Jefferson Parish Public School System public meetings in 2023

Facilities Committee Meeting

This meeting of the Jefferson Parish Public School System Facilities Committee is largely procedural, with roll call, invocation, and pledge. The only substantive item is a discussion with design firms and staff regarding programs. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Program discussion with design firms and staff

Regular Scheduled School Board Meeting

The Jefferson Parish School Board will consider a five-year, $60.6 million service and maintenance agreement renewal with First Student for student transportation. Other decisions include approving the district's strategic plan for 2028, accepting a $1.2 million bid for Hurricane Ida repairs at the administration annex, endorsing industrial tax exemptions for two companies, and electing board officers for 2024.

• First Student service renewal ($58.5M) and maintenance agreement ($2.2M) for five years through 2029
• Acceptance of $1,216,000 bid from Tuna Construction for Hurricane Ida roof and interior repairs at Administration Annex Building
• Approval of 2028 Strategic Plan: 'The Road to Transformation, Innovation & Excellence'
• Endorsement requests for Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) by APF River Partners LLC and Bunge Loaders Crocklaan USA, LLC
• Second reading and election of Board President and Vice-President for 2024

The Board elected its 2024 leadership and approved the 2028 Strategic Plan. Several service contracts and the 2024 meeting schedule were approved, while one industrial tax exemption request was deferred.

• Elected Dr. Gerard LeBlanc as President (9-0)
• Elected Chad Nugent as Vice President (9-0)
• Approved 2028 Strategic Plan: The Road to Transformation, Innovation & Excellence (9-0)
• Approved 2024 Board Meeting Schedule (9-0)
• Deferred ITEP endorsement request for Bunge Loaders Crocklaan USA, LLC (5-4)
• Approved Administration Annex Building bid (9-0)
• Approved Early Childhood Center Contract 2023-24 (9-0)
• Approved First Student Service Renewal and Initial Maintenance Agreement (9-0)

Finance Committee Meeting

The Finance Committee will hear presentations on ITEP (Industrial Tax Exemption Program) and consider action on a Hurricane Recovery Revenue Bonds Investments Proposal. The meeting opens with roll call and invocation, then adjourns after agenda items.

• Presentation on ITEP (Industrial Tax Exemption Program)
• Action item: Hurricane Recovery Revenue Bonds Investments Proposal

Regular Scheduled School Board Meeting

The Jefferson Parish School Board holds a regular meeting with second readings on a 60-day moratorium for the old Haynes Academy property, pay raises for teachers and support staff to state average, and a stipend payout timeline amendment. The consent agenda includes acceptance of construction projects, a bus lease agreement, early childhood contracts, and a training contract. The board will also consider minutes and presentations.

• Second reading: 60-day moratorium on old Haynes Academy property to explore retention and future use as career/tech hub or military academy
• Second reading: proposed pay raise for all certified teachers to state average, effective next school year
• Second reading: proposed pay raise for support staff (bus drivers, cafeteria workers, etc.) to state average
• Consent: accept $1,818,276.90 construction of pre-K portables at Birney, Boudreaux, Johnson Gretna Park, and Riviere elementary schools
• Consent: approve five-year bus lease with Sunshine Bus Sales for 4 new buses at $450,000 total

The Board approved an amended payout timeline for 2023 Legislative Session stipends and pay differentials, including an amendment for employees on assault pay leave. The Board also approved a series of consent agenda items including facility projects and a bus lease. Several proposed pay raises for teachers and support staff were withdrawn.

• Approved amended payout timeline for 2023 Legislative Session stipends (9-0)
• Approved 5-year lease of 4 new school buses from Sunshine Bus Sales, Inc. at $1,875 monthly per bus (9-0)
• Approved settlement of lawsuit Michael Entwhisle, et al. vs. JPSB et al. (9-0)
• Approved 2023-24 contract for Crisis Prevention Institute, Inc. (9-0)
• Approved bid acceptance for Joseph Yenni Stadium Project No. 2021-07 C (9-0)
• Approved bid acceptance for Chateau Estates Elementary Project No. 2022-24 (9-0)
• Approved bid acceptance for Bonnabel Magnet Academy High School Project No. 2022-34 B (9-0)
• Withdrew proposed pay raises for certified teachers and support staff

Facilities Committee Meeting

The Jefferson Parish Schools Facilities Committee is holding a discussion-only meeting. Agenda items include a survey report on naming facilities, updates on architect contracts, selection of professional service firms, discussion of the Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) process, and a recommendation for a real estate broker. No votes or decisions are scheduled.

