001Good evening and welcome to the first meeting of 2026 for the St. Charles Parish School Board. We appreciate everyone attending tonight. Prior to tonight's meeting, McKenzie Mier, a senior at Hanville High School, will lead the prayer. McKenzie is the HHS band president, Chick-fil-A leader, academy president, interact vice president, a member of student council, choir, beta club, national honors society, and principal and super in superintendence list throughout all four years of high school. After the prayer, please remain standing. District 5 board member John Smith will lead us in the pledge of allegiance. If you are able, please stand. standing as decisions are made that impact our students, educators, families, and community. May this room be filled with respect, patience, and compassion. May every voice be heard, every perspective valued, and every choice made with integrity and
002care for the greater good. We ask for the strength for those who serve, encouragement for those who lead, and support for those who learn and grow within our schools each day. Thank you for this time and for the commitment to our community. Amen. Amen. >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and the stands nationy and justice for all. >> Like to call the St. Charles Parish public school board meeting for Wednesday, January 14, 2026 to order. Madam Secretary, let the record show that eight board members are in attendance. Also included are the superintendent, Dr. Ken Ortling, and Executive Secretary, Miss Shelley Babino. Resolutions and Proclamations 2.01 National School Counseling Week Proclamation. Mr. Alice Alexander, would you please read that? >> Mr. President, I would be honored to present this
003proclamation. Whereas school counselors are employed in schools to help students reach their full potential. And whereas school counselors are committed to helping students explore their abilities, strengths, interests, and talents as these traits relate to career awareness and development. And whereas school counselors help parents focus on ways to further the educational, personal, and social growth of their children. And whereas school counselors work with teachers and other educators to help students explore their their potential and set realistic goals for themselves. And whereas school counselors seek to identify and utilize community resources that can enhance and complement comprehensive school counseling programs and help students become productive members of society. And whereas comprehensive development school counseling programs are considered an integral part of the educational process that enables all students to achieve success in school. Now therefore, be it
004resolved that we, the members of the St. Charles Parish School Board, hereby proclaim February 2nd through 6, 2026 as school counseling week in St. Charles Parish public schools and urge all students as well as parents and guardians to become familiar with with and utilize the essential and supportive services offered by our school counselors. Mr. President, I move that we adopt this proclamation. >> I'll second. >> Have a motion by Mr. Alexander, second by Mr. Oak. Is there any discussion? >> Uh, Mr. President, I'd like to invite Dr. Alice Kra Summer, our counseling student support specialist, uh, to the podium to introduce our counselors that are in attendance tonight and take a picture with, uh, you and I as well. Thank you. Okay. Thank you, Superintendent Ortling and school board members for the opportunity to recognize
005and celebrate our school counselors during National School Counseling Week, February the 2nd through the 6, 2026. Our counselors have been working hard throughout this year and are planning very special activities with students, teachers, and families to celebrate the American School Counselors Association theme. School counselors amplify student success. During the designated week and throughout February, we want to focus public attention on the unique contributions of school counselors in the United States, especially in St. Charles Parish public schools. We want to highlight the tremendous impact our school councils have have in helping students eliminate barriers to achieve academic and personal social success as well as support their plans for careers after high school. At this time, I would like to recognize the school counselors who are here tonight by name and school. Hanville High School, we have
006Rosemary Ahern and Jacqueline Walter. Please stand. [applause] Destro High School, we have Amy Shakes Snider and Janine Taylor. [applause] Tina Shasson, Harry Hurst Middle School. [applause] Lori Gonzalez, Mimosa Park Elementary. [applause] Selena Amro, [clears throat] Luling Elementary, [applause] Katie Gabriel and Denise Ponado, Sarco Elementary, Dr. Iman Inaboot represent representing um Landry um alter Landry programs center and finally Rosemary Ahern representing Hornville High School. Our school counselors are positive influences in our schools for our students, faculty, families throughout their throughout their leadership, advocacy, collaboration and efforts to drive systemic change. We appreciate our school counselors. They are truly amplifying student success. Thank you, board. Dr. Orton. [applause] >> Oh, y'all gonna have to do two rows. >> Oh, I'm sorry. I am so sorry. Um, Shantra, I am so sorry. I I did not call your
