001[music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. N. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. N. [music] >> [music] >> Yeah. [music] Heat. >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. N. Heat. [music] Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> [music] >> Welcome everybody. I'm going to call this this school board meeting to order this Thursday, May 21st. Um, Miss Kley, would you please call the role? [laughter] >> Mr. Green, Miss Hansen, Miss Rutherford, >> Miss Font Laoy, Mr. Harrell, >> Miss Martin >> here,
002>> Miss Moore >> here, >> Dr. Peterson here, >> Miss Baker >> here, >> Miss McCullum >> here, >> Miss Lamey, >> Miss Hurst here, >> Mr. Bro here, >> Mr. Kuzanne, >> Miss Rafino Gallagher here. >> All right. Tonight, our invocation will be given by Miss Carson Ray and Llaya Horde by from Lee Road Junior High School. And our pledge of allegiance will be given by Miss Aubrey Nunez from Cington High School. All right, everyone, please stand. What? I'm so confused. >> Good evening. Let us bow our heads. Dear God, thank you for bringing us together today. Thank you for our schools, our teachers, our leaders, and our families. We ask that you give wisdom, guidance, wisdom, and guidance to everyone here as they make decisions that affect our students and community. Help them
003listen carefully, think clearly, and act with kindness and fairness. We also thank you for 4 and all the opportunities it gives us to learn, serve, and grow as leaders. Help us to live out the 4 pledge, using our heads to think, our hearts to care, our hands to serve, and our health to live our best lives. Help us as students to do our best to treat others with respect and to learn and grow each day. Bless this meeting in all who are here. In your name we pray. Amen. I 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. >> Thank you, ladies. You guys did great. >> All right. Do I have any board
004members who would like to recognize anyone here? Miss Fontroy. I was going to write something out. I ran out of time, so I'm just going to say hello to most of District 4. No. Um, my a lot of my schools are well represented in the livestock um seats right here. Um, I used to be a big part of that community when my kids are in their 30s now. So, um, I will be back in four years when my grandson hits there. So, um, just welcome to all of you guys. Um, great job, Laya. Laya has a special place in my heart. Um she's one of my Lero not babies anymore that was a baby. Um and you did a great job there girls. Um and so you guys wouldn't remember me in the 4 world
005unless you've been around as long as Mr. Dennis Glass. I see him out there who has always supported uh 4 and Livestock. Also um um want to thank Miss Beth Smith who a principal from Lee Road for being here with a lot of her students here tonight. So, welcome to all of you guys. Miss Moore, >> I was perusing the banner and the St. Tam Chamber of Commerce held a civics be and we had three two of our students from St. Tam school win. And one of them is um Kayn Barlo from St. Tam Junior High School and the other one is um excuse me Carolyn McCormick from Montlon Jr. So congratulations they go to the national level and very proud of them. >> Great job Miss Gall only because I like to embarrass people
006while they're here. Um I will say hello to Abby Clark who is here supporting her friend and who just celebrated her 16th birthday. So welcome Abby. >> [laughter] >> She'll kill you. >> Next, we have our superintendent's update. Mr. Javier, >> Miss Martin, thank you very much. Um, a little tired right now. It's been a a long week and a half, but it's been a good one. I know all of our employees are excited. I know our students are really, really excited right now. Um, but just want to congratulate everybody on a wonderful finish to a great school year. So, I couldn't be more proud of our students. And that's not more represented than the we six of our eight graduations have taken place and to see the kids come across they've been absolutely amazing
007to see them being recognized for for their uh 15 years you know 14 15 years of work in our school system from prek all the way up. Um, and so I'm just so proud and just so honored uh to be here and to be a part of those graduations and to see those kids uh progress through our school system is just amazing. So congratulations to everybody and congratulations everybody to end of a great school year. Um on Monday we had our three students uh Beasia, Robert, and Brics that competed at the state competition for the state student of the year. So we had a representative in fifth, eighth, and 12th. Uh, and unfortunately they weren't uh crowned one of the state winners. They represented themselves so well. Um, as one of the board members replied
008to me when I sent that out to them, uh, there's not a better kid than these. If there's better if there's three better kids in these categories, they would love to see them and meet them. Um, and I I totally agree. uh they you know they represented this this parish and this community uh with such class all the way through the process and just to be one of the eight students there representing the state of Louisiana each class is amazing. So again, congratulations to Beija who will be attending Harvard University by the way. Uh Robert and Brics, uh great kids, great families, and uh just super happy for what they accomplished so far in their school year and wishing Beij the very very best. Um next uh on the 9th, I was able to join
009uh Dr. Gardner and our sweet department as we held our gifted showcase. Um just an amazing group of kids. I mean they we were jam walled and the weather was terrible if you remember. Um I had it was so many people there. I had to park in the auxiliary lot in the gym furthest away uh in my little umbrella and make my way in um because it was wallto-wall and uh I just couldn't be any happier for our kids. So let's check out a video from our gifted showcase. This is the third annual gifted showcase. It is a convention to celebrate the accomplishments and kind of showcase the talent of all of our gifted students in St. Tamony Parish. >> It's kind of like the Super Bowl of gifted. Um it's where all of our
010kids get to bring a project of their own choice, something that they are passionate about and share it with each other and our community. Over the last 3 years, we have significantly grown this showcase. We have over 280 students participating today. I think it's important for our community members to come out here today and see these students because they're going to be the future products of St. Tammy Parish. >> It's very important because I get to show my really cool projects to people and it's really nice to look at what other people are able to do and think with their creative minds. >> I'm showing a project about the digestive system and how some foods digest and some foods don't. I think this is super cool because I get to share my project to everybody
011and I and I get a lot of visitors so far. >> I think that getting out of the classroom and being able to present to all of these people is just a really big opportunity for these gifted students to you know not only engage in extracurricular activities but also to just improve their communication skills, have the ability to express their interests um that way that they can build on that in the future. I really hope that people understand the [music] importance of gifted education. These kids have special needs. They're wired a little differently [music] than other kids and they need specialized instruction to inspire them, to lead them, to just facilitate their brilliance. >> This entire event is really just a testament to the strength of the gifted program and how far we've [music] come.
012And seeing this, you know, being able to be on the planning committee and do everything is has been so great. I'm so proud to be a gifted student. >> [applause] >> truly an amazing event and so gifted kid. I mean the the gifts these kids have over just a wide just it went from one perspective to the other and created their own cities, their own lifestyle. It's it's amazing. Um I wish my brain was wired somewhat like that. I it's wired a little differently for different reasons. But anyway, um we're just so proud of our kids and uh thank you to to Miss Gardner and her team and and Nancy and everybody that helped put that together. Um just super proud of you guys. So, thank you all very very much. Um my next uh
013and and I didn't realize she would even be here today. Miss Beth Melton is here with us tonight and tonight we get to kind of show off her final product. If you don't remember, Beth is doing a fellowship with LDOE with math and trying to think outside the box on how we can grow students in mathematics. So, she did her final presentation with her school and kind of the culmination of of what they've done with math club and all the things they've got going on at Bayou Woods. So, let's check that out tonight. >> We are so excited to have you here for our for our Math with Motion BWE math fair. This is a culminating event for math with Melton for my state fellowship and at Bayou Woods. We presented our math fair and
014this is what we've been [music] working towards all year with my math club kids to kind of showcase all of our trifolds, our hard work, and it's just been a culminating event to showcase everything that has happened throughout this school year. It was really exciting cuz I've been preparing and it's been really fun. >> What she's given back to the community to elevate our students just absolutely amazing. She's she's such a great person and it shows by how much the kids care about what they're [music] doing and the pride they're taking and showing off our games, you know, their portfolios, what they love about math. It's just a it's just a great day to showcase what we do in our schools and the time and effort Beth has put in. >> It's really important because
015math doesn't just need to be numbers. It [music] can be fun and you can enjoy it. >> And I love the competition amongst everybody and doing that. Um I think we all know how important math is to a student. We definitely know there's nothing other than the parent more important than the teacher in the classroom. So when you see all that coming together here and doing that, it [music] just really excites you. >> I'm very proud of her because she works very hard as a teacher. >> It's been a [music] lot of extra work this year, but I've truly enjoyed every minute of it, even through the stress and all of that. I've had such a great team behind me helping me, [music] my teachers in third grade that help me with math club, all
016of our administrators here on campus, the people at the department, state department. It's just [music] been a wonderful thing having all of that help and making me shine even brighter. [applause] Beth, if you would stand up so we could recognize you real quick. Miss Beth Melton. Thank you so much, Beth. [applause] And a big shout out to the LE staff. Uh Trey brought his entire team uh and and part of the curriculum team came from the LE and they were there to support Beth and I really really appreciate them coming out and being a part of the of what we have great going on at Bayou. So thank you all very very much. Uh last Monday we met with our final meeting of the year with our employee council, our certified group and our support
017staff. It was great to share with them get some some ideas for us to move forward. So, we captured a lot of of of projects or um what we're going to focus on next year. Um and so they gave us some ideas for us to push forward with the committee and organizing the committee and maybe uh being able to split um some of the work groups uh so that they could truly get some points across because in our support staff there's not a whole lot of crossover like um Miss Hordes there. uh of what what we do in transportation is very different from clerical. That's very different from paraprofessionals and and maintenance. And so we there we we need to get a little bit more specialized and hear from other groups of those people uh
018in more they're represented on the committee but there's not enough there's there's not enough time to cover everything we need to do. So we're going to work on that. So they gave us some really good suggestions. So, we're really looking forward to to growing that council next year and making some uh true uh strides. I got [clears throat] I got an update from uh Miss Pennison. Uh I I think you guys are aware that keep up with the legislature. We had some we had some legislative uh acts that took place uh where all coaches have to be certified and CPR. I want to get this right. CPR, AEDs, and first aid. And also our paras have to be certified also. So uh Miss Pennisonson and her team and our certified professionals that work on our
019campus have been going around and so far we've certified 150 high school coaches in CPR AEDs and first aid and tomorrow we'll be certifying 85 sweep pairs that have to move their certifications forward. So thank you to Miss Pennison and the entire team for the work they're doing there. Uh we couldn't do it without our amazing people that help us out and I appreciate Belinda taking the initiative and getting that done for us. We really appreciate it. But lastly, I just want to thank everybody that's here. We have so many it it's always great when we have our students here, our employees here, and we're recognized and that's the best parts of our program. Uh the business part is part that we have to do, but our recognitions are absolutely amazing. So, we just appreciate
