8,233
Port Allen, Louisiana
September 22, 2021
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, Vice President, Leon Goudeau, Ronald LeBlanc, Sr., Chareeka Grace (arrived at 5:09 p.m.), G. Alden Chustz Jr., Teri Bergeron
Absent:
Craig Sarradet, Toby Sarradet, Michael Maranto
Dr. Walker gave the Invocation.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Manola
The next item was approval of the Regular School Board meeting minutes held on August 18, 2021 and the minutes of EFID Annual Meeting held on the same day.
Whereupon, the following resolution was offered by Dr. Walker and seconded by Mr. Chustz:
Be it Resolved, That the approval of the minutes of the regular board meeting and EFID meeting, held on August 18, 2021 be approved as presented.
Aye: Dr. Walker, Mr. Goudeau, Mr. LeBlanc, Mr. Chustz, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Craig Sarradet, Mr. Toby Sarradet, Mr. Maranto, Mrs. Grace
The next item was Education Presentations: Mr. Watts presented the Head Start Director’s Monthly Reports, as prepared by Ms. Crystal Leon, which is included in the Board’s individual packets.
Whereupon the following resolution was offered by Mr. LeBlanc and seconded by Mrs. Bergeron:
Be it Resolved that the Board approve the Head Start Monthly Report.
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Dr. Walker, Mr. Goudeau, Mr. LeBlanc, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Craig Sarradet, Mr. Toby Sarradet, Mr. Maranto
The next item was a Resolution of condolences to the Family of Mrs. Carolyn Blanchard, former School bus driver for 32 years. Mother of board member Teri Bergeron.
Whereupon the following resolution was offered by Mr. Chustz and seconded by Mr. Goudeau:
Be it Resolved that, members of the West Baton Rouge Parish School Board do hereby offer their sincere sympathy and condolences to the family of Mrs. Carolyn Blanchard.
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Dr. Walker, Mr. Goudeau, Mr. LeBlanc, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Craig Sarradet, Mr. Toby Sarradet, Mr. Maranto
The next item was the Superintendent’s Report: Banner Presentations, by Darylene Harris, Plant Manager for 30 years of Shell Catalysts & Technologies, to the Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge Winners: Samantha Mendenhall – Port Allen Middle School, Brittany Nelson – Port Allen High School and Dereka Duncan – Cohn Elementary School. Ms. Harris gave a brief presentation of the 3 winners and handed out the banners and certificates to the winners. There were also grants for science issued to the winners as well. The grants were $10,000.00 for Elementary and Middle School, and $15,000.00 for High School.
The next item on the Superintendent’s Report was the Advanced Placement Scholars of the 2020-2021 School year. Mr. Watts discussed this in the Academic Committee meeting on 9/14/21. None of the students were present due to the fact that they were graduates from last school year. Mr. Gibbs will be getting them their awarded money. Mr. Watts mentioned that in the past they gave them technology but it is a challenge to figure out what each student needs for the different colleges that they attend.
The next item on the Superintendent's Report: Mrs. Susan Cryer, Principal of Brusly Elementary School, recognized and then gave the Board a few interests and hobbies about each new employee for the 2021-2022 school year. Mrs. Erikka Wishom, Principal of Port Allen Elementary School, then recognized the new employees at Port Allen Elementary School for the 2021-2022 school year. Mrs. Laree Taylor, Principal of Caneview K-8 School, acknowledged her new employees at Caneview K-8 School for the 2021-2022 school year and let the Board know how appreciative she is to have these individuals at her school. Mrs. Cassy Brou, Principal of Cohn Elementary School, recognized the new employees at Cohn Elementary School for the 2021-2022 school year. Mrs. Paige Phillips, Principal of Brusly Upper Elementary School, acknowledged each new employee on her campus for the 2021-2022 school year. Mrs. Kelley Stein, Principal of Lukeville Elementary School, then recognized the new employees at Lukeville Elementary School for the 2021-2022 school year.
The next item was presentation of the Consent Agenda:
#9 Consideration of request for approval on a resolution beginning the redistricting process for the West Baton Rouge Parish School Board. (Finance Committee Report 9/14/21)
#10 Consideration of request for approval for the refunding of the Series 2017 Bond of Parishwide School District No.3 of West Baton Rouge. (Finance Committee Report 9/14/21)
#11 Consideration of request for approval of the monthly expenditures and financial reports for July 2021. (Finance Committee Report 9/14/21)
The Chairman declared the floor open for public comment
Whereupon, the following resolution was offered by Mr. Chustz and seconded by Mrs. Grace:
Be it resolved that the board does hereby approve and adopt the Above Consent Agenda #9, #10, and #11.
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Dr. Walker, Mr. Goudeau, Mr. LeBlanc, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Craig Sarradet, Mr. Toby Sarradet, Mr. Maranto
The next item was presentation of the following items on the End of Consent Agenda Item #12:
Consideration of request for approval of the Pupil Progression Plan for the 2021-2022 school year.
Ms. Julie Mayeux gave an overview of the plan to the board, which she stated was almost the same Pupil Progression Plan that was presented to the Board last year.
The Chairman declared the floor open for public comment.
Whereupon, the following resolution was offered by Mr. LeBlanc and seconded by Dr. Walker:
Be It Resolved, That the board approve the Pupil Progression Plan for the 2021-2022 school year.