007name. Um, but you you know why. So, I apologize. Thank you, Shantron Jordan. [applause] And we do thank you board for giving us a counselor at the satellite center. Thank you. Item 2.02, Louisiana School Board Recognition Month Resolution. Dr. Orley. >> Oh, we do have to vote. That's what we're here for. Um, we had the first by Mr. uh Alexander, second by Mr. Oakin. Would everyone please uh verbally uh give us your vote? >> I. >> All right. And now we can vote electronically. >> Okay. And that proclamation passes unanimously. Now we get to go to 2.02 Louisiana School Board Recognition Month. And I'm going to change it up and throw it over to my vice president here to read, please. >> Hello. Uh whereas the mission of public schools is to meet the diverse
008educational needs of all children and to empower them to become competent, productive contributors to a democratic society and everchanging world. And whereas local schoolboard members are committed to children and believe that all children can be successful learners and that the best education is tailored to the individual needs of the child. And whereas local schoolboard members work closely with parents, educational professionals, and other community members to create the educational vision we want for our students. And whereas local schoolboard members are responsible for ensuring the structure that provides a solid foundation for our school system. And whereas local school board members are strong advocates for public education and are responsible for communicating the needs of the school district to the public and the public's expectations to the district. Now, therefore, we do hereby declare and proclaim January
0092026 as schoolboard recognition month. We urge all citizens to join in recognizing the dedication and hard work of local schoolboard members and working with them to mold an education system that meets the needs of both today's and tomorrow's children. Mr. President, I move that we approve this proclamation. >> All right, we have a motion by Miss Budro and a second by Miss Weber. Is there any discussion? >> Mr. President, I have just a few words to share with the board. Um, [clears throat] first of all, I'm deeply grateful um that this proclamation is being read tonight. And more importantly, I'm I'm grateful to serve alongside this board because I see on a day-to-day basis uh the commitment that you each display in making your decisions as well as supporting the students and families of St.
010Charles Parish public schools. Uh, as citizens, we recognize that each of you will only take on not only complex but very demanding challenges in service to all our students and employees while also representing your respective communities. The responsibility of governing a public school system requires significant time, thoughtful decision making, and personal sacrifice. And we do not take that lightly, especially in our school system. Your role in ensuring strong local governance of our public schools is essential and we are truly honored to work alongside each and every one of you to help develop empathetic, involved, and productive citizens as part of our mission. Thank you for your continued service to our schools, our students, and our community. And I'd also like to to give special recognition to our outgoing president, Mr. Ray Greson. Um, I'd like
011to say just a few words for his exceptional leadership during a remarkably successful year. Under your guidance, Mr. Greggson, our district experienced meaningful progress marked by innovation, fiscal responsibility, and continued commitment to excellence and belonging. You carried out your role as board president with humility and selflessness, attending countless official and unofficial events while simultaneously fulfilling your responsibilities as CEO of River Parish Chamber of Commerce. During your presidency, this board made significant investments in our people by increasing employee compensation and holding health insurance rates flat. also ensuring we remain competitive in attracting and retaining outstanding employees. There are not many school systems in this state that can boast close to a 95% retention rate in its teachers, nor 99 or 98 close to 99% uh c uh certificated rate of its teachers as well. >> [snorts]
012>> You helped lead efforts to reduce the tax burden on our community while prioritizing critical capital improvement projects that modernize our facilities and support safe, productive learning environments for our students and working environments for our team. Safety remained a clear priority with enhancements to campus security, the expansion of security cameras coverage across all of our schools. And together, this board continue to remove barriers to student opportunities by expanding course opportunities at our satellite center and high schools, approving a comprehensive school support package to better assist school leadership, and keeping the focus on teaching and learning. Under your leadership, district and school performance continue to improve, most notably with St. Charles Parish public schools earning an A rating for the first time under this current accountability system. Three of our schools also received A ratings with