• Report of survey results from Naming of Facilities Policy
• Status of architect contract
• Selection of professional service firms
• Discussion of Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) process and services
• RFQ Real Estate Broker - recommendation for real estate broker

Special Session School Board Meeting

At this special session, the board will review and vote on the Facilities Committee's recommendations for architects for two new schools. Other items include procedural opening, first readings, and adjournment.

• Review and approve architects for two new schools (Action item)

The Board approved the assignment of Grace Hebert to design Washington/Bunche and Lachin to design St. Ville. Several alternative motions regarding the architect assignments were debated and voted upon before the final substitute motion carried.

• Approved assignment of Grace Hebert to Washington/Bunche and Lachin to St. Ville (5-3)

Facilities Committee Meeting

The Facilities Committee will review the Facilities Department's recommendations for architects for two new schools. This is an action and discussion item. The rest of the agenda is procedural, including roll call, invocation, and adjournment.

• Review of recommendations for architects for 2 new schools

Regular Scheduled School Board Meeting

The Jefferson Parish School Board will conduct a second reading and vote on a 60-day moratorium for the old Haynes Academy property to explore retaining ownership and potential future uses such as a career and technical education hub or military academy. The board will also consider a consent agenda that includes an $88,000 contract with LSU for autism support, a revised cooperative endeavor agreement with the teachers union for dental and vision benefits, acceptance of construction projects at Greenlawn Terrace Elementary ($356,670) and Meisler Middle School ($1,369,260), and bid acceptance for roof repairs at Higgins High School ($4,297,669). Other items include a budget increase for playground equipment and approval of a bus washer pay rate of $16.00 per hour.

• Second reading: 60-day moratorium on old Haynes Academy School property for future facility planning
• Consent agenda: $88,000 contract with LSU Health for autism spectrum disorder support
• Revised Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Jefferson Federation of Teachers for dental/vision benefits (increase from $25.48 to $25.66)
• Project acceptance: Parking and drainage at Greenlawn Terrace Elementary ($356,670) and HVAC replacement at Meisler Middle ($1,369,260)
• Bid acceptance: Phase I roof repairs at Higgins High School ($4,297,669)

The Board approved a comprehensive consent agenda including multiple school construction projects, budget increases, and service contracts. The Board also voted to withdraw its membership from the LSBA. A proposed moratorium on the old Haynes Academy School property was deferred to November.

• Approved September 6, 2023 meeting minutes
• Approved consent agenda items 6.2 through 6.25 and 6.27
• Continued Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Jefferson Federation of Teachers
• Approved project acceptances for Greenlawn Terrace Elementary and Meisler Middle School
• Approved budget increases for multiple sites, St. Pierre Academy, and Haynes Academy
• Appointed Special Counsel for Alexander Brown in Case No. 2:23-cv-1532
• Withdrew from LSBA Membership
• Deferred moratorium on old Haynes Academy School property to November

Executive Committee Meeting

The Jefferson Parish Public School System Executive Committee will discuss renewing its Louisiana School Boards Association membership and address representation for social media litigation. The agenda lists these as action items for discussion. No final decisions or votes are recorded in this document.

• Discussion on LSBA membership renewal
• Discussion on social media litigation and representation

Regular Scheduled School Board Meeting

The Jefferson Parish School Board will consider several actions, including approving the low‑base bid of $3,159,000 to replace the HVAC system at T.H. Harris Middle School. It will also vote on a 60‑day moratorium on the former Haynes Academy property to explore future use, and approve settlement of the Constance Adams lawsuit. Additional items include acceptance of roof repair and change‑order contracts and approval of the August meeting minutes.

