8,245
Port Allen, Louisiana
October 20, 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, Sr., Vice President, Toby Sarradet, Ronald LeBlanc, Leon Goudeau, Chareeka Grace, G. Alden Chustz Jr., Michael Maranto, Teri Bergeron
Absent:
Craig Sarradet
Dr. Walker gave the Invocation.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mr. Maranto
The next item was approval of the Regular School Board meeting minutes held on September 22, 2021 and the minutes of the Special Board Meeting held on September 14, 2021.
Whereupon, the following resolution was offered by Dr. Walker and seconded by Mr. Maranto:
Be it Resolved, That the approval of the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting, held on September 22, 2021 and the Special Board Meeting held on September 14, 2021 be approved as presented.
Aye: Mr. Toby Sarradet, Dr. Walker, Mr. LeBlanc, Mr. Goudeau, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mr. Maranto, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Craig Sarradet
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. Toby Sarradet and seconded by Mr. Goudeau:
Be it Resolved that the Board approve the Head Start Monthly Report.
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Mr. Toby Sarradet, Dr. Walker, Mr. LeBlanc, Mr. Goudeau, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mr. Maranto, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Craig Sarradet
The next item was a Resolution of condolences to the Family of Mrs. Priscilla Lamkin Leon former Cafeteria Worker for West Baton Rouge Parish School District.
Whereupon the following resolution was offered by Mrs. Bergeron and seconded by Mr. Maranto:
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. Priscilla Lamkin Leon.
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Mr. Toby Sarradet, Dr. Walker, Mr. LeBlanc, Mr. Goudeau, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mr. Maranto, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Craig Sarradet
The next item was the Superintendent’s Report: Introduction of employees with Perfect Attendance for the 2020-2021 School Year. Mr. Watts announced that we had 30 Perfect Attendance Employees for the 2020-2021 School year. He reminded everyone that last year was a very difficult year and he was very proud of these employees for their dedication to our District. He then recognized each employee.
The next item on the Superintendent’s Report: Recognition of Ms. Donna Craig on her retirement. Mr. Watts recognized Ms. Donna Craig and thanked her for all her hard work and let her know how much she will be missed. He thanked her for her 37 years of service in our district.
The next item on the Superintendent's Report: Resolution of thanks & appreciation of the West Baton Rouge Foundation for Academic Excellence for Grants to select teachers in the district.
Whereupon the following resolution was offered by Mr. Maranto and seconded by Mr. LeBlanc:
Be it Resolved that, the members of the West Baton Rouge Parish School Board do hereby offer their appreciation for the grants our teachers have received in the district from the West Baton Rouge Foundation for Academic Excellence.
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Mr. Toby Sarradet, Dr. Walker, Mr. LeBlanc, Mr. Goudeau, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mr. Maranto, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Craig Sarradet
The next item was presentation of the Consent Agenda:
#9 Consideration of request for approval by Charlotte Blanchard to adopt the proclamation declaring October 25, 2021 - October 29, 2021, Red Ribbon Week in West Baton Rouge Parish School
(Academic Committee Report 10/12/21)
#10 Consideration of request for approval by Crystal Leon to proclaim that October be named National Head Start Awareness Month. (Academic Committee Report 10/12/21)
#11 Consideration of request for approval to submit the Head Start Grant for the period beginning February 1, 2022 through January 31, 2023. (Academic Committee Report 10/12/21)
#12 Consideration of request for approval of the annual renewal of the Policy360, which combines the Policy Updating Service and the updating service for CAPS, (Computer Assisted Policy Service) and inclusion of School Board minutes for an annual fee of $9,400 for the period beginning November 1, 2021 through October 31, 2022. (Finance Committee Report 10/12/21)
#13 Consideration of request for approval of a resolution of the West Baton Rouge Parish School Board approving Industrial Tax Exemption Application #20210109-ITEP for Shell Catalysts & Technologies, LP at 1699 Catalyst Drive, Port Allen, LA 70767. (Finance Committee Report 10/12/21)
#14 Consideration of request for approval of the monthly expenditures and financial reports for August 2021. (Finance Committee Report 10/12/21)
The Chairman declared the floor open for public comment
Whereupon, the following resolution was offered by Mr. Toby Sarradet and seconded by Mrs. Bergeron:
Be it resolved that the board does hereby approve and adopt the Above Consent Agenda #9, #10, #11, #12, #13, and #14.
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Mr. Toby Sarradet, Dr. Walker, Mr. LeBlanc, Mr. Goudeau, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mr. Maranto, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Craig Sarradet
The next item was presentation of the following items on the End of Consent Agenda Item #15:
Consideration of the adoption of a resolution at the Regular Board Meeting on October 20, 2021, ordering and calling a special election to be held in Parishwide School District Number Three of West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, March 26, 2022, to continue the levy of a ten year, 15 mil property tax for the purpose of providing additional support to the public elementary and secondary schools in said district presented by Tommy Hessburg representing the law firm of Butler Snow, LLP.
The Chairman declared the floor open for public comment.
