Ascension Parish School Board public meetings in 2024

Regular Meeting Ascension Parish School Board - Prairieville High School Gym - 6:30P.M.

The board approved a revision to the Differentiated Compensation LDOE Stipend and a consent agenda including network infrastructure RFP, professional services for bond-funded projects, a utility servitude agreement with City of Gonzales, and multiple out-of-state field trips. A donation for robotics from BASF was presented, and financial reports for October 2024 were received.

• Revision to Differentiated Compensation LDOE Stipend
• Approval of RFP-5168 for Network Infrastructure
• Approval of RFQ-9889 for Professional Services for 2024 Bond Funded Projects and Facilities Maintenance
• Approval of Utility Servitude Agreement with City of Gonzales at Gonzales Middle School for Freeland Jackson Center
• Approval of out-of-state field trips to Civil Rights historical sites and NJROTC competitions

The board appointed Jared Bercegeay as President and Marty Bourgeois as Vice-President. Members also approved several out-of-state student field trips and infrastructure contracts.

• Appointed Jared Bercegeay as School Board President (10-0)
• Appointed Marty Bourgeois as School Board Vice-President (10-0)
• Approved RFP-5168-Network Infrastructure (10-0)
• Approved RFQ-9889-Professional Services for 2024 Bond Funded Projects and Facilities Maintenance Projects (10-0)
• Approved Utility Servitude Agreement with City of Gonzales at Gonzales Middle School (10-0)
• Approved revision to Differentiated Compensation LDOE Stipend (10-0)
• Approved six out-of-state field trips for high school students to Alabama and Mississippi (10-0)
• Approved minutes of November 19, 2024 (10-0)

Regular Meeting Ascension Parish School Board - Central Middle School Cafetorium 6:30P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board approved the Differentiated Compensation LDOE stipend for the 2024-25 school year, a state-funded teacher pay supplement. The board also approved a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Ascension Parish Government for reciprocal use of facilities, and affirmed the expulsion of a Prairieville High School student after an executive session. Several out-of-state field trips were approved as part of the consent agenda.

• Approved Differentiated Compensation LDOE stipend for 2024-25 school year
• Approved Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Ascension Parish Government for reciprocal facility use
• Affirmed expulsion of a Prairieville High School student after executive session
• Approved out-of-state field trip for Dutchtown High School Winterguard to WGI World Championships in Dayton, Ohio (April 2-5, 2025)
• Approved out-of-state field trip for Prairieville High School Band to Sound of Waves at SeaWorld in San Antonio, Texas (March 21-23, 2025)

The board affirmed the expulsion of a student at Prairieville High School following an executive session. Other actions included approving teacher compensation stipends and a facility-use agreement with the parish government.

• Affirmed expulsion of student A.F. at Prairieville High School (9-0)
• Approved differentiated compensation LDOE stipend for 2024-25 school year (9-0)
• Approved Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Ascension Parish Government for reciprocal use of facilities (9-0)
• Approved October 2024 Monthly Personnel Report (9-0)
• Approved Dutchtown High School Winterguard trip to Dayton, Ohio, April 2-5, 2025 (9-0)
• Approved Prairieville High School Band trip to San Antonio, Texas, March 21-23, 2025 (9-0)
• Approved minutes of November 12, 2024 (9-0)

Strategic Planning Committee - Central Middle School - Cafetorium - 5:30P.M.

The Strategic Planning Committee voted to approve a utility servitude agreement with the City of Gonzales at Gonzales Middle School for the Freeland Jackson Center. The committee also approved a 2024 bond update including staff recommendations for professional services and reviewed options for ITTC renovations. All three action items carried, with one abstention on the bond update and ITTC items.

• Consider Utility Servitude Agreement with City of Gonzales at Gonzales Middle School for Freeland Jackson Center (Motion Carried)
• 2024 Bond Update to include staff recommendations for professional services (Motion Carried, one abstention)
• Review and consider options for ITTC Renovations (Motion Carried, one abstention)

The committee moved a utility servitude agreement and 2024 bond professional services recommendations to the full board's consent agenda. Additionally, the committee approved moving forward with pricing options for ITTC renovations.

• Moved Utility Servitude Agreement with City of Gonzales for Freeland Jackson Center to full board consent agenda (6-0)
• Moved 2024 Bond professional services recommendations to full board consent agenda (5-0-1)
• Approved moving forward with pricing options for ITTC Renovations (5-0-1)

Committee of the Whole Board - Central Middle School Cafetorium - 5:00P.M.

The Committee of the Whole Board will hear a presentation on sales tax reform from Ms. Kressy Krennerich. No action is scheduled for this informational item; the only formal action is a motion to adjourn.

• Sales Tax Reform Update presented for information only
• Meeting concludes with motion to adjourn

The Committee of the Whole Board met to receive an information update regarding sales tax reform. No substantive policy decisions or budget approvals were made during the meeting.

• Adjourned meeting (9-0)

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER WORKSHOP -Organizational Vision - Planning and Goals: Instructional Services - Central Middle School - 5:15P.M. - 6:30P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board holds a workshop to discuss organizational vision and planning for instructional services. The primary item is an overview of EC-12 instructional services including primary, middle, and high schools, diverse learner services, child welfare, and attendance. No votes or decisions are scheduled; this is a discussion and information session.

• Overview of EC-12 Instructional Services by Mrs. Carli Francois
• Topics include Primary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools, Diverse Learner Services, Child Welfare and Attendance, TAP-TAA

Regular Meeting Ascension Parish School Board - Central Middle School - 6:30P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board approved a one-time pay for fall semester 2024-25 for all employees and renewed the superintendent's contract. Financial reports for September 2024 were presented for information. The board also approved a consent agenda including flood insurance renewals, several sealed bids, and out-of-state field trips.

• One-time pay for fall semester 2024-25 for all Ascension Public School employees
• Approval of contract for Superintendent Dr. Edith Walker
• Approval of December 2024 flood insurance renewals
• Approval of sealed bid SB-10960 for Prairieville High School baseball/softball bullpen and batting cage turf work
• Approval of sealed bid SB-10963 for a 53/54 passenger school bus

The Board approved a one-time payment for staff based on employment dates and status, ranging from $625 to $1,250. Members also approved the contract for Superintendent Dr. Edith Walker and several sealed bids for school supplies and facilities. Multiple out-of-state field trips for high school teams were authorized.

• Approved one-time pay of $1,250 for full-time staff and $625 for part-time staff (8-0)
• Approved contract for Superintendent Dr. Edith Walker (8-0)
• Approved December 2024 flood insurance renewals (8-0)
• Approved Sealed Bid SB-10959 for miscellaneous products parish-wide (8-0)
• Approved Sealed Bid SB-10960 for Prairieville High School baseball/softball turf work (8-0)
• Approved Sealed Bid SB-10962 for band instruments and accessories (8-0)
• Approved Sealed Bid SB-10963 for 53/54 passenger school bus (8-0)
• Approved five out-of-state field trips for NJROTC, Cheer, and Wrestling teams (8-0)

Regular Meeting Ascension Parish School Board - Central Middle School - ITTC - 6:30P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board met to review financial reports and approve several administrative items. The board decided to declare certain buses, maintenance, and child nutrition property as surplus for sale via online auction.

• Approval of online auction for surplus buses, maintenance, and child nutrition property
• Approval of sealed bid SB-10958 for Vmware License Renewal
• Approval of September 2024 Monthly Personnel Report
• Approval of September 2024 Monthly Head Start Services Report
• Rescheduling of the November 5, 2025 meeting to November 12, 2024

The Ascension Parish School Board approved a resolution to declare surplus buses and maintenance and child nutrition property for sale via online auction. The board also approved a Vmware license renewal and personnel and Head Start reports for September 2024.

• Approved resolution to declare surplus buses, maintenance, and child nutrition property for online auction (10-0)
• Approved sealed bid SB-10958-Vmware License Renewal (10-0)
• Approved September 2024 Monthly Personnel Report (10-0)
• Approved September 2024 Monthly Head Start Services Report (10-0)
• Approved moving the November 5, 2025 school board meeting to November 12, 2024 (10-0)
• Approved minutes of October 1, 2024 (10-0)

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER WORKSHOP -Organizational Vision - Planning and Goals: Operational Services - Central Middle School - 5:30P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board holds a workshop to discuss the district's long-term plan for operational services, including an overview of child nutrition, maintenance, planning, construction, safety, supply chain, and transportation. No votes or decisions are scheduled.