020you guys being here and thanks for all you do. and to all of our employees and parents and volunteers that make all of our programs a success. Thank you very very much. I can't tell you thank you enough for all that you guys do for us and for our students. So that's all I have, Miss Martin. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Javia. Do I have any questions or comments from board members for Mr. Javia? >> They have to be reertified every year. >> Yes, ma'am. Every year. >> Used to be. Miss Galler, >> I just want to say that um what Mr. Jabia said earlier about the graduations by everything that we do up here as a board um every all year long, the complaints we get, the positive stuff we get, everything makes
021it worth it when we get to sit on the stage and be up there for graduation. Kind of hope I don't cry on this one, but I probably will. And I've been lucky enough to be on the stage for two of my kids to be able to hug their necks on the stage and it's been super amazing. and watching all those kids so so excited. Miss Jacobs, I think you had some of the most excited kids last night um that I've seen. Um y'all's speeches are amazing. Obviously, Mr. Gallagher, you top it every year, year after year. So, good luck for the next couple years. Um [clears throat] so, it's been a joy to be able to do that and we are so proud of each and every one of those kids that has made
022that accomplishment um walking across the stage. So, thank you. >> All right. Next, we have some special recognitions. Uh, the first will be given by Miss Gardner, and she's going to talk about the Florida Avenue Elementary Sensory Room. >> All right. >> Good evening, Superintendent Javia board, and Chair Martin. Tonight, I would like to highlight a true community partnership that took place between our school system and Ashner. We started off as a simple day of service. What start off as a simple day of service transformed into a $4,000 donation to create a sensory room that the Florida Avenue students will cherish forever. I don't want to steal the highlights from the video or anyone's moment. But before we play the ribbon cutting video, I do want to say thank you to all of the volunteers
023from Slidel Memorial Hospital in Ashner that came out to share their time, talents, and treasures. I want to say thank you to Grant for from channel 13 for coming out and capturing this moment. And after the video, I am going to ask that um Ronnie Simpson, the assistant the assistant vice president of Ashna Community and Public Relations along with Miss Anne Cook, the vice the vice principal at Florida Avenue come up and speak about this journey. two. >> We are so grateful to STO Memorial Ashner Health for helping us have this sensory room come to fruition and have that dream just be on display and be in use every day for our students at Florida Avenue Elementary. >> It was approached to us just cuz they needed some help and we had a leadership uh
024we we do volunteer work as a leadership team. So, we were approached and said they needed us to paint. So all we were doing was painting and then we heard that there was some other funding needed and again you know going through the grant system and things like that not not getting the money they needed. So as from Austra and the SMH perspective we decided that we wanted to go ahead and commit to that. So so we were approached with it from a you know it started off as something simple as we're going to come help paint a room and then we were able to partner on something like this which is again is such a so amazing to do. >> So that room helps meets the needs of our students. So when we say
025sensory, it may be that they need something to give compression, they may need to spin, they may need to hop, they may need to jump and um it allows them the space to do that in a safe setting. >> I mean to be able to provide this I mean this is a portion of healthcare and being part of a good community. So this is so exciting to see the reaction of the children was just I mean it just kind of takes your breath away on something you could see was needed and it's just exciting to see that you know we could be a partner in this but you know it kind of complements all the great things you guys do here as well. So so it's it's just it's so good to see >> it's
026huge that we work with our community and we bring them into our schools. I think it's very imperative that we have those partnerships and that we support each other. We can help them and they can help us as well. So, um, it's just great. A great day. Great day to be a Tiger. Great day at Florida Avenue Elementary. [applause] >> These are all the people that came out and painted. It was so many people. I couldn't say thank you to everyone, but you can see the people that actually came out and painted the room and volunteered their time to make sure that it all came together. And we have some interesting pictures like the top. I mean, they were dedicated to even getting up there and painting the thing. So, thank y'all. >> Thank you
027so much. [applause] >> It really was an amazing day and it really did start out with just the community saying, "How can we help?" And we really had this vision of having a sensory room for our students. And it was, you know, it was this brown color that was old. And we picked this seafoam green, which they were kind of like, "Y'all really want this color?" We're like, "Yes, we really do." And after it was finished, just it's calming. It's a calming color. It's a calming place for our students. So, we do have students that go in there that may be high up and need deescalation. And that gives them an outlet, like we said, a safe outlet for them to be able to deescalate. So, we are so happy that that partnership happened and
028we are so happy that you sponsored our sensory room and it's something that's going to all of the students will be able to use for years to come. So, I just want to tell you thank you very much. Yes. [applause] Let me just say as a as Ashner and SMH being a neighbor to to the elementary school, we we it was a no-brainer. It was literally the easiest decision I made all that whole day. But if you noticed, you saw those pictures, I I'd never had a paintbrush in my hand. So, I was okay. I was okay with making the deal, right? So, [laughter] but but we we had such a great time both both doing having the service project to do the painting, uh, which was which it seemed now it seems so inconsequential
029to to us and and in our daily lives, but it meant a lot to to the elementary school. And then to be able to to add to that, add some value to that so they could finish out what they intended on doing with the sensory room. And for us to be there for the ribbon cutting, I'll tell you, you I have not seen happiness, just pure joy like that in a really long time. It it it reminded me and I said this to Jason who who you saw in the in the uh in the in the video. There are days where you go to work and there are days that you go to work and something happens and you realize that's what you're doing it for. That was it. So, thank you [applause] ladies. Thank
030you all so much. Ronnie, just uh you know, Ronnie and I cross paths quite a bit and uh Mr. Simpson is you're you're amazed, Ronnie. There's not a there's not a meeting we don't go to at a time we don't cross paths that he says if if if Asher and and SMH if we can do anything for this school system, let us know you're a great partner. Uh Asher has been a great partner. Go to our schools, go in our gyms, go in our fields, go everywhere. Asher supports our school system every way possible. They provide our trainers to our athletic trainers in high school. they they provide so many service to us and to our employees. Uh they provide a tremendous product to us. So Ronnie, thank you all very much. Appreciate you. [applause]
031Thanks. Um next we have our St. Tammy Parish Junior livestock recognitions given by Mr. Brent Spell. Good evening, Superintendent Javia, President Martin, and members of the board. My name is Brent Bell. I'm the president of Staint Tammy Junior Livestock Association. On behalf of the livestock association and St. Tammy 4 and FFA members, I would like to stream seniorly thank you for the continuation support and providing funding for assistance purchase of awards for outstanding exhibitors. Our gen your generosity helps recognize the hard work, dedication, responsibilities these young demonstrate through their livestock projects. These awards not only celebrate their achievement but also encourage continuing growth, leadership, involvement in agriculture within our parish. Tonight, we are proud to have as many many exhibitors here showcasing their awards and accomplishments. Along with these exhibitors, I would also like to
032recognize and thank you many volunteers for the success of our program. We also will have two speakers tonight that would like to let y'all understand what the project that means to them. [snorts] Uh we also truly appreciate your investment into our youth and continued support of our program. Thank you again. [applause] Good afternoon, school board members, parents, staff, and students. My name is Anne Fernovich, and I I'm going into my senior year at Pro River High School FFA. I'm currently serving as their 2026 2027 chapter president. I've been involved in FFA for going on to seven years now. During that time, I've had the opportunity to show a wide range of livestock that included rabbits, chickens, pigs, cattle, and sheep. And this upcoming year, I'm gladly to be adding goats to my species. Each animal
033has taught me something different about responsibility, patience, and hard work. When I first started showing, I honestly didn't fully understand what I was getting into. I thought it was about walking into a ring and maybe getting a ribbon here or there, or maybe even a banner if I was lucky enough. But over the time, it became something much bigger than that. It became a part of my life that shaped my habits, my mindset, and who I am today. I still remember those times working with my animals after school and on weekends. There were days where I was tired or I didn't feel like going out there. But at the end of the day, the animals had to be fed. They had to be cleaned and care for. They relied on me. That taught me responsibility
034in a real way because no matter how I felt, that work still had to get done. Patience was another big lesson. There were times where things didn't go right in trainings or even in a show ring. My in-laws wouldn't always cooperate and I would get frustrated, but I learned that getting upset doesn't really help anything. I had to slow down, stay consistent, and keep working low by low until I started seeing improvement. One of my biggest moments for me was stepping into a showing for the first time. My hands were shaking. I was nervous about messing up in front of all of my parents and everybody watching, including the judge. But once I got in there, I realized all the hard work I would put in was paying off slowly by slowly. That experience helped
035me build confidence and taught me how to handle the pressure of livestock showing. Livestock showing not just is about animals, it has opened many other doors for me. Through these experiences, I've had the opportunity I never thought I would imagine, including the honor of serving as a 2026 District Livestock King. That role has allowed me to represent something bigger than myself and has pushed me to grow as a leader both in and out of the show rank. Over the years, I've also learned a lot from my people around me, including my family, my FFA adviserss, and livestock showman, and everyone who has supported me through this journey. They pushed me when I needed and helped me grow into a better showman and a better person. Looking back, livestock showing didn't just teach me how to
036care for animals or compete. It taught me responsibility, patience, confidence, leadership, and respect. It has shaped me who I am today and those lessons are something I will carry forever throughout my journeys of FFA and 4. Thank you. [applause] Good evening. My name is Aubrey Nunees and I am a member of the Covington High School 4H and FFA organizations. I began showing livestock in the fifth grade and from that moment I stepped into the ring, it has made a tremendous impact on my life. From early mornings before school to the long days after practices to countless hours spent caring for and preparing my animals, I've learned the value of dedication, discipline, and showing up every day, even when it's hard. Showing has taught me how to be responsible, how to be held accountable for something
