001[music] Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. Heat. >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> Heat. [music] Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Hey. Hey. Hey. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Uh, our school board meeting is called to order today, Thursday, March 12th, 2026 at 6:00 pm. Miss Kley, will you please call the role? >> Miss Martin, >> here. >> Mr. Green, >> Miss Hansen, >> here. >> Miss Rutherford here, >> Miss Fontleroy, >> Mr. Harold. >> He's walking in. >> Okay. [clears throat] Miss Moore [snorts] >> here. >> Sorry, my mouse
002is giving me problems. Miss Dr. Peterson here. >> Miss Baker here. >> Miss McCullum >> here. >> Miss Lamey here. >> Miss Hurst here. >> Mr. Bro here. >> Mr. Kuzanne. Miss Rafino Gallagher >> here. >> All right. We have our wonderful uh team here from Magnolia Trace. Two of those students uh Lillian Lewis and Blake Schwallenberg are going to give our invocation and pledge. Everyone please rise. >> Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. God, thank you for bringing us together today as we meet at the schoolboard office. God, thank you for the wonderful teachers and school employees that we are blessed to have in St. Tam Parish that help to guide us as we learn and grow as students. In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
003>> Amen. I pledge of 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. [applause] >> Thank you, ladies. Schoolboard members, do I have anyone who would like to recognize any visitors? Miss Hansen, >> thank you. I'm not certain um if they had to leave or not, but I certainly want to recognize Pine View Middle School. I'm sure Mr. Javi, I don't mean to steal his thunder thunder, but Pine View Middle School is which is one of the schools in my district. Their choir performed tonight before the board meeting in honor of of music and arts education. and to the their director, Miss Erica Moses, who has dedicated herself to music education for over 33 years,
004and she will be retiring. So, thank you very much for their presentation tonight and for kicking off our meeting with some good old-fashioned wonderful music. And I'll I won't mention the other school because I'm certain someone else wants to mention that other school that performed tonight. >> Sure. [laughter] Miss Ruford, >> I'd like to welcome a fellow MRW member, Ellie Schroeder. I see you out there in the audience. >> Yes, >> Mr. Green. >> No, I would like to recognize the the Mandal High jazz band. They're phenomenal. And I I joke with Mr. Lines, I I want the album. I want it on my iPhone when I'm working out or something. It was it was really amazing. and uh just appreciate the effort that goes in the hard work. Those kids are really incredible performers.
005>> Miss Baker, >> I just wanted to echo that as well. You know, at first Mr. Jabia hit us up about 500 times about getting to the meeting an hour early and I'm thinking, "Oh god, the traffic, the this, the that." And when you get here and you got to hear those children sing to us and and the jazz band play, it just changes everything. So, thank you for blowing us up about that and and thank you to those kids. And to think that they've only been on this earth between 10 and 12 or 13 years or 18 years. It's it's insane. Like, we were we never had that when I was in school and I'm a St. Tammy Parish graduate. I mean, we listened to Led Zeppelin in the parking lot, but wasn't quite
006the same. But the [clears throat] the talent is if y'all didn't get to hear it, I'd suggest you go back and listen. They were I I'm with Mr. green. I would I would pay for that. I would absolutely pay for that, >> Miss Gallagher. >> So, I am going to congratulate which they've been, we've seen them before, is the Northshore High School robotics team, the swim shadies. Um, they went to the Louisiana 2026 4HC Perch Challenge. Um, they won first place in the tech report and interview, third place in missions course, and first place in the obstacle course. and they were named grand champions for their class which earned them an invitation to the international sea perch challenge at the University of Maryland in May. So good congratulations to them. [applause] >> And then I
007have a congratulations to the uh Northshore FFA on their success at the area 4 spring CDEs. All teams advanced to state with the vet science winning first place uh team and a third place team. And then we had fourth place in the nursery and landscape. Um and I know Boyette went to the FFA convention for themselves, but I've not seen their results yet. So, and last but not least, SL High, you did amazing at the game. I went last Thursday to the semi-finals when you whipped them a little butt. And then I went on Saturday and it was so close they lost by one in the state championship. So, congratulations to SL High girls basketball. What an amazing season you had. Miss McCullum. Thank you, madam. Uh, I would first like to uh recognize uh
008Mr. Mike Aigu and my son Brandon McCollum, administrators at Fountain Blue Jr. tonight. And I won't steal Mr. Javius Thunder with the rest of the Fountain Blue Jr. uh design out there, but I would like to recognize them. Also, I I would be a miss and uh recognizing again uh my little sweet little Magnobia Trace Lighthouse and Ambassador team. And Miss Garner, I'll have to share with you that I met with the ambassador team uh last week and we did a little activity, a group activity where they I described jobs and tasks that we have to do as board members and in groups they were to decide which habit that we were uh exemplifying or demonstrating. And I want you to know the discussion and the thoughts that came out of these young minds and
009the leadership that they are showing is amazing. It truly is. So, good job, guys. I'm bragging on you. [applause] I also would like to recognize Miss Ellie Schroeder as well, a former employee of St. Tony Parish and she I would like to invite her to come up to the podium and say a few words to share with us of her plans. Thank you for having me. Um trying to decide if I want to step on this or not. I am a little short. Um I'm going to be brief and I do thank you for allowing me to speak today. I'm Ellie Schroeder, as you've heard, a former teacher administrator from St. Tam Parish, and I have thrown my hat into the race for the B Elementary Board of Secondary Education, Bessie Board, Board of Elementary
010and Secondary Education, District 1, which encompasses all of St. Tam. I'm going to give you a quick background. I got my undergraduate degree at Southeastern Louisiana. From there, I went to Fort Campbell, Kentucky, where I worked for the Department of Defense Schools. And while there I got my masters at Austin P State University. Came back to Louisiana and I taught in four of the systems, the different parishes in the state of Louisiana. There is very little that I probably have not done in the school system from writing title one budgets to school improvement plans to teacher professional development. I'm also a business person. I've spent 30 years in our family businesses doing the administrative world roles while teaching. And about 20 years ago, I got my residential contractor's license and I run my own construction
011company. I'd like for you to take a minute and research by looking at ellieser.com, looking at my resume, and letting you know the depth of which I've done my work. I think you would be proud to have me represent St. Tamony in district 1. And I ask not only you guys to do that, but also the parents that are in here today. Parents are important. We always want that bond with the parents. We can do so much better with our children when we have parents behind us. Please look for me on the ballot. Early vote is May 2nd. It is a closed primary or what they call the party primary. The actual election is May 16 and then from there it goes to November 3rd. Again, thank you for allowing me one or two minutes
012to talk. Appreciate it. [applause] >> Thank you, Mr. Sher. Any other board members? >> Dr. Peterson. >> All right. I'd like to uh recognize Mr. John Clark who's an outstanding man uh and choir director at Six Ward and does a fabulous job and uh Mrs. Stan has picked a good one and he's he's the guy. Thank you for being here sir. All right, [applause] >> Miss Hansen. >> I'm going to blame it on my eyes since I'm getting older so I can't see as far. But I also like to recognize Miss Melanie White who's the principal at Pine View Middle School. So, thank you for being here tonight for supporting the arts and of course for supporting fond. [applause] >> Miss Foy, >> I have had four eye surgeries. I really can blame it on