• Overview of Operational Services covering Child Nutrition Program, Maintenance, Planning, Construction & Safety, Supply Chain, and Transportation
• Workshop led by Mr. Jeff Parent at Central Middle School
• Part of developing a District Long Term Plan for Operational Services

Insurance Committee Meeting - Central Middle School - ITTC - 5:00P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board Insurance Committee reviewed and voted on the renewal of flood policies for December 2024. A motion to approve carried 3-0-1, with one abstention. The meeting also included board comments and adjournment.

• Review and consider renewal of Flood Policies for December 2024
• Motion carried 3-0-1 (Yea: Murphy, Blouin, Lambert; Abstain: Kleinpeter)
• Meeting held at Central Middle School ITTC, 14101 Roddy Road, Gonzales

The committee reviewed and approved the December 2024 flood policy renewal presented by Bret Hughes. The item will be placed on a future board meeting consent agenda.

• Approved flood policy renewal with 2024 premium cost of $261,523.00 (3-0-1)

Regular Meeting - Ascension Parish School Board - Donaldsonville - 6:30P.M.

The board will discuss and vote on a social media class action presentation and the retention of Attorneys Fayard and Honeycutt. A consent agenda containing multiple routine items, including health insurance renewals, the 2024-2025 Pupil Progression Plan, termination of a waste management agreement, and several policy updates, is also scheduled for approval.

• Social media class action presentation and consideration of retaining Attorneys Fayard and Honeycutt
• Approval of Group Health Plan Fix Cost Renewal effective 11/1/2024
• Approval of Group Retiree Medicare Advantage Renewal effective 1/1/2025
• Approval of 2024-2025 Pupil Progression Plan
• Approval of termination of Waste Management of Louisiana, LLC Master Services Agreement

The board approved the retention of attorneys Fayard and Honeycutt for a social media class action lawsuit. Members also approved several health plan renewals, a pupil progression plan, and multiple school policy updates. Additionally, the board authorized several out-of-state field trips for student groups.

• Approved retaining attorneys Fayard and Honeycutt for Social Media/Class Action (7-0)
• Approved termination of Waste Management of Louisiana, LLC Master Services Agreement (7-0)
• Approved Group Health Plan Fix Cost Renewal effective 11/1/2024 (7-0)
• Approved Group Retiree Medicare Advantage Renewal effective 1/1/2025 (7-0)
• Approved 2024-2025 Pupil Progression Plan (7-0)
• Approved policies regarding board member qualifications, continuing education, and meeting notifications (7-0)
• Approved policies regarding contracts, compensation, sick leave, and student health services (7-0)
• Approved out-of-state field trips for Dutchtown HS, East Ascension HS, St. Amant HS, and Lake Elementary (7-0)

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER WORKSHOP -Organizational Vision - Planning and Goals: Administrative Services - School Board Office 5:30P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board is holding a workshop to discuss goals and objectives for the district's long-term plan. The session focuses on administrative services, including the Public Information Office, Business Services, Human Resources, and Information Technology.

• Overview of Administrative Services: Public Information Office, Business Services, Human Resources, and Information Technology

Students and Safety First - School Board Office - Donaldsonville - 5:00P.M.

This committee meeting of the Ascension Parish School Board features a presentation from Colonel Laura Gremillion of the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office on the 'Take Me Home' program, an information item. The meeting also includes board comments and a motion to adjourn. No votes on policies, budgets, or contracts are scheduled.

• Presentation of the 'Take Me Home' program by Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office - Colonel Laura Gremillion

The committee received a presentation from Colonel Laura Gremillion of the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office regarding the 'Take Me Home' program. No substantive policy decisions or votes were made during the meeting.

• Adjourned meeting (3-0)

Insurance Committee Meeting - Central Middle School Cafetorium - 5:00P.M.

The Insurance Committee voted to approve a group health plan fix cost renewal effective November 1, 2024, and a group retiree Medicare Advantage renewal effective January 1, 2025. Both motions carried unanimously with one abstention.

• Group Health Plan Fix Cost Renewal effective 11/1/2024 — motion carried
• Group Retiree Medicare Advantage Renewal effective 1/1/2025 — motion carried
• Taft Kleinpeter abstained on both votes

The committee approved a fixed cost renewal for the Group Health Plan and a renewal for the Group Retiree Medicare Advantage plan. Both items were approved to be placed on the consent agenda.

• Approved Group Health Plan Fix Cost Renewal with BCBSLA Administration & BCS Reinsurance of 5.3% (3-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved Group Retiree Medicare Advantage Renewal with United Healthcare at 7.9% (3-0, 1 abstain)

Policy Committee Meeting - Central Middle School Cafetorium - 5:30 PM- 6:30 PM

The Ascension Parish School Board Policy Committee reviewed and voted to place on the consent agenda for the next board meeting the 2024-2025 Pupil Progression Plan draft and ten policy updates covering school board qualifications, continuing education, meeting notification, contracts, sick leave and sick leave bank, student health services, immunizations, medication administration, and behavioral health services for students. All motions carried with one abstention.

• 2024-2025 Pupil Progression Plan draft approved for consent agenda
• Policy ABCB: Qualifications for School Board Members
• Policy GBA: Contracts and Compensation
• Policy GBRIB: Sick Leave and GBRIBB: Sick Leave Bank
• Policy JGCB: Immunizations and Policy JGCFA: Behavioral Health Services for Students

The Policy Committee reviewed and approved 11 items, including the 2024-2025 Pupil Progression Plan and several policy updates based on 2024 state acts. All approved items were moved to the consent agenda for the next full board meeting.

• Approved 2024-2025 Pupil Progression Plan for consent agenda (4-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved Policy ABCB requiring high school diploma for board members for consent agenda (4-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved Policy BBBC adding special education to board member training for consent agenda (4-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved Policy BCBB requiring meeting notices be sent to Commissioner of Administration for consent agenda (4-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved Policy GBA regarding teacher planning time compensation and paraprofessional experience for consent agenda (4-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved Policy GBRIB extending leave for physical contact with students to one year for consent agenda (4-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved Policy GBRIBB establishing three sick time banks for consent agenda (4-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved Policy JGC and JGCD allowing prescriptions from any US state for consent agenda (4-0, 1 abstain)

Regular Meeting Ascension Parish School Board - Central Middle School Cafetorium- 6:30P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board approved a one-time pay disbursement from the Louisiana Department of Education for the 2024-2025 school year. The board also received financial reports, heard a Lean Frog presentation on instructional leadership, and approved a consent agenda that included a cooperative endeavor agreement for early childhood education, several district-wide maintenance contracts, and cancellation of a sealed bid for Prairieville High School baseball/softball turf work.

• Approval of 2024-2025 LDOE one-time pay disbursement
• Approval of Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Ascension Parish Government for early childhood education
• Cancellation of Sealed Bid SB-10957 for Prairieville High School baseball/softball bullpen and batting cage turf work due to bids over budget
• Approval of RFP-5165 for district-wide boiler maintenance services and RFP-5166 for district-wide HVAC maintenance
• Approval of RFP-5170 for district-wide waste disposal services

The board approved a one-time pay disbursement from the LDOE and a cooperative agreement with the Ascension Parish Government for early childhood education. Several district-wide maintenance RFPs and student field trips were also approved. The board reviewed the 2023-2024 evaluation for Superintendent Dr. Edith Walker, who received a rating of highly effective.

