STPPS Board Meeting – 10/16/25

001[Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Hey, hey, hey. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Anybody? Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Board members, please uh take your seats. [Music] Everyone, thank you. >> Hello. Yep. >> Thank you everyone. Welcome to the August 16th uh St. Tammy Parish School Board Me. Did I say August? >> October Where's your back? >>

002We don't want to restart school. >> Um, Miss Miss Kley, will you please call the role? >> Mr. Green, >> here. >> Miss Hansen, Miss Rutherford, Miss Fontlery, Mr. Harrell, Miss Martin, Miss Moore, Dr. Peterson, Miss Baker, Miss McCullum, Miss Lamey, Miss Hurst, Mr. Bro, Mr. Kuzanne, Miss Rafino Gallagher. >> Thank you. Everybody, please rise. Miss Baker will lead us in the invocation and pledge. >> Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing us all together. Thank you for peace in the world at the moment and please help us to sustain that. Thank you to all the students, the teachers, and everyone that is taking care of everyone. Um, we just ask that you keep us safe and keep us mindful of all of those that go without. In Jesus's name, I pray. Amen. >> Amen. I

003>> aliance 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. Would any board members like to recognize visitors? Seeing that many of these folks will be recognized, >> Miss Baker, >> I'd just like to recognize someone who's not here. his um and I'd like to thank Kim Carver for visiting Madisonville Elementary and just having a a roundt discussion of things that are working well and things that um need to be improving improving improving. Anyway, um I I really felt like it was a very productive visit and I thank him very much for his time. >> Thank you, Miss Baker. Any others? Okay, we'll move on to the superintendent update. Mr. Javia, >> thank you. >> Went

004uh to the Bessie meeting on Tuesday. Extremely positive meeting uh for the first time in uh my entire tenure. Um, but it was uh they we had some Bessie board members that stood up and supported superintendents and school systems uh to allow us to continue to bank eighth grade algebra 1 scores in high school uh which is a tremendous tremendous win. Um it was a 7 to4 vote. It was a little sticky there for a second, but we we'll take it. Uh it and and they approved it for two years until we get to the new cumulative assessments. So at that same meeting they approved cumulative assessments. So for those of you guys that that have high school kids or are familiar normally right now we take algebra 1 geometry we take English one English

0052 end of course exams in two years they will have a new exam that you will take after you finish geometry. So those eighth graders who took algebra one then they would take it as a freshman or when you finish English 2 you would take the exam. So, we're going to reduce end of course testing by two tests. You'll still take the civics test and you'll still take the biology end of course test. But at least as of right now, and I've tried to explain to to everyone, when a kid gets a qualifying score in algebra 1 or English one, all they have to do is take geometry or or English 2. And it really puts our teachers at a tremendous disadvantage because the kids there's no buy in. There's no reason for kids to

006have to excel. No intentional reason. And so this will alleviate that and just provide the one test at the end of geometry, one test at the end of English 2, wherever that falls for that child. And then normally biology and civics. So we're really excited about reduction. We've been talking about reduction in tests. And I think in two years, this is going to be a huge huge win for us. Um so those were the two main issues that we were there for four hours for one meeting at Bessie. So, hey, we we hopefully we can beat them tonight. Let's try. Um, and then uh last but not least, it is uh school food service week and I want to thank Whisper and Forest. They hosted me today uh for school food service week. They are

007amazing and it's so great to be around those kids. Uh just the young ones. I I get so used to being around a lot of the high school, junior high age. Uh getting to high-five all the prek kids when they came in was absolutely amazing. And uh one of them called me the president today which Miss Miss Rich and everybody's aware aware of. But no, I um we uh it's uh it it really was a great day today at Whispering Forest. So I really appreciate them doing that for me today. But real quick, I I want to uh do a special recognition tonight. Um I've asked Melissa Stratburgger to join me tonight. Uh I told you guys we talked last time about the college and career fair. When when you have vendors, when you have

008individuals that are there as they're streaming out of these events by the thousands in and out and they walk out and say, "This event is absolutely unbelievable." Like nowhere do we participate in a fair expo like this that happens anywhere else in the state of Louisiana. No, not even close. Um, and that that is just it's just amazing what Melissa and Stacy do for our kids. Um, they provide a tremendous service, but the coordination, not of just the event, the space, and everything that goes along with just setting up the event, but it's the coordination of our school to work coordinators, our counselors, our graduation coaches, our supervisors, our volunteers, ROC, JAG, JAG instructors, everybody. And I know I'm missing a ton of people that that helped to put that event on, but it is

