001Good evening and thank thank you for attending. Welcome to the April 21st 26 regular meeting of the Nagish Parish School Board. Board members and visitors, please silence your cell phones as not to disrupt the meeting. If you would like to speak to an agenda item, please complete the speaker form. that's located in the back of the room and pass it forward so we can recognize you when that item comes up. Pastor Harris is going to offer the invocation for us and Mr. Muire will offer the pledge of allegiance and we will remain standing in honor of the eight young people in the Sri area that lost their lives tragically and also honor Mr. Keith Wer who is an employee in the district that passed away recently. Um if you would please stand. >> Let us
002pray. Gracious Father, we come right now. We thank you for allowing us together. We ask that you would just lead and guide us as we speak about things concerning our students, our young people, and always putting them first. Oh gracious father, and whatever decisions that we make, Lord, bless us and keep us. We ask all of these blessings in darling son Jesus name we pray. Amen. And amen. Pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> Please continue standing for a moment of silence, please. Thank you very much. You can be seated. >> Mr. Revel, can we have a roll call? >> Mr. Danzy >> here. >> Mr. Muire >> here. >> Mr.
003Benfield >> here. >> Mr. Harris, >> present. >> Mrs. McGowski >> here. >> Miss Palmer. >> Miss Phelps >> here. Miss Harvey >> here, >> Mr. Fraighu >> here, >> Mr. Nicholson >> here, >> and Miss Paige >> here. >> We have a quorum. >> Thank you very much. Um, before we move on, we hear about the news every day and and it's usually somewhere about someone about something, which sounds silly, but it's true. But this tragedy has happened almost at our doorstep. And it just goes to show us all how fragile life and things that occur in life and the reality of of what really happens. So let's let's all bear in mind, let's put our best foot forward at all times and let's see what we can do to help the healing in
004all areas of our community. >> Yes. Superintendent, would you take us out on your on your report? >> Yes, sir. And I just like to echo um I saw Dr. Keith Burton uh has been quoted several uh national and state and local publications and uh I just can't imagine uh what the community is going through and u my thoughts and prayers are with the community and also with uh their school board and their superintendent as they navigate this. Um, moving forward, uh, there's no official updates, uh, from the report last week, but we do want to turn things over to Miss Ramona Winder because she's going to be recognizing, uh, our teacher, principal, and support staff district winners of the year. And I can't see through the Oh, there she is. So, I think she's
005going to come up and I need to get up, Miss Ramona, and hand some stuff out. >> Yep. >> Good evening. >> This is the second part of this of celebrating this special group. You have >> Oh, I'm sorry. Power first. My apologies. >> She gave me my orders earlier and I messed it up. >> I can't fire him, though. So, >> you set him up for that one, Mr. All right. >> Yeah, just slide us a note. >> So, we we just had a a celebration for our district uh for our employees of the year, and uh all of the schools were represented there. So, we had a little food and and fellowship and an opportunity just to say thank you to such a special group. And um so we have our district level
006winners here tonight that we're going to recognize. And so we have a little PowerPoint uh presentation so you can see who they are and we'll let those just run in the the background. up. >> So, I would like to share. >> Just a version of this little book that I just rewrote for our employees of the the year. The title of this one is because I had a teacher. So, I just rewrote it and it's because I have a school employee to address all of our group. So, I will read that and then I will uh introduce the special guest that we have here tonight to you. Because I had a school employee, because I had a principal, I had someone who set the vision and believed in what our school could be. I learned
007that leadership means showing up, making decisions, and standing for what's right. Because I had a teacher, I discovered my strengths, and was challenged to grow every day. I learned that my voice, my ideas, and my future matter. Because I had a school secretary, I was welcomed with kindness and helped with patience, no matter the need. I learned that the heart of a school often lives right at the front desk. Because I had a custodian, I learned that care is shown in the spaces we share and the pride we take in them. I understood that even the work we don't always see makes a lasting difference. Because I had an NPSB school employee, I experienced a school filled with care, commitment, and people who made a difference in my life every single day. And so I'm
008so um thankful to have the opportunity to well to have had the opportunity to recognize all of the winners from each of our schools, but even more grateful to recognize a group that's here tonight and they are our district level uh winners. And so without further ado, I would like to introduce to you we'll start with our teachers of the year. You all come up when I call your name and receive your awards. Uh yes. And please uh take a picture with Dr. Eloy. So teacher of the year uh from NSU Elementary Lab, Christy Gentry is our district level winner. So picture >> Yes. And Miss Coleman is here. So Miss Coleman said she did she didn't really want to take a picture, but I'm gonna Yeah. So, Miss Coleman is of course a principal
009of the elementary lab school and so I'm grateful that she's here to support Miss Gentry. Yes. Our middle school teacher of the year is Mr. Jonathan Parish and he is from Magadish Magnet School. And Mr. Parish, we're so excited. He is representing magnet. He's representing um he is the winner of our uh at the district level. But you all probably know that Mr. Parish is also a semi finalist for the state teacher of the year. So we are grateful. And our uh secondary or high school teacher of the year is Miss Linda Owens, but she couldn't be here with us tonight. But I do want us to give her in our PowerPoint. >> Another person that we we have uh represented here is our support person of the year. Uh Miss Anita Moley is the
010secretary at Lake View. >> Yeah. Go up. >> So exciting. And Mr. Stepp was here for the reception, but he had to step away. So Miss Moverly. And last but not least, our principal of the year, uh, who is probably one of the the coolest principal in the district and one of my former students, uh, Antavius Robertson. So, >> I want to say this group is the norm and another round of applause. It is a norm and sometimes we can get so kind of get caught up in what we see in the media and the the perception of the the public. But this is these people and um many more like them are in our schools every day serving kids and serving families and I'm just grateful for their commitment and as I started ending