013my eyes, but I think Miss Perry is back there. My uh wonderful uh band director at Lee Road. If there's anyone else out there from Lee Road, I apologize. I just can't see. >> Miss Rutherford. Well, since we get a second chance, um Lauren Kangjilla, a wonderful teacher for St. Tam and Miss Vincent at Lake Harbor and Miss Aigu Karen um way in the back. I see you're hiding. Um teacher at Lake Harbor who I taught with for years. Love her. Mr. Harold, >> thank you. I would like to congratulate Coington High School basketball coach of the year for district 65A, Ryan Rushing. >> [applause] >> And I'd like to call the question. [laughter] >> All right. And I was going to ask, doesn't he get a bonus now? >> Oh, >> I think he
014does. >> He does. >> Yes, he does. >> Made the playoffs. >> All right. >> That's good. >> Moving along. Next, we have uh Mr. Javia, the superintendent's update. >> Thank you, Miss Martin. Uh, thank you all for being here tonight. And I'll just start off by congratulating everyone that I don't want to repeat everything, but to Pine View Middle and to Mandeville High School for an amazing job. Miss Mosen, Miss Lions, our entire staff, just just amazing work and just showing the talent that our kids have. So, thank y'all so much for being our entertainment tonight and helping us celebrate these amazing kids. Secondly, Magnolia Trace uh ambassadors and lighthouse team, thank y'all so much. Uh thank y'all for being here. I I really enjoyed hanging out. I wish we could have had a
015little bit more time to spend upstairs and hang out and y'all can ask me some more questions, but I will come back to school and we will finish those conversations. I promise. So, thank y'all so much for being here. Y'all did a great job with the pledge and the prayer. So, thank y'all so much. [applause] Well, Miss I always Miss Bro, Miss Chado, Miss Miss Hunt, thank y'all so much for all y'all do for our kids and giving them this opportunity. Absolutely amazing. Absolutely amazing. [applause] But if if all the parents and staff, everyone's here with Magnoli Trace and and also our Lighthouse team, if y'all would stand to be recognized, that would be awesome. That would be awesome. Y'all stand. Come on. [applause] Thank y'all for being here. I appreciate y'all taking the time
016to be here to support our kids. I really do appreciate it. Um, as as Miss uh Gallagher said, uh, Saturday night was a tough one. Um, as a Slaughter High graduate, uh, the girls basketball team made it to the state championship after an amazing season. And they led literally from the beginning. They lost the lead with seven seconds to play. And it was it was devastating. It it really was. I ran as fast as I could after they got done to catch up with Coach Twilly. I mean, they they were just distraught. I mean, they they had played so well. And look, as a former coach, unfortunately, and player uh in high school in the state championship game in high school at SL High School, we lost on the last play of the game. And
017so, it brought back horrible memories for me. I PTSD was killing it was killing me. But, uh the the girls they they they they played so hard and they played so well and to be right there for a state championship is just is so difficult. So, but I want to congratulate Coach Twilly, Coach Dugos, uh, for all their hard work and all the amazing girls. They had a tremendous season and there's nothing to hold to to, you know, nothing to hang your head about finishing second in the entire state of Louisiana. So, congratulations to them on a great season. [applause] Friday night, I y'all I talked to Miss Rhodess last Thursday as she was leaving the podium and they invited me. Slaughter Junior High invited me to their play, Beauty and the Beast Jr. Friday
018night. So, just an amazing job. it. I I had a I had a family that didn't know they they knew who I was, but I mean I didn't know them and they were sitting down and and we were talking a few minutes and their child left one of the private schools in Slottel in Sladell's district to go to Slaughter Junior High because the drama program in Slaughter Junior High and Slaughter High is so good that that was and they said it's the best decision they ever made and their child was in the play and uh the kids did an amazing job. So, a big shout out to Chase Crane, who is a director, music director, Miss Emily Mayer, and uh set design, Miss Courtney Dang. They did a fantastic job. So, congratulations to those kids
019for putting on an amazing performance. It's amazing what junior high students are able to do on the stage. I'm so used to high school kids because I was in that world for so long, but our junior high kids are so amazing. So, thank them so much for for their wonderful job they did. [applause] Saturday, Saturday morning before I headed to a baseball game, high school baseball game, before I went to Hammond to go watch state championship, we had our elementary fitness meet and uh as always, kids blow me away. They they literally blow me away. Um do such a great job. Uh so all of our middle school students out there, keep keep training, keep grinding. Uh so our students will soon move on to the state competition and we will bring you those results
020and we we channel 13 capture that uh so we get a little bit closer to that time we'll bring that to our board. But congratulations to all the students that competed uh this past Saturday morning and best of luck to all the students that qualified for the state district fitness meet uh this year. So we will bring you those results as soon as we know a little bit more. And last thing, um, uh, this district does so many amazing things and we talked about it, uh, and we saw some of that tonight. Um, but the exceptional games that we do for all of our high school students are absolutely amazing. The job Miss Gardner does, Miss Sue, all of our AP staff, the teachers, the paras, everybody that helps us put those games on. Ashley
021who does a tremendous job just organize and put it together. We had we had awesome attendants in the stands. We had all eight of our high school plus two of our private schools in our district and those students got to come down and compete and do amazing things. So just so thankful for our our sweet staff that helps put that together. So let's check out a little video capturing our exceptional games. [cheering] >> [applause] [music] >> So, we may all be rivals on the field and and in the gyms and all the sports we play, but today we come as one big family to celebrate these exceptional athletes. Thank you and seize the day >> and let the games begin. >> [applause] >> This is our adaptive PE department's annual exceptional games. We have all
022the local high school students with exceptionalities competing today um as a school. So, they've been practicing with their AP teachers for over two months and they get to compete together with their peers cheering them on. >> This is a special day. It's one of the best days at St. is opportunity for our kids to just get out here and enjoy being a high school student. Uh from kids from all over the parish, every high school [music] represented plus Hannon and St. Paul's uh just to be a collaboration of everybody. It's just amazing day. So today [music] our students are participating in the 50 meter dash, the javelin throw, [cheering] frisbee golf, cornhole, and a fun dance station. [music] [cheering] >> To me, nobody's different. Everybody's the same. You know, everybody should be treated equal and
023all this. There's people out there that really enjoy doing stuff, working with these kids, you know, making their day. It really makes my day. I love working with the kids. [music] My mom's been doing it. That's where I get it from, honestly. But it's just an awesome experience. I [music] think everybody should be able to experience it. >> Here's why we do it. For the joy in their faces, just to see them just get out here where they can just be a normal kid, but get out here and compete and have a good time. Uh these opportunities just don't happen everywhere. And it's a pleasure to be part of an amazing staff that offers this to our kids. [cheering] >> I see a community of people coming together, which is so special, so amazing. um
024to see, you know, our regular ed and our sweet department doing things together and just having the time of their life is very important and it just puts a smile on [music] their faces. And not only do we know and we can tell that that feels great for them, but it should feel good for you, too. >> Everybody comes out, it's their day. It's all about them. You know, people, the kids love it. >> Seeing them actually compete, it's just joy all around that you can't [music] explain unless you're here. We truly are out there having the time of our lives. It's like I've said this before and I'll say it again. It's the truest, most pure form of friendship that you'll see. And that's very evident today. Again, thanks Miss Gardener, our sweet staff.