• Approved 2024-2025 LDOE one-time pay disbursement (10-0)
• Approved Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Ascension Parish Government for early childhood education (10-0)
• Cancelled Sealed Bid SB-10957 for Prairieville High School baseball/softball turf work due to over-budget bids (10-0)
• Approved RFP-5165 for District-Wide Boiler Maintenance Services (10-0)
• Approved RFP-5166 for District-Wide HVAC Maintenance (10-0)
• Approved RFP-5170 for District-Wide Waste Disposal (10-0)
• Approved out-of-state field trips for St. Amant High FFA, St. Amant High Bass Fishing, and Close Up Trip for Dutchtown, St. Amant, and Prairieville High (10-0)
• Approved August 2024 Monthly Head Start Services and Personnel reports (10-0)

Maintenance Committee Meeting - Donaldsonville - 6:00P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board Maintenance Committee met to review and approve three requests for proposals (RFPs) for district-wide services. The committee voted to place these items on the consent agenda.

• Approved RFP-5165 for District-Wide Boiler Maintenance Services
• Approved RFP-5166 for District-Wide HVAC Maintenance Services
• Approved RFP-5170 for District-Wide Waste Disposal Services

The committee reviewed and approved three requests for proposals (RFPs) for district-wide maintenance services. All three items were approved to be placed on the consent agenda.

• Approved RFP-5165 District-Wide Boiler Maintenance Services (3-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved RFP-5166 District-Wide HVAC Maintenance Services (3-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved RFP-5170 District-Wide Waste Disposal Services (3-0, 1 abstain)

Regular Meeting - Ascension Parish School Board - Donaldsonville 6:30P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board voted to approve a consent agenda that includes renewal of flood, casualty/liability, cyber, and drone insurance policies, a salary schedule correction, a resolution supporting Constitution Day, and out-of-state field trips for St. Amant High and Donaldsonville High students. The board also recognized a donation from Rubicon. The meeting began with procedural items.

• Approval of renewal of flood policies for September 2024
• Approval of renewal of casualty and liability coverage with LARMA effective 10/1/2024
• Approval of renewal of cyber insurance quote effective 10/1/2024
• Approval of out-of-state field trip for St. Amant High School Band to Gulfport, Mississippi on October 19, 2024
• Approval of salary schedule correction

The board approved several insurance policy renewals and a salary schedule correction. It also authorized five out-of-state field trips for high school students and held an executive session for the superintendent's annual evaluation.

• Approved renewal of flood policies (8-0)
• Approved renewal of casualty and liability coverage with LARMA (8-0)
• Approved renewal of cyber and drone insurance quotes (8-0)
• Approved salary schedule correction (8-0)
• Approved resolution supporting Constitution Day and Constitution Week (8-0)
• Approved out-of-state trips for St. Amant High School band and cheerleaders (8-0)
• Approved out-of-state trip for Donaldsonville High School ProStart and FCCLA (8-0)
• Approved motion to enter executive session for Superintendent Edith Walker's evaluation (8-0)

Insurance Committee Meeting - Central Middle School Cafetorium - 6:00P.M.

The Insurance Committee of the Ascension Parish School Board met on August 20, 2024, and voted to approve renewals of casualty/liability, cyber, drone, and flood insurance policies. All motions carried with three yeas and one abstention. The renewals take effect starting October 1, 2024, with the drone policy effective October 7, 2024.

• Renewal of casualty and liability coverage with LARMA effective 10/1/2024
• Renewal of cyber insurance quote effective 10/1/2024
• Renewal of drone insurance quote effective 10/7/2024
• Renewal of flood policies for September 2024 renewal

The Insurance Committee approved four insurance renewals to be added to the consent agenda. These include casualty and liability coverage, cyber insurance, drone insurance, and flood policies.

• Approved Renewal of Casualty and Liability Coverage with LARMA effective 10/1/2024 (3-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved renewal of Cyber Insurance with a premium cost of $77,000.00 (3-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved renewal of Drone Insurance with a premium cost of $13,304.00 (3-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved September 2024 flood policy renewal with a proposed premium of $233,246.00 (3-0, 1 abstain)

Regular Meeting Ascension Parish School Board - Central Middle School Cafetorium - 6:30P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board approved a consent agenda that included policy updates on truancy, tobacco/marijuana use, electronic devices, co-curricular activities, home study, and interscholastic athletics, as well as a sealed bid for cafeteria small equipment. Additionally, the board voted to remove a motion related to a social media class action presentation, taking no further action on that item. Financial reports for June 2024 were presented as information only.

• Approved policy JBE on truancy
• Approved policy JCDAA on student smoking, tobacco, and marijuana use
• Approved policy JCDAE on electronic telecommunication devices
• Approved sealed bid SB-10956 for cafeteria small equipment
• Voted to remove a motion on the Social Media Class Action Presentation

The board approved the 2024-2025 Student Handbook updates and a series of policy revisions covering discipline, truancy, and employee conduct. Several out-of-state field trips for high school students were authorized. The board also approved a sealed bid for cafeteria small equipment.

• Approved 2024-2025 Student Handbook Updates (10-0)
• Approved policies on Truancy, Discipline, Suspension, and Expulsion (10-0)
• Approved policies on Student and Employee Smoking, Tobacco, and Marijuana Use (10-0)
• Approved sealed bid SB-10956-Cafeteria Small Equipment (10-0)
• Approved out-of-state trips for Dutchtown High cheer and dance to Orlando, FL (10-0)
• Approved out-of-state trip for East Ascension High FFA to Indianapolis, IN (10-0)
• Approved July 2024 Monthly Personnel Report (10-0)
• Removed Social Media Class Action Presentation from agenda (10-0)

Personnel Committee Meeting - Central Middle School Cafetorium 5:30P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board Personnel Committee voted to approve a salary schedule correction for Mr. Darby Lambert and Mrs. Deshonna Jackson. The motion carried with three yeas and one abstention. No other substantive items were discussed.

• Salary schedule correction approved for Darby Lambert and Deshonna Jackson

The Personnel Committee approved a revision to the 2024-2025 Salary Schedule to resolve an hourly rate discrepancy. The correction adds $915 to the salaries for the twelve-month Director's Secretary, High School A Secretary level (AA1-260-6).

• Approved Salary Schedule Correction for level AA1-260-6 to be placed on a future consent agenda (3-0, 1 abstain)

Regular Meeting - Ascension Parish School Board - Donaldsonville High School Library 6:30P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board will consider a consent agenda that includes approval of RFP-5172 for program/project management and disaster recovery/grant management professional services. Other items include approval of special education supplies, purchase of two used 2019 school buses, and out-of-state field trips for St. Amant High School students. The board will also hear presentations from the Louisiana Construction Education Foundation and ExxonMobil for STEM support.

• Approval of RFP-5172 for Program/Project Management and Disaster Recovery/Grants Management Professional Services
• Approval of SB-10954 for office/classroom supplies for Special Education
• Approval of SB-10955 for two (2) 2019 school buses (used)
• Approval of out-of-state field trip for St. Amant High School NJROTC to Panama City and Pensacola, Florida (Aug 28-31, 2024)
• Approval of out-of-state field trip for St. Amant High School Gatorettes Dance Team to Orlando, Florida (Feb 15-18, 2025)

The Ascension Parish School Board approved several consent agenda items, including professional services for disaster recovery and grants management. The board also authorized the purchase of special education supplies and used school buses.

• Approved RFP-5172 for Program/Project Management and Disaster Recovery/Grants Management Professional Services (11-0)
• Approved SB-10954 for Special Education office and classroom supplies (11-0)
• Approved SB-10955 for two used 2019 school buses (11-0)
• Approved St. Amant High School NJROTC field trip to Florida, August 28-31, 2024 (11-0)
• Approved St. Amant High School Gatorettes Dance Team field trip to Florida, February 15-18, 2025 (11-0)
• Approved minutes of July 23, 2024 (11-0)

Policy Committee Meeting - August 6, 2024 - Donaldsonville High - Library - 5:45-6:30 pm

The Ascension Parish School Board Policy Committee reviewed and voted to place 14 policy items on the consent agenda for the next full board meeting. The items include updates to policies on home study, co-curricular activities, athletics, truancy, smoking, electronic devices, discipline, suspension, expulsion, child abuse, buildings and grounds, employee smoking, the student handbook, and the 12-month employee holiday calendar. All motions carried with one abstention.