013nearly every school demonstrating growth in their own areas. Additional noting noted recognitions include number two in the state in kindergarten through third grade literacy, number three for third through 8th grade math, number four best school district in Louisiana, I beg to differ there, and number one in the New Orleans region, which of course we know. Uh these accomplishments are truly a direct reflection of the work that you do each and every day and is truly appreciated by my staff and this community. On behalf of our students, our teammates, retirees, families, and community, thank you for your outstanding service as a school board president and school board member of this team. We are grateful for your leadership and continued dedication. On behalf of our team, this is a small token of our appreciation to the outgoing
014president, Mr. Ray Greggson. and our board members also received a nice little um wood wood grain pin for uh for reflection as well. >> Just I like to make a few remarks to to you guys. Serving as president of the St. Charles Parish School Board in 25 2025 has truly been an honor. Uh I'm grateful for the trust that you guys placed in me and the support, guidance and leadership uh all of you brought to the table. The board operates with a high level of professionalism, respect and focus. I can't highlight that enough. Even when we face tough conversations, complex decisions, we've done thoughtfully with the stu with students at the center of every decision that matters and it speaks speaks to the strength of this board. Also want to acknowledge how much of a
015pleasure it is to work alongside Dr. Orling in collaboration with the executive staff for your support and in answering our questions and our district leadership team. Their collaboration, responsiveness, and commitment make our work better and ensure we're making informed decisions. Equally important are the employees of St. Charles Parish Public Schools. Our teachers, support staff, administrators, all district employees show up every day for our schools and that dedication does not go unnoticed. Most importantly, everything we do is for the children of St. John's Parish. They are the reason we're here and I'm proud to serve as serve a district that keeps student success as its northstar. Thank you again for your leadership, your professionalism and your partnership throughout 25. Um I am proud of the work that we've got done together and op optimistic about where
016we're heading and we couldn't done it without you guys. So, thank you guys for your help, support. [applause] >> Okay, we do have a motion and a second. All in favor of this uh resolution, please give a voice vote of I. I. >> Any opposed? All right. Please electronically cast your vote. and that passes unanimously. On to recognitions 3.01 St. Charles Parish Public Schools United Way campaign. I'd like to offer Dr. Ortling to introduce our special guest today. >> Yes. Uh if I can have Miss Kelsey Paula, community engagement coordinator, as well as Alexis Cannon, our public information coordinator, to review our results for our United Way campaign, please. >> Miss Pollock and I would like to thank you for letting us address the board regarding our successful 2025 United Way campaign. This year's campaign
017has been a huge success, reflecting the generosity and compassion of our school districts. 1,232 employees donated through payroll deduction or by direct gift, and many other employees and students participated in special events. For the fourth consecutive year, we have increased both our employee participation as well as overall campaign fundraising. We're excited to announce that our 2025 campaign raised a total of $117,58241. This is over $3,000 more than the previous campaign. We want to extend a special thank you to our employees for giving so generously from their hearts, as well as our students and their families, whether they donated dollars for a dress down day or sent spare change for a coin drive. At this time, we'd like to ask Superintendent Dr. Ken Ortling and board president, Mr. Scott Cody, to please come forward to present
018a check to United Way of St. Charles executive director, Mr. John Diaz. [applause] Scary. [applause] I will I will be brief, but I ask that please don't let my brevity in any way send a signal that suggests anything but the the greatest admiration and appreciation I have for you all in the jobs you do every day on this board and for your support of United Way. Um I'm convinced that all attitudes of an organization trickle down from the attitude and the vision, the compassion of the folks who provide leadership to that organization and the results here uh to help United Way support our community show that compassion and show that leadership and show that resolve. So, thank you on behalf of our board, our staff, and on behalf of those kids that get meals and