025Just just an amazing day. Uh and you have not lived until you've been so they rotate the stations. So, one of the stations is the dance station, and you have not lived till you've been a part of the dance station. It is It is something to see. It is something to see. But thank you, Miss Martin. That wraps up my update. >> All right. Uh, do I have any questions from board members? >> No. All right, then. Mr. Jabby is going to make his way down to the podium for some more special recognitions. Student of the year awards. get the best. >> So, board members, President Martin, board members, tonight is an amazing night. It's our opportunity to recognize our district representatives for fifth, 8th, and 12th grade student of the year. These students are
026chosen based on leadership, academic achievement, character, and service to their communities. This always is a little bit of tricky part for me um because in the past, you know, as being superintendent, I've had to kind of navigate this part and you know, we we had students at different levels. They may have they may have unfortunately been uh stopped at the district level and moved on to regionals or state. But tonight, I am proud to announce that all three of our representatives are state finalist. [applause] Each each one of these amazing students will join uh seven others. So, eight total in each division, fifth, 8th, and 12th. Uh and they will they have already begun the competition for being the state uh student of the year. Uh it's just amazing. It's amazing to be around them.
027All three of these students have they're so alike, but yet so different in the interest and things that they have. And tonight we're going to start off in our fifth grade category with our fifth grade winner, Mr. Brics Lafantine from Little Oak Middle School. And he is our district elementary student of the year. So, let's check out a a video of Bricks. [music] >> It's really an honor to represent Little Oak. you know, all the kids here at school. There's a lot of people [music] and even in the district, there's a lot of fifth grade students and just that they recognize me and for the school, that's already a blessing. And for the district, that's that's insane to me really. >> He excels in academics as well as extracurricular activities outside of school. [music] And
028he really plays an important role on our student lighthouse team. and he brings a lot of great ideas and initiative to [music] the team. >> There you go. >> I like playing sports because it's always just been a passion to me and [music] a love for the game that I've had and they've taught me discipline and how to work together. And I mean, the friends I've made along [music] the way, it's a lot of people, a lot of kind people that I've connected with and you know, some of my best friends they made just off of sports teams. I started a shoe drive called Kicks with Bricks because [music] I feel like maybe I don't really donate cleats that much and uh the cleats I don't want that to hold anyone back from not doing
029what they love. >> Well, I think he [music] represents the very best of our community, our little Oak community and he represents the very best of St. Tamony in my opinion. To have a student be intellectual as he is and then [music] also as kind-hearted as he is, that's very that's very powerful accommodation. It's a great time being at Little Oak and they just [music] make everyone feel included I feel like here and I just feel like I've always when I came here [music] in first grade I immediately started making friends. I mean all [music] the kids are really nice and I enjoy coming to school every day. [applause] So let's welcome Brics Laontaine. >> [applause] >> down. >> Good afternoon, y'all. >> It's a uh pleasure and honor to be here today and I'm
030so thankful for the recognition that I've have that recognition that I have and what I've received along the way and I'm very proud to represent Little Oak and our St. contaminate at the state level here and just to be recognized for my hard work and ed and education. Well, I just it's amazing and it's a blessing to see all these people proud of me for what I do. [applause] So Brics's family is with us here also also principal Amy Gatuso and a lot of guests and visitors and faculty and staff. So if you all would stand and be recognized that would be wonderful. [applause] >> Mr. Jab, I would like to ask Bricks if you're the one who threw him that pass that he caught. And I was not. [laughter] It's been a long time,
031Miss Gallagher. It's been a long time, but but I it is amazing to see him. Just absolutely amazing. Absolutely amazing. In our middle school junior high category, Mr. Robert Rouse the fourth is Fountain Blue High School, excuse me, Fountain Blue Junior High's student of the year. Let's check out our video of Robert. So, Robert Riyles is our student of the year here at Family Junior. Um, he's also the district [music] uh student of the year, the regional student of the year, and also he's a state finalist student of the year for the junior high uh division. >> Robert, he's [music] a fun, responsible student. He really pushes himself. He challenges himself. He rises to any challenge I throw at him. He has whole high expectations for [music] himself. He really inspires others to pursue academic
032excellence as well and to and to do the best that [music] they can do. Robert, he's just a leader inside the classroom, outside of the classroom. [music] He pursues everything with just u just a pure passion and I'm I'm so proud of him. I know he's going to do great things. So, I really am just kind of I don't know, in awe of everything that that he does and and just how much he excels in everything. >> Such an honor to be able to represent [music] St. Sam Parish public school system as the junior high junior year. It's just such a huge blessing to [music] be able to be a part of the St. Tam Parish public school system because I feel like the teachers and the [music] students have a really good connection and
033they really push you to do your best [music] academically. Robert truly inspires everyone he comes in contact with and and makes everyone better. [applause] I'd like to welcome uh 8th grade student year Robert Rouse I [applause] expect a big speech. Okay. >> Okay. [clears throat] Um hello everybody. Nobody told me when I won this that I was going to have to talk. So um I'd firstly just like to thank a few people. It's actually more than a few people, but um firstly just everyone in this parish. They've really helped me get to um where I am today. So just all of my teachers and all the people who've helped me get here. But I also have a few specific ones. um my kindergarten teacher, Miss Kouon, who really helped jumpst start my education. Um my