009a tremendous service. So Melissa, you you going to come up here. >> Two two medals, Stacy. And >> I'm I'm not getting away with this. I'm not getting away. >> So I'm I I mess with Melissa. I for those of you know I call Melissa my boss. So she is my boss because when she's in Melissa mode you get that out of the way. I don't care who you are. If you're the superintendent, if you're a board member, you get out of the way. But uh Melissa Melissa is launching excellence, but a way above and beyond the expo. What she does, she is a ch she is a champion for kids. sheet. No matter if it's dual enrollment, if it's career tech, if it's certifications, if it's accreditation, if it's lining up an instructor, if

010it's finding a program, if it's, you know, finding money to have a program, finding a way to pay an instructor, whatever it is, Melissa and Stacy, and Stacy's not getting off the hook. I'm getting Stacy, don't worry. She just don't know it yet. Um, but this is they are the dynamic duo team, and they do launch excellence. So, I I am just I'm blessed to have an amazing team, but she's she's a rock star and she knows it. So, thank you. >> All right. Thank you. >> And she's going to walk out and not say anything. Come on. >> Those of you who know me, I am a behindthescenes person. I'm a ditch digger. I uh I appreciate you honoring our team's work because I work with an amazing team. Stacy Alexi is my partner

011in crime. She is a proud alumnest of Cumington High out there celebrating her niece who is a maid and she should be standing by my side. But more importantly than that, it's the school to work coordinators, everyone you name, the career coaches, our JAG specialists, the students, uh and this amazing supervisor team that's got my back. I mean, we have an all-in attitude and I just feed off their energy and their passion. Great honor. Um, and we have more excellence to shoot for. So, thank you all very much. >> Thank you, Mr. J. Any questions from the update for the superintendent? If not, we'll move on to our special special recognitions. Uh, new teacher of the year. >> Yes. Uh, thank you, Mr. Green. So, tonight we have the honor of recognizing all of our

012teachers of the year. Uh, they represent more than 3,000 teachers around this district that do a an an unbelievable job with our students. I I just I'm just blown away by what I see when I pop in classrooms, when we when we do learning walks as a group, when we do learning walks as a team. It's just absolutely amazing. Um so tonight, it's it's our honor to to recognize our district teachers of the year. U we're going to start off with our first recognition. The LDOE created a new category, which is new teacher of the year. So we're going to start with our nominee for new teacher of the year. This is a teacher that's been in the position for less than a year who displays high student engagement, effective classroom management, and innovative strategies.

013This is our first year, like I said, to recognize this award, and I'm proud to announce the winner is Miss Meline Abidy Loop from Lancaster Elementary. Let's check out a video of Meline. >> So you are doing number two. You are multiplying 938. >> Miss Loop is an outstanding teacher. When I go into her classroom, it's like magic happens. She knows how to reach her kids. She knows >> 10,000 >> the levels in which they are at and just how to meet each and every one of their individual needs. >> Being up todate on new strategies and even talk in the kids language we like to say um really kind of helps them just stay engaged in their learning. Being able to connect their learning to their real life and just building the relationships with

014them ultimately helps them be successful in the long run. >> Show me. learning is fun in her classroom because it's very engaged and she makes it way more fun. We don't even know that we're actually learning, but we're learning a lot of stuff. It's an awesome job. >> Miss Loop is special because she's a unique teacher and a fun teacher that always lends a hand when someone needs it. Having Miss Loop here at Lancaster is just so special because I taught her as a student math and science in fifth grade and now she's teaching it. It's a full circle moment for me. The second year around, I'll definitely say it is a lot easier than last year. Um, and so I'm kind of finding my place and just making sure my students feel loved. If

015Madlin would come forward, please speak. >> I'm gonna make you speak. Yes. >> I came up with something short and sweet. Um that kind of just choked me up when I saw Miss Haggard saying that about me. It's an honor. Um, it's such an honor to be named as the first new teacher of the year for St. Tammy Parish. I'm so grateful for the support of my parents, my husband, and my family. A special thank you to my principal, Miss Laura Haggard, who first inspired me to teach back in fifth grade. As she stated, she was my fifth grade math and science teacher, and now I am able to um teach fifth grade math under her leadership. Um, it's a privilege now to work under her. I am so grateful for this recognition and I

016can't see can't wait to see what the future holds for me in this profession. Thank you so much. [Music] As you can see, the future is extremely bright for us here in St. Ty Parish. But tonight, joining us is Meline's family and our principal, Miss Laura Haggard. If y'all would please stand and be recognized, please. Now moving on to our uh division winners. Uh of course these teachers were chosen out of out of a tremendous pool of teachers that we have and we're just so proud of of the role they play and the and the role they play on their campuses. They do such a tremendous job on their sites of encourage and such great uh enthusiasm. Um, but I'll start tonight with our elementary division, our elementary teacher of the year from Pontra Elementary,