011all of my email now just thanking them for making Nagash school board a great place to work because it truly is. Okay. So, thank you all so much for your time. >> Mr. Benfield, that concludes my superintendent report for April 21st. You do superintendent talking about the numbers from uh we look we talked about during the committee and it appears that we are down probably would you say 22 students or 26 students to do >> October one to February one. Yeah. I I saw the not that I uh am displeased with anything in the news media, but they I think the article that was put out there was like uh made it much more melodramatic than it was intended. It was just to show the difference between October one and February 1. Um and so
012yes, down 22 students from that time period. That's not unusual. Um and there's also been an article here recently about that the entire state over the past decade has lost public school students. It's actually uh and I I saw a lot of people uh were maybe uh not completely in agreement with my assessment um that we are losing students due to demographic shifts in Louisiana. I can tell you that there's a report that's been put out here recently. Public school has lost a large amount. Private schools have lost almost uh an equal ratio. Home school and charters are increasing. But when you look at how much they're increasing versus how much the other two are declining, the math does not work out that those two are equal. Um, and so I actually I think you
013had asked me to to do some research. Um, throughout the year we we gain and lose literally around a thousand students. Uh, that's that's together. Now obviously if we uh lost 22 since February I did a gain loss report for the entire year and we have lost um 550 students. Now that doesn't mean we lost that collectively that means we gained 58 students and we lost 550 that accounts for that 22 uh student difference. I also did did a uh just a quick little analysis of that. 79% of those students did not leave Nacadish Parish schools and go to another place in Nacades Parish. They left Nacades Parish and went to another parish or another state. So, um I I know people uh like to question all that, but the issue is Louisiana demographically, which
014we saw in the census in 2020, and unfortunately, I think we'll see again in 2030, is losing population. When you lose population, you lose children along with that. >> Well, and and the thing is is is all these reports, we were projected to lose how many almost 12% more. So, >> this slide has not been that way. >> We did a uh I believe in 2022, maybe even 21, we did a demographer came out, Mike Hefner, >> and projected and so his projections were accurate in the sense that he he saw us losing students all the way up until 2028. Now, he didn't do that based on he did it based on housing, based on economic development, things of that nature. U but we have actually we are losing less than his original prediction. So
015none of this is news necessarily to the board. It's uh it's something that we expected because we had the demographer do all the data runs and he said, "Yeah, based on the economy of not just of economy of Louisiana, the economy of North Louisiana, the economy of Nagash, uh the economic development, the as Pastor Harris brings up quite often, the the housing market, and just all those things together. He predicted this five years ago." But we've not me made those numbers. We're better than >> We We are better than his prediction. Yes, sir. >> And he did not predict a meal closing. Correct. >> He did not. I think if he had, we would have and I didn't tell y'all that, y'all would have been a little perturbed. >> That was not in our report.
016>> No, ma'am. No, ma'am. >> Well, the good news is we continue to perform in Nacades Parish. Um unfortunately we do have those that that take a headline and run with it and uh we're very proud of where where we are and what we've done and um just like any other organization we will have bumps in the road >> well and and the larger headline would have been not that I'm telling them how to do their job out of 70 LEAs in the state last year 68 of them lost students. >> So but anyways >> okay now >> Mr. President, one last comment on that. Sure. >> I would want the public to know that we get this report twice a year. This was not a special report ordered by the board to see why
017we were losing students. This is information that we would have gotten regardless. >> Twice a year. >> Yes, ma'am. October 1, February one. >> Okay. Any old business? And Item A. >> I move that we approve. >> Item A. And we have a a motion by Miss Phelps, a second by Miss uh Miss Paige. Discussion on this item. Miss Kick, can we have a roll call vote? Yes means we approve of thisou and a no means we are not we're not approving. >> Mr. Danzy, >> yes. >> Mr. Muire, >> yes. >> Mr. Benfield, >> yes. >> Mr. Harris, >> yes. >> Mrs. McGowski, >> yes. >> Miss Palmer, >> yes. >> Miss Phelps, >> yes. >> Miss Harvey, >> yes. >> Mr. Frau, >> yes. >> Mr. Nicholson, >> yes. >> And Miss Paige,
018>> yes. >> Motion passed. >> Thank you, Miss uh Miss Kaker. New business. I don't see any recommendations. Uh, let us consider the consent agenda. >> I'll offer >> second. >> Offered by Pastor Harris, a second by Mr. Muire. All in favor say I. >> I. Any oppose? Say nay. >> Okay, we have our maintenance report by Mr. Shirley. Good evening. >> Good evening. >> Okay, for the prior 30 days, we had a total open work orders of 116. We completed 100. We had 12 pending work orders. Average response was a little over two days. Um major ongoing projects, we had three. Uh and out of those projects, one of those have been completed and that is the prek playground uh for LP Vaughn. >> Yeah, Mr. Shirley, just real quick, I have been in
019contact with Royal Martin. Uh the only thing that's delaying, well, it's not delayed playing on it, but we are ordering uh we wanted their logo and we're ordering a plaque and Mr. Shirley is getting the stand for the plaque and then we'll have a ribbon cutting for that playground. >> Yes. Um Marthville construction project for the baseball field is underway. Uh that is the new restrooms. Um and the new plumbing that is going up there that is actually underway. Uh we had some uh a driveway safety issue at uh NJH that was repaired over our break. So it's good to go. We no longer have the big hole in the driveway. NCHS when we had the bad storm come through uh last month uh it blew part of the off the front of the building.
