8,156
Port Allen, Louisiana
September 16, 2020
A regular meeting of the West Baton Rouge Parish School Board was held this date with the following membership:
Present: Jason Manola, President, Dr. Atley D. Walker, Sr., Vice President, Craig Sarradet, Ronald P. LeBlanc, Chareeka Grace, G. Alden Chustz, Jr., Michael Maranto, Teri Bergeron
Absent: Toby Sarradet, Leon Goudeau
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Maranto.
The next item was approval of the School Board minutes of the special board meeting held on August 11, 2020, the regular board meeting held on August 19, 2020 and the minutes of the EFID meeting held on August 19, 2020.
Whereupon, the following resolution was offered by Dr. Walker and seconded by Mr. Maranto:
Be It Resolved, That the minutes of the special board meeting held on August 11, 2020, the regular board meeting held on August 19, 2020, and the minutes of the EFID Annual meeting held on August 21, 2020 be approved as presented.
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Mr. Craig Sarradet, Dr. Walker, Mr. LeBlanc, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mr. Maranto, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Toby Sarradet, Mr. Goudeau
The next item was Educational Presentations: Mr. Watts announced to the board that Ms. Crystal Leon has the Head Start Director’s Report for the board’s review.
The next item was the Superintendent’s Report: Mr. Watts shared with the board that all schools in West Baton Rouge parish either adopted a school in need in Southwest Louisiana or a local religious community in Southwest Louisiana, which were devastated by Hurricane Laura. All schools made financial and/or supply donations to their adopted places. There will be a ribbon cutting on September 29th for the New Brusly High School, and Mr. Watts hopes all board members can attend. All 7th through 12th grade students, not enrolled in the Virtual Academy, will be back on the campuses of Caneview, Port Allen Middle, and Port Allen High School on September 21st, 5 days a week. All 7th through 12th grade students, not enrolled in the Virtual Academy, will be back on the campuses of Brusly Middle and Brusly High School on September 28th, 5 days a week. By September 28th, all students will be attending full time on all campuses of West Baton Rouge Parish that are not enrolled in the Virtual Academy. Mr. Watts explained to the board that there have been some entertaining stories about the Virtual Academy, especially with the younger students. There has been constant discussion of how to make the academy better for all students, but things are still a work in process. DS Bus has hired new bus drivers to fill their shortage they were experiencing at the beginning of the school year.
The next item was the Presentation by Rep. Jeremy LaCombe, on this year’s Legislative Session: Mr. Manola introduced Rep. LaCombe to the board, and Mr. LaCombe started his presentation. The Legislative Session started on March 9th with around 1400 bills filed before the session started. The session was then suspended on March 13th, due to Covid-19, and did not start back up again until the beginning of May. Mr. LaCombe spoke of bills that were passed to help give immunity to school systems over Covid-19 issues, and other bills that were passed to create more funding to all K-12 public schools of the State of Louisiana. Mr. LaCombe stated that the MFP formula from 2019-2020 is the current formula in effect for 2020-2021, due to the Legislature not approving BESE’s MFP formula for 2020-2021. Current state law states that if the Legislature does not approve the current approved BESE MFP formula, then the prior year’s formula is used to calculate the MFP the following year. Mr. LaCombe believes that there will be significant budget issues in the next few years, due to the economic decline in the State of Louisiana, from Covid-19.
The next item was presentation of the following items on the Consent Agenda:
8. Consideration of request to approve a 2 month, reduced rate extension to the contract with Kern Consulting, LLC, Program Manager of the WBR Building Program. (Finance Committee Report 9/8/20)
9. Consideration of request for approval of Title IX Sexual Harassment Grievance Procedures for the West Baton Rouge Parish School Board. (Finance Committee Report 9/8/20)
10. Consideration of request for approval of the Human Resources Support Specialist Job Description and Salary Schedule being moved to a full time position. (Finance Committee Report 9/8/20)
11. Consideration of request for approval to adopt the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire for 2019-20 Audit (for audit engagements of Government Agencies). (Finance Committee Report 9/8/20)
12. Consideration of request for approval of the monthly expenditures and financial reports for July 2020. (Finance Committee Report 9/8/20)
The Chairman declared the floor open for public comment.
Whereupon, Ms. Grace requested to pull Consent Agenda Item #10 for further discussion.
Whereupon, the following resolution was offered by Mr. Maranto and seconded by Ms. Bergeron:
Be It Resolved, That the board approve and adopt Consent Agenda Items #8, #9, #11 and #12 and pull Consent Agenda Item #10 for further discussion as requested by Ms. Grace.
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Mr. Craig Sarradet, Dr. Walker, Mr. LeBlanc, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mr. Maranto, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Toby Sarradet, Mr. Goudeau
Consent Agenda Item #10: Consideration of request for approval of the Human Resources Support Specialist Job Description and Salary Schedule.