• Approve $3,159,000 low‑base bid for full replacement of the HVAC system at T.H. Harris Middle School (ESSER III funding)
• Accept $396,000 contract for Phase I roof storm‑damage repairs at Collins Elementary School (FEMA/General Funds)
• Approve $58,937 change order for HVAC work at Higgins High School (ESSER III funding)
• Authorize settlement of Constance Adams et al. vs. Jefferson Parish Public School System lawsuit
• Place a 60‑day moratorium on the property at the old Haynes Academy School to explore ownership options

The board approved a wide range of items via a consent agenda, including school construction bids, project acceptances, and educational service contracts. A proposed 60-day moratorium on the old Haynes Academy School property was deferred to October.

• Approved FY 23-24 Special Revenue and Lunch Fund Budgets
• Approved bid acceptance for T.H. Harris Middle School (Project No. 2021-18)
• Approved bid acceptance for Bonnabel Magnet Academy High School (Project No. 2023-03)
• Approved bid acceptance for West Jefferson High School (Project No. 2022-19 B)
• Approved settlement in lawsuit Constance Adams et al. vs. JPPS
• Approved 2023-24 contracts for Rethink Autism, Inc., Egan Healthcare, and New Horizon Learning Academy II
• Approved project acceptances for Collins Elementary, St. Pierre Academy, West Jefferson High, Johnson Gretna Park Elementary, Estelle School, Lincoln School for the Arts, and Green Park Elementary
• Deferred moratorium on old Haynes Academy School property to October meeting

Regular Scheduled School Board Meeting

The Jefferson Parish School Board will vote on a consent agenda that includes multiple construction contracts and budget increases. Key items include accepting a $1,342,700 bid for full HVAC replacement at Janet School, a $320,637 project acceptance for Bonnabel Baseball Field lighting, and budget increases for Meisler Middle School HVAC ($105,710) and razing Wall Elementary ($40,000). Change orders for Pre-K portables at five schools and roof replacement at Johnson Gretna Park are also up for approval.

• Bid acceptance for full HVAC replacement at Janet School, $1,342,700 (ESSER III)
• Project acceptance: Bonnabel Baseball Field lighting upgrade, $320,637 (Capital Improvement Bond)
• Budget increase and change order for Meisler Middle School HVAC, total $105,710 (ESSER III)
• Budget increase to raze Wall Elementary School, $40,000 (reallocated general funds)
• Change Order No. 2 for Pre-K portables at Birney, Boudreaux, Johnson Gretna Park, and Riviere Elementary, $176,462.67 (ESSER Fund)

The board approved a series of consent agenda items including construction change orders for Meisler Middle and Wall Elementary schools. Several 2023-24 early childhood and healthcare contracts were authorized. The board also reviewed two student expulsion cases.

• Approved project acceptance for Bonnabel Baseball Field (9-0)
• Approved budget increase and change order for Meisler Middle School (9-0)
• Approved budget increase for Wall Elementary School (9-0)
• Approved bid acceptance for Janet School (9-0)
• Approved 2023-24 early childhood contracts for Nicole Darbonne, Kelly Hebert, Thinkbox Design, LLC, and Gambel Communications (9-0)
• Approved student expulsion review CASE: TJ-126-080223-1 (8-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved student expulsion review CASE: TJ-126-080223-2 (8-0, 1 abstain)
• Approved 2023-24 contracts for LSU Health Sciences Center, Aveanna Healthcare, and Advantage Medical Professional, LLC (9-0)

Jefferson Parish Public Schools Committee Meetings

The Jefferson Parish Public Schools committee meetings will discuss updates on Hurricane Ida recovery efforts and 2023 school consolidations. Multiple 2023-24 contracts are up for discussion, including early childhood center agreements, a School Mint renewal, and medical services for students. The meeting includes roll calls for six committees and a public comment period.

• Status of Ida Recovery Efforts (discussion)
• Status of School 2023 Consolidations (discussion)
• Multiple 2023-24 early childhood contracts (Nicole Darbonne, Kelly Hebert, LA4-funded centers, Thinkbox Design, Gambel Communications)
• School Mint contract renewal for registration, admissions, and lottery services
• Medical services contracts (LSU Health Sciences SBHC, Aveanna Healthcare, Advantage Medical Professional)

Special Session School Board Meeting - Budget Hearing

The Jefferson Parish School Board is holding a special session budget hearing to present and receive public comment on the proposed Fiscal Year 2023-2024 budget. The meeting includes procedural items such as roll call and pledge, followed by the public hearing. The board will then adjourn after the hearing.