020Gibco come back and and repaired that for us. Uh, also it it blew down a bunch of our hurricane fencing. Believe it or not, it was pretty strong winds. You had to have all those repaired. Um, >> did you check the rating on that hurricane fence? >> If a thunderstorm blew it down, what's going to >> Well, let me tell you, uh, when you take signs that your, um, that your sponsors have and you put them on your fence. >> Okay. Okay. Oh, you have a big sail now. >> Wind it turns uh away from a hurricane fence and into a wind block. >> Yeah, it has. And now it's a sail. Okay. >> Uh yes, sir. So, uh the the last thing we done, we had to replace some locks on some classrooms at
021uh Lake View um senior high side where we had missed them, so we went back and and fixed those. >> Does anybody have any questions? >> Mr. Shirley, last time we went to Fairview, we visited about some signage at the track. So, uh, Miss Miss Brookke was going to order that. I have signed an invoice on it. Um, but to my knowledge, it has not come in yet. >> I haven't seen it and she and trust me, if it would have came in, should have been on me about it. >> Yeah. And and the school did initiate the purchase. >> Yes. >> So, we're waiting on it. We don't know. I mean, that was that was that was >> a down for well over a year. I'll check with her in regards to where we're
022at, but um I know I signed an invoice about a month ago, I want to say. >> Yeah, I'll check with her and see. But, uh we've been out there a pretty good bit working on parking lot lights the last couple of weeks, and she hasn't mentioned anything to us. >> Okay. >> And normally, if she would have had it in, we we'd have known about it. We' had it up for >> I know she she sent an email uh verifying that the district was paying for it because we initiated it and I confirmed that. So, it's in process. I just I'll have to get with her about where it is in the process. >> And like I said, we're going to be back out there tomorrow. So, I I'll double check with her. >>
023Thank you. >> You have a question, >> Mr. Shirley? >> Yes, ma'am. >> I see we're on here where you got move rooms and sensory rooms at Weaver. Where did you move them? >> Uh, actually, the spoon that was at the cafeteria, we basically switched them. It was one over in I think it's the fifth grade side. And we basically took those um those teachers and those students and moved them to this side and took the ones that was right here by the cafeteria and moved them other kind of didn't make any sense to me. But we just basically just made apple dump dumpling turnover there. They asked to have it done, so we done it. >> They're still in the same spots in both locations. Just one set of students is over here now
024and the other set is over there. And I don't know why we did it. The principal asked for it to be done so we >> okay. >> Anything else? >> Thank you, Mr. Shirley. Miss Rashel, >> good evening. I'm presenting you the federal programs and early childhood fiscal update from March of 2026. You'll notice that the charts follow the same format each month, allowing for us to consistent consistently track financial progress over time. So, I'll give you a couple of uh minutes if you want to peruse those charts if you have not had an opportunity to do so. I do want to highlight that the LA4 reimbursement around amount now reflects quarter three. Those figures have not changed in the previous reporting cycles because they uh send that report out to me quarterly. LA4 funding
025is reimbursed based on based on student attendance. And so we are happy to report that this year we have consistently had um our number of um pre-approved LA4 students 74% of the time. Our number is at 169. I think one month we may have had 167 and one month we may have had 168. But as you know things happen. Kids get sick, things of that nature. Um, but we're still on track to ensure that we receive the amount of funds necessary to continue to run a strong prek program here in Agadish Parish. >> So, these funding are used for the U prek. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Part of sorry, >> these are used for early childhood program. The LA4 SGF >> LA4 is specifically for our public prek only seats. >> Public prek only. >>
026At the time of the report, I did not have uh prek registration numbers for you, but I do have those tonight to share with everyone. Uh as of April 20th, vaugh uh we have received 54 applications at magnet we've received 38, province 19, Fairview 13, and Marthaville 12. For comparison, at this same time last year, Vaughn was at 76, magnet was at 40, Provin was at 30, Fair View was at 19, and Marthaville is at 15. So, we're currently tracking below last year at this point. Uh, however, we still have several events in the works uh for registration, on-site registration. Uh we actually have one tonight at Vaughn at LP Vaughn. We uh additionally some schools will add some onsite registration dates for May. We have also partnered with Lamar Advertisement to maintain a consistent
027message throughout the summer to make sure that families are aware of how and when and where they can go to res to register for public prek through the summer. And so we have uh established that clear message in access and increasing awareness so that uh families in our area will know that we are accepting applications through the summer. Do y'all have any questions? >> Thank you, Miss Rashelle. >> My pleasure, Miss Hicks. Good evening. Um, as you'll see, uh, uh, by the attached report, we had a very robust claim for the month of March at almost $400,000. We, um, of course had 21 operating days, so that never hurts. We received bids for milk and frozen and shelf stable foods yesterday. I'm currently combing through those proposals and I will have those for your approval
028at the next meeting in May. We should have everything for you to review and vote hopefully to get that approved for next year. Uh we will be providing mills for summer school. Our application has been approved for that and um I'm going to be getting the applications out to those ladies and gentlemen who are interested in working this summer and we'll be should be staffed by the 18th so that we'll be able to do our training and and be on site to take care of our summer school students. That's that's about what we've got going on. Do y'all have any questions? >> Great. Thank you. I heard chicken legs and macaroni and cheese went over very well yesterday. >> Oh, it's it's a a fan favorite. >> Got multiple reports. >> Breakfast and and lunch
029for the summer school kids. >> Yes. All campuses will have serve breakfast and lunch. >> Thank you. >> All right. >> Thank you, ma'am. >> Mr. Baptist, >> I think he's I think Miss Washington's filling in form. >> Okay. Great. Hi, Miss Washington. >> Back again. There you go. >> Hi, everybody. Mr. Baptist, I'm filling in for him. Uh, he's not feeling well, but um go by his slides. Okay, our March update. Um, everything seemed stable this reporting period. Uh, we did uh have three accidents uh over the break, but not the break, but from last meeting to now. Um but none of them were our at our fault and um we did review everything and everything has been addressed like if a parent call or anything we have started tracking logs and so um