• Policy JBE on truancy recommended for approval
• 2024-2025 Student Handbook Updates recommended for approval
• Policy JCDAE on electronic telecommunication devices recommended for approval
• Policy JD on discipline recommended for approval
• 2024-2025 12-Month Employee Holiday Calendar Update recommended for approval

The Policy Committee reviewed and approved 14 items to be placed on the next board meeting's consent agenda. These updates include changes to student discipline, athletic eligibility for home school students, and prohibitions on marijuana on school property.

• Approved home school student athletic participation policies IDCH, IDE, and IDFA (4-0, 1 absent, 1 abstain)
• Approved truant student work requirements in Policy JBE (5-0, 1 absent, 1 abstain)
• Approved adding marijuana prohibitions to Policies JCDAA, EB, and GAMA (4-0 or 5-0, 1 absent, 1 abstain)
• Approved electronic device storage requirements in Policy JCDAE (4-0, 1 absent, 1 abstain)
• Approved teacher disciplinary authority and student removal rules in Policy JD (4-0, 1 absent, 1 abstain)
• Approved expulsion rules for firearms, knives, and drugs in Policies JDD and JDE (4-0, 1 absent, 1 abstain)
• Approved expanded mandated reporter definitions in Policy JGCE (4-0, 1 absent, 1 abstain)
• Approved 2024-2025 Student Handbook and Employee Holiday Calendar updates (5-0, 1 abstain)

Regular Meeting - Ascension Parish School Board - Central Middle School - 6:30P.M.

The board approved a resolution to partner with Capital Area Human Services, updated the district organizational chart to align with the budget, and adopted the superintendent evaluation tool. Consent agenda items included a mobile health unit agreement with Our Lady of the Lake and job description changes for several staff positions.

• Resolution for partnership with Capital Area Human Services approved
• Agreement with Our Lady of the Lake for Mobile Health Unit Program in schools
• Approval of updated District Organizational Chart
• Adoption of Superintendent Evaluation Tool
• Job description changes for IT Support Technician, Facility Manager, and Chief Accountant

The board approved a partnership with Capital Area Human Services and an agreement with Our Lady of the Lake for a Mobile Health Unit Program. Members also approved updates to the district organizational chart and the Superintendent Evaluation Tool. Additionally, the board approved the June 2024 personnel report and multiple job description changes.

• Approved partnership resolution with Capital Area Human Services (11-0)
• Approved agreement with Our Lady of the Lake for Mobile Health Unit Program (11-0)
• Approved updates to the District Organizational Chart (11-0)
• Approved Superintendent Evaluation Tool (11-0)
• Approved June 2024 Monthly Personnel Report (11-0)
• Approved job description changes for 16 different staff roles (11-0)
• Approved minutes from July 2, 2024 meeting (11-0)

Strategic Planning Committee - Central Middle School Cafetorium - 6:00P.M>

The Strategic Planning Committee met to receive an update regarding the 2024 Bond. The meeting included a discussion on additional board comments and concluded with an adjournment.

• 2024 Bond Update presented by Jeff Parent

The committee received an update on the 2024 Bond and the timeline for design services RFQs. Members approved a motion to allow Jeff Parent to negotiate the purchase of the Bourque Property for Lake Elementary.

• Approved permission for Mr. Parent to negotiate purchasing the Bourque Property (5-0, 1 abstain)

Regular Meeting - Ascension Parish School Board - Donaldsonville High School Library - 6:30P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board met to review financial reports and approve items on its consent agenda. The board decided on procurement for child nutrition and approved a student travel request.

• Approval of Sealed Bid SB-10947 for milk and milk products parish-wide for the Child Nutrition Department
• Approval of an out-of-state field trip for the St. Amant High School Angler Fishing Club to Dayton, Tennessee (July 27-August 4, 2024)
• Review of May 2024 financial reports, including balance sheet and income statement

The Ascension Parish School Board approved a sealed bid for parish-wide milk and milk products for the Child Nutrition Department. The board also authorized an out-of-state field trip for the St. Amant High School Angler Fishing Club to Tennessee.

• Approved minutes of June 25, 2024 (9-0)
• Approved sealed bid SB-10947 for Milk & Milk Products Parish Wide (8-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved out-of-state field trip for St. Amant High School Angler Fishing Club to Dayton, Tennessee (8-0, 1 abstain)

Personnel Committee Meeting- Donaldsonville High School - 6:00P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board Personnel Committee met to review and approve updates to various staff roles. These changes included updated job descriptions for administrative, facility management, and technical positions.

• Job description changes for IT Support Technician (Code 455)
• Job description changes for Facility Manager roles at Primary, Middle, and High Schools (Codes 701-P, 701-M, 701-H)
• Job description changes for Chief Accountant (Code 143) and Senior Accountant (Code 142)
• Job description changes for Public Information Officer (Code 180)
• Job description changes for Coordinator of Transportation (Code 178), Truancy (Code 424), Safety and Security (Code 611), Risk Management (Code 612), and Planning and Construction (Code 139)

The Personnel Committee reviewed and approved changes to 16 different job descriptions. These items will be placed on a consent agenda at a future meeting.

• Approved IT Support Technician job description (4-0)
• Approved Facility Manager (Primary, Middle, and High School) job descriptions (4-0)
• Approved Chief Accountant and Senior Accountant job descriptions (4-0)
• Approved Public Information Officer job description (4-0)
• Approved Warehouseman I job description (4-0)
• Approved Coordinator of Transportation and Truancy job descriptions (4-0)
• Approved Coordinator of Safety and Security and Risk Management job descriptions (4-0)
• Approved Coordinator of Planning and Construction, Chief Secretary, Payroll Clerk, and Chief Administrative Director job descriptions (4-0)

Regular Meeting Ascension Parish School Board - Donaldsonville - 6:30P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board approved the district’s 2024-2025 general and special revenue budgets, which fund daily school operations and programs. The board also adopted the 2024-2025 staff salary schedule and new policies for student behavioral health support. Additionally, the board updated certificated employee job descriptions to comply with ACT No. 311 and reviewed district safety and security measures in executive session.

• Adoption of the 2024-2025 General Fund and Special Revenue Funds budgets
• Approval of the 2024-2025 staff salary schedule
• Adoption of new behavioral health support and services policies for students
• Approval of certificated employee job descriptions to comply with ACT No. 311
• Public hearing and adoption of 2023-2024 amended special revenue budgets

The board approved the 2024-2025 general fund and special revenue budgets, as well as the new salary schedule. Members also adopted updated job descriptions for certificated employees to comply with state law and approved three district policies.

• Adopted 2024-2025 General Fund and Special Revenue Funds Budgets (10-0)
• Adopted 2023-2024 Special Revenue Funds Amended Budgets (10-0)
• Adopted 2024-2025 Salary Schedule (10-0)
• Adopted certificated employee job descriptions for ACT No. 311 compliance (10-0)
• Approved Compensatory Time Policy - FILE GBAA (10-0)
• Approved Behavioral Health Support for Students Policy - FILE JGCF (10-0)
• Approved Behavioral Health Services for Students Policy - FILE JGCFA (10-0)
• Adopted Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire for July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024 (10-0)

Regular Meeting Ascension Parish School Board - Central Middle School - ITTC 6:30P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board approved a resolution regarding an Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) contract for Reagent Chemical & Research, Inc., following a presentation by the Ascension Economic Development Corporation. The board also approved a consent agenda that included renewals of health, worker's compensation, and student accident insurance, a construction bid for walkways at Bluff Ridge Primary, and two student expulsion appeals.

• Approved resolution for ITEP contract for Reagent Chemical & Research, Inc.
• Approved amendment to superintendent contract for accrued vacation days
• Renewed health insurance, worker's compensation insurance, and student accident insurance
• Approved sealed bid SB-10953 for Bluff Ridge Primary Modular Campus Walkways
• Approved appeals on length of expulsion for two East Ascension High School students

The Board approved a resolution regarding an Industrial Tax Exemption Program contract for Reagent Chemical & Research, Inc. Additionally, the Board approved several insurance renewals, a modular campus walkway bid, and four student expulsion appeals.