034third grade gifted teacher, Miss Gleason, who always supported me even though it's been 5 years since I've been in her class. Um Miss McBride, who showed me that learning can, in fact, be fun. [snorts] Um my fifth and sixth grade gifted teacher, Miss Keane, who taught me a lot. I think I learned more during the span of those two years than I have in a while. Um, my band director, Miss Hicks, who showed me my love for music, which is for me to do a lot of the things I still currently do. Um, my sixth grade teacher, Miss Mallerie, for um, giving me fun opportunities you don't usually get in school, like making a cake shaped like a cell. Um, my science uh, science teacher last year, Mr. Gilbert, who was just really funny and
035made me laugh all the time. uh my current ELA teacher, Miss LeBlanc, for being one of the best teachers I've ever had and teaching me not just English and history, but life skills that I can use even past this point. Um Mr. Hicks, who is the high school band director, for giving me musical opportunities that I wouldn't usually have. And um his assistant director, um Mr. Weber, for teaching me and showing me how much I love jazz music. Um one of my current band directors, Mr. Miller for being uh super understanding and just helping me grow in music this year as I continue to um to progress. Um everyone in the Timonss family for being a super cool family. I mean they go from my best friend to the guy who I bug about workouts
036and they're just all people who like really they make me laugh a lot. Um my karate sensei um who I train under for seven years. Uh he really taught me um a lot that I needed to know about discipline and that has shaped me up until this point. Um and helped bring me from um a white belt to a black belt. Um my youth pastor at my church, Pastor John, for helping to guide me in my um walk with God as I get older and mom and dad. Um, and I'd also just like to say that it's a super huge honor to be able to be here and represent this district at um, the state level. Um, even if I don't move on from here, it's been a super huge honor and privilege to represent
037y'all and I'm proud to be a part of this district. [applause] Congratulations. >> So tonight, Robert's families with us, uh, Mr. Ascu, the principal, and a lot of friends and family. So, if you all would stand and be recognized, please. [applause] And Robert, I saw you hiding those nothing bun cakes. So, uh, don't don't go too far with those things, my man. >> Miss M, uh, Madame President, may I ask a question of the student? >> Of course. >> Um, in wow, amazing students we have here. Um, and we have the cream of the crop here tonight. Thank y'all for rec I mean for representing St. Tammy Parish. So, well, but I wanted to ask Robert, um, I saw in the piece he plays the piano. Do you play other instruments as well? >> Uh,
038yes ma'am, I do. I also play the bass, upright bass, and drum set. Wow. >> So, in in in honor of music and arts education month, this is this is perfect example of of what we want to inspire in our students and the talents that they deserve to be inspired. Thank you. Our next honore tonight is our 12th grade student of the year from Mandeville High School, Beija Lopes Morgan. Let's check out a video of Beij. >> Okay, any other questions? >> Beij's. She's the sharpest, most well polished student I've ever been around in the 26 years of being an [music] educator. She's confident. She's smart. Obviously, she just got a lot of confidence in everything that she does and and she's whether um it's talking about policy or it's talking about football game or
039a pep rally, she is she's keyed in and she's she's just an amazing young woman. >> Growing up in St. Tammy Parish, I have just had the most incredible experience [music] from teachers, from my peers to my administration. I've always felt really supported. [music] So, representing my school and this incredible parish is such an honor and I feel very lucky. could not think of anyone more deserving than Beijia. She has [music] since she was a freshman just proven herself in the classroom, outside of the classroom, had interests well [music] beyond what her peers were talking about. >> Not only have I been able to represent students in our parish, but across the state, meeting with students statewide, advocating for [music] important initiatives, and working with the Louisiana Department of Education are some of my favorite
040things. um student welfare and civic engagement are really important to [music] me and being able to have this position um and represent students is the best [music] one of the best things I've done. >> So, it disappoints me as a former 18-year-old cuz she runs circles around me right now. U but you know what what happens is um our our kids [music] are so focused on getting to the next step and she's just positioned herself to get everything she wants and that's what I'm most proud of for her. >> In my 12 years uh in public school, I feel like my intellectual curiosity has always been fostered by St. Tam [music] new parish. I feel that all of my accomplishments I could not have done without the help of our parish and that support and
041love and encouragement are values that I hope that I can carry with me um in [music] my college and my future career. So I'm eternally grateful for St. Tammy Parish. [applause] I'd like to welcome to the podium Miss Bealos Morgan. [applause] I know everywhere. >> Good evening. Um, as a senior, wow, this is just such an incredible full circle moment. Um, I remember when I was in kindergarten in St. Tam doing most fun activities and now as a senior preparing to graduate um, and entering a new stage of my life. Um, I feel just really incredibly honored um, and blessed to be standing here. I want to give a big thank you to my family, to my school, the incredible Mandaval High, um to this parish, um to all of my teachers, to my peers,
042really everyone that has helped me get where I am today. Um it's been one of the biggest honors to represent St. Tam Parish, uh both on Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and as a state student of the year. Uh saying that I'm from St. Tam Parish is one of my most proudest moments. Um, and I want to take the moment to thank all of you for continuously advocating for student welfare every day. Um, I aspire to be in your shoes one day. Um, and pursuing a career in civil service. So, thank you for this incredible opportunity. Have a good one. [applause] >> Thank you. >> Beij's uh family and friends are here and uh unfortunately Mr. Mson couldn't make it. He is at a school event. Uh but if you all would stand
043and be recognized, please. [applause] So, Miss Schroeder's here. Uh just want to remind you guys, Beij is the only student uh in in the state of Louisiana that sits on the Bessie board right now as their current uh student representative. So, we are honored that you're here for us right now. and and Beijia sits on that on that uh committee which is amazing. But as you can see tonight, we have we have three students a year. Let's let's they're all three so similar. They're all three so driven academic academics is so important. But look, look at how different they are. Bricks, his drive is athletics and and what athletics has brought to him. To Robert, he loves music. He loves challenges. He loves being part of the music community and what it's done for him.