030Mr. Baptist does call each one back individually to make sure all issues are being resolved and we keep it documented. So if anybody wants to come in and review it, it is. And Miss Washington, if you don't mind, uh something that we've been trying to do for a long time is make sure that we have accurate uh route information in J campus that is reflective. Um so that way we can send out rooc calls sometimes when things happen. And I think the first time we were able to really utilize that was last week. We had a medical emergency on a bus that u we want parents to be aware that their children witnessed the medical emergency and we were able to isolate the route number and then do a robocall just to those families. And
031it's my understanding that worked. Uh I received no negative responses saying they didn't get it. Um so we feel like that's as we get better data in the system that's going to continue to improve. >> Yeah, I know. Um I was working with Miss Theasm to make sure we get all of the names and everything to them to make sure they can I guess updated in J Campus. So, I know going into the uh new school year, we will make sure that they get everything uh at least we're trying to work on at least by uh the first holiday in September, Labor Day. Uh so, we have everything turned in with names and so just so we can get those systems up. Um we also had um we have we've added three drivers um well,
032we added two that are actually driving and one go test this weekend. So that'll be three drivers added to the route. But we did every time we gain some we end up losing some. So over break we did lose a driver. Um he uh took another job somewhere else. Um we have brought a new person in for HR staffing to help us with HR and um recruiting. So we do have a payroll person, HR and recruiting person that's in house. Uh so they can be a leazison between everybody that's needed. Um >> how is that working, Miss Washington? >> Uh it it's actually working well with her being new. So uh we're not trying to throw too much at her at one time. So uh once she get acclimated to one one role, then we
033gradually ease her in. But uh she's coming in with a lot of experience. So, uh, she's, uh, she's able to, uh, she's walking real good right now. >> Mr. Glenn had promised that y'all were going to do this, and it's good to see it's up and running and and your employees have someone to go to and and to field all those questions. >> And we, we did bring in uh, several more people, staff, to help uh, with dispatching. Uh, so the phone calls would come, you know, whatever. So just to make sure every every transition that everybody gets uh their service, you know, so nobody when they hang up the phone feel like they weren't uh helped or anything. So we did bring a lot of people in just to help with that part of
034the operation. Uh right now we got uh Tuesday actually is school bus driver. So we are uh just celebrating everybody uh Tuesday. You guys want to out. Uh it ain't going to be no mariners or anything, but we're gonna feed them, you know, just to show them we do appreciate it because it is a lot, you know, it is a lot. So, uh you guys are welcome to come out Tuesday uh at the term of the bus barn and have a little quick lunch with us. Um right now we're just our biggest thing right now is recruiting, bringing people in. So, uh, you know, even though this year end is closing, uh, just so we can have a strong start next, uh, school year. >> Any questions with anybody? Anybody? >> So, right now, you
035don't have a shortage. >> Yeah, we I mean, yeah. Uh, it we are down drivers, but it's not to the point where it impacts something major like kids getting home five at six o'clock or anything like that. Uh, it's um, we're down like I think four drivers. for down forward drivers. And uh like I said, we have one that has to go test. So, that's going to help. And then we uh have several in the pipeline, but it's still a process because once you get your uh permit, you still got to go through the training and all of that. So, we do have a lot of people in the pipeline, but they can't actually physical drive until all of the training is completed. >> And we're the district is working with ECHKO on a policy
036we're going to bring to you next month that I think uh could also be helpful in addressing this. It'll be a next year thing, but it'll start this summer. So, >> we'll take all we can get. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Anybody else have any questions? >> Thank you, Miss Washington. >> Okay, >> Miss Paige. >> Yes, sir. >> Finance, Facility, Service, and Insurance 7A. Discuss and consider accepting the agricultural lease agreement for bid section 16 T7R5. I >> second >> have offered by Mr. Muire, second by Mr. Danzy. This was that Clutchville property that was um was bidded on, taken down, bidded on. So all in favor say I. I. >> Any oppose say nay. Thank you. >> 7B discuss and consider sale tower lease expansion with Everett infrastructure partners at Gold Donna school site.
037>> I'll offer second. >> Offer by Mr. Fru second by pastor Harris. We discuss this in committee and met favorably. All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any oppose say nay. >> 7 C discuss policies and procedures regarding parent guardian payments of school related fees. >> All right. We have formed a committee. It is not on the ground yet but it is the nebulous is there. Miss Paige has agreed to >> I think we have some parents who are here for that. >> Oh great. So, I don't have a form. Would they like to speak or they >> Miss Ingram, do you want this kind of I threw it over to Miss Ingram this week? >> You know, Miss Ingram, we always call on you to do these kind of special things. >> And
038it's are so kind to me. >> It's also interesting as Miss Ingram's coming to the podium. Um there's a local district that we uh border who's literally dealing with the exact same discussion >> at their board meeting next week. >> Okay. >> Before we start, Mr. Benefit, do we need a motion in a second first? >> It's not a voting night. It's not a voting night. We're forming a committee. >> Okay. >> To come up with recommendations. >> Go ahead, Miss. >> Okay. So, um Dr. Elo contacted me about um getting some members um as you know we have a district parent advisory committee um now and that has this has actually been one of the issues that they would like to discuss and so I contacted um some on the committee and I knew
039that there were some that were a little bit more um interested in this topic and so I've asked them to come um Dr. So, Eloy actually asked that they come and pres be here tonight. So, that's why they didn't fill out anything because they and I think they have some words to um >> I I think we can forego those rules. I also want to make sure because Mr. Fraighu and someone else wanted to make sure that there was some diversity on the committee especially between rural and city. Um I will tell you that the parent advisory committee is made up of literally parents from every school. Yeah, we have a representative from every school actually um on that committee and um our Lake View parent could not be here. I did contact her on
040the phone. Um she did give us some advice that I can share with you. Um I don't know if you want it now, later. Um but actually our chairman of the committee is one of our representatives here tonight. So that's Miss Gwen Fontnau and Jennifer Willilifford. They're going to come and share their thoughts because they are passionate about this topic. Did we get a school secretary for the committee? >> Miss, am I correct that Miss Alley from uh Middle Lab is interested in serving? Miss Deborah, I'm looking at you. >> So, Jessica Mooney was >> maybe it was Jessica Mooney. >> Yeah, Jessica Mooney from Elab >> or both of them. >> Are you talking to me about this? >> I think I'm I'm just I'm kind of talking to myself out loud. I'm sorry.
