program management services in the amount of $6,297,791.45, over a 5 year period.

 

Oversight Committee Financial Update

Approval of the Actual December 2018 Semi-Annual Financial Tax Plan Update and approval of the Revised 2018-2019 Tax Plan Budgets for Propositions 1, 2, and 3.

 

2019-2020 Property and Casualty Insurance Program Policies

Authorize the administration to approve the most cost effective Property and Casualty Insurance Program Policy Renewal package for the East Baton Rouge Parish School System for the 2019-2020 fiscal year and to provide for related matters.

 

Resolution: Reject Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Approval of the attached Resolution authorizing the Board President and Superintendent to execute and sign all documents to reject Uninsured Motorist Coverage in connection with the East Baton Rouge Parish School System's automobile liability coverage and its Self-Insured Retention Program for the 2019-2020 fiscal year.

 

Litigation

Approval of the recommendation from Mr. Gwynn Shamlin, General Counsel, EBRPSB, in the following matters:

a)   Walter Major and Paulette Major Individually and on behalf of Their Minor (Name Redacted) vs. Berkley Insurance Company, EBRPSB, City of Baton Rouge and Traci Vessel, Suit No: 637936; Division: D; 19th JDC; Parish of East Baton Rouge.

b)   Shelita Doyle and Loleita Ordon vs. The EBRPSB, Berkley Insurance Company, and Jerris Cade, Suit No: 644263; Section: 27; 19th JDC; Parish of East Baton Rouge.

 

End of the Consent Agenda

 

Professional Services Contract: Health Care In Schools

Approval of the professional services contract between the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board and Health Care Centers in Schools for $1,739,695.00 for student health services.

 

Motion by David Tatman, second by Connie Bernard.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Mark Bellue, Dadrius Lanus, Dawn Collins, Evelyn Ware-Jackson, Michael Gaudet, Connie Bernard, David Tatman

Recuse: Jill Dyason

Not Present at Vote: Tramelle Howard

 

Pupil Progression Plan

Approval of the district's Pupil Progression Plan for the 2019-2020 school year.

 

Motion by David Tatman, second by Dawn Collins.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Mark Bellue, Dadrius Lanus, Tramelle Howard, Dawn Collins, Evelyn Ware-Jackson, Jill Dyason, Michael Gaudet, Connie Bernard, David Tatman

 

2019-2020 Proposed Special Revenue Fund Budgets

Motion to move the request for the approval of the following Special Revenue Fund Budgets to the July 18, 2019 Regular Meeting:

a) Proposed 2019-2020 Adult and Continuing Education – Local

b) Proposed 2019-2020 Adult and Continuing Education – Federal

c) Proposed 2019-2020 Adult and Continuing Education – Leadership

d) Proposed 2019-2020 Adult and Continuing Education – State

e) Proposed 2019-2020 Adult and Continuing Education - Parish Prison

f) Revised 2018-2019 and Proposed 2019-2020 - All Parish Music

g) Proposed 2019-2020 Baton Rouge High Radio Training Program (RTP)

h) Proposed 2019-2020 Career & Technical Education Program (Education/Basic Grants for States)

i) Proposed 2019-2020 Child Nutrition Program

j) Revised 2018-2019 and Proposed 2019-2020 - Decathlon and Fitness Meet

k) Revised 2018-2019 and Proposed 2019-2020 - EBR Kick Off Classic

l) Proposed 2019-2020 Education Excellence Funds (EEF)

m) Proposed 2019-2020 ESSA Redesign Grant Round 2 - 1003A 8300

n) Proposed 2019-2020 ESSA Redesign Grant Round 2 – IDEA

o) Proposed 2019-2020 ESSA Redesign Grant Round 2 - State Personnel Development Grant (SPDG)

p) Proposed 2019-2020 ESSA Redesign Grant Round 2 - Striving Readers Comprehensive (SRCL)

q) Revised 2018-2019 and Proposed 2019-2020 - High School Summer School

r) Proposed 2019-2020 ICARE Budget - Alcohol/Drug Abuse Prevention Program (ADAPP)