044And then Beij is committed to service, to community, to spending a time advocating for others. So, you know, as as much as they have so much in common, they're so different, and that's what makes our parish so great. Um, it has been an honor to uh get to spend some time with these students this year. They represent over 36,000 students around this district. Uh Meredith and her team have done a great job of making sure that all of our students of the year from across the parish that represent their school are being recognized on social media and given the attention they deserve because they all deserve it. And so just so proud of these three young people and and the opportunity they have. Uh we they have not set a date yet of when uh
045that ceremony will be and when it's going to be named. They have done their interviews already. Uh so we are waiting on the state to let us know when that will happen and I will communicate that to y'all as soon as I know. But uh at this time I'd like for all three of our students of the year to stand and be recognized again and their families please [applause] [applause] Thank you, Miss Martin. >> Thank you, Superintendent Javia. Yes. Congratulations, students. >> Miss Miss Martin, can I say one thing? Yes. >> Miss Beasia, you think it's come full circle waiting until you do the senior walk at the kindergartener classroom? That's when it's going to come full circle for you again. >> Miss Fontroy, >> I just wanted to um really quickly congratulate you all
046and just a few observations. I noticed that every student used the word blessed and I think that has something to do with their success that they that they recognize, you know, their position and that they have that sense of gratitude. And I also want to say everyone recognize their teachers. So teachers, when you're having that bad day, you're making a difference and u we all appreciate you so much for how much you invest. And the third observation was extracurricular. That that's just vital. And I think our district just has to really focus on keeping those quality programs, those extracurricular programs because they're a huge part of developing our students. But best of luck to you guys at state. Hope to be hearing those results soon. Miss Lambie, >> I was going to say exactly what
047Miss Fontroy said about the blessed part that really stood out to me. Um, all three of you were extremely wellspoken, so well-rounded, and I couldn't help as a mom look at the moms and dads and the grandmothers in the audience. Um, several tears, smiles from ear to ear. I didn't want to take away from what we were watching with the kids, but I wanted to zoom in on y'all and just let those kids see how proud your families are of you. It is such an honor um for us as a school system to have you here and to represent us, but what it is for your family. Congratulations parents on on doing such an amazing job with some great kids. So I just wanted to say that. >> All right. Next we have youth art
048month and music in our schools month recognition and resolutions. Um Dr. Langwa has a a presentation and some things she'd like to share with us and Miss Hansen will be [clears throat] reading one of those resolutions. >> Thank you Miss Martin. The month of March is dedicated to both youth art month and music in our schools month. Art and music are more than hobbies. They are essential to our human experience, enriching our lives, fostering creativity, and promoting understanding. In art classroom and classrooms through painting, drawing, sculpture, and digital design, students learn to see the world from different perspectives. They learn patience, problem solving, and creative thinking. In ma in music classrooms, whether through band, choir, strings, or general music, students develop discipline, collaboration, and confidence. They learn that individual effort contributes to a greater whole.
049Research consistently shows that students involved in the arts often perform better academically. Mr. Lions actually showcased several students uh before the meeting. Music strengthens memory and pattern recognition. Visual arts enhance critical thinking and spatial reasoning. But beyond statistics, the arts nurture something even more important, human connection. The arts also teach resilience. A rehearsal doesn't always go perfectly. A painting doesn't always turn out as planned, but students learn to revise, practice, and improve. They learn that growth comes from persistence. A lesson that extends far beyond the classroom. In today's fast-paced technology-driven world, creativity is one of the most valuable skills that we can cultivate. Employers consistently rank creativity, communication, and collaboration among the most important workforce skills. Art education, and music education build all three of these. We are blessed to have outstanding art and music
050programs in each and every one of our schools. You were able to preview two of those unbelievable programs tonight in our students. And now with the help of channel 13, I would like to share more about art and music in our schools. [clears throat] We're created to [music] create, to perform, to allow ourselves to be able to [music] show people who we really are. And you can't always do that through the academics. You can't always do that through sports, fine arts, whether you're [music] you're sculpting something or painting something, you're showing people who you are. >> What we do here in St. Tam is second to none. There's a lot of research on how um [music] investment in the arts um increases test scores and increases, you know, for all of our students their [music]
051academic ability as well. >> The teachers do just an amazing job. Having teachers to help instruct [music] the flow of creativity from people and the movement and energy is irreplaceable. >> All right, Annayia, tell us about you. But for me, it's about offering [music] something to the kids who this is what they do. Well, I mean, a lot of times our kids will tell us, you know, when they get involved in something like the arts and they really dive into a theater, art, [music] or music program, this is the reason why they come here. It's so important to teach art to young students because not only does it let them be creative and use their imagination, [music] but it also lets them apply things that they learn in their other classes such as math or
052ELA and then able to use it in their [music] art. >> Some people have careers with theater and [music] music and the arts and it's real hard to do. It looks easy when you're looking at [music] it, but it's real hard to do. You have to learn the pitches. You know, is it is it a low pitch? Is it a high pitch? >> Fine arts brings out a whole different side of students. I've had so many teachers [music] come up to me after performance and say he never ever speaks in class, but he was smiling [music] and performing on that stage. I've never seen that side of him. I love that part of it. So, I'm honored to be able to teach fine arts. I'm honored to be a part of this [music] community. Art
053gives the students a voice because it lets you know who they are. It lets [music] them say, "This is who I am. This is where I come from." And it gives them a way to say, "Here it is on paper." The arts gives people a way to show what they're feeling um in a way that nothing else can. And [music] if that's through an instrument or through your art piece or your dancing or your theater, I feel like it's a great opportunity for everyone to be able to do that. >> It's important to appreciate art because art has [music] different cultures and you can learn things through cultures. It's not just like paint splattered on maybe a [music] canvas or a paper. It it has a story. There's a story behind every piece of art.