037bigger than myself, and how hard work truly pays off. It took me three years of showing to earn my first bellbuckle, and that experience showed me that nothing worth having comes easy. And if I really wanted to succeed, I would have to put in the time, the effort, and the heart. Now, after six years of showing in this industry, I'm incredibly proud to say I have two state champion titles under my belt, and I'm determined more than ever to keep growing, learning, and achieving new goals. Through all of these experiences, the opportunities I've been blessed with, and the people who have supported me along the way, I have discovered my passion and purpose. Because of this journey, I am confident that I want to become a large animal veterinarian when I graduate high school. Thank
038you for your time. [applause] >> Thank you. Do I have any comments or questions from board members? Miss Font Laoy, >> you know, I'm going to say something, but I'm I'm going to be quick. Um I I do want to Everything that those two young people just said is so true. There's so much responsibility and so many uh wonderful character traits that come out of showing and it's a wonderful community of people to be around when you're in in the show barns. You know that it's just great people for your kids to be around. Um now the young man from Pearl River, the thing about not getting upset with animals, could I pay you to come try to teach my husband that? [laughter] He hasn't learned that lesson yet. So, thank y'all, Miss Hansen. >>
039Thank you. Um, is it Aubrey from Coington High School? So, do you plan to go to LSU to study v veterary science? Well, there's another uh probably several, but one I can think of off the top of my head is is Mike Strain, who's the state commissioner of agriculture, and he was a Coington High grad and went to LSU for veterary um school as well. So, hope you follow in his pathways. Good luck. All right, seeing no one else, would the faculty, students, and parents of this program please stand up so we can give you guys one last round of applause for all of the hard work that you do and everything that you've achieved. [applause] >> Great, great job. >> Glass Last year they let me speak. This year they said no way. But
040I'm going to anyway. [laughter] I want to say thanks to this school board. You know, 50 years ago the state built us some nice facilities at the fairground. We had very little money, but LSU was supporting us and we came to y'all and y'all started supporting us 50 years ago. Y'all been supporting us ever since. And a good thing I can say about St. Tam is through y'all's support helping us get the show on, buying our awards and stuff, we're able to keep money to get these kids animals sold every year at our fair. When I when my kids were showing, Kinda was a showing, we had three sales. We had a parish district in the state. None of those exist. We're the only parish in the state of Louisiana that has a sale to
041sell our kids animals when the shows are over. [applause] All right. Uh, [clears throat] next, Miss Rebecca Burquette will recognize our elementary fitness meet, [clears throat] >> Christy. I promise I'm doing it right. >> Scroll up from the bottom. I got it. Oh, okay. Yep. Nope. Yay. I got it. Okay. All right. All right. Good evening, President Martin, Superintendent Jabia, board members, and guests. Thank you so much again for this opportunity to celebrate and recognize our students who participated in our district annual fitness meet. Sorry. As well as Oh, sorry. It wasn't supposed to. I'm sorry. Goodness gracious. This computer doesn't like me today. Okay. The students participated in our 2026 district and state fitness meets. This year we had 21 schools from across our parish send two boys and two girls to our annual
042district meet which was held on Saturday, March 7th at Lakeshore High School. The students are selected based on athletic performance by their PE teachers. So at this time instead of listening to me talk about the event, channel 13 has prepared a wonderful video. Sorry, I don't know why it's going. Um that they're going to show at this time. So channel 13 >> district fitness me is just amazing what the opportunity [music] for our kids to get out here and compete our fourth fifth sixth graders to get out here and just get after it and and just show what they've got and uh to to know that they're the future athletes of St. James Parish. Uh it's just great to see >> two boys and two girls from our elementary [music] schools and some of our
043middle schools compete to be on team St. Tamony so that they are representing our parish in the state elementary fitness meet >> and to get around here and and compete against other schools and look at school pride and then go have the opportunity to compete [music] at the state meet. It's just it's an amazing opportunity. >> Our students participated in shuttle run, pull-ups, curl-ups, sit and reach, the standing long jump, a 50-yard dash, and we ended with a 600y run. I get to challenge myself and against better people and I get to have fun with my friends still. >> We get to challenge each other and cheer each other on. >> I can't say enough about our our Tener P teachers. Uh give it up there Saturday to be out here uh to be with
044the kids to run each one of the stations. Uh they're they're completely dedicated to our kids and they show that right here. We could not do this without our coaches and we're so grateful for their time and the the time that they put in to be here this morning and to make sure our students are prepared. [music] >> I am so grateful to the district for allowing us to do this each year. It is ultimately going to go to the state competition, the students who win today, but not every district in our state [music] competes in this. So for our district to be a part of it, it just is another chance to give our students an opportunity to shine and showcase their skills. >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> Thank you, Channel 13, for
045that wonderful video. Um, I'm going to get back into my slideshow. There we go. All right. Um, as the video showcased, we have seven rigorous events that the students compete in. A 50-yard dash, shuttle run, pull-ups, standing long jump, curl-ups, sit and reach, and a 600yard run. After these events take place, there's a first, second, third place. They get certain points for each place. They add them all up and we get three schools that are first place, second place, third place. And then we have three boys and three girls that are same. First place, second place, and third place. The cool part about the individual students is that the top two, the boy and the girl from both sides, they get to compete at the state competition which was held this year at Alexandra Senior
046High School on April 18th. And um the third individual who replaced third overall is serving as an alternate in case one of the top two can't attend. So at this time I am going to recognize our school winners. So um they did receive an award at the event back in March, but if they are here, it was the last day of school, so we don't have as many as we normally do, but if you are here when I say your name, please stand where you are so we can recognize you. All right. In third place, we had Sloan Middle School. The team consisted of Grace Cox, Max Dugos, James Schwarz, and Amelia Cisty. [applause] And they were coached by um Coach Gaines and Coach Majio. In second place, we have Chafunctum Middle School. Team included
047Benjamin Bearden, Noah Dagel, Satie Gidri, and Presley Holly. >> [applause] >> and they were coached by coach Gio and also coach Majio who serves Chafata Middle and also serves um Slung Middle. And our number one winners, they are holding and defending their title was Lancaster Elementary School. Um if you notice that they have six members. Each team does get two alternates, but Lancaster brings their entire team, but only the top four students do compete. Um, and their team consisted of Reagan Bennett, Graham Leblanc, James Parker, Wesley Schiff, Katherine Schneider, and Carson Spencer. I don't think any of them made it, huh? >> No. Yep. They were all on vacation. So, we're so proud of them for winning [applause] this evening. Um, and they were coached by um, Coach Ainsworth Barrett, Coach Bert, Coach Herrera, Coach
048Jones, and Coach Rushing. Good job. All right. So, at this time, I am now going to honor our individual winners. So, we have first place, second place, third place for girls and boys. And as I mentioned, first and second do get to go on to the state or they did go on to the state championship. So, I'm going to start with my boys this year. Um, in third place, we had James Schwarz from Lancaster Elementary. You go on up, James. [applause] And you guys will come up. Yes, we have a certificate for you. Congratulations. So, thank you for serving. [laughter] In second place, we have Deshawn Lewis from Little Oak Middle. [applause] And in first place, Benjamin. I'm sorry I made an error. I know you go to Chafuna. I don't know why I confused
049you with Lancaster, but in first place, Benjamin Bearden from Chafuna Middle School. [applause] All right. And now our top three girls. In third place, we had Carson Spencer from Lancaster Elementary. She's here. [applause] In second place, Miss Lillian Young from Pine View Middle. [applause] And in first place, who is not here this evening because she has callbacks for cheer is Reese Mars from Florida Avenue. But Miss Anne Cook, if you wouldn't mind accepting her certificate on her behalf, please. [applause] Congratulations to our top three. Okay, so as I said, top two went on to beat team St. Tamony, which was Benjamin, Deshawn, Lillian, and Ree. We are very, very proud of all that they did at the state championship this year. Ree placed first in the state in sitting reach. Benjamin placed first in the
050state in curups. And I believe, Mom, he broke a record. I believe Benjamin now holds the record for the most curups. Correct. 126. In how long is it? One minute. >> Aren't they timed with how many they can do? >> In a minute. >> In one minute. So, he now is a new record holder for the number of sit-ups. So, congratulations, Benjamin. Um, and then Lillian Young placed first in the state in pull-ups, curl-ups, sit and reach, third in the state in the 600yard run, and second in the state in the long jump. Congratulations, William. [applause] And Deshawn Lewis placed second in the state in the 600yard run, [applause] which is a very hard run. Very, very hard. Um, this year, um, our students, while we did not bring home the championship, they did place
051second. And I will give you guys the exact points. You have to hear this because it was very, very close. So, we had 24,459 points. Lafayette, who won, had 2,479. So, we lost by a mere 20 points. However, we are super excited that we did get a second place plaque this year. And the plaque that we got last year for state championship, we were the last parish to fill it, so we get to keep it. So, it will be on our wall. Um, and we're just so proud of all of you. Great job, you guys. And there's one last thing. You guys may have noticed when I showed their accomplishments individually at the state meet that we do have our overall state champion again, Miss Lillian Young. Come on up. We [applause] want to give
052you a round of applause. So, what this means is that Lillian scored the most points out of all the girls overall at the state meet back in April. Um, so she is, we say she's a queen of fitness. And you know, I had to do your crown. It's on the PowerPoint. You see your crown? You remember when I did it last year? [applause] >> I talked to her this year and I said, "This year, if you win again, I promise I won't scare you, but I think I still did." But we're very proud of you, Lillian, for second year in a row being the um state championship overall for all the females that competed on the 18th. So, congratulations. All right, that does conclude my presentation at this time. And if you have any questions,
053I am more than happy to answer them. Any comments from Miss Hansen? >> I just want to give a special um shout out and a special thank you for Lillian Young and her parents. Um Pine View is one of my schools and uh for her to win two years in a row overall and for her to have second in our district, but then go work hard and work hard, work hard and get up there to regain her title as uh overall state champion. So, congratulations to her and to y'all. [applause] >> All right. And just one last time, if uh anyone who's here who helped these children from our schools, any coaches, principles, our students, you guys who competed, you're amazing. Um to accomplish what you accomplish. And the parents, would you guys please stand
054up one last time so we can give you a real big round of applause. [applause] >> [applause] >> Thank you so much. Go ahead, >> President Martin. I apologize. Um, I totally forgot. It slipped my mind. I apologize. Coach Murphy, Sarah Murphy is a PE teacher um at Little Oak Middle and she did travel with the students to Alexandra Senior High School on that Saturday. Spent the day with them to make sure that they had representation and a coach with them. So Sarah, I know you're here this evening. Thank you so much for traveling and being with our students. [applause] We appreciate that concludes. Thank you so much. Y'all have a wonderful evening. >> Thank you. >> Next, Mr. McCurley uh will recognize Miss Grace Keane from Northshore High School as a track state champion.