s) Proposed 2019-2020 IDEA

t) Proposed 2019-2020 IDEA Preschools 619

u) Proposed 2019-2020 Jobs for America's Graduates (JAG)

v) Revised 2018-2019 and Proposed 2019-2020 JRAA Athletics

w) Proposed 2019-2020 Magnet School Assistance (Project Explore)

x) Revised 2018-2019 and Proposed 2019-2020 Middle School Summer School

y) Revised 2018-2019 and Proposed 2019-2020 Music Instrument User Fees

z) Proposed 2019-2020 Proposition 2 - Tax Plan

aa) Proposed 2019-2020 Proposition 3 - Tax Plan

bb) Proposed 2019-2020 Pre-K - Cecil J. Picard LA4/TANF

cc) Proposed 2019-2020 Pre-K - Cecil J. Picard (State)

dd) Proposed 2019-2020 Pre-K - Early Childhood Community Network Lead Agency (Federal)

ee) Proposed 2019-2020 Pre-K - Early Childhood Community Network Lead Agency (IDEA)

ff) Proposed 2019-2020 Pre-K - Early Childhood Community Network Lead Agency (State)

gg) Proposed 2019-2020 Pre-K - Early Childhood Program 8g

hh) Proposed 2019-2020 Pre-K - Pre-K Tuition (Local)

ii) Proposed 2019-2020 Every Student Succeeds Act - Title 1 - Improving Basic Programs

jj) Proposed 2019-2020 Every Student Succeeds Act - Title II, Part A

kk) Proposed 2019-2020 Every Student Succeeds Act - Title III, Part A

ll) Proposed 2019-2020 Every Student Succeeds Act - Title III – Immigrant

mm) Proposed 2019-2020 Every Student Succeeds Act - Title IV, Part A

nn) Proposed 2019-2020 Every Student Succeeds Act - Title IX – Homeless

oo) Proposed 2019-2020 School Activity Funds

 

Motion by Dawn Collins, second by Tramelle Howard.

 

Discussion followed.

 

A substitute motion was offered to consider the request for the approval of the Special Revenue Fund Budgets.

 

Motion by Connie Bernard, second by Mark Bellue

 

Discussion followed. The substitute motion was withdrawn by the originator.

Original Motion

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Mark Bellue, Dadrius Lanus, Tramelle Howard, Dawn Collins, Evelyn Ware-Jackson, Jill Dyason, Michael Gaudet, Connie Bernard, David Tatman

 

New Business

 

ITEP Application-Super Insulation

Approval of Industrial Tax Exemption application for Super Insulation L.L.C. (application # 20170072-ITE)

 

Motion by David Tatman, second by Dadrius Lanus.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Mark Bellue, Dadrius Lanus, Tramelle Howard, Dawn Collins, Jill Dyason, Michael Gaudet, Connie Bernard, David Tatman

Abstain: Evelyn Ware-Jackson

 

Budget: 2019-2020 Hurricane Homeless

Approval of the proposed 2019-2020 Hurricane Homeless budget.

 

Motion by Mark Bellue, 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

 

Resolution-Property and Appraisals 2019 (McKinley High, University Terrace, & Banks)

Adopt a Resolution authorizing the Superintendent to engage services related to appraisal, purchase, and survey in relation to the acquisition and/or sale of land related to McKinley High School, University Terrace Elementary School, and Banks Elementary School and related matters.

 

Motion by Mark Bellue, second by Evelyn Ware-Jackson.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Mark Bellue, Dadrius Lanus, Tramelle Howard, Dawn Collins, Evelyn Ware-Jackson, Jill Dyason, Michael Gaudet, Connie Bernard, David Tatman

 

Appraisals

Adopt a Resolution authorizing the Superintendent to engage services related to the appraisal of land and related matters.

 

Motion by Mark Bellue, second by Connie Bernard.

Final Resolution: Motion Fails

Yea: Mark Bellue, Michael Gaudet, Connie Bernard, David Tatman

Nay: Dadrius Lanus, Tramelle Howard, Dawn Collins, Evelyn Ware-Jackson, Jill Dyason

 

There being no further business, the Board adjourned by acclamation.

 

___________________________                      

Warren Drake, Jr.,

Secretary/Treasurer to the Board