• Public Hearing on Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget
• Roll call and invocation / Pledge of Allegiance
• Meeting adjournment after public hearing

Regular Scheduled School Board Meeting

The Jefferson Parish School Board will vote on a resolution allowing reimbursement of over $75 million in HVAC projects from bond funds if ESSER funding cannot be used due to the September 2024 deadline. Second readings include a feasibility study for a parish-owned military high school, a procurement requirement for spending above $50k, a moratorium on razing Washington STEM School pending historic designation, and renewal of a contract with Grant & Barrow. The consent agenda also includes the proposed FY2024 general fund budget, contracts for ESL coaching ($92k), homeless services ($21k), dual language support ($270k), translation services ($180k), and renewal of a school resource officer contract with Gretna Police Department at $328 per day per officer.

• Resolution to allow bond-funded reimbursement for HVAC projects if ESSER deadline missed (over $75M)
• Second reading: study feasibility of a military high school owned and operated by Jefferson Parish
• Second reading: moratorium on razing or selling Washington STEM School pending historic designation
• Second reading: require RFP/RFQ for any spending above $50k
• Consent: renewal of SRO contract with Gretna PD at $328/day per officer for Thomas Jefferson HS and Frederick Douglass CS

The Board approved the FY 2024 Proposed General Fund Budget and renewed a three-year contract with Grant & Barrow, P.L.C. Members also directed the Superintendent to study the feasibility of a military-style high school. A proposal to place a moratorium on razing or selling Washington STEM School was denied.

• Approved FY 2024 Proposed General Fund Budget (7-1)
• Approved study for feasibility of a military-style high school (9-0)
• Renewed contract with Grant & Barrow, P.L.C. through June 30, 2026 (9-0)
• Denied moratorium on razing or selling Washington STEM School (2-7)
• Approved renewal of CEA with Gretna Police Department for SROs (9-0)
• Approved budget and architect for Bonnabel Magnet Academy High School Project No. 2023-03 (9-0)
• Cancelled Bonnabel Magnet Academy High School Project No. 2021-14 (9-0)
• Approved 2023-24 contracts for ESL, Homeless, and Early Childhood services (9-0)

Jefferson Parish School Board Retreat

The Jefferson Parish School Board met for a retreat on June 16, 2023 at the Southern Hotel in Covington. The agenda included roll call, an invocation and pledge of allegiance, and a professional development learning session that is for discussion only with no votes taken. The meeting was adjourned after the session.

• Roll call of board members
• Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance
• Professional development learning session (discussion only, no votes)
• Adjournment of the retreat

Jefferson Parish School Board Retreat

This is a retreat for the Jefferson Parish School Board, consisting of a professional development learning session. No votes will be taken at this meeting. The only other items are the opening, agenda review, and adjournment.

• Professional development learning session; no votes or decisions will occur.

Regular Scheduled School Board Meeting

The Jefferson Parish School Board will consider several actions, including approving the low‑bid $232,669 contract to repair the Hurricane Ida roof at West Jefferson High School. The board will also act on a $96,624 change order for Kerner Elementary School, renew multiple insurance policies, and discuss second‑reading motions on surplus‑property appraisal and a military‑school feasibility study.

• Approve low‑bid $232,669 contract (Project 2022-19 A) for Hurricane Ida roof repairs at West Jefferson High School
• Accept Change Order No. 3 for Kerner Elementary School totaling $96,624
• Renew ACE insurance policy for up to $584,428
• Second reading to authorize appraisal and sale/disposition of surplus property cited in Committee Report 8.2
• Direct superintendent to study feasibility of a parish‑wide military high school and report by end of FY 2024

The Board authorized the appraisal and sale of declared surplus properties through a licensed real estate broker. Several annual insurance policies were renewed, and multiple construction bids and professional service contracts were approved via the consent agenda.