055>> Good evening, board members. Tonight, we are proud to honor and recognize two state champions from across our district. The first student we're going to recognize is someone you have met before. Grace Keane, a Northshore High School sophomore won who won the state cross country championship back in the fall. This spring, she's the top winner again in the 1600 and 800 meter races. Grace set the state composite record in the class 5A 800 meter with a record time of 2 minutes 11.69 seconds and won with a photo finish at the LHSAA track and field championship. She also won the class 5A 1600 meter at the championships with a time of 4 minutes 54 sec 54.48 seconds. Grace also finished third in the 3200. And yes, you might have heard me right. She ran all three
056of those races in the same day and in the rain. Grace, please come to the front to be recognized for this outstanding achievement. [applause] say something. >> Um, I would just like to say I'm so grateful for all the opportunities that St. Tamony Parish has given me and my running career and soccer as well. And I would like to thank my family and friends who came tonight and my coaches and I'm really going to miss it. As most of you guys know, I'm moving to Oregon. So, [laughter] so this has been an amazing journey for me and I'm just so grateful for everything you guys have brought for me. So, thank you guys. [applause] >> We'd also like to invite Grace's coaches and any family members or uh administrators uh that are here tonight to
057please stand so we can acknowledge you for your support. [applause] We definitely wish her all the best as she moves. For Mandavville High, we would like to recognize another sophomore, Sierra Sergy. Sierra won the LHSAA Division 1 tennis state tournament earlier this month in the girls singles category. Last season, she was the state runner up. Despite only being a sophomore, Sierra has won two regional championships and played in two state final matches. Sierra, please come to the front to receive your certificate. [applause] >> Um, I really wasn't expecting to say anything today, but [laughter] thank you guys so much for this opportunity. It means a lot to represent Mandeville and honestly the whole parish as well. And I like to thank my school and more than just my school. Like everyone there really helped me
058achieve it. My team and my coaches, I don't know if he's here today, but it really meant the most to me that everyone was there for me. So, thank you guys. [applause] If we could also have Sierra's family and coaches please stand to be recognized. [applause] Thank you. >> Any comments from board members? >> No. All right. Um >> Sierra Grace, congratulations. Great job. Um at this time, we are going to go ahead and take a two-minute break. >> Yeah, we do. We do. We have one >> more student video. >> Oh, we do. My apologies. Um Superintendent Jabia. No. >> No. the LSB. Yes, you can do that. That's fine. I didn't know if you want to take a break first. >> Okay, >> you're fine. >> We'll do the video. >> We'll do
059it. >> Uh, Superintendent Javier, go ahead with the mid. >> Sorry, Miss Martin. I apologize. It's been it's been a it's been a rough day. Um, but uh thank y'all very much. So recently the school board members and and I attended the national LSBA meeting and the LSBA uh recognizes and they asked for competitions to take place amongst our high schools to submit a video in uh that talks about public school and promotes our you know their the school system that they represent. Uh so it is with great pleasure that uh Steve's got the check back there that Mandeville High School was recognized their broadcasting program their broadcasting program for a $1,000 check donation to their broadcasting team uh to use toward whatever they need for their program. Um and we are really super appreciative
060of of Mandeville High School and the work they put in. Uh so at this time let's check out a video of uh that they submitted to LSBA. >> [music] >> Hello, St. Tammy Parish. We are the students of Mandeville High School. We [music] get to spend four years of our lives learning and growing together. No matter what struggles we face, we don't have to do it alone. Our peers, [music] classmates, friends are always there to support us. We get to work together and achieve things [music] we could never do by ourselves. Thanks to our public school, 3515 teachers and employees work in the St. Tammy public school [music] system. That's 3,515 trusted adults that devote their careers to helping [music] our students learn and grow in all aspects of life. >> At Manavville High School
061and public schools [music] around STPS, they offer many different ways for you to be prepared for the future by offering different pathways, electives, sports, clubs, and achievements. At Mandeville High School, we work together through thick and thin to overcome any struggles. Public schools [music] are where you learn to persevere through real world issues in a safe environment. Whether it be an academic or emotional problem, [music] there's always someone to help at St. Tany Parish. Success is here at public schools. We raise successful students and guide them to being the best possible version of themselves. [music] Some ways we like to highlight that is by showing our ACT 30 plus wall to display and honor our students hard work. Here are some other things that lead our students to success. National Honors Society, National Merit Scholars
062and PSAT. I believe in our students, >> in teaching, >> in leadership, >> in sports, >> in choir, in reading, in theater, in youth and government, >> in music education, >> in band, in green club, in substitutes, in robotics, >> in broadcasting. I believe Amandaville High School. [applause] I'd like to invite our broadcasting students come up. Y'all come forward and come come see us if you don't mind and come say a few words. [laughter] Putting y'all on the spot. It's broadcasting, right? Come on. >> So, when we were told about this opportunity by our broadcasting teacher, Mr. Um it was around the end of last semester with our beautiful, wonderful crew here and um we took that opportunity to show off the many opportunities that we have at Manavville High School. One of them being
063the outstanding broadcasting class that we are both all in and um it that this video was um a way that we wanted to show that and uh all the success that we have there. >> Thank you. [laughter] >> Thank you. >> [applause] >> I just I'm just so proud of the video. I mean, we got so many compliments. Uh for those of you who don't know, it's Louisiana School Board Association. Uh so there's school districts from all over the state of Louisiana and and the all the all the high schools uh from their region uh from different regions submit requests and submit proposals and uh to be represented in such a great way was a huge honor. So, just thank y'all so much for the work you put in. Thanks for making us proud. It
064was it was a great day to be recognized there. So, thank y'all very much. But with the with the parents, anyone with our broadcast department, our teacher, parents, would y'all please stand and be recognized, please? And Mr. Mson, [applause] thank y'all for being here. You want and I'm going to give y'all this big old check. Y'all can display in the board in in your uh broadcaster room and check it out. So, thank you very much. Thank y'all so much. [applause] >> Good. Yes, ma'am. >> All right. Great job, guys. Um, now we will take that two-minute break. So, all of our kiddos, you guys can go home if you'd like. Um, and then, yep, your summer has now started. So, uh, be back in two minutes. Anyone who'd like to stay. >> [music] [music] >>
065Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. N. [music] Hey. [music] Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> Hey. Hey. Hey. Heat. Heat. [music] We'll continue. Next, we have announcements, administrative appointments. Mr. Javia. >> Yes. Thank you, President Martin. Appreciate it very much. Thank you guys. Uh it is my pleasure to to recognize two new appointees to our Salmon Learning community and uh we are extremely excited to have them as a part of our team. Um interviews went fantastic and uh we had some uh some wonderful applicants and we are just extremely excited about what the future holds for these two young ladies. U. So, first off, we'll start with the new assistant principal at ABNE Elementary, Miss Sisley Jacob. [applause] Superintendent Jabia, Associate Superintendent Alance, Assistant Superintendent Gardner, Assistant
066Superintendent Langua, and esteemed board members. Hello and thank you for this opportunity. I'd like to thank God for ordering my steps and going before me with his protection. I began the education journey co-eing with my mom. Wow, what a wonderful way to begin this journey. And what a marvel it is to stand before you now accepting this position. To my parents, Dr. Reverend Gary Ford, Sergeant First Class of the US Army, retired. And Wanda Ford, an education, an educator, a 27-year educator, also retired. Thank you. You instilled in me the love for God, family, country, and community. It is with these lessons that I will lead with love, move with compassion, and stand in integrity as I serve in my new role. I would also like to thank my husband Daryl, that poor poor man.