Ms. Grace asked if this was a new position. Mr. Watts explained that it was not a new position, it is a current contract position that was established and in place for many years. The job title is being changed from a contracted position to a full-time position with a salary schedule for said position, by recommendation of School Board Counsel, Hammonds, Sills, Adkins & Guice, due to IRS laws.
Whereupon, the following resolution was offered by Mr. LeBlanc and seconded by Dr. Walker:
Be It Resolved, That the board does hereby approve and adopt Consent Agenda Item #10 relative to the approval of the Human Resources Support Specialist Job Description and Salary Schedule:
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Mr. Craig Sarradet, Dr. Walker, Mr. LeBlanc, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mr. Maranto, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Toby Sarradet, Mr. Goudeau
The next item was End of Consent Agenda Item #13: Consideration of the quotes for the Board’s insurance renewal coverage for Property & Boiler & Machinery Insurance for the period 10/01/20-10/01/21 presented by Andre’ Comeaux, CPCU, Senior Vice-President of McGriff Insurance Services/Jared Gibbs.
Mr. Andre’ Comeaux presented the following premium summary quotes:
Property $518,238.95
Boiler & Machinery 13,431.00
TOTAL: Premiums $531,669.95
Mr. Comeaux stated the large increase in property insurance is due to the major increases is values in all WBR School Board Properties, and the additions of the New Brusly High School and Caneview K-8 School. Major financial markets are also playing into increases in property insurance rates as well.
The Chairman declared the floor open for public comment.
Whereupon, the following resolution was offered by Mr. Chustz and seconded by Mr. Craig Sarradet:
Be It Resolved, That the Board accept and approve the quotes in the amount of $531,669.95 for Property & Boiler & Machinery Insurance for the period beginning 10/01/20-10/01/21 as presented this date by Mr. Andre’ Comeaux, Agent/McGriff Insurance Services.
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Mr. Craig Sarradet, Dr. Walker, Mr. LeBlanc, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mr. Maranto, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Toby Sarradet, Mr. Goudeau
The next item was End of Consent Agenda Item #14: Consideration of request to adopt a resolution for participation in the PBIS (Positive Behavioral Intervention and Supports) Grant for the 2020-2021 school year, presented by Mr. Jared Gibbs.
Mr. Gibbs explained that this is the first year that the PBIS Program has required this, and is requesting that the board approve the resolution.
The Chairman declared the floor open for public comment.
Whereupon, the following resolution was offered by Mr. LeBlanc and seconded by Mrs. Bergeron:
Be It Resolved, That the board does adopt a resolution to participate in the PBIS Grant for the 2020-2021 school year.
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Mr. Craig Sarradet, Dr. Walker, Mr. LeBlanc, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mr. Maranto, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Toby Sarradet, Mr. Goudeau
The next items were End of Consent Agenda Item #15 & End of Consent Agenda Item #16:
#15: Report and approval of the Public Hearing on the Consolidated Budget for 2020-21 held at 4:55 P.M. on September 16, 2020, Jared Gibbs, Supervisor of Business Services. Whereupon, Mr. Gibbs reported that the Public Hearing was opened at 4:55 P.M. and there being no public comments relative to the budget, the Public Hearing was adjourned at 4:59 P.M.
#16: Consideration of approval of a resolution adopting, finalizing, and implementing the Consolidated Budget for 2020-21 of the West Baton Rouge Parish School Board for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2021/Jared Gibbs.
The Chairman declared the floor open for public comment.
A resolution approving the Public Hearing on the Consolidated Budget for 2020-21 held on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 4:55 P.M. and a resolution adopting, finalizing and implementing the General Fund and the Special Revenue Fund Budgets of the West Baton Rouge Parish School Board for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2021:
Whereupon, the following resolution was offered by Mr. LeBlanc and seconded by Ms. Bergeron:
Be It Resolved, That Jared Gibbs, Supervisor of Business Services, reported that a notice advertising the Public Hearing on the Consolidated Budget for 2020-21 had been posted and the Public Hearing had been conducted at 4:55 P.M. on September 16, 2020, at the WBR Parish School Board Office. Mr. Gibbs reported that there being no public comment, the meeting was adjourned at 4:59 P.M.
Board members present were Jason Manola, President, Dr. Atley D. Walker, Sr., Vice-President, Craig Sarradet, Mr. LeBlanc, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mr. Maranto, Mrs. Bergeron.
Also present for the Public Hearing: Wesley Watts, Secretary-Treasurer, Jared Gibbs, Supervisor of Business Services.
The Chairman declared the floor open for public comment.
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Mr. Craig Sarradet, Dr. Walker, Mr. LeBlanc, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mr. Maranto, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Toby Sarradet, Mr. Goudeau
#16: Consideration of approval of a resolution adopting, finalizing, and implementing the Consolidated Budget for 2020-21 of the West Baton Rouge Parish School Board for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2021/Jared Gibbs
The Chairman declared the floor open for public comment.