• Approved appraisal and sale of surplus properties (7-1)
• Approved use of licensed real estate broker for surplus property disposal (7-1)
• Approved RFQs for Architect & Engineering and Design Services
• Renewed ACE annual term policy for $574,846.00
• Renewed Star annual term policy for $200,628.00
• Renewed AXA one year policy for $31,050.00
• Renewed Travelers 3 year policy for $33,013.00
• Approved bid for West Jefferson High School Project No. 2022-19 A

Insurance Committee Meeting

The Jefferson Parish Public School System Insurance Committee will vote on renewing several insurance policies. Items include renewals for scholastic entity retained limits, excess workers' compensation, crime insurance, cyber liability, and a self‑insured retention liability contract. All renewals take effect in June or July 2023.

• Scholastic Entity Retained Limits Policy Renewal – 1‑year term, effective June 15, 2023
• Excess Workers' Compensation Policy Renewal – 1‑year term, effective June 15, 2023
• Crime Insurance Policy Renewal – 3‑year term, effective June 15, 2023
• Cyber Liability Insurance Policy Renewal – 1‑year term, effective June 15, 2023
• CCMSI Annual Contract Renewal for Self‑Insured Retention Liability – effective July 1, 2023

Facilities Committee Meeting

The Facilities Committee will review a request for qualifications (RFQ) for the construction of two new Jefferson Parish Schools. The meeting includes procedural items such as roll call and pledge of allegiance. No other substantive business is listed.

• Review RFQ for two new Jefferson Parish Schools

Regular Scheduled School Board Meeting

The Jefferson Parish School Board will hold second readings and votes on several items, including adopting new attendance zone maps for the 2023-2024 school year, adding a police detail for Kenner schools, directing development of a military-style high school, and requesting information on teacher and staff pay increases. The consent agenda includes a $2.9 million increase to the recruitment and retention stipend for June 2023, adjustments to travel meal per diem rates, and contracts for literacy and early childhood programs.

• Second reading to adopt attendance zone maps recommended by superintendent for 2023-2024
• $50,000 from General Fund to plan an athletic complex at Higgins
• Additional police detail for Kenner schools using General Fund monies
• Direct development of a military-style high school for 2024-2025
• $2.9 million increase to Recruitment and Retention Stipend 3 (June 2023)

The board approved new attendance zone maps and authorized funding for an athletic complex plan at Higgins. They also approved an additional police detail for Kenner schools and a recruitment and retention stipend revision.

• Approved attendance zone maps for 2023-2024 school year (7-2)
• Approved up to $50,000 from General Fund for Higgins athletic complex plan (6-3)
• Approved additional police detail for Kenner schools using General Fund (9-0)
• Approved revision to Recruitment and Retention Stipend 3 Payment (9-0)
• Approved adjustment to travel meal per diem effective July 1, 2023 (9-0)
• Approved Houghton Mifflin Harcourt - Amira contract (9-0)
• Approved minutes of April 5, 2023 Board Meeting (9-0)
• Approved directive for Superintendent to present info on consolidation plan's impact on pay (9-0)

Curricular & Extracurricular Activities Committee Meeting

The Curricular & Extracurricular Activities Committee will hold a discussion meeting on May 1, 2023. Topics include a consent agenda (items 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.16, 6.21), updates on students changing schools, extracurricular participation, transition services, and staffing. No votes or decisions are scheduled.

• Consent agenda discussion for items 6.5, 6.6, 6.7, 6.16, 6.21
• Update on students moving schools
• Update on students involved in extracurricular activities
• Update on transition services/plans
• Update on staffing

Special Session School Board Meeting

The Jefferson Parish School Board is holding a special session that includes a public hearing to discuss proposed changes to attendance zone maps. The agenda also lists first readings of new business items, though no specifics are provided. The meeting is primarily procedural aside from the zoning hearing.

• Public hearing on proposed changes to attendance zone maps
• First readings of new business items (details not specified in agenda)

The Board approved the Superintendent's recommended attendance zone maps for the 2023-2024 school year. A two-month extension was granted to present the updated Strategic Plan at the July Board Meeting.