054It's so important that [music] we recognize fine arts in schools because it connects all the dots. >> At the heart of it, it requires taking something that's really, really deeply personal to you and finding a way to pass that through the filter of creativity and putting it on the stage. And I would say the same is probably true with music and probably true with art. They have to find things that really speak to them. So when they're selecting a song or writing a song or playing a piece or or doing [music] a piece of visual art, they're finding the really important deep parts of themselves and having a creative [music] outlet to share that with their community. >> [applause] >> At this time, I would like to ask all the art and music teachers that
055are here in attendance tonight to please stand and be recognized. [applause] Also, we have Mr. Morris, Miss Jones, and Miss Prrisco who support our art and uh music programs. Thank you for all that you do. So, spring is here. It's trying to come. It really is. And that also means festivals are here. Our district hosts a total of nine music and band festivals. We have three middle school band festivals, three middle school choir festivals, a junior high band festival, a junior high choir festival, and then a district middle school honor band performance. And so if you could, there's a slide that has I'm not sure with all the dates, but if you can, please come out and support our students uh when you can. It's amazing. It's amazing to see them uh in action and
056to hear the fantastic music that they they come up, they just sing. Okay. Oh, and at this time after it's okay, I would like to ask Miss Hansen to read a resolution in honor of music in our schools and art month, youth art month. >> Thank you, Dr. Langa. And I do know that if you obviously follow our school district on um social media, they do have the listing of all the festivals that are coming up. So, I know what you were [laughter] uh bringing their attention to. So the resolution whereas March has been officially designated as music in our schools month and youth art month encouraging communities across the nation to focus on music and art education. And whereas music and art education is part of a well-rounded education for all students. And whereas
057the purpose of this recognition is to raise awareness of this lasting positive impact of music and art education on the academic, personal, and professional growth of students. And whereas music and art education shape the way our students understand themselves and the world around them, allowing for a deep engagement with learning. And whereas the St. Tammy Parish School Board joins our students and educators in celebrating the power of music and art education. Now therefore, be it resolved that the St. Tammy Parish School Board does hereby proclaim March as music in our schools month and youth art month and encourages our schools to celebrate and acknowledge every day, but especially in March, that music and art education is an essential part of every student's well-rounded education. and I so move. >> Second. >> Unanimous second. All right,
058that passes. Thank you, Miss Hansen. Thank you, Dr. Langwa. >> All right. Uh, do I have any comments or questions? >> I'd like to make a an additional comment. I know this in and I know doc uh Mr. Jabby uh knows how passionate I am about the music and arts and I've shared it with the other um admin staff as well, central office staff. But to all of our music and art teachers out there who nurture students interest, their love and their and develop their talents, I want to say thank you. We all want to say thank you. It is perhaps harder to for others to see to quantify the value of music and arts education. We place a lot of emphasis on the core subjects which is obviously important. You have to have those
059core subjects in order to be a good student to build on those other things. So it's harder to quantify the value. But as Dr. Langu so eloquently pointed out, there is so much to be gained from a strong music and arts program. Additionally, you could tell from the speakers, the those they interviewed in the video, those are extremely intelligent individuals who love their what they do and are very committed to what they do and they pass that on to our students. So, we are eternally grateful for them. I must my my son never really showed great interest in performing in terms of music itself until he had a couple of really strong teachers. Um, I'll have to there were several of them, but especially uh Dr. Rick Watkins and Cedric Bridges who really nurtured that
060and gave him more opportunities as well as they did for many students. So, thank you to them and to all our music and art teachers that are out there. Thank you, Mr. Jabia. Thank you to Dr. Langa, Mr. Morris and Miss Jones and Miss Prrisco for everything you do for putting structures in place so our students have these opportunities to excel in the way in which they do and thank you to this board for continuing to support a strong arts education. Um again, thank you all. Do I have any comments by the public before we continue with board questions or comments? No. All right. Any other board members? Mr. Kuzanne. I think I'd be remiss >> if I don't don't sing aloud that Manderville Junior High School band that we listen to this afternoon. It
061was very impressive. I was very impressed with it. I paid special attention to that young man playing that baritone saxophone. I know that he's going to get a a super A+ when you when you send his grade up. But once again, Manderville High School, that that band was very impressive. I thought I was listening to a high school band. [laughter] >> Thank you very much, >> Miss Hurst. >> Sorry, I have glasses on so you think I could see. Um, I just I want to second what Miss Hansen um had said. Um, those were that was a great comment what you had said. Um, I also want to thank the teachers and instructors and everything for what they do. It's amazing what y'all do and and I know that y'all are on a budget [laughter]
062with the instruments and and everything. Um, and the students, gosh, what the talent, the talent is amazing. I have no musical talent whatsoever. None. And I've tried the guitar. I've tried the drums. I've tried the piano. I've tried I've tried a lot and I have none. Um, [snorts] but I do have talent in art, so at least I got something. Um, but I know our district uh does focus on some art programs. Um, I hope that we focus a little bit more. I hope that um that we do have um, you know, maybe a little bit more help and administration that might help with schedules. um I mean I'm not quite sure how many hours um in a week that our band and music can get for our students. Maybe more than one day for
063our students or something like that. Um maybe I can do a little bit more investigating to see how many hours in a week some of our students can get. Um but it would be it would be great, you know, maybe if they could get a little bit more or something. I'm not sure. But um but yeah, I think art, music, band, any type of program like that would be wonderful because it is it is vitally important for those types of programs um for students because they they might not want to focus on not that they want to focus but might just give them a little bit more oomph for for the academics. So, um, uh, I think Brics is probably better at speaking than I am. So, [laughter] maybe you should come up here and
064talk for me. You know, that's why he's student of the year and I'm not school board member of the year. So, um, [laughter] I'm I'm better at writing than I am at speaking. We'll just keep it at that. But anyway, again, thank you all so much for what you guys do. and I'll be quiet. >> All right, seeing no one else in the queue, um, our next agenda, Thank you. Our next agenda item is Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day recognition, and that resolution will be read by Mr. Herrell. >> Before I read the resolution, did y'all see the portraits that the kids drew? >> I would love to see, maybe we could get them to redo our head shots and just do [laughter] >> so much better than what we are up there. All right, moving