• Approved ITEP contract resolution for Reagent Chemical & Research, Inc. (8-0)
• Approved amendment to Superintendent contract regarding accrued vacation days (8-0)
• Approved renewal of Health Insurance (8-0)
• Approved renewal of Worker's Compensation Insurance (8-0)
• Approved renewal of Student Accident Insurance (8-0)
• Approved Sealed Bid SB-10953 for Bluff Ridge Primary Modular Campus Walkways (8-0)
• Approved May 2024 Monthly Personnel and Head Start Services Reports (8-0)
• Approved four appeals regarding length of expulsion for East Ascension High School students (8-0)

Policy Committee Meeting - Central Middle School - ITTC 6:00- 6:30 PM

The Ascension Parish School Board Policy Committee reviewed and approved three policies to be placed on the consent agenda for the next full board meeting. The policies cover compensatory time (FILE GBAA) and two new student behavioral health support and services policies (FILE JGCF and JGCFA). All motions carried with one abstention, and the meeting adjourned.

• Compensatory Time Policy (FILE GBAA) recommended for consent agenda
• Behavioral Health Support for Students Policy (FILE JGCF, new) recommended for consent agenda
• Behavioral Health Services for Students Policy (FILE JGCFA) recommended for consent agenda
• All motions carried 4-0 with one abstention by Taft Kleinpeter

The Policy Committee voted to place three items on the consent agenda for the next board meeting. These items include updates to compensatory time and the establishment of behavioral health support policies for students.

• Approved placing Compensatory Time Policy (FILE GBAA) on consent agenda (4-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved placing Behavioral Health Support for Students Policy (FILE JGCF) on consent agenda (4-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved placing Behavioral Health Services for Students Policy (FILE JGCFA) on consent agenda (4-0, 1 abstain)

Insurance Committee Meeting - Donaldsonville - 5:30P.M. - 6:15P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board Insurance Committee reviewed and approved the renewal of three insurance policies. These items were voted to be placed on the consent agenda for the next full board meeting.

• Renewal of Health Insurance
• Approval of Worker's Compensation Insurance
• Renewal of Student Accident Insurance

The committee voted to place the 2024-2025 health insurance plan, worker's compensation insurance, and student accident insurance on the next board meeting's consent agenda. The proposed health plan includes deductible increases and premium rate hikes. The worker's compensation and student accident insurance renewals were reviewed based on projected premiums.

• Approved placing 2024-2025 health plan renewal on consent agenda (3-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved placing worker's compensation insurance renewal with $1,015,155.00 projected premium on consent agenda (3-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved placing student accident insurance renewal with $220,531.67 projected premium on consent agenda (3-0, 1 abstain)

Personnel Committee Meeting- Donaldsonville - 5:00P.M. - 5:30P.M

The Personnel Committee met to review a proposed amendment to the accrued vacation days in the contract of Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Muse. The committee voted to place this item on the consent agenda for the next board meeting.

• Amendment to accrued vacation days in Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Muse's contract

The committee approved an amendment to Dr. Jeremy Muse's contract regarding accrued vacation days. The item will be placed on the consent agenda for the next board meeting.

• Approved amendment allowing Superintendent to cash in up to 10 unused vacation days per academic year (4-0, 1 abstain)

Regular Meeting - Ascension Parish School Board - Donaldsonville - 6:30P.M.

The board held a public hearing and voted to adopt the 2024 millage rates and roll them forward not to exceed maximum authorized rates. The body also approved the 2024-2025 student handbook and school calendar.

• Adoption of 2024 Millage Rates
• Approval of 2024-2025 Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook
• Approval of revised 2024-2025 District School Calendar
• Renewal of Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with LSU Agriculture Center 2024-2025
• Approval of RFQ-9887-Official Journal

The board approved the adjusted 2024 millage rates following a public hearing. The board also approved a resolution to roll forward millage rates not to exceed the maximum authorized rates.

• Approved Adoption of 2024 Millage Rates (9-0)
• Approved rolling forward 2024 millage rates to not exceed maximum authorized rates
• Approved minutes from May 21, 2024 (9-0)

Policy Committee Meeting - Central Middle School - ITTC 5:30P.M. - 6:00P.M.

The Policy Committee reviewed and voted to move two items to the next board meeting's consent agenda. These items include the 2024-2025 Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook and a revised 2024-2025 District School Calendar.

• Approval to place 2024-2025 Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook on consent agenda
• Approval to place Revised 2024-2025 District School Calendar on consent agenda

The committee reviewed and approved placing the 2024-2025 Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook and the revised 2024-2025 District School Calendar on the consent agenda for the next board meeting.

• Approved placing 2024-2025 Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook on consent agenda (3-0)
• Approved placing revised 2024-2025 District School Calendar on consent agenda (3-0)

Regular Meeting Ascension Parish School Board - Central Middle School Gymnasium - 6:30P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board met to certify election results and authorize the issuance of $110 million in bonds for school buildings and equipment. The board also reviewed the proposed 2024-2025 budgets and approved meal price increases.

• Authorization of up to $110,000,000 in General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2024
• Approval of $0.25 increase for breakfast and $0.40 increase for lunch meals
• Approval to add air conditioning to up to 30 additional buses
• Review of the proposed 2024-2025 budgets
• Certification of the April 27, 2024 special election results

The board approved the issuance of up to $110 million in general obligation bonds for acquiring and improving school lands and buildings. Additionally, the board approved meal price increases and the addition of air conditioning to 30 buses.

• Approved issuance of up to $110 million in General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2024
• Accepted election results from April 27, 2024, regarding bond authorization
• Approved $0.25 increase for breakfast and $0.40 increase for lunch meals
• Approved meal price increases for non-reimbursable meals
• Approved adding air conditioning to up to 30 additional buses
• Approved sealed bid SB-10952 for Lake Elementary Modular Campus
• Approved five out-of-state field trips for volleyball, ROTC, and cheerleading
• Approved April 2024 Monthly Head Start and Personnel reports

Budget Committee Meeting - Central Middle School - ITTC -6:00P.M. - 6:30P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board Budget Committee reviewed and approved the proposed 2024-2025 salary schedule, and also reviewed and amended the proposed 2024-2025 budgets. Both items passed with votes, with some abstentions. The salary schedule will be placed on an upcoming consent agenda.

• Approved proposed 2024-2025 salary schedule (motion carried, 3 yea, 2 abstain)
• Amended the proposed 2024-2025 budgets (motion carried, 4 yea, 1 abstain)

The Budget Committee reviewed and approved the proposed 2024-2025 Salary Schedule and the Proposed 2024-2025 Budgets. Both items were approved to be placed on an upcoming consent agenda.

• Approved Proposed 2024-2025 Salary Schedule for consent agenda (3-0-2)
• Approved Proposed 2024-2025 Budgets for consent agenda (4-0-1)

Maintenance Committee Meeting - Central Middle School - ITTC - 5:45P.M.

The Maintenance Committee will discuss the 2023-2024 maintenance budget versus projected actuals and review the proposed 2024-2025 maintenance budget. Both items are informational discussions with a presentation by Mr. Tim Amedee. The meeting is procedural and no votes on these items are scheduled on the agenda.

• Review 2023-2024 Maintenance Budget vs. Projected Actual
• Review 2024-2025 Proposed Maintenance Budget
• Presentation by Mr. Tim Amedee
• File attachment: '24-25 Proposal for Board Meeting Maintenance Cmt..pdf'
• Meeting at Central Middle School ITTC, 14101 Roddy Road, Gonzales

The committee reviewed the 2023-2024 Maintenance Budget and the proposed 2024-2025 Operational Budget. No formal votes were taken on the budget figures. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

• Reviewed 2023-2024 Maintenance Budget of $38,122,218.00
• Reviewed proposed 2024-2025 Operational Budget of $36,762,653
• Approved motion to adjourn (5-0, 1 abstain)

Transportation Committee Meeting - Central Middle School - ITTC - 5:15P.M.

The Transportation Committee reviewed department operations and budgets, then voted to approve adding air conditioning to up to 30 additional buses. The motion carried 5–0 with one abstention. The committee also discussed the 2023-2024 budget vs. projections and the proposed 2024-2025 transportation budget.