• Approved attendance zone maps recommended by the Superintendent for 2023-2024 (9-0)
• Approved two-month extension for the Strategic Plan update to be presented in July

Legislative Committee Meeting - Amended Date & Time

The Legislative Committee will discuss currently filed education-related bills in the Louisiana legislative session and receive legislative updates. No votes are scheduled; the meeting is for discussion and information only.

• Review of education-related bills filed in the current Louisiana legislative session
• Legislative updates from the state session

Facilities Committee Meeting

The Facilities Committee will receive updates on Hurricane Ida insurance claims, FEMA grants, and permanent repairs to district facilities. The committee will also consider recommendations from the Facilities Department for architects to design two new Pre-K 8 schools and to coordinate the razing of schools identified in the 2023 Infrastructure and Efficiency Plan.

• Update on Hurricane Ida insurance claim
• Update on Hurricane Ida FEMA grant
• Update on permanent repairs to district facilities
• Consideration of architect recommendation for design of two Pre-K 8 schools
• Consideration of architect recommendation to coordinate razing of schools under 2023 Infrastructure and Efficiency Plan

Regular Scheduled School Board Meeting

The board will consider a consent agenda including a budget increase and bid acceptance for a full HVAC system replacement at Higgins High School, with a low base bid of $9,200,000 from Gallo Mechanical. Other items include contracts for literacy training, translation services, and various school construction and repair projects.

• Budget increase to $10,890,176 and bid acceptance for HVAC replacement at Higgins High School (Project 2021-19)
• Bid acceptance for Phase I roof and storm damage repairs at Lincoln School for the Arts ($289,719)
• Change Order No. 2 for Hurricane Ida damage repair at Kerner Elementary School ($88,682)
• Parking and drainage improvements bid at Greenlawn Terrace Elementary School ($356,670)
• Contract with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt for Amira reading program implementation ($186,470)

The board approved a series of consent agenda items including facility bids, contract amendments, and a new policy on Naloxone. A proposal to close schools based on the 2023 Infrastructure and Efficiency Plan Update was discussed, with an amendment to remove G.T. Woods from the closure list.

• Approved minutes from March 1 and March 27, 2023 meetings
• Approved budget increase and bid for Higgins High School Project No. 2021-19 (8-1)
• Approved bid for Lincoln School for the Arts Project No. 2022-31 A (8-1)
• Approved bid for Greenlawn Terrace Elementary School Project No. 2021-05 (8-1)
• Approved new Board Policy JGCDA regarding Naloxone (8-1)
• Approved resolution to participate in Louisiana State Government Opioid Litigation MOU (8-1)
• Approved recommendation for Solid Waste Collection and Disposal RFP 3323 (8-1)
• Withdrawn: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt - Amira contract

Curriculum & Extracurricular Activities

The Jefferson Parish School System is meeting to discuss several administrative topics. Discussion items include charter school compacts, efficiency and infrastructure plans, and school resource officer details.

• Charter School Compact Update
• Extra-curricular updates for the 2023 Efficiency and Infrastructure Plan
• Curriculum updates
• School Resource Officer Details

Special Session School Board Meeting

The board will vote on three insurance renewal proposals: inland marine coverage from Everest for $36,519, equipment breakdown coverage from Liberty Mutual for $38,283, and property insurance from multiple carriers not to exceed $7,598,256. They will also hear a 2023 Infrastructure and Efficiency Update from Meyer Engineers Ltd. and MGT Consultant, and conduct first readings of policies.

• Accept Everest inland marine renewal at $36,519
• Accept Liberty Mutual equipment breakdown renewal at $38,283
• Accept property insurance renewal not to exceed $7,598,256
• Receive 2023 Infrastructure and Efficiency Update from Meyer Engineers Ltd./MGT Consultant
• First readings of board policies

The board approved three insurance renewal proposals totaling over $7.6 million. A first reading was held for a proposal to close and potentially raze schools based on the 2023 Infrastructure and Efficiency Plan Update.

• Approved Everest Inland Marine coverage renewal for $36,519.00 (8-0)
• Approved Liberty Mutual equipment breakdown insurance renewal for $38,283.00 (8-0)
• Approved Property Insurance Renewal not to exceed $7,598,256.00 (8-0)

Insurance Committee Meeting

The Insurance Committee will discuss insurance renewals as recommended by the district's consultant. This is a discussion item with no final decision scheduled. The meeting also includes procedural items like roll call and adjournment.