041>> I don't know anything about >> I I will reach out to because I know at least one reached out and I can't remember which one. It may have been both. I will confirm that. Okay. Tomorrow. >> And one reached out to me as well. So, >> yes, ma'am. Okay. Yes, ma'am. >> It's okay, Miss Anger. We >> good. I don't know anything about this topic. >> We'll get that name to you. >> Good evening. I'm Gwen Fontnau and I have the pleasure of serving as the chairman of the parent advisory council um this year. Um, I will say that um I I am passionate about this topic, but maybe not too passionate. But I do want to bring to you a recommendation that um parents have been discussing and it is um revolving around
042the cash the cashless system at sporting events. And so, um, while there we understand the pros to that to prevent theft and to hopefully maybe alleviate long lines, that has not necessarily um, uh, been the case as far as the lines go. So, um, and we do understand that financial accountability, but what we are proposing um, in lie of GoFan is that the board look at options, a hybrid option. um hopefully offering maybe a cash system in addition to a um an online payment system. Maybe have two lines at these sporting events. Um and maybe the cost of those third-party vendor fees that are associated with the online purchases, maybe the cash will help offset that. So, um that is really what we're looking at. We have found um personally working the gates at some
043of the sporting events have found that uh our elderly generation is not fond of putting in their uh debit or credit card. Um we have also found that scanning the QR code when they get there can delay the process. Um we sometimes uh have trouble with internet capabilities um not able to click on that. We have also found that people when they scan that QR code, if there is a baseball and a softball event going on at the same time at the same location, they are purchasing the wrong ticket for the event. And so um those are just all some things that we really um have witnessed personally um through our you know working the gates ourselves at these events. So, um, we have not done any research on point of sale systems such as
044Square and PayPal. I do not know if fees associated with that, but we think that that's something that should be um, looked into. And, um, just basically a hybrid system. Um, something else we need to think about is our students. You know, there's some some events students get in free with their ID. sometimes they're charged a discounted fee. So, we would like to have some consistency across the board um for our students because there seem to be a little bit of disconnect in that. So, um the other thing is when the online system is advertised, it's really not advertised enough. Typically, that information goes to the coach. It comes out through a group me. Rarely does it get to our visiting fans and so they become a little testy when they get there and realize
045that they have to scan a QR code to get in the gate. So we, you know, if we're proponent of still utilizing that option, but it does need to be um better better advertised to our visiting fans. So that is our recommendation is a hybrid option um moving forward. Are there any questions? And that was also the comment as well that there needed to be a hybrid option because citizens are not having access to smartphone. Um but then our younger generation doesn't carry cash and so there's that issue also not just games. There was an issue with like they were trying to play or something and the only way they could do that was through the students Google account. they didn't know how to get in the Google account um to access that and then
046it was like I'm not putting my debit card in the Google account because then who knows where that goes and so that was a whole conundrum too was like there's got to be a better way I used to be able to check now I can't send a check but then you want me to give you my debit card I'm not sending my debit card with my kid he doesn't have a debit card so there's got to be a better way for this to work yet, you know, I can't send if I send cash, she's gonna lose it, but she won't take my cash. So, there's a lot of things that are not going well with this system. However, I talked to a magnet parent and they have no issues. She does it for her kindergarter
047and it's like boom, boom, boom, run smooth. So, I don't know what what ability is or not how that works, but we all need to be on the same page and say because if I have multiple kids at multiple schools, then it needs to be the same across the board and not trying to figure out I can do this and this over here, but I can't do it over here. So, if I can do it for my kindergartener, it should be the same. >> Yeah, that makes sense, >> Miss Gwen. That's exactly Miss Sing, that's exactly what this committee is supposed to come to to the board with recommendations so we can put them in in place for next school year. >> Okay. >> And hopefully that most of these issues will go away. Not
048saying we'll solve them all. >> Absolutely. Absolutely. But that is um like I said that is just what the DPACT committee has um come forth with a recommendation and it is representative of of everyone in the district. So >> thank you sir. >> I know we're not making a decision on it now but I mean I've dealt with it as a parent as a coach. Um we didn't junior high we didn't use goof fan. We used something completely different. Uh we we coaches communicated it pretty well but we seen it when it wasn't communicated. Some weren't happy. Um, but just because the world is going to this doesn't mean we have to. Um, options is what we need. It's what people need. Cashless or cash. I mean, we have, and I don't mean to upset
049anyone, but we have employees to deal with cash and to count the money and do things with it. That's why we have them here. Um, and I do understand that if we went straight cashless, it's less for them to do. I understand. And we don't want we trying to avoid theft and all that, but uh, my wife works at a bank. She's an internal auditor. She deals with theft on debit cards every single day. It happens in every system. So, I'm not going to fault someone for not wanting to put their debit card in. When we went to cashless at Lake View, I went to basketball games and I seen the numbers drop. And I know there are arguments against that. Well, we compared these games from last year. There was more money. Well, the
050person that said all that and tried to implement that is not here anymore. And that's one reason we're in this conundrum. So, I just uh this is kind of passionate to me, too. if you can. >> I was about to say >> I think you're more passionate than Miss Fun. >> No, I I think it's it's something simple, but at the end of the day, it's really not. This is this is a big deal. I think it affects our kids having support at games. It affects our parents getting frustrated and wanting to jump ship over cashless. I mean, that as dumb as that sounds, it it happens. It's another thing for them to complain about. >> Mr. Frey, do that. It's not just us. It's not just us. The city of Nac tried to do
051tickets. I mean it just everyone has their own hiccup. >> But just because everyone's going to it, I'm saying doesn't mean we have to options. >> No. And that's that's what we need. There should be a >> And when you have and when you have an event, there's ATMs. I know Bank of Montgomery has some on trailers. There are ATMs that they drag around for those, you know, for those that that don't want to do that. So, not that we need to have that at every school, but I mean there there's a lots of things. We're in transition right now. >> We have policies and procedures in place for handling cash. >> And there's a reason those policies and procedures are in place. We should be able to accept cash at at ball games. I've
052personally witnessed the same thing. Just distress from people who either don't have a smartphone or don't know how to figure it out. I've seen people turn around and walk away because they couldn't do it. It's it shouldn't that shouldn't happen. And the fees on top of it, these parents being charged the fees, paying for school things is >> not fair, >> you know, but show >> on Goof Fan when you get on there, it's like an $8 fee for the game and then at a dollar fee, they're charging a dollar service fee on top of that. Well, as a parent, we would much rather see the fee just be a $9 ticket than seeing that dollar service charge added. So >> when you don't have another option, so um maybe that could be offset through