019that cancer patient that gets help and those folks that receive services that maybe they wouldn't find another way to to get or another option for them. So, thank you all. Um, thank you for your leadership on the board and for your supporting 90. You know, if I could just just end the remarks by saying first of all, I want to thank I see many of our principles in the audience, many employees. Thank you. Right, for um you know, our goal this year was 120,000. We came $2,500 short of that goal, but that's significant when you consider where we are in regards to um you know, cost, inflation, so on and so forth. Also want to give special recognition to Miss Alexis Can and Kelsey Pollock. They were the leaders as far as the district goes
020and providing support to our schools. So, thank you. [applause] >> Item 3.02, board and superintendence recognition. We'll welcome back up uh public information coordinator Alexis Cannon for this, but um I think each one of you got a flyer before you walked in. I just want to make sure that everyone did. This is how you can follow along. On the back there's a QR code where you can get your picture for all the parents and grandparents and guardians that are here. Um, and just want to give a special thanks to to Alexis for this. This was extremely intentional and I think it's going to go a long way and it's going to be at every one of our board meetings moving forward. So, thank you for the initiative on this. With that being said, um, we
021have quite a bit here, right? Because we've got such awesome kids in our district. We just ask that you stay seated until everyone's name is called. You can follow right along and I promise I'm going to give a brief recess and then you can get out and go on your way. But please stay seated so that each student gets gets recognized properly. Great job. All State Leila Martin. [applause] All State Kayla Park >> [applause] >> Caleb Rubian. [applause] JB Martin Middle School Dominic Davis Ashlin Dupri. [applause] Weston Fontineau, [applause] Landon Gregory, All State Kennedy Miranda And uh [applause] Emory Tousard [applause] RK Smith Middle School. Ezra Barrett [applause] Luna Mayheia. Yeah. [applause] School system students are members of the Louisiana Music Educators Association's District 7 Honor Choir. Ethel Shefner Elementary School's Rosa Linda Alvarado, [applause]
022Lacy Bion. on [applause] Gracie Corz. [applause] Avery Corona Seth Foot [applause] Emma Gordon, [applause] Annayia Logan [applause] Cecilia Mesh. Janelle Neighbor. [applause] Harry Hurst Middle School, All State. Isabella Hall. [applause] Kayn Jordan. [applause] All State Hannah Mir. here. [applause] Lulling Elementary School. Amira Ballard, [applause] Amaya Ballard. >> [applause] >> Aradia Shan [applause] Carter Gullich Apple Harris. [applause] [clears throat] Janiah Howard. [applause] Faren Hubard, [applause] Vivana Medina. Yeah. [applause] Lucille Melendez [applause] RJV Elementary School. Gabrielle Beaver. [applause] All State Elizabeth Fletcher [applause] All State Emily RS >> [applause] >> Mariana Stroop >> [applause] >> RK Smith Middle School All State. Alice Barrett [applause] >> [applause] >> All State William Cortez [applause and cheering] Dominic Dunn. [applause and cheering] Delaney Joseph [applause] Allstate Jacob Joseph >> [applause] >> All State Kaye Lang [applause] Tyion Lewis [applause] Raaya
023Lumar [applause] Hazel Ferris. [applause] Annayia Logan, [applause] Harry Hurst Middle School, Isabella Hall. >> [applause] >> Kayn Jordan, [applause] Melody Lucette, >> [applause] >> Lily St. here. [applause] And Lakewood Elementary School's Ally Hawkins [applause] All right. Well done to all the students and parents and guardians and everybody got them here. Thank you for doing that, guys. AAA, this is this is the arts part of it and this is awesome. This is a ton of folks that can sing and play and do all that stuff and entertain. So, uh, thank you for all of that. So, we'll take a 5minute break. You're welcome to stick around for the business portion or you're welcome to to pile out and get home and get some dinner. Thank you'all. >> Thank you. Okay, we'll call the meeting back to
024order. Consent agenda items. The board will vote on the items discussed for consent at the November 17th, 2025. Am I on the right one? This would be the January 12th uh committee meetings. 4.02 bid authorization request Hanville High School athletic field parking and sidewalk improvement projects. 4.03 substantial completion for the Hanville High School AAA alumni center project. 4.04 substantial completion Hanville High School. Bet that's supposed to be Desteran High School AAA center project. Uh 4.05 personnel items. 4.06 06 uh request for proposal acceptance internal connections for the network infrastructure upgrades cabling and 4.07 accounts payable for the month of December 2025. >> Mr. President, I move that we approve the consent items as presented with the necessary corrections. >> Have a motion by Miss Weber and a second by Mr. Greggson. Is there any discussion?