Whereupon, the following resolution was offered by Mr. LeBlanc and seconded by Ms. Bergeron
Be It Resolved, That the West Baton Rouge Parish School Board in regular session convened that:
SECTION 1: The attached detailed estimate of Revenues for the fiscal year beginning
July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2021, be and the same is hereby adopted
to serve as an Operating Budget of Revenues for the West Baton Rouge
Parish School Board during the same period.
SECTION 2: The attached estimate of Expenditures by Department for the fiscal year
beginning July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2021, be and the same is
hereby adopted to serve as a Budget of Expenditures for the West Baton
Rouge Parish School Board during the same period.
SECTION 3: The adoption of this Operating Budget of Expenditures be and the same
is hereby declared to operate as an appropriation of the amount therein
set forth within the terms of the budget classification.
SECTION 4: Amounts are available for expenditures only to the extent included within
the 2020-21 budget.
SECTION 5: Budgetary amendments require the approval of the West Baton Rouge
Parish School Board.
Whereas, Wesley Watts, in his capacity as Chief Administrative Officer of the West Baton Rouge Parish School Board prepared, with the assistance of Jared Gibbs, Supervisor of Business Services, a proposed General Fund and Special Revenue Fund Budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2021, which was accompanied by a budget adoption resolution; and
Whereas, the proposed General Fund and Special Revenue Fund Budgets and the accompanying budget adoption resolution have been submitted to this School Board for review and consideration; and
Whereas, Wesley Watts, Secretary-Treasurer, reported that the Public Hearing has been reviewed and considered; now
Therefore Be It Resolved by the School Board that the proposed General Fund and Special Revenue Fund Budgets are hereby approved and adopted with no changes.
Be It Further Resolved, That the Secretary-Treasurer of the School Board, Wesley Watts, or his successor, is hereby authorized and in his sole discretion, to make such changes within the various budget classifications as he may deem necessary provided that any reallocation of funds affecting in excess of five percent (5%) of the projected revenue collections must be approved in advance by action of the School Board at a meeting duly noticed and convened.
Be It Further Resolved, That the Superintendent of the School Board, Wesley Watts, or his successor, in his capacity as Chief Administrative Officer of the School Board, is hereby directed to advise the School Board in writing when:
1. Total revenues collected and other sources plus projected revenues and other sources for the remainder of the year, within a fund are failing to meet total budgeted revenues and other sources by five percent (5%) or more.
2. Total expenditures and other uses plus projected expenditures and other uses for the remainder of the year, within a fund are failing to meet total budgeted expenditures and other uses by five percent (5%) or more.
3. The actual beginning fund balance, within a fund, fails to meet the estimated beginning fund balance by five percent (5%) or more, and the fund balance is being used to fund current year expenditures.
Be It Further Resolved, That the Secretary-Treasurer of the School Board, Wesley Watts, or his successor, shall certify completion of all actions required by Louisiana R.S.39:1306 by publishing a notice of the minutes of the meeting in the West Side Journal.
Passed and adopted at Port Allen, Louisiana, on this 16th day of September, 2020, by the following vote:
Aye: Mr. Craig Sarradet, Dr. Walker, Mr. LeBlanc, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mr. Maranto, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Toby Sarradet, Mr. Goudeau
Wesley S. Watts Jason P. Manola
Wesley Watts Jason Manola
Secretary Treasurer President
The next item was organizational items: Announcement of the committee meeting on October 13, 2020 and the regular board meeting on October 21, 2020.
The next item was #18: Any other business unanimously approved by the board for consideration.
Mr. Gibbs gave Mr. Manola an item before the meeting to consider a request from Mr. Tim Crockett, WBR Fire Chief, to send mailers to all WBR students about Fire Prevention Week.
Mr. Manola asked for a motion and a roll call vote to add the item to the agenda, and that it had to be unanimous.
A motion was made by Mr. Maranto and seconded by Mr. Chustz to add the item to the agenda.
The above motion was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Mr. Craig Sarradet, Dr. Walker, Mr. LeBlanc, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mr. Maranto, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Toby Sarradet, Mr. Goudeau
Next, a motion was made by Ms. Bergeron and seconded by Mr. Craig Sarradet to approve the request by Mr. Tim Crockett, WBR Fire Chief, to send mailers to all WBR students for Fire Prevention Week.
The above motion was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Mr. Craig Sarradet, Dr. Walker, Mr. LeBlanc, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mr. Maranto, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Toby Sarradet, Mr. Goudeau
There being no further business to come before the board, the following resolution was offered by Dr. Walker and seconded by Mr. LeBlanc:
Be It Resolved, That the meeting be adjourned.
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Mr. Craig Sarradet, Dr. Walker, Mr. LeBlanc, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mr. Maranto, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Toby Sarradet, Mr. Goudeau
Wesley S. Watts Jason P. Manola
Wesley Watts Jason Manola
Secretary-Treasurer President