053a cash system. Maybe there's a training that people that are that are going to be working those gates can go through um some accountability, but there's a checks and balances system at the end of the night. You're given so many armbands and x amount of cash and it has to balance out. So um >> well, I think it's about communication and option. Um but uh as it pertains to um we we've been written up over how I guess we handle the the cash and I guess what needs to happen the people need to follow the uh uh whatever has been put forward they need to follow it. if they don't follow it, uh, somebody there ought to be some checks and balances, you know. So, you know, I didn't even know that they're not taking
054um checks anymore, you know. Uh, I guess some folks rubberize some checks or something. I don't know. >> Thank y'all. Appreciate y'all. Ron Davyy >> uh discuss and consider adoption of a resolution authorizing the incurring of debt and issuance of 12,545,000 of general obligation school bonds series 2026 of consolidated school district number 11 of the recognized am I missing something of the parish of Nacades state of Louisiana recognized in the final form and execution of the bond purchase agreement and providing for other matters and the connection therewith. >> I'll offer >> second. >> Have an offer by Mr. Danzy, second by Mr. Nicholson right, excuse me. Um, Superintendent Reo, could you read that resolution? >> Miss Paige just read it into the record. >> I'm sorry. >> Well, no. I mean, I'm I'm saying unless
055you want me to read it again. >> You read the mo she read the motion. Did she read the resolution? Okay. Yeah. >> Okay. Good deal. All right. Board members, any discussion on this? I think it's I think we're already there. >> Roll call vote. >> Miss Kenneka. >> Mr. Danzy? >> Yes. >> Mr. Muire? >> Yes. >> Mr. Ben? >> Yes. >> Mr. Harris? >> Yes. >> Mrs. McGowski? >> Yes. >> Miss Palmer? >> Yes. >> Miss Phelps? >> Yes. >> Mrs. Harvey? >> Yes. >> Mr. Fraighu? >> Yes. >> Mr. Nicholson? >> Yes. and Miss Paige. >> Yes. >> Motion passed. >> Thank you. >> And that concludes my report. >> That's great. Thank you, Miss Paige. >> E. >> Oh, you got E. >> There is no E on my >> Oh,
056there's Oh, is there E? >> There is an E. >> All right. Um, >> shut up. >> I >> There's There is an E. >> I promise you there is. >> I'll take it, Miss B. >> Read it. >> I'll take it. It's E up there. >> Oh, it's not in your >> It's a motion to approve the agreement between Naggers Regional Medical Center and Nagas Pair School Board for the continuation of the partnership of the AHECK program of summer program for 20 26. And you have a uh PDF attachment which is continues the agreement and any changes in that agreement superintendent? >> I'll offer no second. >> We have an offer by Pastor Harris, a second by Mr. Frau. All in favor say I. I. >> Post say nay. Thank you. All right. Now,
057Miss Page, >> now that concludes my report. >> There we go. >> Miss Tania. >> All right. Executive report A. Discuss and consider approving the declaration of reduction in force of rift for the 2026 2027 school year due to the loss of federal funding associated with the strong grant and a reduction in the ad valerum revenue resulting from the closure of IP and to approve the associated reduction in force procedures. I'll offer that >> second. >> Okay, board members, we discussed this in depth at the committee meeting. Um, any questions were to be directed at the superintendent during the week. I have offer I made the offer Mr. Mcuire has seconded. Any more discussion in this area? Unfortunately, this this is something that that is it is part of what our duty is. >> Do
058we know what we last year in attrition and retirement and stuff? What it not the early retirement but the just normal? Do we know what we >> I'm sorry the number of people who retired last year retired or left or whatever. Do we know? >> Um Miss Ramona, do you have any idea? >> Oh, that's a off the wall question. Typically, it's somewhere between 20 and 40 people every year. Um, it just it really depends on the year. I mean, these things are kind of demographic cycles. When you had, you know, in 1990 you had a ton of teachers, then in 2020 you're going to have a ton of retirements type deal. So, it fluctuates. And this go around we're thinking how many. >> So so um >> be not not that you're going to
059lose but need to be rifted. >> Um so well so the initial part is what we've already talked about is the the master teacher but then the rest is is budget dependent. Um, as of right now in our initial conversations, um, we're looking at somewhere, it's not so much about number of employees as it is about a number. Early estimates are somewhere in that over $2 million range of savings that need to be addressed. We anticipate that that will be somewhere around 25 positions. Uh, we have some more meetings actually, I think, tomorrow to to really solidify that. Um, but you know that that's kind of where we're at now and I would during this process I would update y'all as uh as the budget becomes clearer for next year. >> If you remember the
060comments by Mr. Brendan Black um has to how quickly this was assembled, researched and addressed with this deficit u kept us from losing ground in our rating. >> That is true. And uh we uh again this is unfortunately part is directly is related to our job description is to make sure that we maintain the budget and we keep this district uh viable. Any more discussion in this area? board members. >> Um was asked a question when we um actions taken on the riff and you mentioned retirement was going to be one of the major things we were looking at and are relocating master teachers to where they're needed. >> Yes, ma'am. without a major change um as far as the budget. But I was asking in reference to um teachers that were non-certified would they
061because you have a certified teacher that would have problem. >> Yes, ma'am. So, so the the answer to that question is actually goes beyond the riff. Um we post for our non-certified folks, we post their positions every year um because they are not promised a job because they are uncertified. So at any point um they could have their position taken by a certified teacher because by law Mr. Ramona and I have to post those positions uh every year. Now that being said, I want to I saw a lot of uh Facebook fodder, social media fodder about um and I agree actually with what people say. Uh one of the first things they always say uh is they need to go after the the school the the district personnel. Um, and I don't mean that because
062there's that I totally agree with that because I got district personnel in this room who are looking at me with three uh like I got three heads. But I think the purpose of what they mean when they say that is it shouldn't take away from the instructional folks with that are directly involved with the kids. And so what I would say to all those people who said that is that's not a a revolutionary thought. We we believe the same thing in every area where we can make cuts that do not impact instruction. We are going to do that. And and I always I'll be honest with you, I get a little uh I get a little frustrated with that comment because y'all know there are there are no people who care more about the growth
063academically of our district than, you know, I would put myself at the top of that. And so why would we after the five years we've had of massive academic growth, why would we try to make savings to balance the budget on the back of student achievement? Um, and so yes, it's not that we're going after district personnel first or anything of that nature. It's that we are going to look at non-instructional components wherever possible first. Then in terms of teaching, I've already told I've told y'all already that we're not increasing. I had a teacher come up to me and they said, "Hey, y'all are gonna have this roof. Does that mean we're gonna have 30 kids in a classroom?" We currently have very low class sizes on average in the district. That fluctuates between schools,
