2023-08-17

East Baton Rouge Parish School Board

Regular Meeting Minutes

Thursday, August 17, 2023

A. Meeting Opening

1. Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

The Invocation was led by School Board Member Mark Bellue, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Cadet Major Jasmine Bates, Northeast High School, accompanied by Senior Army Instructor, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Shirley D. Sutton.

2. Call to Order and Roll Call

The meeting was called to order at 5:00 PM by School Board President Dadrius Lanus.

Members present were Mark Bellue, Dadrius Lanus, Powell-Lewis, Shashonnie Steward, Cliff Lewis, Nathan Rust, Michael Gaudet, Katie Kennison, and Patrick Martin.

Others present were Sito Narcisse, Superintendent; Gwynn Shamlin Jr., General Counsel; Caron Smith, Chief of Staff; Monique Scott-Spaulding, Chief Operations Officer; Arcelius Brickhouse Jr., Chief of Schools; Andrea O’Konski, Chief of Accountability and Assessments; Amy Jones, Chief Technology Officer; Shenoa Warren, Chief of Literacy, Stacey Dupre, Chief of Support and Special Projects; Nichola Hall, Chief of Human Resources; Kelly Lopez, Chief Financial Officer; James Crochet, Chief Business Operations Officer; and Randy Morales II, Chief of Plant Operations.

B. Minutes

1. Meeting Minutes

Approval of the following School Board minutes:

a) June 15, 2023, Regular Meeting

b) July 6, 2023, Special Meeting

c) July 6, 2023, Committee of the Whole

d) July 13, 2023, Special Meeting as published in the Official Journal.

Motion by Shashonnie Steward, second by Nathan Rust.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Bellue, Lanus, Steward, Lewis, Rust, Gaudet, Kennison, Martin

C. Information Only

1. Monthly Financial Report

2. Personnel Changes

3. Public Records Request Monthly Report

D. Receive As Information

1. Update from Superintendent

2. Dual Enrollment Report

President Lanus requested New Business H1-Stipends and H2-Temporary Hourly Rate: Before and Aftercare be taken out of order, with no objections from the Board.

1. Stipend

Consideration of a request for the approval of the following stipends:

a) a stipend in the amount of $5,000 payable in two payments of $2,500 on November 14, 2023, and May 16, 2024, and an additional stipend of $2,500 as a retention incentive paid on May 16, 2024, for bus operators, transportation aides, and mechanics.

b) a stipend in the amount of $3,000, payable in two payments of $1,500 on November 14, 2023, and May 16, 2024, for all school-based paraprofessionals. Strategic Alignment: Operational Excellence/Funding Source: General Fund

Motion by Patrick Martin, second by Carla Powell.

A friendly amendment was offered by Ms. Steward to approve of the following stipends:

a) a stipend in the amount of $7,000 payable in two payments of $3,500 on November 14, 2023, and May 16, 2024, and an additional stipend of $2,500 as a retention incentive paid on May 16, 2024, for bus operators, transportation aides, and mechanics.

b) a stipend in the amount of $3,000, payable in two payments of $1,500 on November 14, 2023, and May 16, 2024, for all school-based paraprofessionals.

The maker declined the friendly amendment.

Substitute motion to approve the following stipends:

Motion by Shashonnie Steward, second by Michael Gaudet

Ms. Kennison offered a friendly amendment in lieu of stipends, a permanent immediate raise of $30,000 for bus operators, transportation aides, and paraprofessionals, and a permanent $10,000 a year raise for mechanics.

The friendly amendment was accepted by the maker but not the second.

A friendly amendment was offered by Ms. Powell Lewis to increase the paraprofessionals from $3,000 to $5,000.

The friendly amendment was declined by the second as the maker was not present.

A friendly amendment by Mr. Marin to the substitute motion for approval of the following stipends:

a) a stipend in the amount of $7,000 payable in two payments of $3,500 on October 2023 and March 2024, and an additional stipend of $2,500 as a retention incentive paid on May 16, 2024, for bus operators, transportation aides, and mechanics.

b) a stipend in the amount of $3,000, payable in two payments of $1,500 on October 2023, and March 2024, for all school-based paraprofessionals. Strategic Alignment: Operational Excellence/Funding Source: General Fund

Discussion followed.

Motion to suspend the rules to extend the meeting past 9:30 p.m.

Motion by Patrick Martin, second by Katie Kennison.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Bellue, Lanus, Powell, Steward, Lewis, Rust, Gaudet, Kennison, Patrick Martin

A friendly amendment by Mr. Marin to the substitute motion for approval of the following stipends:

a) a stipend in the amount of $7,000 payable in two payments of $3,500 on October 2023 and March 2024, and an additional stipend of $2,500 as a retention incentive paid on March 2024, for bus operators, transportation aides, and mechanics.