065on. Resolution. Whereas the Staint Tamony Parish Public School System relies on the skill, dedication, and hard work of its maintenance employees to ensure that the school facilities remain safe, functional, and welcoming for students, employees, and visitors. And whereas maintenance workers perform a wide range of essential duties, including repairing and maintaining school buildings and work sites, ensuring proper operation of electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems. And whereas these employees work diligently behind the scenes to support daily school operation, often addressing urgent issues and maintaining facilities so that teaching and learning can continue without interruption. Whereas the commitment and professionalism of the maintenance staff contribute directly to a safe and productive learning environment for thousands of students and employees throughout St. Tamony Parish. And whereas the Saint Tammy Parish School Board recognizes the important role maintenance employees play
066in supporting the mission of public education and ensuring that school facilities remain in excellent condition for the entire community. Now therefore, be it resolved that the members of the St. Tammy Parish School Board hereby acknowledge and applaud the everyday efforts of all maintenance employees within the school system, school bus owner operators, and school bus attendants. >> What? What? >> Where are you? >> My last line. That's I'm kind of thrown off. [laughter] >> Appreciate you should approve. >> You should approve. >> I'll go ahead and I'll let me let me edit this. Employees within the uh school system and proclaim March 6, 2026 as maintenance worker appreciation day in St. Tammy Parish public schools. Be it further resolved that this resolution be spread upon the official minutes of this board with a copy being sent
067to Mr. Derry Hoover, director of maintenance, and to all schools within the school system to post as a sign of appreciation to all maintenance employees. And I so move. >> Second. Thank you, Mr. Harold. Do I have any comments by the public? All right. Any questions from the board? >> If you would all queue up, please. Miss Moore. >> Thank you. Um, I was going into Mandville today to um our tech center and for a meeting and I encountered about three maintenance um trucks on the highway. Remember the storm last night? I know they were going to fix something in the schools that something happened after that terrible rainstorm last night and thank goodness we didn't have the tornado. But they're always around. I'm always so proud when I see them in my schools. Thank
068you, Miss Flory. >> Just real quick, I I want to echo that um one of my schools, Lee Road, had some problems this morning. Maintenance maintenance was there to help out um with with water and things like that. Um as a former principal, my maintenance staff was always great to our school. So, I really appreciate them. I do want to say one thing about music appreciation. You almost had a problem at the at the band concert because Mr. Kuzanne was trying to get me to get up a dance with him and that would have gotten really ugly. [laughter] >> Anyone else? All right. Uh board members, if you did not see your screen, would you please vote on that resolution? >> I understand. But >> we have a new Yeah. >> for practice. We have
069a new system that we're using today. So I just need >> you got it, Mr. Kuzanne. All right, we are going to now take a threem minute break for all of our families to leave. Um, unless you want to stay for the rest of the meeting. Thank you so much for being here. Student of the year. Thank you so much, the three of you guys for being here and everything that you do. [applause] Why? Why are [music] [music] [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. N. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. N. [music] >> [music] >> Heat. Heat. >> [music] [music] >> Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music] >> All right, moving. along. Next, we have our consent agenda. Are there any items
070any board members would like removed from our consent agenda? No. All right, I will read through them. A. Approval of minutes for the special meeting held February 12th, 2026. B. Approval of minutes for the regular meeting held February 12th, 2026. C. Approval of minutes for the special meeting held February 20th, 2026. D recommends acceptance of the apparent lowbase bid and alternate number one submitted by Kelly Construction Group LLC in the amount of $45860,000 for the drainage and repair base and mill overlay at Lion Elementary School STPS project number 1932. E recommends acceptance of the apparent lowbase bid submitted by Dano Construction LLC in the amount of 700,000 for the parking lot base repair mill and overlay at Cington High School STPS project number 1923. F recommends acceptance of the apparent lowbase bid in alternate number
071one submitted by Dixon Contracting Group LLC in the amount of $497,395,000 for the termite damage repairs uh at Interior Hallway Phase 1 at Slidel High School. STPSB project number 1962 G recommends acceptance of the apparent lowbase bid submitted by Golf Golf South Roofing of Mississippi LLC in the amount of $320812,000 for the roofing replacement phase 1 at Bonnie Cole Elementary STPS project number 1914. H recommends acceptance of the apparent lowbase bid and alternate number one submitted by Dano Construction LLC in the amount of $100,700 for the asphalt mill overlay at Manville Elementary School STPS project number 1976. I recommends acceptance of the apparent lowbased bid submitted by Pride Roofing LLC in the amount of $2103,000 for the re-roof cafeteria and gym portion of building at Sloan Middle Middle School STPS project number 1968. That is
072all the consent items. Um is are do I have any last request to remove any of them? No. Do I have a motion? M >> Mr. Bro, do I have a second? Mr. Kuzanne, any comments by the public? [clears throat] Questions by the board? Everyone, please vote. >> How did he get that? I didn't get that. >> I did a test meeting and showed it on the screen on the screen right now. >> Yes. >> And that passes unanimously. Our next agenda item is appropriate retirement resolutions for the following certificated personnel. Uh Mr. Alonso. >> Thank you, Miss Martin. Superintendent Jab and board Shelley C. Kennedy Mandavville High 18.93 years 12.43 years in St. Tamity Parish. >> All right. Do I have any comments? Oh, do I have a motion? Mr. Bro, do I have
073a second, Miss Baker? Comments from the public? Questions from the board? Everyone, please vote. unanous >> and that passes unanimously. Mr. Rapunzel, >> uh, this is appropriate retirement resolutions on the following employee support services personnel subsequent to the February 12, 2026 meeting. Michael L. Kendrick, Senior, Transportation Center, 12.87 years, all in St. Tammy Parish. That concludes our two retirements this meeting and it's a total of 31.8 years of service. >> All right, pretty easy. Do I have a motion, Miss Hansen? Do I have a second? >> Miss McCullum, any comments by the public? Questions by the board? Everyone, please vote. And that passes unanimously. Moving along, the next agenda item is consideration of a STPSB resolution to convert to assembly. I am actually going to remove that from the agenda and encourage you all that
074are going to attend the conference over the next couple of weeks to go to a session or two. Uh, I think it would be wise for us to be able to get all of our questions answered before we revisit this. Um, so moving along, public comments. When I call your name, please step up to the podium and state your name. First, we have Mr. David Locker. David Locker. Good evening board. Superintendent Javia. What do kids need to thrive and learn? In the book, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People, Steven Cvy begins the chapter on the second habit. Begin with the end in mind. See yourself going to the funeral of a loved one. Picture yourself driving to the funeral parlor. This is your funeral. There are to be four speakers. The first is a
075family member. The second is a friend. The third is from your work or profession. And the fourth is from your church or community organization. Think deeply. What would you like each of them to say about you? And how did you perform in each role? What character, contributions, and achievements would you like remembered? Early on in my time at Slidle High, my principal, Mr. Percy asked me to be on the school design team. It was a district initiative based on Grant Wiggins and Jay McGee's book, Understanding by Design. The idea guides planning curriculum in a backwards design method, beginning with student outcomes after a period of study called an enduring understanding. Work throughout the course aims to develop this understanding through a question hierarchy and begins with an initial essential question which can occur horizontally across