064but um anywhere where we're increasing it, we may increase the class size by one or two students on average. But you're talking about going from like in one situation going from 19 students on average in a classroom to 21 or 22. That's not a a massive crazy increase. Um and so you know the the bulk of these situations won't deal with instructional positions and the ones that do we would do that through attrition people like uh Mr. Freigher said who are already retiring and we can absorb those positions without impacting anyone. So in re is in reality if you have enough attrition you can >> so theoretically >> people maybe bump down to those positions >> and then >> yes it just depends on the the specific positions because there's some positions where you won't
065see any attrition >> because you just won't in one year. >> There's very few of those positions >> in the areas where we would see it. Of course we would we'd be crazy not to uh to take advantage of that. Couple of other things. Um, superintendent, how many people were involved in that riff that are no longer with the district from last year? >> Uh, we had a riff of 53 positions last year. >> And prior to that, you had eliminated 67 positions. Was that correct? >> Um, over the course of >> five years >> of five years without an actual riff. That was just >> nutrition. That's correct. So we we have been active in this and this is not something new and you know and we've heard the the comments about the central
066office and central office miss Phelps uh actually said made a comment that this we looked at that central office first last year so we had overall we cut 7% of our staff last year we cut if you take the total number though we cut 12% of central office staff um and so I don't fault people for not knowing the minutia of everything we do every day in every meeting. Uh but if people are going to to make statements, they they need to have the full story, which is the first thing we did last year was cut almost double uh central office compared to everywhere else. Um and so, you know, we we we sit on the same church pews as the people who make these comments. We go to the same grocery stores, shop at
067the same places, go to the same restaurants. We agree with everything they're saying. I mean, >> and try to be transparent as possible. >> Yes, sir. So, u and it's it's not something we take lightly. Um and when we do this, uh you know, the two people most involved in this are myself. Well, besides the board, but myself and Mr. Ramona, and we we look at every way that we can make what we call a soft landing for someone to where, okay, do we have to separate completely from the district? Is there an alternative position we can place them in? Is there when there's not an alternative position, can we actually help them find a position elsewhere in the community? People don't realize that we do that, but we do everything we can to not
068upend someone's life while also doing what is first and foremost in our responsibility, which is protecting the health and the longevity of in the functionality of the district. And you know, our board members, we we we don't take this job, especially this portion of it, lightly because we know how this affects people's lives. And it's it is a it's it's gut-wrenching when when these things come down. Members, do we have any more discussion? >> Yes. So, uh I I understand that we um got rid of a lot of uh people and things. At the same time, we had a salary schedule that went forth, which should have, but there still uh probably should have been some tweaking on that because >> that's where I think uh we still had a problem with. >> Yes, sir.
069So actually >> if you look if you got rid of that many people the numbers should have been different too but because I think our salary schedule again we should have had a salary schedule but I think we got to be very careful as we look at the salary schedule now. >> Yes sir. So me and Mr. Mr. Ramona and myself over the past two months have been doing exactly what you're saying. Um, and I believe um, we should have that complete. Our goal is to have it complete this month, not give it to you in May because we want to go through with Miss Deborah and and ourselves and make sure every te is crossed and eye is dotted and then present that to y'all in June. And I think much of what you're
070saying um, will be addressed through that. Um, I think Mr. forum started very well at a base level for the uh for the salary schedule but it's been about I think four years now >> right >> so there's there's a need to address some things in the salary schedule um and make it I think we've said more transparent etc and so you will have that >> on your agenda for June and I think it's specifically to what you're you're addressing but we've been working on it for about two months now and I'm not going to call it a complete overhaul but pretty much every bit of language there's just some need to update it um to and and again that doesn't mean people are you can't take away salary from people so I don't want
071anyone to freak out but uh it does need updating >> you're correct >> but if people come come in >> they shouldn't especially if we see that those numbers are not going to jail and it's a new person that's taking this position we ought to look and say we started too high in the first place. >> You know what I'm saying? >> Mhm. >> Yeah. Absolutely. Repeat into it. If they can't hear, >> Mr. Ramona, just to clarify because I don't know if everyone online heard you. What you're saying is that um >> Did you come to the mic? >> Yes. They can hear you, please. I think one of the statements was we have to when someone comes in we have to meet them where they fall on the salary schedule. >> Absolutely. >>
072And if there's an adder we need Yeah. multiplier we need >> the salary schedule is accurate and that all of the positions are represented in the salary schedule and as Dr. Elo said he and I have been sitting for the past two months looking at it but for me uh the work started when I first uh took on this position because I'm the person that when someone is hired I have to say well this is where they fall on the salary schedule. And so some questions have come up with that. So we're providing that clarity and our savings from one year to another or what our budget is for staffing for one year from one year to another depends on the people that we have in place and where how many years of experience. So
073if we hire someone and they're coming in with 20 years of experience from another district, then of course they're going to, you know, fall at a a higher level. And so we're not going to see the savings that, >> you know, we would have if we were hiring someone with zero years of experience coming in. So that's going to fluctuate from one year, you know, to the next. Another thing Dr. Elo and I have spoken about as we've been doing this work is yes, it's a reduction of force, but when you have fewer children, as you know, our population, student population is decreasing, of course, we're going to need fewer teachers and employees. It's just, you know, makes sense. And then we have people who are in grant funded positions. Well, when those grants go
074away, then we can't always afford to keep those people on. And so, we have to do a good job of telling them upfront, you know, you're hiring a grant-f funed position. This p position is going to be in place for three, four, five years. Our hope is to always sustain programs that are working, but we can only sustain those programs at the same level when funds are available. And so where we are right now with the things that are going on in our community with the plant closing, with us having fewer students, we just don't always have the money in general fund to keep on funding things. And so that is where we are. And I I do want to stress again as Dr. Eloy said that we take this work very seriously because I
075mean we are dealing with people's with people's lives. So that is what I wanted to share with you as you all are making your your decision. And let me say again, I don't think this board nor anyone else made a bad decision on the um federal uh funds that we received. I think we put him in the right place to get the biggest result perpetually, >> you know, and uh so uh no problem with that. Uh but I go back to say again uh you know when we uh do the uh and that was a big deal when we uh did the ska uh salary schedule and so we do have to make sure that the people that come in and a lot of folk that we brought in came in they were had a