Motion by Shashonnie Steward, second by Michael Gaudet

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Bellue, Lanus, Powell Lewis, Steward, Lewis, Rust, Gaudet, Martin

Nay: Kennison

2. Temporary Hourly Rate: Before and Aftercare

Approval of an hourly rate of $40 per hour for all teachers and $25 per hour for all paraprofessionals working extended day programs at all elementary schools, payable through the fall semester of the 2023-2024 fiscal year until the resolution of the transportation department issues ans such resolution to be determined by the Superintendent. Strategic Alignment: Operational Excellence/Funding Source: General Fund

Motion by Nathan Rust, second by Patrick Martin.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Bellue, Lanus, Powell Lewis, Lewis, Rust, Gaudet, Martin

Nay: Kennison

Not Present at Vote: Steward

President Lanus continued with New Business.

H. New Business

3. ITEP Application-International Mezzo Technologies

Accept the application from International Mezzo Technologies (20220014-ITE) for an Industrial Tax Exemption and related matters.

Motion by Patrick Martin, second by Michael Gaudet.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Bellue, Lanus, Lewis, Rust, Gaudet, Martin

Nay: Kennison

Abstain: Steward

Not Present at Vote: Powell-Lewis

4. Grant: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Approval of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's "Geaux Math! EBRPSS & LSU SREC: Differentiating Lessons with AI" grant in the amount of $100,000 to provide an AI educational platform to help differentiate instructional lesson plans and related matters. Strategic Alignment: Student Achievement

Motion by Nathan Rust, second by Mark Bellue.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Bellue, Lanus, Powell Lewis, Steward, Rust, Gaudet, Kennison

Not Present at Vote: Lewis, Martin

5. Litigation

Discussion of information related to the matter of Singleton, Kees, Nyman, and Finney versus East Baton Rouge Parish School Board Suit Number C-719057, Division 30, 19th Judicial District Court, and to provide for related matters.

Motion to defer the discussion of information related to the matter of Singleton, Kees, Nyman, and Finney versus East Baton Rouge Parish School Board Suit Number C-719057, Division 30, 19th Judicial District Court, and to provide for related matters to the September Committee of the Whole.

Motion by Nathan Rust, second by Shashonnie Steward.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Bellue, Lanus, Powell Lewis, Steward, Lewis, Rust, Gaudet, Kennison, Martin

G. Consent Agenda

1. Consent Vote

The following items are to be approved as part of the Consent Agenda, excluding numbers 3 and 12.

Motion by Cliff Lewis, second by Nathan Rust.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Bellue, Lanus, Powell-Lewis, Steward, Lewis, Rust, Gaudet

Abstain: Kennison

Not Present at Vote: Martin

2. Grant

Acceptance of the Deborah Rochelle Teacher Grant from the Kelly G. Cook Foundation for six teachers for a total of $25,170 to provide for classroom projects. Strategic Alignment: Student Achievement

4. Pupil Progression Plan

Approval of the 2023-2024 school year district Pupil Progression Plan. Strategic Alignment: Student Achievement

5. Extern Agreement

Approval of an amendment to the Extern Agreement between the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board and the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College not to exceed $220,000 to extend the agreement for one year to provide up to 9 externs. Strategic Alignment: Student Achievement/Funding Source: General Fund

6. Memorandums of Understanding (MOU): Dual Enrollments

Approval of Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) between the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board and the following:

a) Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) to provide dual enrollment courses for the 2023-2024 school year.

b) Louisiana State University (LSU) to provide dual enrollment courses for the 2023-2024 school year.

c) Louisiana State University at Alexandria (LSUA) to provide dual enrollment courses for the 2023-2024 school year.

d) Louisiana State University at Eunice (LSUE) to provide dual enrollment courses for the 2023-2024 school year.

e) Southern University to provide dual enrollment courses for the 2023-2024 school year. Strategic Alignment: Student Achievement/Funding Source: SCA

7. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): Future Scholars Program

Approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board and Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College to implement the LSU Future Scholars Program (LSUFS). Strategic Alignment: Student Achievement

8. Memorandum of Understanding (MOU): Community Based Behavioral Health Agencies

Approval of the following Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) between the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board and: a) Care One Health dba Peak Behavioral Health b) Focused Family Services, LLC c) Hope Community Services, Inc d) Louisiana Empowerment Services e) New Horizons Behavioral Health Center f) NIALife Center for Counseling, LLC g) Restore Outreach Center, LLC h) Seaside Health Care INC dba Cognitive Development Center to provide on-sight school base behavioral health services. Strategic Alignment: Student Achievement