067Thank you for being the push when I I haven't gone far enough and the hug when I've gone too far. To my four boys, Darien, DD, Sincere, and Malachi, you are the light in which I bask. To my siblings who have almost emptied my Amazon cart upon hearing the news, [laughter] thank you for keeping me accountable and grounded in who we were raised to be. To my grandparents, both here on earth and in heaven, you are the shoulders on which I stand proud. to family, my family and friends, those in the audience, especially my mic bear, and those that are with me in spirit. You all lift my world to another realm. Thank you for being the gift of you. To my federal programs family and Beth, the first people to embrace me as I
068came into this parish, thank you for your knowledge and networking. I must take time to thank Miss Gan, my principal, affectionately known as G. She is the epitome of a transformative leader, empowering others and building leaders brick by brick. I'm ready to expand my toolbox under your leadership. To Miss Dr. Clark, as the students call her, I pray your new endeavor as principal is immeasurably blessed. I have my notes in my handy dandy notebook. But please, you and Miss Laza Jacobs, pick up the phone when I call. [laughter] To Janelle, DW and Kate, sometimes there are no words. And finally, to the staff, parents, and students of the WL ABNE Elementary School. I'm excited to serve as your assistant principal. I walk down the halls of ABNE. I see the passion of teachers, the willingness
069of students to learn and the care of staff and parents who truly want the best for their kids. I entered thankful with a thankful heart for you and I'm ready to collaborate and soar folks. It's a great day to be a Spartan. [applause] [cheering] [applause] At this point, I normally say, "Family and friends, would you please stand to be recognized?" So, please stand up and be recognized, [applause] please. Congratulations, Sisley. And next, new assistant principal at Salman High School, Miss Casey Post. >> [applause] >> Good evening everyone. I'm truly honored and grateful to stand before you today as I step into the role of assistant principal. This is the moment that means a lot to me and I would not be here without the incredible support system that surrounds me. First, I want to thank
070my family. You've been my constant source of encouragement, patience, and strength. Thank you for pushing me to keep going. I share this accomplishment with you. I also want to thank the administrative team at Salman. Your leadership, collaboration, and commitment to our students and staff have played a significant role in my growth as a leader. I am proud to be a part of this team and excited to continue learning alongside all of you. To my brother, Mr. Thyville, thank you for your unwavering support and encouragement. It has never gone unnoticed. Three years ago, I applied for an administrative position at another school. I didn't get the job. It was filled by Miss Liza Jacobs. [laughter] At the time, it was disappointing, but looking back, I truly believe it was a blessing in disguise. That moment led
071me here where Miss Jacobs is now my principal. Miss Jacobs, even though students sometimes get us confused, I can say without hesitation that you have taught me so much. Your mentorship, guidance, and example have played a major role in preparing me for this opportunity, and I am incredibly grateful. This year has also brought some challenges. Losing Mr. Garbold in January was a tremendous loss for our administrative team and our school community. He was someone I deeply respected and I often reflect on the many conversations we shared. The lessons he taught me about leadership, consistency, and doing what's best for students are things I carry with me every single day. As I step into this role, I do so with humility, gratitude, and a strong sense of purpose. I'm committed to supporting our students, our staff,
072and our community, and continuing the work that makes Salman such a special place. Thank you. [applause] Will the family and friends of Miss Primos please stand and be recognized? [applause] >> [applause] >> It's so great that they're great that we could do this on the same night with the same learning community. So, thank you all for being here and and congratulations to Salman High. Honestly, look, your graduation we we have a lot of of kids that deliver some awesome speeches, but that girl choked me up last night. She she was so passionate delivering her speech. It was absolutely amazing. And the kids, we were talking on the ride home. The kids, the graduates cheered for each other. Whether the crowd was going crazy or not, the kids in that graduating class cheered for every one
073of those kids coming across there. It was it was really special. So, congratulations to everybody here. Thank you'all for being here. [applause] >> And just before we move on, I want to add just a little bit to that. You guys might not have seen it because you were on stage helping your graduates. Um, but I was sitting towards the end and some of us saw some of your graduates as they walked down the stairs crying because they were so excited to just graduate and it it was it was awesome. You did that. You helped them do that. So, congrats. Um, next we have school lunch hero proclamation from Miss Bon Laoy. >> Thank you, Miss Martin. Um it's truly an honor to get to read this because um I have a great deal of respect
074for the the people who um work in our cafeterias. Um they're in a rare position. They they almost always know every kid on the campus. They uh you know, not every employee gets to see every kid every day, but um I know I got to do the fun stuff when I got to fill in in the cafeteria. I just got to serve meals and that was fun, but I didn't have to do all the hard work. So uh thank you guys for all you do. Whereas nutritious meals at school are an essential part of the school day. And whereas the staff of the district's school meals and nutrition department are committed to providing healthy, nutritious meals to the district's children. And whereas the men and women who prepare and serve school meals, help nurture our
075children through their daily interaction and support. And whereas the day of May 1st, 2026 was celebrated as school lunch hero day. Now therefore, be it resolved that the Staint Tamony Parish School District expresses its deep appreciation to these valuable employees and commends their good work on behalf of children. Be it further resolved that this proclamation be spread upon the official minutes of this board with copies being sent to each school's principal, cafeteria manager, and to the food service department as a testimonial of this board's recognition of their outstanding endeavors. And I so move >> a second. Um do I have any comments from the public? >> Any comments from board members? >> I do. >> Mr. Rutherford, >> I just want to say um a very special cafeteria cafeteria worker at Slidel High um is
076near and dear to my heart. It is my uncle's wife, Aunt Py, who has been um in our family since she was in her 20s and she's now retiring. This is her last year at Slido High as being a cafeteria server and we love Ann Py. >> Paty Vilner. Congratulations. [applause] Okay, Miss Moore. Yes. I did not get to We have one of my favorite cafeteria ladies, Miss Evelyn Tucker. She retired this year from Mandeville Elementary. I hired her when I was there. She retired with over 25 years. So, have a great retirement, Evelyn. >> [applause] >> Um, next we have our teacher appreciation week resolution and that will be read by Dr. Peterson. >> Yes. Um, just like to say that uh what we've seen here tonight is just u the evidence of of
077what this proclam resolution is going to say and uh it just resonates all the all the wonderful activities and the recognitions that we have. It all stems from this source. this one source. I want to read this resolution with pride. Whereas teachers play a vital role in the education of our students, offering daily instruction, support, and encouragement to help students succeed. And whereas teachers not only impart knowledge, but also inspire, mentor, and empower students by instilling the skills and the confidence needed to reach their full potential. And whereas the May 4th through May the 8th of 2026 is recognized as teacher appreciation week across the United States and in St. Tamony Parish providing the opportunity to honor those who dedicate their passion, talents and service to educating the children. And whereas the dedication and commitment
078of teachers extend far beyond the classroom as they serve as mentors, motivators, role models, advocates who provide essential academic, social and emotional support to students. And whereas our community recognizes and supports the important role of teachers and that role that they play in shaping the future of St. Tamony Parish. Now therefore, be it resolved that the members of the St. Tammy Parish School Board hereby recognize the week of May 4th through the 8th of 2026 as teacher appreciation week and honor the dedication, professionalism, and hard work of teachers throughout the school system. Be it therefore resolved that a copy of this resolution be sent to all schools within the school system as a sign of appreciation for all of our teachers. And I so move. >> All right. >> Do I have any Thank you,
079Dr. Peterson. Comments from the public. Any comments from board members? >> All right. >> Well, I will make one comment. >> Dr. Peterson, >> I just want to thank our teachers and the educators in St. Tam Parish. We've had a fabulous year this year. You know, no matter what the roller coaster may ride, it may have felt like at sometimes we were on a set path and we have accomplished that mission. Another successful year, very successful year in St. Tam Parish. And I'm so proud of these board members, our community, and our teachers. And God bless you all. Thank you. [applause] >> All right. I'd like to welcome anybody who is here that would not like to stay for the rest of the meeting to go ahead and leave if you'd like to do that.