• Approved adding air conditioning to up to 30 school buses
• Reviewed 2023-2024 Transportation Budget vs. projected actual
• Reviewed 2024-2025 Proposed Transportation Budget
• Transportation Department Overview presented by Mr. Aubrey Yates
• Motion by Marty Bourgeois, second by John DeFrances; carried 5-0-1

The committee reviewed the 2023-2024 budget performance and the proposed 2024-2025 budget. Members approved adding the installation of air conditioning for up to 30 additional buses to the consent agenda.

• Approved adding the installation of air conditioning to up to 30 additional buses to the consent agenda (5-0, 1 abstain)

Technology Committee - Central Middle School - ITTC 4:45P.M.

The Technology Committee met to discuss and review information regarding the 2024-2025 IT budget overview. No other substantive items were decided during the meeting.

• Discussion of 2024-2025 IT Budget Overview

The committee reviewed the 2023-2024 IT budget and a proposed 2024-2025 budget. Discussion included a proposal to use the GF 335 IT Capital Reserve for $755,000 in equipment purchases, which would reduce the proposed 2024-25 IT GF Budget to $14,595,000. No formal votes were taken on the budget items.

• Adjourned meeting (3-0, 1 abstain)

Child Nutrition Committee - School Board Office - Donaldsonville 5:15P.M. - 5:45P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board Child Nutrition Committee voted to approve the 2024-2025 Child Nutrition Meal Prices and the 2024-2025 Child Nutrition Program Budget. Both motions carried unanimously with members Robyn Penn Delaney and Karen Braud voting in favor. No other business was discussed at the meeting.

• Approval of 2024-2025 Child Nutrition Meal Prices
• Approval of 2024-2025 Child Nutrition Program Budget

The committee approved price increases of approximately $0.40 for reimbursable meals and proposed increases for non-reimbursable meals. Members also approved a recommended 2024-2025 budget featuring $14.7 million in revenues and $16.2 million in expenditures.

• Approved reimbursable meal price increases of approximately $0.40
• Approved proposed price increases for non-reimbursable meals
• Approved recommendation for 2024-2025 budget with $14.7M revenue and $16.2M expenditures
• Approved request for $1.5 million transfer-in from the general fund

Students and Safety First Committee - Ascension Parish School Board - 5:45P.M.

The Students and Safety First Committee of the Ascension Parish School Board received a presentation on the Mobile Health Unit Program for West-Side students from Dr. Robyn Simmons and Mrs. Jill Gautreau. The committee then voted on a motion related to the presentation, which carried unanimously.

• Presentation of the Mobile Health Unit Program for West-Side students and a unanimous vote on a related motion

The Students and Safety First Committee approved the Mobile Health Unit Program for West-Side students in Ascension Parish. The program will be placed on a future consent agenda.

• Approved Mobile Health Unit Program for West-Side students (3-0)

Regular Meeting - Ascension Parish School Board - Donaldsonville - 6:30P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board approved the Differentiated Compensation LDOE stipend for teachers, renewed the Master Service Agreement for Trash Rangers, and adopted a consent agenda including sealed bids for dry goods and frozen food products for the Child Nutrition Program, as well as an out-of-state field trip for St. Amant High School's fishing club. All actions passed unanimously with one abstention on the ethics opinion.

• Approved Differentiated Compensation LDOE stipend for 2023-2024
• Renewed Master Service Agreement for Trash Rangers
• Approved sealed bid SB-10944 for dry goods products parish-wide for Child Nutrition Program
• Approved sealed bid SB-10945 for frozen food products parish-wide for Child Nutrition Program
• Approved out-of-state field trip for St. Amant High School STA Angler Fishing Club to Bassmaster Qualifier in Texas

The board approved a request for an ethics opinion regarding doing business with the employer of a board member. Other actions included renewing a trash service contract and approving several nutrition program bids.

• Approved request for ethics opinion on doing business with a board member's employer
• Ratified Master Service Agreement renewal for Trash Rangers (with future re-bid requirement)
• Approved Differentiated Compensation LDOE stipend
• Approved sealed bid SB-10944 for Dry Goods Products (Child Nutrition Program)
• Approved sealed bid SB-10945 for Frozen Food Products (Child Nutrition Program)
• Approved St. Amant High School Angler Fishing Club field trip to Texas
• Approved minutes of April 23, 2024

Regular Meeting Ascension Parish School Board - Bluff Middle School Gym - 6:30P.M.

The board met to approve various items including student recognitions and consent agenda actions. These actions included approving supplemental pay extensions, nutrition program bids, and school facility improvements.

• Extension of one year only west-side supplemental pay for the 2024-2025 school year
• Sealed Bid SB-10943 for bread products parish wide Child Nutrition Program
• Sealed Bid SB-10946 for processing supplies parish wide Child Nutrition Program
• Sealed Bid SB-10951 for a box culvert for Dutchtown High School
• Out of state field trip for Dutchtown High School Varsity Volleyball Team to Fort Worth, Texas

The Ascension Parish School Board approved the extension of west-side supplemental pay for the 2024-2025 school year. The board also approved several sealed bids for child nutrition and infrastructure, as well as personnel and Head Start reports.

• Approved extension of one year only west-side supplemental pay for 2024-2025 (7-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved sealed bid SB-10943 for Bread Products Parish Wide-Child Nutrition Program (7-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved sealed bid SB-10946 for Processing Supplies Parish Wide-Child Nutrition Program (7-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved sealed bid SB-10951 for Box Culvert for Dutchtown High School (7-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved March 2024 Monthly Personnel Report (7-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved March 2024 Monthly Head Start Services Report (7-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved out of state field trip for Dutchtown High School Varsity Volleyball Team to Texas (7-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved minutes of April 9, 2024 (8-0)

Regular Meeting - Ascension Parish School Board - Donaldsonville High School Library - 6:30P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board will receive a presentation on the 2022-2023 audit and review financial reports for February 2024. The board also approved adding May 14 and June 25 to the meeting calendar. Other items are procedural or informational.

• Receive 2022-2023 audit report from CPA Tiffani Dorsa
• Financial reports for February 2024 presented
• Approval to add May 14 and June 25 to school board meeting calendar

The board approved the meeting minutes from March 19 and March 26, 2024. Additionally, the board voted to add May 14 and June 25, 2024, to the official meeting calendar.

• Approved March 19, 2024 minutes (9-0)
• Approved March 26, 2024 minutes (9-0)
• Approved adding May 14 and June 25, 2024 to the meeting calendar (9-0)

Budget Committee Meeting - Donaldsonville High School Library 5:15P.M.

The Budget Committee voted to extend the one-year only west-side supplemental pay for the 2024-2025 school year. Members also received reports on the 2022-2023 school audits from Ms. Deshonna Jackson and on the 2022-2023 audit from CPA Tiffani Dorsa.

• Motion carried 5-0 to extend west-side supplemental pay for 2024-2025
• Report on 2022-2023 school audits received
• Report on 2022-2023 audit from Eisenramper received

The Budget Committee voted to place the extension of the one-year-only west-side supplemental pay for the 2024-2025 school year on a future meeting's consent agenda. The committee also received reports on the 2022-2023 school audits.

• Approved placing the extension of the one year only west-side supplemental pay for the 2024-2025 school year on the consent agenda (5-0)

Special Meeting of the Ascension Parish School Board - Central Middle School - ITTC 5:30P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board held a special meeting to reconsider and approve a property insurance policy renewal for April 2024, rejecting terrorism coverage. The board also approved a resolution related to House Bill 745. Both motions passed with majority support.

• Reconsideration and approval of property insurance policy renewal, rejecting terrorism coverage for April 2024 (motion carried 7-1-1)
• Approval of a resolution concerning House Bill 745 (motion carried unanimously with one abstention)

The board approved a property insurance policy renewal with a premium of $2,349,262.81. Additionally, the board unanimously adopted a resolution opposing House Bill 745 regarding Education Savings Accounts.