• Consideration of insurance renewals based on consultant recommendation

Insurance Committee Meeting - CANCELLED

This meeting of the Jefferson Parish Public School System Insurance Committee was cancelled. No decisions or discussions took place. The only agenda item was consideration of insurance renewals.

• Meeting cancelled - no actions taken.
• Scheduled discussion: Consideration of Insurance Renewals (cancelled).

Legislative Committee Meeting

The Jefferson Parish School Board Legislative Committee is meeting to discuss legislation for funding school resource officers. The agenda also includes presentations from the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education (BESE) and from Jennifer Ansardi.

• Discussion of Student Resource Officer Legislation for Funding
• Presentation by BESE
• Presentation by Jennifer Ansardi

Regular Scheduled School Board Meeting

The Jefferson Parish School Board will hold second readings on two athletic facility proposals: a $6 million complex at L.W. Higgins High School and rescinding a prior $2 million complex at Riverdale High School. The board also considers consent agenda items including contract amendments, project acceptances, and a bid for lighting upgrades at West Jefferson High School stadium.

• Second reading of motion to develop designs for $6 million athletic complex/field house at L.W. Higgins High School
• Second reading of motion to rescind prior decision for $2 million athletic complex at Riverdale High School
• Consent agenda: rejection of all bids for $8.5 million HVAC replacement at Bonnabel Magnet Academy High School; project to be re-bid
• Consent agenda: acceptance of $425,341 low bid for lighting and electrical upgrades at West Jefferson High School stadium
• Consent agenda: acceptance of $629,698.40 project for new parking and drainage at Airline Park Academy for Advanced Studies

The Board voted to rescind a previous decision to build an athletic complex at Riverdale High School. A wide range of consent agenda items were approved, including early childhood contracts, bus leases, and facility projects. One proposal for an athletic complex at L.W. Higgins High School was withdrawn by the author.

• Rescinded decision to build athletic complex at Riverdale High School (7-2)
• Approved 5-year lease for 15 new school buses from Sunshine Bus Sales, Inc. at $1,875 monthly per bus (9-0)
• Approved project acceptance for Airline Park Academy for Advanced Studies, Project No. 2020-26 (9-0)
• Approved bid acceptance for West Jefferson High School Stadium, Project No. 2021-07 B (9-0)
• Approved bid rejection for Bonnabel Magnet Academy High School, Project No. 2021-14 (9-0)
• Approved revision of Board Policy EBCB regarding video monitoring of school board property (9-0)
• Approved resolution for Bond Purchase Agreement for Limited Tax Bonds, Series 2023 (9-0)
• Withdrawn: Proposal to build athletic complex/field house at L.W. Higgins High School

Insurance Committee Meeting

The Jefferson Parish Public School System Insurance Committee will meet to discuss the renewal of property insurance for the 2023-2024 year. No other substantive items are on the agenda; the remainder is procedural.

• Discussion of 2023-2024 Property Insurance Renewal

Regular Scheduled School Board Meeting

The Jefferson Parish School Board will vote on construction contracts and service agreements tied to tornado and hurricane recovery. Items include approving budgets for repairs at Marrero Middle School and West Jefferson High School, appointing program management for Hurricane Ida damages, and requesting a revised infrastructure and efficiency plan. The agenda also lists bid acceptances, bus purchases, and student disciplinary reviews for the consent agenda. These decisions will direct campus repair timelines, transportation resources, and long-term facility planning for district students.

• Approve $11,000,000.00 budget and appoint Lachin Architects for tornado damage repair at West Jefferson High School.
• Approve $2,500,000.00 budget and appoint Grace Hebert Curtis Architects for tornado damage repair at Marrero Middle School.
• Accept $1,569,900.00 bid from Crescent Commercial Construction, LLC for Pre-K portable classrooms at five elementary schools.
• Appoint CSRS, LLC as program manager for Hurricane Ida recovery across 84 campuses over three years ($7,388,300.00).
• Request a revised 2023 Infrastructure and Efficiency Plan covering school consolidations, transportation, and athletic complex funding.