025>> Um Mr. President, one of the the items 4.05 personnel items is indicated in this consent agenda item. Uh I'd like to recognize Miss Victoria Coleman Scott to please stand. Uh she is our new administrative internally stationed at Alamman's Elementary School >> Elementary. [applause] And just a side note, that administrative intern position that you all have allowed us to facilitate the last two years has come in extraordinarily well at at very meaningful times throughout the school year. So once again, thank you board for supporting that recommendation because we've really been able to grow our leaders from that standpoint. So thank you and welcome to the team, Miss Victoria. That's ma'am. And I did just want to clarify real quick um substantial completion for both the Hanville and Desteran AAA alumni center project which we will
026be having ribbon cutings as well later this month. So we've got all that we've got the discussion. Would you please uh give me a voice vote? All in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? All right. Please place your vote electronically. and the consent agenda items pass unanimously. 5.01 board meeting minutes. We vote to approve or this is to approve the minutes for the following meetings. December 9th, 2025 committee meetings. December 10th, 2025 board meeting. December 15, 2025 budget review committee meeting. >> Mr. President, I move that we approve the meeting minutes as you have noted. >> Second. >> We have a motion by Mr. Suffin, second by Mr. Smith. >> Any discussion? Right. All those in favor, please say I. I. >> Any opposed? Please place your vote electronically. board minutes are golden
0275.02 analytics firm recommendation St. Charles Parish School Board utilizes a pharmacy analytics firm to provide independent data analysis, audit support, and strategic guidance to help ensure cost transparency, identify savings opportunities, and improve overall plan performance. Partnering with an analytics firm will also enhance the district's ability to hold pharmacy benefit managers accountable and make informed decisions that protect both financial and employee interests. This agenda item was reviewed at the risk management and insurance committee meeting of the uh of the board on January 12th and is aligned with goal D of the board's strategic action plan. >> Mr. President, I I move that we approve the recommendation of Pay Alley to provide pharmacy analytics services. Uh and this cost is paid for by our third party administrator. >> I'll second. >> Got a motion by Mr. Oakland,
028a second by Mrs. Budro. Is there any discussion? If none, please uh all those in favor, please cast your vo your voice vote by saying I. >> I. >> All opposed. >> Right. Please cast your vote electronically. [snorts] Item 4.2 passes. 5.03 Desteran High School and Hanville High School uh school stadium turf replacement project. The Dester Han High School and Hanville High School stadium turf replacement project is an approved project under the phase 2 long range plan for physical education and athletic facilities. The plans for the project have been completed by the engineer. We are requesting these services be procured through Sourcewell government purchasing agreement. This agenda item was reviewed at the capital improvements committee meeting of the board on Monday, January 12th, 2026 and is aligned with goal E of the board's strategic action
029plan. >> Mr. Mr. President, I move to approve the purchase of Pivot Field Turf at the Destran High School and Hanville High School stadiums utilizing the Sourcewell government purchasing agreement as submitted by Geo Services Inc. >> Second. >> Have a first by or a motion by Miss Budro, second by Mr. Oakquinn. Is there any discussion? >> If none please give us or all in favor, please say I. I. >> Any opposed? Please cast your vote electronically. That item passes unanimously. 4.0 or 5.04 04 recommendation of termination for a probationary employee per board per board policy 4.6.10 employee discipline section 4 that 8.1 each school bus operator serves a probationary term of 3 years from the date of initial employment. During this probationary period, the school board may dismiss or discharge a bus operator upon the
030written recommendation of the superintendent accompanied by valid reasons in accordance with RS17492A. In alignment with this policy and statute, superintendent is recommending the termination of a probationary school bus operator for the school for the board's consideration. This item was reviewed at the personnel and policy committee of the board on Monday, January 12th, 2026, and is aligned with goal C of the board's strategic action plan. >> Mr. President, I move that we approve the superintendent's recommendation to terminate the employment of a pro probationary employee. >> I'll second. >> Have a motion by Mr. Alexander, second by Miss Budro. Is there any discussion? If none, all those in favor, please cast your v your voice vote with an I. >> I. >> Opposed, >> please cast your vote electronically as well. That item passes. 5.0. 05 selection
031of lobby lobbying services firm legislative actions directly impact St. Charles Parish public schools operations a request for qualifications was publicized seeking proposals from qualified firms to provide legislative advocacy services following the close of the solicitation period. One proposal was received from Magnolia Strategic Consultants LLC in order to assist the school system with legislative affairs. It is recommended to enter into a contract with Magnolia Strategic Consultants to provide lobbying services for the 2026 legislative session with an option to renew the contract for an additional one or two-year extension. This item was reviewed at the legislative committee. Closing item 6.01. Each committee chair is invited to give us an update on their committees. We'll start at the end with Mr. Suffren. If no one else, we'll move on to 6.02 Superintendent Report. Dr. Ortland. >> Thank you,
032Mr. President. In recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday, all schools and the central office will be closed on Monday, January 19th. Parent teacher conferences will take place on February 5th for both elementary and secondary schools. As a result, all schools will have an early dismissal on Thursday, February 5th. Additionally, Friday, February 6th, will be an early dismissal day for elementary and middle schools to host a second day of parent teacher conferences. Schools will be closed February 16th through the 20th for the Marty Gro holiday and the schoolboard office will also be closed on February 16th, 17th, and 18th. Classes will resume for students on Monday, February 23rd. Mr. President, that concludes my report. Superintendent >> move to adjourn. >> I second.