080>> Thanks for being here, everybody. >> They running out of here. [laughter] [cough] >> All right. Running through. Next, we have our consent agenda. Are there any items to be removed from the consent agenda? Miss Hersis, I know. Mike, please. Um, I would like to remove I thought it was D. The C. I'm trying to look on the um >> It is. It is D. >> Okay. Thank you. I'm going by memory. Sorry. [clears throat] >> Um would you please put that under E to give you time to >> Yes. or somewhere around there as long as you have enough time to fix the agenda. Um, anything else, Miss Hersus? >> All right. Anyone else? >> No. >> All right. I'm going to read through these. Uh, approval of minutes for the regular meeting held
081April 16th, 2026. Approval of minutes for the special meeting held April 16, 2026. Approval of minutes for the special meeting held April 28th, 2026. Recommends acceptance of purchase coverage through author J. Gallagher. And and that's it. Um, do I have a motion? Mr. Bro, do I have a second? Miss Baker, any comments by the public? Mr. Osborne. >> Thank you, Madam Chair, board members. Uh Bren Osborne, Federation President. I just want to make a small note on the minutes for the special meeting on the 28th. It did have that timeline and a lot was said. I just wanted to make make it clear that even though CA3 did not pass, we still have to complete those negotiations. We just don't have any dates yet. So obviously at that point that timeline's kind of no longer
082relevant, but we are going to work together as things become more clear. Thank you. >> Anyone else? Any comments by board members? All right, everyone, please vote. Mr. And that passes unanimously. Next uh to adopt a resolution um levy millage rates for tax year 2026 for a total of 58.14 mills. Miss Pos >> just resolution >> grant resolution >> tax and resolution >> my resolution I don't know what do you want me to say I mean that's the item the resol you don't want to read the resolution >> is there anything that you want to say about this item >> um not unless somebody has a question >> okay um any well first do I have a motion missroy do I have a second miss uh any comments ments by the public. All right, questions
083from board members. >> Give us one second. We're having some computer issues. >> My cursor just went all the way to the top of the All right, everyone, please vote. and that passes unanimously. Next recommends approval of a memorandum of understanding with the St. Tammy Federation of Teachers and School Employees related to differential compensation pay for fiscal year 2025 2026. Do I have a motion? I'll make the first motion. Do I have a second, Miss Moore, Miss Pos, is there anything that you would like to say about this? >> Um, I guess it's the first time on the agenda. Um, basically we had about 175,000 of the differential compensation that the state gave us left over. So, this just basically pays that out, giving the these uh special education classroom teachers that are listed, the
084specific groups, $300, $300 stipen. They had received a stipen in the fall as well. And then we're paying some BAM teachers that were um due to some confusion on their overall rating. Um and that should that's going to wipe it out. So, there will be no more differential compensation for this year. >> So, so board members, remember we spoke about this last oh two weeks ago. Uh this is different differentiated compensation as Miss Po said it's our special education tiers that are listed there and there was there was a glitch when we when we discussed it negotiations Mr. Osborne and I [clears throat] we both were under a different understanding that uh teachers were rated in VAM a 3.0 3.12 345 we thought that there would delineate that they do not. So what happened was
085if you were a four, you qualified for 500, but it was supposed to go all the way down to 3.5, but there is no 3.5. It's just four and three. So there's no way to see where that that line is. So to make those teachers hold because three of course is a very high efficient VAM score was to make those teachers hold in between three and four. Uh so these people are all highly effective. Uh and all uh this just again as Miss Po said it it zeros out our compensation from the state. It spends the money that was that was dedicated for the 2526 school year and it eliminates those funds. So um I appreciate your support if you would. >> Thank you. Any comments from the public? Yes, Bren Osborne, Federation President. Thank
086you, Madam Chair. Um, just wanted to echo this is a pot of money that exists for this year. The state has certain restrictions on it. It doesn't have to be spent this year, but it's sort of frowned upon in the language to roll it over. Um, this is an effort, as both Miss Post and Superintendent Java said, to make folks whole. I'll take responsibility um for the jargon. Vam's kind of confusing, but at the end of the day, I should have been a little more careful. So, this is an effort. I don't think everyone's made whole, but that's what current negotiations might try to correct, but this is what we could do right now. Um and then, of course, our our sweep people, we know they're they're working hard and um we ask for favorable
087passage. Superintendent Jabby and I can sign it before y'all go into executive session tonight. Appreciate it. >> All right. Any comments or questions from board members? Everyone, please vote. >> And that passes unanimously. Next recommends the revisions to salary schedule for fiscal year 2025 2026 related to differential compensation pay. Do I have a motion? Miss Baker, do I have a second? Miss Hurst. >> Miss Pos, is there anything you would like to say about this? >> Um, the differential compensation funding by the state requires that we include it in the salary schedule and that you vote on it. So, we had the original payout of the differential compensation in the fall. So, we need to add what we're doing now. So, that's all I did. It just added that um that particular from the theou
088just verbatim into the salary schedule. So we just need an approval on it. >> Thank you. Any comments by the public questions or comments by board members? >> Yes. Um >> Dr. Peterson. >> Yes. Um, as Provost [clears throat] and and this may not be relative to the exact specific aspects of this uh this vote, but I'm just curious the differential in in teacher salaries from the time a new teacher comes in and teachers that have been here for years. Is there some uh something that should keep a gap in the you know the pay you know in other words if I've been here 10 years it should be pretty well pretty healthy reflection after 10 years experience compared to someone who's just getting hired but is there something that would make that seem like
089a little bit smaller than it ought to like >> they're $500 steps so you add the it starts with the base salary and then it adds 500 a year so unless we add to it that stays that's the difference. So 10 years at $500 would be that between now that >> and all the new teachers start at step two now. >> Okay. I just want I curious I just you know teachers and conversations and and sometimes the conversation is like I'm not that far away from the folks that just got hired but I've been here 10 years or more. >> Well people that have been here for a while there were years we didn't do raises way back. So the pay is not going to reflect your experience and it says that in the salary
090schedule. >> Okay. Thank you the explanation. Anyone else? Please vote. >> When I first moved here to $3,000, Mr. >> It wasn't coming up. I had And that passes unanimously. Next we have our retirement resolutions. Mr. Alfonso. >> Thank you Miss Martin. Superintendent Jab and board appropriate retirement resolution of the following certificated personnel subsequent to the April 16th 2026 meeting. Sheree a Maser Salman High 10.73 years all in Staint Tamony Parish. Annie T. Young Bridges Chafunk the middle 31.7 years 17.65 years in St. Tammy Parish for a total of 42.43 years. >> Do I have a motion, Miss Hansen? Do I have a second? I will do the second. Any comments by the public? Questions from board members? Miss Hansen. >> Thank you. Of course, congratulations to all of those who are retiring. It's it's
091a wonderful place to be. Um, but I also want to give a special shout out to Annie Bridges. She has been teaching violin. I can't remember how many years if that whole 30 years she's been teaching violin, but you have to have the patience of a saint in order to teach kindergarten, first, second graders violin. And but she does and she has a lot of patience with them and um I know she's helped many students to develop a love of music and love of the instrument. Thank you, Annie. >> I would also like to tell her thank you. She taught four of my five kids. Um if she were staying, she would teach my fifth kid next year at Chafuna. Um I've seen the amazing things that she's done for these kids at Chavanka and
092at Manavville Junior High. She was there for a short time and there there's nothing I can say to thank her enough for what she did. So Annie, if you're watching, thank you. Thank you. Everyone, please vote. And that passes unanimously. >> Thank you all once again. Appropriate retirement resolutions on the following employee support services personnel subsequent to April 16th, 2026 meeting. Vincent Vincent J. Ppino educational center 25.5 years all in St. Tamony Parish. Josephine E. Densen transportation center 6.71 years all in St. Tamony Parish. Onel T. Pierce transportation center 16.27 years all in St. Tam Parish. Deborah M. Pierce Transportation Center 31.5 years all in St. Tam Parish and has a total of 79.98 years. >> Do I have a motion? Miss McCollum. Do I have a second? Miss Moore. Any comments by the public?
093>> Questions or comments from board members? Miss Flora, >> just real quick, Mr. Alfonso, I just over the last few months, it seems like a lot of our retirements have been at the transportation center. Are we going to be >> Yeah, we we're in a good [clears throat] spot. We're currently wrapping up round two. Belinda and Matt's working on round two, then we'll start round three. But Matt's Matt's projecting that all routes are filled. And just for the record, uh just recently, [snorts] you know, we had I think it was three, uh turnover from bus operator to I mean from bus owner operator to bus operator. So, you know, we're working on getting all those buses filled. And just also by the end of the year, we only had 10 of our buses that wasn't
094on daily routes, which is good because we use them as spares with breakdowns and things like that, you know, because the industry standards to have 10% of your fleet available in the event something happens. But yeah, m to answer your question, yes, we doing a good job filling. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Anyone else, >> Mr. Bro? >> Yeah. What would 10% of our fleet be? 40 buses. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. >> All right. Everyone, please vote. unanous >> and that passes unanimously. If everyone would please refresh your screens, you will see item F. Um that is going to be recommends adoption of the community eligibility provision program. Miss Lang, would you step to the podium just in case for any questions? Do I have a motion? >> Mr. Bro, do
095I have a second? Miss Moore. All right. Any comments from the public? Oh, my apologies, Miss Lang. Thank you, Madam Chair. Um, thank you, Miss Hers, for pulling this item. I know it's kind of final hour, but I literally just got it done two hours before I sent the board a report with some options on C. Clexibly. I appreciate the passion of the board and trying to feed children, but there's some options here to take advantage of C where it would count the most, where you have high poverty in schools, but also to have a more robust version of the free and reduced lunch. So, if you'll look um if you can access that, I'm going to the second page and I'll talk about quickly um two options. One where nine schools would get free
096and reduced lunch. excuse me, all free. The rest of the schools would be a modified version of um free and reduced where the board would pay the reduced, making two categories of free and a proposed $500,000 hardship fund for those folks right on the edge who maybe don't qualify all the time. You could also use that fund to wipe out the lunch debt at the end of the year. Um that would save the board 2.26 26 million and it would be a cost of 414,000 versus a traditional model. Option two is more balanced. It opens it up to 22 schools getting all free. The rest would have that what I just described a more robust version of the free and reduce. So given that CA3 did not pass and there's so much uncertainty to the
097point that negotiations have been cancelled, I simply ask you table it to take some time. You could still pass it in, you know, uh, June 11th, but take some time to look through some of these options and dig a little bit. Again, we can do right by kids, but be strategic with the money in times where I mean, I filled up my gas tank today with 70 bucks. So, we know we're facing a lot right now. So, I just think to be fiscally responsible, we have some time. We don't have to rush. You can still pass C as it is. The last thing, well, that's it. If you'll review those materials, I included all source materials as well, so you can play with the numbers. >> Anyone else? >> All right. Any qu questions or
098comments from board members for Miss Lang? >> Miss Moore. >> Okay. Um, I did have time to read your proposals today. Um, I happened to open an email, which is never would I do it before a meeting, but I did. and all of them had merit. But when I got to where you had those I thought it was 10 schools, it was nine schools. So, we're going to brand nine schools. And if you have a child that goes to one of those schools, it all also makes you feel like something must be wrong with this school because oh my, you know, every kid every kid there is on free free lunch or they qualify. I don't think this is fair to any school and the same with the kids. I I was a principal. I
099was a teacher. The kids know who have free and reduced lunch. Unfortunately, it just happens. And I don't want that happening to any child. They shouldn't have a stamp on them or a brand. And none of our schools should feel like they're being ostracized. Even though they're getting something more, but they're going to be put out as you're one of those nine schools. I can't handle that. >> Miss Hers. All right, here we go. Um, this is going to be a long one. cuz I got plenty notes here. All right. Um, so I tried to write myself a little [snorts] little to be organized and a little speech. But when I started to go over my speech, I had lots of like little arrows and everything. So, I'll try to be good here. Um, unless
100Miss um, Gallagher might be shorter than me. Do you want to go first? Maybe. Are you going to be shorter than me? Because I got lots of notes. >> I mean, I can go. It doesn't matter. It's up to you. >> Why don't you go ahead of me? I'm gonna I'm gonna switch a we good with that. Okay. Um I'm just I'm not saying I'm for or against, but I did ask um put it out there on Facebook, which is where everybody gets their information from these days. Um, and it's a pretty it's a pretty pretty good divide on um, things. So, I did ask Miss Elaine some questions and got some answers back from her um, in regards to it and I just and I would have asked these questions last week or week