Whereupon, the following resolution was offered by Mr. Chustz and seconded by Mr. Goudeau:
Be It Resolved, That the board approve the Consideration of request for approval of the the Regular Board Meeting on October 20, 2021, ordering and calling a special election to be held in Parishwide School District Number Three of West Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, March 26, 2022, to continue the levy of a ten year, 15 mil property tax for the purpose of providing additional support to the public elementary and secondary schools in said district by Tommy Hessburg representing the law firm of Butler Snow, LLP.
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Mr. Toby Sarradet, Dr. Walker, Mr. LeBlanc, Mr. Goudeau, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mr. Maranto, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Craig Sarradet
The next item was End of Consent Agenda Item #16 Review of Expulsion Appeal of a certain BHS student SIDNO5574816288 by Charlotte Blanchard, Supervisor of Child Welfare & Attendance.
The Chairman declared the floor open for public comment.
Whereupon, the following resolution was offered by Dr. Walker and seconded by Mr. Toby Sarradet:
Be It Resolved, That the Board go into Executive Session pursuant to L.A.R.S.42:17(A)(7) for an Expulsion Appeal of a certain BHS student SIDNO5574816288 by Charlotte Blanchard, Supervisor of Child Welfare & Attendance
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Mr. Toby Sarradet, Dr. Walker, Mr. LeBlanc, Mr. Goudeau, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mr. Maranto, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Craig Sarradet
Upon completion of the Executive Session, the following resolution was offered by Mr. Chustz and seconded by Dr. Walker:
Be it Resolved, That the Board return to Open Session.
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Mr. Toby Sarradet, Dr. Walker, Mr. LeBlanc, Mr. Goudeau, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mr. Maranto, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Craig Sarradet
President Manola stated, if there was no action taken on the expulsion appeal, the expulsion would be upheld as recommended by the administrative staff of the school and the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance.
The Chairman declared the floor open for public comment and motion. There was neither.
The next item was End of Consent Agenda Item #17 Review of Expulsion Appeal of a certain BHS student SIDNO3226646281 by Charlotte Blanchard, Supervisor of Child Welfare & Attendance.
The Chairman declared the floor open for public comment.
Whereupon, the following resolution was offered by Mr. Toby Sarradet and seconded by Mrs.Bergeron:
Be It Resolved, That the Board go into Executive Session pursuant to L.A.R.S.42:17(A)(7) for an Expulsion Appeal of a certain BHS student SIDNO3226646281 by Charlotte Blanchard, Supervisor of Child Welfare & Attendance
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Mr. Toby Sarradet, Dr. Walker, Mr. LeBlanc, Mr. Goudeau, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mr. Maranto, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Craig Sarradet
Upon completion of the Executive Session, the following resolution was offered by Dr. Walker and seconded by Mr. LeBlanc:
Be it Resolved, That the Board return to Open Session.
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Mr. Toby Sarradet, Dr. Walker, Mr. LeBlanc, Mr. Goudeau, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mr. Maranto, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Craig Sarradet
President Manola stated, if there was no action taken on the expulsion appeal, the expulsion would be upheld as recommended by the administrative staff of the school and the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance.
The Chairman declared the floor open for public comment and motion. There was neither.
The next item was End of Consent Agenda Item #18 Review of Expulsion Appeal of a certain BHS student SIDNO7721181887 by Charlotte Blanchard, Supervisor of Child Welfare & Attendance.
The Chairman declared the floor open for public comment.
Whereupon, the following resolution was offered by Dr. Walker and seconded by Mr. Toby Sarradet:
Be It Resolved, That the Board go into Executive Session pursuant to L.A.R.S.42:17(A)(7) for and Expulsion Appeal of a certain BHS student SIDNO7721181887 by Charlotte Blanchard, Supervisor of Child Welfare & Attendance
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Mr. Toby Sarradet, Dr. Walker, Mr. LeBlanc, Mr. Goudeau, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mr. Maranto, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Craig Sarradet
Upon completion of the Executive Session, the following resolution was offered by Mr. Goudeau and seconded by Mr. Maranto:
Be it Resolved, That the Board return to Open Session.
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Mr. Toby Sarradet, Dr. Walker, Mr. LeBlanc, Mr. Goudeau, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mr. Maranto, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Craig Sarradet
President Manola stated, if there was no action taken on the expulsion appeal, the expulsion would be upheld as recommended by the administrative staff of the school and the Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance.
The Chairman declared the floor open for public comment and motion. There was neither.
The next item was End of Consent Agenda Item #19 Organizational Items: Committee Meeting Date: November 9, 2021 and Regular Board Meeting date: November 17, 2021.
The next item was End of Consent Agenda Item #20 Organizational Items: Committee Meeting Date: December 7, 2021 and Regular Board Meeting date: December 15, 2021.
There being no further business to come before the board, the following resolution was offered by Mrs. Bergeron and seconded by Mr. Chustz:
Be it Resolved, That the meeting be adjourned.
The above resolution was adopted by the following vote:
Aye: Mr. Toby Sarradet, Dr. Walker, Mr. LeBlanc, Mr. Goudeau, Mrs. Grace, Mr. Chustz, Mr. Maranto, Mrs. Bergeron, Mr. Manola
Nay: None
Absent: Mr. Craig Sarradet
__________________ _______________
Wesley Watts Jason Manola
Secretary-Treasurer President