• Approved Property Insurance Policy Renewal and Rejection of Terrorism coverage for April 2024 with $100M Limit All Risk Excluding Flood and Quake and $10M Named Storm sublimit (7-1-1)
• Approved Resolution to House Bill 745 opposing Education Savings Accounts (9-0)

Regular Meeting Ascension Parish School Board - St. Amant High School Library - 6:30P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board met to decide on several insurance renewals and procurement bids. The board also addressed a cooperative agreement for a primary sewer system.

• Approval of Property Insurance Policy Renewal and rejection of Terrorism coverage for April 2024
• Approval of Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for the Oak Grove Primary Sewer System with Ascension Parish Government
• Approval of Boiler and Machinery Policy Renewal and rejection of Terrorism coverage for April 2024
• Approval of Professional Healthcare Insurance Coverage renewal
• Approval of sealed bids for parish-wide computer device cases (SB-10948) and athletic trainers supplies (SB-10950)

The board approved a property insurance policy renewal and rejected terrorism coverage for April 2024. Several consent agenda items were passed, including a sewer system agreement and two out-of-state field trips. The board also approved various policy renewals and sealed bids.

• Approved Property Insurance Policy Renewal Option 5 at $2,192,512.06 (8-2-1)
• Approved Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for Oak Grove Primary Sewer System (10-0-1)
• Approved Boiler and Machinery Policy Renewal and rejection of terrorism coverage (10-0-1)
• Approved Professional Healthcare Insurance Coverage renewal (10-0-1)
• Approved sealed bid SB-10948 for parish-wide computer device cases (10-0-1)
• Approved sealed bid SB-10950 for parish-wide athletic trainers supplies (10-0-1)
• Approved out-of-state field trips to St. Louis, MO for St. Amant and Dutchtown High School JAG students (10-0-1)
• Approved March 5, 2024 meeting minutes (11-0-0)

Insurance Committee Meeting - Central Middle School - ITTC - 4:00P.M.

The Insurance Committee voted to approve renewal of professional healthcare insurance and to review and approve property insurance and boiler/machinery policy renewals, including terrorism coverage options. All items were recommended for placement on the consent agenda for a future full board meeting. The meeting included additional board comments and adjournment.

• Approval of renewal of professional healthcare insurance coverage presented by Mrs. Ronda Matthews and Mrs. Latrisa Bennett
• Review and consideration of Property Insurance Policy Renewals and Terrorism coverage options for April 2024
• Review and consideration of Boiler and Machinery Policy Renewals and Terrorism Coverage Options for April 2024
• All motions carried unanimously by committee members John Murphy and Julie Blouin
• Meeting held at Central Middle School ITTC, 14101 Roddy Road, Gonzales, LA

The committee reviewed and approved the placement of professional healthcare, property, and boiler insurance renewals on the upcoming board consent agenda. Property insurance options involving higher coverage amounts were referred to the full board for consideration on March 19, 2024.

• Approved $2,002 professional healthcare insurance renewal for placement on board consent agenda (2-0)
• Approved placement of 2024-2025 property policy renewal on consent agenda (2-0)
• Referred higher property coverage options based on storm modeling to the full board for March 19, 2024
• Approved $28,100 boiler policy renewal with rejection of terrorism coverage for placement on board consent agenda (2-0)

Discipline Policy Review Committee

The Ascension Parish School Board Discipline Policy Review Committee is meeting to review and consider adoption of the APSB Student Handbook Rights & Responsibilities & Discipline Policy. The meeting includes roll call and adjournment as procedural items.

• Review and adoption of APSB Student Handbook Rights & Responsibilities & Discipline Policy

The committee reviewed and adopted changes to the APSB Student Handbook Rights & Responsibilities & Discipline Policy. Updates include revised technology fees, new drug testing procedures using Swabtek, and updated offense codes to align with state documents.

• Adopted MS Honor Roll GPA requirement of 4.0 and above
• Increased primary max fee to $60
• Updated device coverage to $10 per student for up to 4 students
• Required replacement chargers be purchased from school
• Added Swabtek testing for THC, fentanyl, and opioids in MS and HS
• Added Kratom to the list of drugs
• Updated drug paraphernalia definition to match Department of Justice definition
• Added 504 Complaints and Grievance Procedures

Strategic Planning Committee - Donaldsonville - 6:00P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board Strategic Planning Committee voted to approve a cooperative endeavor agreement with Ascension Parish Government for the Oak Grove Primary sewer system. The committee also reviewed the 2024 bond list for information. Both items were presented by Jeff Parent.

• Approved cooperative endeavor agreement with Ascension Parish Government for Oak Grove Primary sewer system
• Reviewed the 2024 bond list for school projects

The Strategic Planning Committee reviewed a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for the Oak Grove Primary Sewer System with Ascension Parish Government. The committee requested changes regarding the eventual return of the property to a grass area before sending the revised agreement to the full board's consent agenda.

• Approved placing the revised Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for the Oak Grove Primary Sewer System on the next school board consent agenda (5-0)

Regular Meeting - Ascension Parish School Board - Donaldsonville - 6:30P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board approved a consent agenda including a sealed bid for Hurricane Ida repairs at Gonzales Middle School, a Head Start grant application, and several out-of-state field trips. The board also received financial reports and committee updates.

• Approval of Sealed Bid SB-10942 for Gonzales Middle School Hurricane Ida Repairs
• Approval of Head Start 2024 Continuation Grant Application
• Approval of out-of-state field trip for East Ascension High School track team to Texas Relays in Austin, Texas
• Approval of out-of-state field trip for East Ascension High School wrestling team to NFHS Championships in Virginia Beach, Virginia
• Approval of out-of-state field trip for St. Amant High School choir to Carnegie Hall in New York City

The board approved a sealed bid for Hurricane Ida repairs at Gonzales Middle School and a Head Start grant application. Three out-of-state field trips for East Ascension High School and St. Amant High School were also authorized.

• Approved February 20, 2024 meeting minutes (10-0)
• Approved Head Start 2024 Continuation Grant Application (10-0)
• Approved sealed bid SB-10942 for Gonzales Middle School Hurricane Ida Repairs (10-0)
• Approved East Ascension High School track team trip to Austin, Texas (10-0)
• Approved East Ascension High School Wrestling Team trip to Virginia Beach, Virginia (10-0)
• Approved St. Amant High School Choir trip to New York City, New York (10-0)

Regular Meeting Ascension Parish School Board - Central Middle School Cafetorium - 6:30P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board approved a contract for energy performance services with Johnson Controls, Inc. and authorized a master lease purchase agreement for equipment. The board also reviewed the Head Start 2024 Continuation Grant Application. Several consent agenda items were approved, including monthly reports and out-of-state field trips.

• Approved energy performance contract with Johnson Controls, Inc.
• Authorized master lease purchase agreement for equipment financing
• Reviewed Head Start 2024 Continuation Grant Application
• Approved rejection of RFP-5164 for district-wide boiler maintenance
• Consent agenda approved 7 out-of-state field trips for students

The Ascension Parish School Board approved a contract for energy performance services with Johnson Controls, Inc. and a master lease purchase agreement for equipment. The board also approved several out-of-state field trips and the January 2024 personnel and Head Start services reports.

• Approved contract for energy performance services with Johnson Controls, Inc. (8-0)
• Approved Master Lease Purchase Agreement for equipment acquisition and financing (8-0)
• Approved January 2024 Monthly Personnel Report (8-0)
• Approved January 2024 Monthly Head Start Services Report (8-0)
• Approved recommendation to reject RFP-5164-District Wide Boiler Maintenance (8-0)
• Approved East Ascension High School field trip to Kissimmee, Florida (8-0)
• Approved Donaldsonville High School field trips to Montgomery, Alabama and Fayette, Mississippi (8-0)
• Approved Dutchtown High School field trip to Boston, Massachusetts (8-0)

Regular Meeting - Ascension Parish School Board - Donaldsonville - 6:30P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board approved the proposed 2024 Bond Election Project List, amended to replace a bus canopy project with renovations of East Ascension High School gym. The board also certified school board member training hours for 2023 and approved revised Redistricting Guidelines for 2024-2025. Financial reports for December 2023 were presented for information.