101before um, but Miss Martin had called the question prior to that, so I ended up emailing him out. Um, I was just curious because I know a lot of people were asking about or like how much or somebody had mentioned how much schools had to pay in regards to when we did have um everybody pay or turn in the applications. And if I I can't find the email right now, but if I recall correctly, the total was in the ballpark of half a million, $650,000 um for those kids who did not pay. Um huge difference compared to $2.7 million. So that was one. Um some people had said that, you know, what would we do with the $2.7 million instead of feeding the kids? I don't have an answer for that because that would be
102the board's to decide what to do with that that money. Um, and I know a lot of people are saying stigmas. Um, but at some point at one point in this parish, we did have free and reduced regular lunch. Um, and from my understanding, they swipe their card or their ID and nobody knows if you have a free lunch or a reduced lunch. It's you swipe your badge. It doesn't matter. Everybody goes through the line. Nobody knows if your lunch is free, your lunch is reduced, or if you pay. Um, I do know there are some kids who in arguments too know some kids whose parents will not fill out the paperwork. Um, they're not going to do it. Um, one question I did not ask, Mr. Lane, and I don't know if you have
103the answer to it right now. Since it's a federally funded program, how much or percentage-wise are we paying and how much is the federal government paying? Like, if we're paying $2.7 million, what is the federal government paying towards it? if that if that's even a thing. >> I think maybe there's still a misunderstanding of that $2.7 million. It's basically the deficit for not recovering reduced funding. When you're on C, you only get the federal reimbursement for paid and the federal reimbursement for free. So, you're missing out on that reimbursement that's offered for those reduced students. So that 2.7 million is the best estimate that we can give for what the deficit would be because we're not recovering that reduced federal reimbursement rate. They only give us 55 cents for the paid kids regardless of what
104program we are on. So that's where that deficit falls because we're not getting that reduced reimbursement. >> Okay. Um >> so that I hope that >> it does. sort of and Miss Galler if I if you don't mind just one second because just uh you the $2.7 million keeps coming up and I just want to be very clear that >> this board has covered pri prior to this when we were still funding they covered about $1.5 billion of deficit in even when students were paying. So we're only talking about 1.2 million on top to feed everyone for free. So the the the number 2.7 keeps coming out. We're not talking about 2.7 on top. It's going to cost this cost this board 1.5 if we charge the kids or not. Because if we do not
105pay that $1.5 million, we're talking about $3.50 per per unsubsidized meal um for for full paying students and over a dollar for breakfast. Um, and that's the way this board has always kept that number down. They've always kept that number down for parents and what they're paying to a number that was manageable by the families. So, um, no matter what we do, it's it's not going to be free. It's not going to zero. I just want to be very clear on that. To subsidize this program is not going to be free. >> Okay. Well, I guess that's that part of this conversation has never come up. So, you're saying that if we go to back to everybody paying if you can, turning in applications if you can't, free and reduced or whatever, this board will
106Why? What is the 1.5 that we're paying? Like, how is that? >> It It's to subsidize the meals so that that we don't have to charge the full price, which Casey and I could get everyone the unsubsidized full price it would be if this board did kick it in. And Casey is responsible for maintaining our budget, which is every employee. So when we give employees raises, we give it to all support and all certified teachers. We can't penalize school fruit service and hold them hostage over the amount of money they're paying uh just because that's their department. We have to give raises like how we award them by financial means what whether it's a step two whatever whatever the case is out to all employees. Uh we said last year to cover C. Miss Po
107said it would be a million dollars on top. That's why we we took out and we budgeted the extra million dollars out of parishwide roofing. We freed that money up. We we cut back on jobs. We we didn't cover things that we had normally covered. To cover that, Miss Lane said already it's going to be about a little over and Miss Pos a little over $100,000 added on to that. So that's where it is. It's to subsidize. This board is always prior way prior to me because we've been on C since I was part of this board um or on in this position. um that's that's what it that's what it cost to cover to keep our meals maintained and to maintain our uh cafeteria staff. So we have said that over and over with
108it was only a million dollars last year and and and the adjustment is about $150,000 difference currently. >> Okay. Well, thank you for that. So then my question will be to Miss Po. So are we looking to cut roofing again a million dollars? >> No, we won't be able to do it again. So, what are we going to cut to get this million dollars? >> We're not going to cut anything. We won't be able to. >> So, where are we getting the million dollars from? >> It'll just go into the budget. >> Traditionally, like he's talking about, we've never charged the full price. So, the board is funded the difference in the meals, which I believe the calculator is 1.5. We also cover all the health insurance and the retirey insurance for the for the
109food service fund. So, that comes from general fund. We're required to give food service by law a portion of the MFP. Um they give us a schedule and tell us we have to fund that much. We fund a great deal more. And we also fund out of our props for uh property tax and out of their sales tax. That's just been traditional. So for 25 for a full year, we funded 7.6 million to general fund out of general fund to food service. And that's MFP, property tax, sales tax. So that's what we contributed. So that's going to cover any deficits um and the health insurance, retirey insurance. It's a large group of employees. So the board has always covered that, >> right? And I get that. But when Mr. Jabia just said that we cut
110roofing by 1 point whatever, that's what I'm asking. If we can't cut it this year, we just we budgeted a different way this year. >> Um it will have to absorb it and that we will have an extra cost in the budget and that's what I've projected so far. I'm building a projection for the new budget. So, I've just added in that different cost. Um, and we have to add back because we're I think it was parish wide we cut, not roofing. Roofing we didn't fund because we didn't need funding, but I think we're going to need to fund it this year and we're going to have to fund parishwide. So, we will we're just going to be short the million we made up last year. It's going to be in the budget because we'll
111have to fund fund those transfers to those funds, the construction funds. >> Okay. Thank you for that. So other questions that I had that um teacher it's was teachers, parents, stu not students, they don't have Facebook. Um but the amount of waste that they see in the school like it's no different than little Johnny taking his plate and just dumping in the trash and not even eating it than it is for little Suzie to take her lunch that I made at home and dump it in the trash. I get it. But the difference is the taxpayers aren't paying for the lunch that little Susie dumped in the trash. So when they say waste, all I can speak of is what t these people have said. So how do we track the waste of what we're
112doing? I know we're gonna have it whether we pay C like we pay or not. So >> that's a huge question. >> I had every single one of my schools stand there with a scale weighing garbage before they put it in a dumpster. I mean, it's it's really an impossible figure. I will say from being in the schools, if you've sat with students lately, they're eating the meals that we've scheduled. I've had so many people in the community know what I do. My kids friends saying the lunch is so much better. So, I'll say that >> the teachers can say what they want. We have to >> We have to [laughter] talk about Is that Is the weather bad? There's my million dollars. Just kidding. Just kidding. [laughter] >> Right. You we we can't track
113that. I I see more I will say and I'll stand on it that I will see see more food go in the kids' mouth than in the garbage. So you can hear what you want on Facebook. It's not the gospel truth. >> These are teachers that are sitting >> not the gospel truth. But I will tell you that there's a lot more food going in the bellies than in the garbage cans. >> Okay. Um there was one more thing I needed to ask. So based on like how in the beginning there's probably more waste I'm assuming because again my kids not getting in the cafeteria she's just not that kid right so but how do we base the amount of food that we're getting and cooking compared to the kids that are actually eating the
114food. >> So we have history and projections that we can look at to do that and you know say at the you referenced in your email the beginning of the school year we use the previous year's data to figure out how much we are going to cook at each site. you know, if if there's a enrollment of 300, but our a average, you know, students are only eating 150 or 175, they might cook 180, you know, 200 just to make sure that we don't have kids that miss out on meals. You know, they're going to increase it um as they need to. And a lot of our meals you can cook on the fly. We call it batch cooking. Mhm. And if there's food left over for the day by this program, >> they are
115not allowed to send it home to kids who they feel like are very needy. So, >> there's a lot of regulations regarding sending food home out of the cafeteria. Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. That's all I have for right now, >> Dr. Peterson. >> Yes, ma'am. I would like to just uh reflect a little bit. you know, it's, you know, this the um the movement and and the focus on on funding and what we have to do with the with the funds that we have and work within the means that we have is, you know, that that's our job. Uh no doubt, but this is this is just a side note. You know, uh if you didn't have to write a check for $10 million to a charter school for nothing, it would certainly be a
116benefit to us. We're talking about teacher pay raises. We're talking about student free lunches. You're talking about so many things that that we're going to give $10 million every year to another organization. And when you look at how the organization handles their funds, if you take the word education out of it, it's almost a Ponzi scheme. Money comes in, there's no no responsibility. uh that there's they actually send the funds t force taxpayer dollars from our community. You're forced to pay taxes to support your schools and they take that force tax and then someone says I want to open a charter school cost me nothing. State's going to give me the money. This board said unanimously, we do not support this in St. Tam Parish. And then we get a Bessie board that turns around
117and says, "Oh, but you're going to do it anyway." Where do they come off making that override call on a school system that represents all the people in St. Tam Parish? And there's not much I can do about this, but I'm not probably never going to forget this because this is a deployment of the stability of public education. And there's no other point, >> Dr. Peterson, >> to be made, but I'm sorry about that. >> Thank you very much. >> Topic, please. >> I wish our legislators would be as passionate. >> All right. Anyone else? Miss Hurst, tell us how you really feel, Dr. Peterson, about the jaw to school. [laughter] I completely agree. Um, okay. Back to me. Um, okay. Um, all right. So, okay. Good evening, everyone. I'm going to my script. I
118know I um may be in the minority on this vote tonight. Um, and that's okay. My job is to ask questions, and I know I asked plenty of questions. I'm sorry. [laughter] Um, look at the numbers and make sure we are being responsible with taxpayer dollars while still making sure children truly that truly need um the meals and get what they receive. So, I want to make very clear, I do not want any child going hungry. Every child that truly needs free meals should absolutely receive them. There are many ways to do that without putting the entire parish under C. I know um we just had a board member that said that we shouldn't brand a school, but should we brand the whole parish? No offense. I'm sorry, Miss Moore. Um, >> I'm just saying
119I'm just saying. So, okay. >> So, >> you're not supposed to be discussing between the board members. >> She's she's allowed to compete what you want to say, >> but but let's let's let's keep it professional. Thank you. >> Okay. All right. C. One of those ways is something called clustering. where schools with higher poverty percentages can still qualify for free meals while schools with lower participation or lower need may operate differently. That always that allows resources to be more targeted where they're actually needed most. As I started reviewing the spreadsheets and data, several things stood out to me. First first participation did increase under C especially with breakfast but not nearly at the level I expected considering we are now contributing almost 2.7 million locally. Some schools had already had I'm sorry had already
120had extremely high lunch participation before C even began. For instance, Alton Early ABNE Bay Lome staying between 85 to 95%. Those are some examples already had very strong participation numbers before universal free meals. Other schools still had very low participation at 65% even with meals being free for everyone. So I naturally have questions to that come to mind. Are those students still bringing lunches from home? Are they choosing not to eat cafeteria meals? Are they buying snacks instead? And that leads me to another eyeopening part of the data for me. snack sales and extra sales uh sales revenue. So, this I didn't ask. Um the snacks, is that just students purchasing the snacks? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. Some schools are generating thousands and thousands of dollars in snack sales and extras. Examples, um we
121have like uh ABNE early ABNE um getting $9,900. Bonnie E. coli getting 7,600 in snack sales. I asked myself, are the students buying me snacks because they are still hungry after lunch? Are they supplementing meals? We asked about the waste. I know Miss Galler, excuse me, not going to talk between board members. So, we brought up waste and I know that you mentioned that you can't monitor waste. I mean, unless we put a camera on the garbage cans, you know, but that would be, you know, well, let me look at the waste. Um, I actually went to Abne and I went and had lunch over there. Um, I might have gone it was it was the last week, you know, so I don't know, maybe they just had it, I think it was manager special,
122so it wasn't anything that was, you know, on the thing. And I have to say the the ladies over there were awesome. They were so great over there and this is nothing towards our heroes, our school lunch heroes. And I'm so glad that we did recognition for them. Um I know the recognition day is May 1st. We normally recognize them in April though. Every year that we've we've done that, we usually recognize them in April. I'm so I'm so glad though that we we recognize them, you know, this month. Um so and I know they they take such pride in what they do. Um, but it was hamburger day and every hamburger was thrown in the garbage. It was very unfortunate. Um, and I talked to the children and um, they don't like the hamburgers.