076curriculum or vertically throughout the grade levels. Our company owner and co-founder Chris Suarez shared his story of trying to be better with time management. His mentor challenged him to work backwards. There is no time management without an understanding that we have a limited amount of time to do anything. Spend time with people we love, go to places we want to go, and accomplish what we wish to accomplish. He says, have a runway or an expectation of how long you plan to do what you are doing in your career or any endeavor and then begin to work backwards. Know where you are headed. He claims there is no time management without moving backwards. What do kids need to thrive and learn? This is the essential question. It addresses the human needs of kids and also the
077reason we're here. Both are critical parts. They're kids first, students second. When you ask the question repeatedly over time, the answers have more and more depth and meaning and lead us to greater understanding through the curriculum. Our kids need us to have more depth, more meaning. We need to be asking this question over and over and over again. Our resources need us to. Our teachers need us to. Our kids need us to. What do kids need to thrive and learn? Let's start asking the question in all of our very limited time. >> Thank you, Mr. Locker. And I apologize. I should have uh said this before we started this uh public comment section. Uh please refrain from mentioning employee names and your time limit is three minutes. Okay. Um Mr. Joseph Hoffman is next. Please
078state your name. >> How's it going board? Joseph Hoffman. Uh, one of the recommendations I got from the board or from the school system this year was to be more professional. I can agree with that. I do need to be for more professional in my life. That's why I decided every time I come up here to speak, I'm going to dress a little bit more professional. Um, going into this summer, my goal was to be like Coach Lab. Coach Lab got teacher of the year as a itinerary B teacher. I looked at him, I said, "Man, it is possible." I think it's possible for me, too. Being at a school for the first time ever in 10 years, all at ABNE. It was my dream come true. I finally had my own gym. Mine. Not
079one I had to share, not one at the high school that everybody uses. Mine, where only my PE classes and Coach Bo was in there. My admin and I were great. I even went and cut her grass when she moved into her new house. But then public education of politics took over. And before I start any of this, I want to make it note Miss G and administration at ABNE Big Ame are amazing and they were phenomenal this year. And I was so excited going into this school year because I had my students at Little Adne that I've had for three years. Now they were third graders, second graders, and first graders. And now I was really gonna get to make that impact. But I couldn't because of politics of public education. So before I
080get into all the politics and all the chaos, today's more about telling you more about the background of the story. So when I get into the chaos, you got the full understanding and the full heart I have into this. So going into August 2025, there was two major problems in my teaching career. My sports schedule and my PE schedule over overlapped and didn't allow me to be with all my students and didn't allow me to be with all my football players. So working with my football players for 40 hours during the summer, always there with them. And then when we get to August, I'm missing the first hour and a half of practice. Of course they're confused. Of course they don't understand. Hey, why is coach not here? And it hurts me not to be
081there cuz I'm the type of person who doesn't miss practice. I missed one practice of football in my whole 10 years before the start of this year. This year I missed 12. When we made the block scheduling, which I think is phenomenal because it makes us be able to specialize in art, music, theater, and sports in high school like we need to. But did we think about me? Did we think about the Mike Bergs that went from Clearwood who had a great principal and Mr. Bennett who made things work for him so that he could go coach at Northshore High every single day and be that success because that's why I want to be a coach because I had Coach Berg at Clearwood. He was my coach. I saw him do it and I finally
082had that dream job. Thank y'all. >> Thank you, Mr. Hoffman. Next we have Mr. Bryant Osborne. Brian Osborne, St. Timothy Federation President. Uh, good evening, Madame President, school board members, uh, Superintendent Jabia and administration. Um, I have a prepared speech, but I did want to thank Dr. Tilman, Mr. Alonso, uh, Superintendent Jabia. You know, sometimes we deal with complexity and nuance situations. So, I just wanted to thank them for their um, professionalism, consideration this week and working to help employees. Thank you. Um, this year the federation's theme is building bridges. We chose this theme intentionally because strong schools depend on strong relationships between educators, the district, this board, and the community we serve. I also appreciate the district's theme this year, launching excellence. Excellence in our schools happens when the adults and the system work
083together with clarity, stability, and mutual respect. Our current collected bargaining agreement is effective through June 30th, 2026 and includes provisions for both annual financial negotiations and the renewal or extension of the agreement itself. Under the terms of the contract, the parties must address renewal prior to the contractual deadline this spring. On Monday, I notified the superintendent that the federation is ready to begin negotiations related to the financial reopener, which focuses on employee compensation. Uh we look forward to that. Uh getting some dates on the calendar. At the ratification meeting last August, Superintendent Jabia described the collective bargaining agreement as the system we use for working conditions and the pro um due process in this district. We agree with that assessment. The agreement provides clarity and stability for employees and administrators alike, and it reinforces the
084partnership that allows the federation to help administer the agreement and support employees at no cost to the district. With that in mind, the federation believes there is a practical way to keep the process orderly and reduce unnecessary overlap in the coming weeks. Rather than allowing the question of renewing the agreement and the financial negotiations to occur simultaneously, we believe it would be helpful to address the renewal of the agreement first. Doing so would maintain the stabil stability of the system already in place while allowing the district and the federation to focus our negotiations where they are most needed right now on the compensation of employees. Separating the renewal of the agreement from the financial memorandum of understanding will help keep the process clear and orderly and allow everyone to concentrate on reaching a thoughtful agreement
085on salaries and stipens within the budget timeline. Our goal here is simple. Maintain stability while focusing our energy where it matters most, supporting employees and strengthening our schools. We believe that approach reflects the spirit of building bridges while continuing the work of launching excellence in St. Tamony Parish public schools. Thank you and good evening. >> Thank you, Mr. Osborne. All right, next we have some announcements. Principal interviews will begin next week. Please RSVP with Christie if you plan to attend. Board members, schools will be closed Monday, March 30th through Monday, April 6th for spring break. Offices and sites will be closed on Friday, April 3rd and Monday, April 6th. The April committee meetings will be held on Thursday, April 9th in Covington. And with no further bis no further business, I declare this meeting adjourned.
086Heat. Heat. [music] >> [music] [music]