• Approval of 2024 Bond Election Project List amended to remove Bus DTM & DTP Covered Bus Load Canopy and replace with EAHS gym renovations
• Resolution certifying school board member training hours for 2023 (each member exceeded 6 hours; ethics mandate fulfilled)
• Approval of revised Redistricting Guidelines for 2024-2025
• Approval of minutes from January 23, 2024
• Financial reports for December 2023 presented (balance sheet, income statement, investment report, projections)

The board modified the 2024 Bond Election Project List by adding a gym renovation and removing bus loading canopies. Members also certified their 2023 training hours and approved revised redistricting guidelines.

• Approved addition of East Ascension High School Gym Renovation to 2024 Bond Election Project List (11-0)
• Approved removal of Dutchtown Primary and Dutchtown Middle bus loading canopy from 2024 Bond Project list (11-0)
• Approved resolution certifying school board member training and ethics hours for 2023 (11-0)
• Approved revised Redistricting Guidelines 2024-2025 (11-0)
• Approved minutes of January 23, 2024 (11-0)

Regular Meeting Ascension Parish School Board -Dutchtown High School Cafetorium - 6:30P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board voted to adopt a resolution supporting Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) participation and exemption for CapChem Technology USA Inc. The board also approved a consent agenda including new job descriptions for an Instructional Supervisor Data Analyst, part-time career coaches, and a Public Information Officer, as well as updates to several policies (administrative records, donations, parent conferences, probation, and school wellness).

• Resolution adopting ITEP participation and exemption for CapChem Technology USA Inc.
• Approval of job description for Instructional Supervisor Data Analyst (new)
• Approval of job description for Part Time Middle School Career Coach
• Approval of job description for Part Time High School Career Coach
• Approval of updated policies: Administrative Records (FILE CN), Donations to School Board (FILE DFK), Parent Conferences (FILE IHAD), Probation (FILE GBG), and School Wellness (FILE JGB)

The board approved a resolution for CapChem Technology USA Inc. to participate in the Industrial Tax Exemption Program. Additionally, the board approved the 2024-2025 district school and employee holiday calendars along with several new job descriptions and district policies.

• Approved ITEP participation and exemption for CapChem Technology USA Inc. (10-0)
• Approved 2024-2025 District School Calendar (10-0)
• Approved 2024-2025 12-Month Employee Holiday Calendar (10-0)
• Approved job descriptions for Instructional Supervisor Data Analyst, Middle School Career Coach, High School Career Coach, and Public Information Officer (10-0)
• Approved policies for Administrative Records, Donations to School Board, Parent Conferences, Probation, School Wellness, Student Health Services, and AED/Cardiac Emergency Plan (10-0)
• Approved RFP-5160 for Student/Staff Computing Devices (10-0)
• Approved Washington DC field trip for St. Amant and East Ascension High Schools NJROTC (10-0)
• Approved January 9, 2024 meeting minutes (10-0)

Strategic Planning Committee - Dutchtown High School Cafetorium - 5:30P.M.

At this meeting, the Strategic Planning Committee reviewed and considered student enrollment options for current 4th and 7th graders, and reviewed the 2024 bond issue timeline and proposed project list. Both items resulted in motions that carried.

• Review of student enrollment options for current 4th and 7th graders
• Review of 2024 bond issue timeline and proposed project list

The Strategic Planning Committee approved a recommended list of projects totaling $110 million for the April 2024 bond election. The committee also accepted a recommendation regarding student enrollment options for rising 5th and 8th graders.

• Approved $110M project list for April 2024 election (5-0, 1 abstain)
• Accepted recommendation to deny general school choice for rising 5th and 8th graders, allowing only extenuating circumstances upon written request (5-0, 1 abstain)
• Granted permission to proceed with property searches and assessment of property south of Lake Elementary on Hwy 431

Regular Meeting - Ascension Parish School Board - Donaldsonville - 6:30P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board approved a resolution to call a special election for a bond and tax proposal, authorizing debt issuance and a special tax levy. They also heard an informational presentation from AEDC about CapChem Technology USA Inc., a manufacturer considering a project in Geismar seeking participation in the Industrial Tax Exemption Program. The consent agenda included approvals for Hurricane Ida repairs at Donaldsonville Primary School, band instruments for Prairieville High, district-wide security window film installation, and several out-of-state field trips.

• Resolution calling special election for general obligation bonds and special tax (approved)
• Informational presentation on CapChem Technology USA Inc. project in Geismar seeking Industrial Tax Exemption Program
• Approval of sealed bid SB-10940 for Hurricane Ida repairs at Donaldsonville Primary School
• Approval of RFP-5163 for district-wide security window film installation
• Approval of out-of-state field trips for Dutchtown High School Winterguard and East Ascension Spartanettes

The Ascension Parish School Board approved a resolution to call a special election for the issuance of bonds and the levy of a special tax. The board also approved several facility repairs, security upgrades, and student field trips.

• Approved special election for debt issuance, bonds, and special tax (9-0)
• Approved Hurricane Ida repairs for Donaldsonville Primary School (9-0)
• Approved district-wide security window film installation (9-0)
• Approved purchase of Prairieville High School band instruments (9-0)
• Approved appeal regarding length of expulsion for student J.H. (9-0)
• Approved out-of-state field trips for Dutchtown High School Winterguard and Indoor Percussion (9-0)
• Approved out-of-state field trips for East Ascension Spartanettes and Winterguard (9-0)
• Approved out-of-state field trip for Lake Elementary School Cheerleaders (9-0)

Policy Committee Meeting - School Board Office - 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM

The Policy Committee of the Ascension Parish School Board met on January 9, 2024. Members voted unanimously (with Taft Kleinpeter abstaining) to recommend placing nine policy and calendar items on the consent agenda for the next full board meeting. Items include updates to policies on administrative records, donations, parent conferences, probation, school wellness, student health services, and AED use, plus the 2024-2025 district school calendar and 12-month employee holiday calendar.

• 2024-2025 district school calendar approved for consent agenda
• 2024-2025 12-month employee holiday calendar
• School wellness policy update (FILE JGB)
• Student health services policy update (FILE JGC)
• Use of Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and cardiac emergency plan policy (FILE EBBH)

The Policy Committee approved moving nine policy updates and calendars to the next board meeting's consent agenda. These items include updates to student health, school wellness, and administrative records.

• Approved placing Administrative Records Policy (FILE CN) on consent agenda (3-0-1)
• Approved placing Donations to School Board Policy (FILE DFK) on consent agenda (3-0-1)
• Approved placing Parent Conferences Policy (FILE IHAD) on consent agenda (3-0-1)
• Approved placing Probation Policy (FILE GBG) on consent agenda (3-0-1)
• Approved placing School Wellness Policy (FILE JGB) on consent agenda (3-0-1)
• Approved placing Student Health Services Policy (FILE JGC) on consent agenda (3-0-1)
• Approved placing AED and Cardiac Emergency Plan Policy (FILE EBBH) on consent agenda (3-0-1)
• Approved placing 2024-2025 District School and Employee Holiday Calendars on consent agenda (3-0-1)

Personnel Committee Meeting- Donaldsonville 5:30P.M. - 6:00P.M.

The Ascension Parish School Board Personnel Committee reviewed and approved job descriptions for Instructional Supervisor Data Analyst (new), Part Time Middle School Career Coach, Part Time High School Career Coach, and Public Information Officer. All motions carried with votes from members Robyn Penn Delaney, Jared Bercegeay, and Karen Braud, with Taft Kleinpeter abstaining.

• Approved job description for Instructional Supervisor Data Analyst (New)
• Approved job description for Part Time Middle School Career Coach
• Approved job description for Part Time High School Career Coach
• Approved job description for Public Information Officer

The Personnel Committee reviewed and approved four job descriptions to be placed on the next board meeting's consent agenda. These updates include a new data analyst role, pay increases for career coaches, and a reporting change for the Public Information Officer.

• Approved new Instructional Supervisor Data Analyst job description for consent agenda (3-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved increase of Part Time Middle School Career Coach rate from $18/hour to $25/hour for consent agenda (3-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved Part Time High School Career Coach job description at $30/hour for consent agenda (3-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved change to Public Information Officer reporting structure for consent agenda (3-0, 1 abstain)