123Um, and that's very unfortunate. So, I hope I'm hoping that we don't ever serve hamburger again because that is a lot of wasted food. Um, and I'm I'm just being honest. Um, it was very very sad to see. Um, so that's that's waste. Um, the data for uh that also showed me that uh we can still maintain much of the same operational infrastructure. Staff are still checking in students by name. So we still do have people, you know, checking in names and and swiping and and doing the little punch thing. So we still have operational staff in place. The argument that we saved 1.6 million in staffing is difficult for me to fully accept when those and when those employees largely still work for us in other capacities. If we actually saved or if we
124wanted to take that amount out of the CP C, we would no longer have those employees in place. Plus, I think that was part of their job description before we had C. No offense to the people that are uh doing that job. Yes, staffing numbers have reduced some, but we also have fewer students overall in the district than years ago. At the same time, meal preparation has changed significantly since we now probably serve more processed and prepackaged foods and less fresh preparation than years ago. We naturally change staffing needs as well. We no longer operate and we also no longer operate the central office cafeteria either because I know that we saved in that as well. >> Miss Hurst. >> Yeah. >> Can you wrap it up please? >> Okay. Um, I know that our
125cafeteria people take a lot of pride in what they do. Another concern I had was the breakfast production. Some schools are only around 35% participation for breakfast, yet we still are preparing and staffing for those operations daily. That raises fair questions about waste and efficiency. I also reviewed the MPH numbers, meals per labor hour, and there is a large difference between schools. Some schools that may be absolutely, you know, for example, ABNE early and um elementary have 16 MPH where Alton only has 8 MPH. Now, that could absolutely be related to the school size and layout, but it also shows that there are opt operational differences that deserve discussion. Um, I also asked for data regarding whether the C c reduced bullying or stigma because one of the major arguments presented was concerned about children
126being singled out for free lunch status. I asked whether there has seen improvements in behavioral trends, bullying, academic scores, and attendance tied to C imple implementation. There is not for from what I understand there has not been any collected data or analyzed data at this time. Um, so I also asked if there's been a survey taken whether cafeteria workers, parents, and especially students have been surveyed about the quality of meals. I know they love orange chicken. They love orange chicken. So, please serve more orange chicken. [laughter] >> Everything. >> Yes, they love it. Okay, I'm going to probably go back and have some orange chicken. [laughter] I got to know what that's about. Um, so anyway, I just think that maybe we should survey the parents because I think that they'll probably talk to the
127parents more freely. Um, I understand that they do give um their honest opinion um to your your staff, but I didn't get that feedback results. I wasn't able to get back with you because you said that you get that uh feedback, but you didn't actually give me what that feedback was. So, but I did get that feedback from the children themselves out of their mouths and I just told you what it was. So, um, so anyway, so just real quick, I'm wrapping it up. Again, I do want to stress that this is not about denying meals to the children who need them. This is about asking whether a universal system for everyone is the most financial and healthy effective approach to our parish long term. And I do believe that we can feed children in
128need, maintain dignity, and still be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars. And again, I want to thank our cafeteria workers for everything they do with what they have. And um I did my research. Thank you. But I will be voting no for this. And I would like to make a motion if we could pay pro possibly table this to June if anybody wants to second that. So maybe all of us um can do a little bit more research as well. [snorts] >> I'll second. >> Do you want to make that motion, Miss Hersus? >> Yeah. >> Miss Hersus is making the motion to table voting on this program until next month, June. And Miss Gallagher is her second. >> I didn't need a laptop. >> Are there any comments from the public? Thank you, Miss Lang.
129And again, it's just about deliberating, looking at options. Um, I did want to comment, you know, despite the wealth of our district, we do have title one schools, and we're not going to deny title one schools simply because not everybody gets the same resources. I think we need to take advantage of what we can, but also be strategic. So even if it comes back and you vote unanimously in June, I would like you to table it just so we can wrap our hands around it or the board can wrap their heads around a little bit more. Thank you. >> Comments from the board on tableabling. >> Okay, everyone please vote. We are voting to table voting on the C program or putting it back on the agenda. I'm sorry, next month. delay before [clears throat]
130>> the only >> our deadline is June 30th and if we delay this for our parents and we don't give us enough time to successfully collect AC applications and get this system going. It could cause a extreme hardship for what has already been mentioned, getting those applications in because we have to open the application July 1st. It has to be open July 1st to the families. If we don't vote on it until June 11th, that's very little time to roll this out to the families. Just point of fact, >> that's the only thing I was going to say. It's just a timing thing. It's just communicating to our parents that they're going to be paying at certain locations if you do change. So, and by class >> you didn't vote >> and that motion fails.
131So, back to voting to accept the the recommendation to accept the C program for moving forward. Um, any last comments? All right, everyone, please vote. And that motion carries. Next we have public comments. Please state your name as you come to the podium. Miss Stephanie Underwood. No. Wave. Mr. Osborne. Good evening again, Madame Chair, board, administration, Superintendent Jabia. [clears throat] Um, just want to O'Brien Osborne, St. Tammy Federation President, take a moment to acknowledge um, as Dr. Peterson said, this has been a successful year. Um, launching excellence was the theme this year. We had that hiccup at the beginning with the copers, but I think uh, Steve's herculean efforts were able to uh, get that satisfied. So, we've got gone through a lot of highs and lows, but we got here at the end. I'm
132very happy for our teachers and school employees who I mean, I don't even know if you call that vacation. It's trauma recovery for I think the first two or three weeks of decompression. Um, I think this will be a time of um looking hard at the budget and there's a need for some tough cuts. Um, we will complete this current negotiation, good, bad, or ugly, and um, ask for the board's passage of what the two teams will put our heads together. Um, looking at some dates. June 1st is the end of the legislative session. They can extend that. Hopefully, they won't, but that could put some time in there to negotiate before the next call meeting. That would give the board another executive session. We could maybe clean some things up and be done in
133time for June 11th. There needs to be a smaller negotiation. It's really quick after the um audit of the health and welfare fund for the dental program. Um we're looking at June 30th is kind of the hard deadline because that's when the salary schedule has to be turned into the state. So that's just to kind of help you give you a little bit of a timeline even though there's a lot of uncertainty. Um thank you for another um school year of service and um appreciate all that you do. Thank you. >> All right, announcements. All sites and schools will be closed on Monday, May 25th for Memorial Day. And our committee as a whole meetings for June will be Thursday, June 4th in Slidel at the Brooks Center. And the June board meeting will be
134on June 11th also in Slidell at the Brook Center. Um we do have an executive session um tonight to uh conduct a strategy session with respect to collective bargaining with the St. Tammy Federation of Teachers and School Employees. Do I have a motion to go into executive session? Miss Rotherford, do I have a second? Miss Font Laoy, any comments by the public? >> School board meeting on the fourth >> committee meeting on the 4th. Uh, any questions from the board about going into executive session? All in Well, >> all in favor? Can I do that? >> Yeah, you do. >> Yeah. All in favor of going into executive session. I All right. Any opposed? All right. So ordered. We are now in executive session. >> It will be brief, guys. [music] [music] Heat. Heat. N.
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