9. Professional Services Contract: Board of Supervisors of LSU and Agricultural and Mechanical College

Approval of a professional services contract between the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board and the Board of Supervisors of LSU and Agricultural and Mechanical College on behalf of Louisiana State University Health Science Center in the amount of $70,750 to provide professional learning and specialized support for autism services. Strategic Alignment: Student Achievement/Funding Source: IDEA 611

10. Professional Services Contract: Illuminate

Approval of a professional services contract between the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board and Illuminate (also known as Renaissance Learning) in the amount of $204,646 to implement eduClimber data platform services. Strategic Alignment: Student Achievement/Funding Source: ESSER III, Action 2

11. Professional Services Contract: Amira Learning, Inc.

Approval of a professional services contract between the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board and Amira Learning, Inc. in the amount of $141,000 to provide ESL instructional support. Strategic Alignment: Student Achievement/Funding Source: ESSER III Incentive

13. Professional Services Contract: LetServe, LLC

Approval of a professional services contract between the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board and LetServe in the amount of $95,000 to facilitate and monitor student community service. Strategic Alignment: Student Achievement/Funding Source: ESSER III, Incentive

14. Professional Services Contract: Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana (APEL)

Approval of a professional services contract between the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board and Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana (APEL) in the amount of $67,158 to provide professional development for content leaders. Strategic Alignment: Student Achievement & Employee Development/Funding Source: Redesign

15. Professional Services Contract: City Year, Inc.

Approval of a professional services contract between the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board and City Year, Inc. in the amount of $480,000 to provide instructional support. Strategic Alignment: Student Achievement/Funding Source: Title I

16. CMAR Selection: Baton Rouge Center for Visual and Performing Arts (BRCVPA) Project

Approval of the recommendation of the CMAR selection committee of Ratcliff-VPG to provide construction management at risk (CMAR) services for the BRCVPA project. Strategic Alignment: Exemplary Customer Service/Funding Source: Tax Plan

17. Westdale Middle School Property/Servitude Appraisal

Authorize the Superintendent to purchase an appraisal of one acre of land on the southwest portion of the Westdale Middle School property.

18. McKinley Middle Right of Way Sale

Accept the appraisal of parcels 8-3 and 11-1-D-1 identified as "Appraisal Report - Form C -State Project Number H.004100" and to authorize the Board President and General Counsel to execute all documents related to a final sale of the identified parcels.

19. Mileage Rate Increase

Approval to increase the travel mileage rate for employees, not including Board members, from the current rate of 50 cents per mile to the current federal rate of 65 cents per mile.

20. Litigation

Approval of the recommendation from Gwynn Shamlin, General Counsel, EBRPSB, in the matter of: Randolph v. East Baton Rouge Parish School, et al. Middle District of Louisiana, Docket No. 15-654: U.S. Fifth Circuit Docket No. 23-30222.

End of the Consent Agenda Items

3. 2023-2024 Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook & Discipline Policy

Motion to approve of the Student Rights & Responsibilities Handbook and Discipline Policy option 2 for the 2023-2024 school year for the East Baton Rouge Parish School System with noted changes. Strategic Alignment: Operational Excellence

Motion by Michael Gaudet, second by Shashonnie Steward.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Bellue, Lanus, Powell-Lewis, Steward, Lewis, Rust, Gaudet, Kennison

Not Present at Vote: Martin

12. Professional Services Contracts: Fine Arts

Approval of the following Professional Services Contracts between the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board and:

a) Arts Council of Greater Baton Rouge in the amount of $130,000 to provide Arts Integration and Education and Residencies/Performances for schools.

b) Douglas Manship, Sr. Theater Complex Holding, Inc. (Manship Theater) in the amount of $91,594 to provide four touring productions for select schools.

c) Kids' Orchestra in the amount of $250,000 to provide after school enrichment and orchestral instruction program for K-8 students. Strategic Alignment: Student Achievement/Funding Source: General Fund

Motion by Shashonnie Steward, second by Powell-Lewis.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

Yea: Bellue, Lanus, Powell-Lewis, Steward, Lewis, Rust, Gaudet, Kennison

Not Present at Vote: Martin

I. Presentations

DM Group and EBR Virtual School Presentations were pulled.

J. Organizational Items

1. Announcement of Meetings

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

_______________________________

Sito J. Narcisse, Ed.D.

Secretary/Treasurer to the Board