076whole lot of years whole lot of experience which is a plus for us. It is >> understand that. No problem with that. >> I'm saying that too for the public to understand as well. >> Yeah. Because we want the best and we want the brightest for for our students because at the end of the day that's that's what it's all about. And so um but I'm glad that you are understand that and that's the message that you get out to the public because that's the work you know that we strive to do every day and bringing in good people and retaining those those people. >> Thank you. Thank you, Miss W. >> Board members, if there's no more discussion, um, M. Rebels, can we have a roll call vote on this motion? >> Mr. Danzy,
077>> yes. >> Mr. Muire, >> yes. >> Mr. Benfield, >> yes. >> Mr. Harris, >> yes. >> Mrs. Mcasky, >> yes. >> Miss Palmer, >> yes. >> Miss Phelps, >> yes. >> Mrs. Harvey, >> yes. >> Mr. Frau, >> yes. >> Mr. Nicholson, >> yes. and Miss Paige. >> Yes. >> Motion pass. >> Thank you, Miss Rebels. >> Miss Tankeia. >> Oh, that concludes the executive report. >> Thank you very much. Board members, do we have anything uh any other business that we need to attend to? >> Oh, I got a question for Dr. Eloy. We talked about this some, but Lake View graduation, there's been a bunch of changes and we now have tickets to have to get into the football field and >> Yes, sir. how many tickets we have apparently according to
078parents. >> So I I spoke to Mr. Steppp today um at length actually a couple times to make sure I had all the information. Um so the decision was made initially uh for a few reasons to go to ticketing. Um and there is going to be a senior meeting I think tomorrow where they get more information. Um the the issue is about being able to anticipate size of crowd um provide for proper staffing security while also preparing because you know we all I think we all like I know I like but I think we all like the move to the the football field because it's a really beautiful venue but one of the reasons that they need the ticketing um is because the concern is if you get out there and all of a sudden
079there's a deluge which I was an assistant principal at a school that that happened at. They want the tickets um which by the way 15 tickets per student. The way that was come to is they looked at the capacity of the gymnasium if there is a potential for uh a downpour. So they divided the number of students based on the capacity of the gymnasium. They came up with 15 per student. That's actually five more than I think >> native central. >> Naga central gets 10 per uh student. So the idea was and this is what they're going to do. They're going to give each student 15 tickets and 15 armbands. They will come to the football field and actually give their ticket and keep the armband. That way if there is inclement weather that they
080have to pivot at the last minute. Then we will know who actually presented a ticket and the only people who will get into the gymnasium are the people with the armbands. Uh I I know that they it's a lot of change and I think there's some disagreement as should or shouldn't have taken place, but I will say that a lot of thought went into making sure that >> the uh that they covered all bases. Um but I do think it's probably a little bit of a shock to the system because it's it's just something that's never it's never had at Lake View. I do think the meeting tomorrow and the with the seniors is going to probably address a lot of concerns. Um and then also let me say the 15 tickets they are also
081creating for those students who hey one kid may need 20 one kid may only need one. they are going to have like a uh a bucket for uh those students who don't use all those and then they can give those um those remaining tickets out for on a first come first serve basis to those students who need additional tickets. Um I've asked Mr. Steppp to watch me say this to you tonight to make sure I hit all the points. Um, and if there's a need after the senior meeting to do, uh, greater communication, uh, we don't have an issue with doing that >> because I think that's the biggest thing because, um, I know I've, uh, received a lot of calls and Chad has too, you know, um, just want to make sure that it
082was communicated in a timely manner because you've got people who are coming from out of town. I know that for sure. And I know they weren't expecting >> Yeah. >> on behalf of >> That's the biggest thing. We We knew in graduation was coming. We're less than a month away and parents don't even know how many tickets they're getting. People are scheduling, you know, family coming in, hotel rooms, whatever. Now may not even be able to get into graduation. Um I'm not the admin at that school. Um I disagree with the situ. I think we moved it from AA Frederick's to have it on our campus when we could stay at AA Fredericks and we didn't it didn't matter how many people came. Um, so we kind of we've done something great for the community,
083but then again went in a different direction. But I would encourage you to encourage them and if they're watching, they can hear this. Uh, let's do things like this in a timely manner because, >> right, >> I have a senior at another school. I've gotten information all year long. Um, and this is something new, you know. So, uh, understand they have a job, they have to plan, security, staffing, definitely get it. So, I'll be there to celebrate the seniors with a smile on my face. Hope it's a beautiful event and I hope everyone gets in and everyone's happy. But uh >> you better get an armband >> and I do I need a ticket? >> No, we board members and myself will be on the field uh as part of the ceremony shaking hands >>
084with an umbrella. >> Thank you for the clarification though. >> There was some problems at Nav Central last year with some similarities with people getting in, not being able to get in. So that's been resolved because there were a lot of >> the only the ceremony >> I think that was a ring ceremon >> that was a ring ceremony that was a ring ceremony from >> that's yeah it was >> and that was >> I was that was not okay so that >> barely made it in >> yes so that was an issue the reason for that is um what's the other uh place they use it may have been a Frederick's one of the >> aa Frederick's >> it was under construction or it had some issue that they weren't able to use it
085>> hy Yeah. And so they had to use the gym and they they could not accommodate everyone. And yeah, it was but I me and Mr. Coleman have talked since then and it I believe it's a non-issue because they're going to be utilizing I believe aa Frederick's which the capacity there is larger. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Good. >> That actually happened I think twice >> in the past six years a ring ceremony thing. So >> board members I know you're ready to leave but before we do I just want to personally thank all of you. I've I've had communication with some of you this week about your willingness to serve and your engagement uh during the cycle of a meeting and also during the week and leading up to the meetings. You know, this is
086this is a thankless job and and as Mr. Freigho is is saying down there that, you know, if we make decisions, we're wrong. If we make decisions, we're wrong. So it hey, thank you for what you do representing your district and your constituents and our community as a whole. And again, I just I'm very proud of what we do and how we've done it as a board. Decisions are not always easy. And um had a conversation with Miss Phelps thanking her for being on the D district 5 rep. Um guys, the state is handing down decisions uh in our legislature that affect us every day and sometimes we don't get a chance to to uh to deal with it. >> Mr. Muire, do you have a message for >> Mr. Ben? Before we real quick,
087if you will, I have placed uh questionnaires about the Southern Region Leadership Conference on your desk. I did finally make contact with uh the representative and I am able to do registration for you all. I will do them as I receive them >> which means I will also book hotels as I receive your forms. >> Our our JOTC >> reps are here. I just want to recognize them because they do a great job out at Lake View. Thank you gentlemen for sitting through this meeting. Um sometimes it's not always the most it's it's tough sometimes. Mr. Muire has made a motion to adjurnn. Anyone second? >> Second. >> All in favor say I. >> I. Any oppose say nay. >> Meeting adjourned. Thank you. No, the one thing I