The Board approved a contract with Meyer Engineers, LTD. and MGT Consulting Group to conduct nine community meetings and provide a report by March 31, 2023. The Board also approved several consent agenda items, including bid acceptances and project budgets for Marrero Middle School and West Jefferson High School.

• Approved contract with Meyer Engineers, LTD. and MGT Consulting Group not to exceed $400,000 (5-4)
• Approved minutes of January 4, 2023 Special Session (9-0)
• Approved minutes of January 18, 2023 Board Meeting (9-0)
• Approved Consent Agenda (9-0)
• Approved bid acceptance for Multiple Sites, Project No. 2022-12 (9-0)
• Approved Transportation Lift Buses (9-0)
• Approved budget, engineer, and scope of work for Marrero Middle School, Project No. 2022-36 (9-0)
• Approved budget, engineer, and scope of work for West Jefferson High School, Project No. 2022-37 (9-0)

Regular Session School Board Meeting

The Jefferson Parish School Board will consider a $2.19 million budget increase and bid acceptance for a full HVAC replacement at West Jefferson High School, plus similar HVAC projects at Benson School and Greenlawn Terrace Elementary. Second readings include a resolution to authorize a contract with NDS, LLC for water filtration systems and a directive for a revised 2023 Infrastructure and Efficiency Plan addressing school consolidations. The board will also vote on updated naming facilities policy and recognize 2022 school performance scores.

• Budget increase and bid acceptance for HVAC replacement at West Jefferson High School ($2,190,450 from ESSER III)
• Budget increase for parking/drainage improvements at Greenlawn Terrace Elementary ($270,000 from existing bond funds)
• Budget increase and bid acceptance for HVAC replacement at Benson School ($531,000 from ESSER III)
• Second reading: resolution to authorize contract with NDS, LLC for water filtration systems in schools
• Second reading: directive for revised 2023 Infrastructure and Efficiency Plan considering school consolidations, PK-8 model, and transportation

The Board approved a series of budget increases and bid acceptances for several school construction projects. They also approved a Naming Facilities Policy, payroll procedure revisions, and early childhood contracts.

• Approved budget increase for Greenlawn Terrace Elementary (7-0)
• Approved budget increase and bid acceptance for West Jefferson High School (7-0)
• Approved budget increase and bid acceptance for Benson School (7-0)
• Approved budget increase and change order for Former West Bank Community School Site (7-0)
• Approved budget increase and bid acceptance for Ellis Elementary School (7-0)
• Approved bid acceptance for Johnson Gretna Park Elementary School (7-0)
• Approved Naming Facilities Policy (7-0)
• Approved early childhood contracts for Inquisititve Thinkers Learning Academy and Precious Little Lambs II (7-0)

Finance Committee Meeting

The Finance Committee will discuss a resolution to incur debt and issue Limited Tax Bonds for the Parish School Board. They will also discuss a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with Discovery Health Sciences Foundation for a proposed Discovery Arts and Athletic Performance Center. The meeting includes procedural items like roll call and invocation.

• Discussion of resolution to issue Limited Tax Bonds
• Discussion of Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for Discovery Arts and Athletic Performance Center
• New agenda item (unspecified)
• New business (unspecified)
• Meeting adjournment

Special Session School Board Meeting - Amended

The Jefferson Parish School Board will hold a special session to swear in newly elected members, nominate and elect board officers for 2023, and adopt the proposed 2023 board meeting schedule. The board will also consider an updated Pupil Progression Plan that includes an emergency amendment for final exam exemptions during high school closures.

• Swearing in of school board members
• Nomination and election of board officers
• Proposed 2023 board meeting schedule
• Updated Pupil Progression Plan with emergency final exam exemption policy for high school closures

The Board swore in members for four-year terms and elected new officers. The Board also approved the 2023 meeting schedule and an updated pupil progression plan.

• Elected Ralph Brandt as President and Derrick Shepherd as Vice President (9-0)
• Approved 2023 Board Meeting Schedule (9-0)
• Approved Updated Pupil Progression Plan 2022-2023 (9-0)