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Dr. Walker, Mr. Goudeau, Mr. LeBlanc, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Craig Sarradet, Mr. Toby Sarradet, Mr. Maranto
The next item was End of Consent item #13 Consideration of request to adopt the Board’s General Liability, Property, and, Boiler and Machinery Insurance renewals/quotes for the period 10/01/21-10/01/22 as presented by Mr. Andre’ Comeaux, CPCU, Senior Vice President of McGriff Insurance Services. (Jared Gibbs)
Mr. Andre’ Comeaux presented the following premium summary quotes:
Property $578,834.91
LARMA Liability $128,987.00
Boiler & Machinery $16,929.00
TOTAL: Premiums $724,750.91
Mr. Comeaux stated that property insurance is in a tough market at this time, due to all of the various storms that have impacted the state of Louisiana and other places in the United States.
The Chairman declared the floor open for public comment.
Whereupon, the following resolution was offered by Mr. LeBlanc and seconded by Mr. Chustz:
Be It Resolved, That the Board accept and approve the quotes in the amount of $724,750.91 for Property, LARMA Liability, & Boiler & Machinery Insurance for the period beginning 10/01/21-10/01/22 as presented this date by Mr. Andre’ Comeaux, Agent/McGriff Insurance Services.
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Dr. Walker, Mr. Goudeau, Mr. LeBlanc, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Craig Sarradet, Mr. Toby Sarradet, Mr. Maranto
The next item was End of Consent item #13 Consideration of request to adopt the Board’s Cyber Liability Insurance renewals/ quotes for the period 10/01/21-10/01/22 as presented by Mr. Andre’ Comeaux, CPCU, Senior Vice President of McGriff Insurance Services. (Jared Gibbs)
Mr. Andre’ Comeaux reported to the Board that McGriff Insurance is still waiting for a couple of quotes for Cyber Liability Insurance. This market has also been tough, due to all of the various cyber security breaches that have occurred throughout the world. Mr. Comeaux requested the Board to empower Superintendent Watts to authorize binding of coverage when quotes are received by McGriff Insurance, for Cyber Liability Insurance.
The Chairman declared the floor open for public comment.
Whereupon, the following resolution was offered by Mrs. Bergeron and seconded by Mrs. Grace:
Be It Resolved, That the Board empower Superintendent Watts to authorize binding of coverage when quotes are received by McGriff Insurance, for Cyber Liability Insurance.
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Dr. Walker, Mr. Goudeau, Mr. LeBlanc, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Craig Sarradet, Mr. Toby Sarradet, Mr. Maranto
The next item was End of Consent agenda item #14 Consideration of request to adopt a resolution authorizing the Superintendent to sign the form rejecting uninsured motorist coverage (Mr. Andre’ Comeaux, Agent - McGriff Insurance Service/Jared Gibbs)
The Chairman declared the floor open for public comment.
Whereupon, the following resolution was offered by Mr. Chustz and seconded by Mr. LeBlanc:
Be It Resolved, That the Board does hereby authorize the Superintendent to sign the required form rejecting uninsured motorist coverage for the period of 10/1/21-10/1/22, as requested by Mr. Andre’ Comeaux, Agent - McGriff Insurance Services.
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Dr. Walker, Mr. Goudeau, Mr. LeBlanc, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Craig Sarradet, Mr. Toby Sarradet, Mr. Maranto
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 2021-22 held at 4:55 P.M. on September 22, 2021, 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.
Board Members present were Jason Manola, President, Dr. Atley D. Walker, Sr., Vice President, Mr. LeBlanc, Mr. Goudeau, Mr. Chustz, Mrs. Bergeron
Also present for the Public Hearing: Wesley Watts, Secretary-Treasurer and 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: Dr. Walker, Mr. Goudeau, Mr. LeBlanc, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Craig Sarradet, Mr. Toby Sarradet, Mr. Maranto
#16: Consideration of approval of a resolution adopting, finalizing, and implementing the Consolidated Budget for 2021-22 of the West Baton Rouge Parish School Board for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2021 and ending June 30, 2022/Jared Gibbs.
The Chairman declared the floor open for public comment.
Whereupon, the following resolution was offered by Mr. Chustz and seconded by Mrs. 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, 2021 and ending June 30, 2022, 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 Department for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021 and ending June 30, 2022, 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, 2021 and ending June 30, 2022, 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 22nd day of September, 2021, by the following vote:
Aye: Dr. Walker, Mr. Goudeau, Mr. LeBlanc, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Craig Sarradet, Mr. Toby Sarradet, Mr. Maranto
__________________ _______________
Wesley Watts Jason Manola
Secretary-Treasurer President
The next item was End of Consent Agenda Item #17 Organizational Items: Committee Meeting Date: October 12, 2021 and Regular Board Meeting date: October 20, 2021.
The next item was End of Consent Agenda Item #18 Any Other business unanimously approved by the board for consideration.
Mr. Dean Hotard presented the Board with the Bids for the New WBR Student Services Building. The Awarded low bidder was M.A. Wilson Construction & Consulting, LLC with a bid was $3,030,000.00. Mr. Hotard also informed the Board that they will have to upgrade the sewer system that will be utilized by the new WBR Student Services Building, School Board Office, and Maintenance Building.
This was an informational item, no action necessary.
There being no further business to come before the board, the following resolution was offered by Dr. Walker and seconded by Mr. Goudeau:
Be it Resolved, That the meeting be adjourned.
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Dr. Walker, Mr. Goudeau, Mr. LeBlanc, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Craig Sarradet, Mr. Toby Sarradet, Mr. Maranto
__________________ _______________
Wesley Watts Jason Manola
Secretary-Treasurer President