017Miss Kira Neil. I think Kira brought some people with her. Um, but tonight, let's check out a video of Kira. Good morning everyone. >> Good morning. >> So, Miss Neil is a phenomenal third grade teacher here at Ponet Train Elementary School. She loves her kids. She is a hard worker. She helps to ensure that the curriculum resources for her team are suited for students. Uh as well as ensure that her team is supported. Uh she is always willing to jump in and support campus events and initiatives and she does it with a smile on her face. >> And then we're going to go to join. join Miss Kuian's class. I love what I do. I'm very passionate about what I do. I know that um I love my students like they're my own children and

018I love being able to deliver the math content that I know that that they're going to need to be successful for the rest of their lives and in their futures. >> Okay. And then >> Miss Neil is a wonderful teacher. She makes me want to learn and challenges me to do my best. >> Our statement for today. Ready? >> Miss Neil's our best friend. She always brings a smile and she makes school wonderful. >> I'm thankful to be the um elementary teacher of the year this year because it shows that my students are happy when they're learning and they're achieving their goals that they set for themselves and they're successful. [Music] >> Come on up here. >> Sorry. So happy for you, dear. So happy putting you on the spot. >> Okay. Okay. Here we

019go. All right. Uh good evening, uh Superintendent Jabia and school board and everyone here. I'm deeply honored and humbled to stand here and humbled to stand here as uh this year's elementary district teacher of the year. Um teaching is definitely not a huge >> honor to be named. >> We can just roll with that if we want. >> Um teaching is not a solo journey. It's built on the support, inspiration, and collaboration of so many people. And I'm sure you heard them all back there. Um, first and foremost, to my family, um, for your unwavering support, and love for all these years that I've been teaching, to my students that I've taught. Um, you are the reason that I love to do what I do. You challenge me, inspire me, and remind me every day

020why education matters. Um to my colleagues, administration, and my best friends back there. Uh thank you for your encouragement, teamwork, endless text messages, lots of laughs and girls nights. Uh this recognition belongs to all of us who believe in the power of education to change lives. And I thank you all for this incredible honor. joining us tonight. Uh Kira's principal, Mr. Zach Butler. Her friends and family are here. So, if y'all would please stand and be recognized, please. >> Next, we'll move on to our middle school junior high teacher of the year from Bay Lome Middle, Miss Michelle Day. Let's check out a video of Michelle. >> It is a huge honor to be named district teacher of the year. I was not expecting it. So when Mr. Jabia called, I was speechless. I really

021was. So, when we looked at the requirements for teacher of the year, her name just popped out immediately to us because of how fantastic she is in her classroom with her students, with the curriculum, and with all of her staff mates. >> She really deserves it because she was a really good teacher and all of the lessons were really interactive and they were really fun. It's >> such a huge honor to represent all the middle school teachers and the junior high teachers, too. I just come in and do my job every day because I love it. So, um, to be able to represent the other middle school teachers, I'm just beyond excited to do it. >> She was one of my favorite teachers I've had ever, and I was really proud of her. >> This

022community has gotten behind her and supported her, and I cannot tell you, I cried with joy because we were being recognized for the great things that are happening in the classroom. And she so deserves that. For the last five years that she's been in the ELA classroom in the fifth grade, her test scores have continued to go up and up and up, she proves to everyone that students who are at risk can and will do if you set that expectation for them. >> Michelle, if you would join me up here, that would be awesome. >> Congratulations. like being on >> I know nothing like being on the spot. I would like to thank the board. I would like to thank Superintendent Jabia. Um I would also like to thank my principal Tony Rich because I

023would not be able to do the things that I do inside the classroom without her support. And also my fellow BLMS family, my my colleagues, because they get behind me whatever I I suggest. We want to build a float. Oops. We want to build a float. They're going to help me build a float. Um, I would also like to thank my family, my husband and my daughters, because there have been countless nights that I've been grading papers and working on lesson plans and they've done nothing but support me. So, thank you again. >> Tonight, we are joined by uh her principal again, Miss Tony Rich, friends and family. So, if you'd please stand and be recognized, please. Thank you so much. And in our high school division from Coington High School, Miss Rachel Cinez. Unfortunately,

024Rachel was not able to join us tonight. She is the grand marshal in the parade. that's going on right now. And she's like, "This is great and all, but I'm the grand marshall of the parade." So, uh, we we are just super happy for her. But let's check out a video of Rachel. >> So, now what we're going to do is we're going to go into our Google classrooms. We're going to do a checkpoint. >> Miss Sess has been a breath of fresh air on Cington High campus. >> You can't remove. She's been that go-to person that solid rock for teachers that teach the same curriculum as her and for the students that are in her classes. >> Why did you change it? >> I love teaching at Cington High School. I graduated from here

025so I'm able to give back to the community that put in so much effort and >> so I want you to write off to the side who energy into me and my education and just be able to pay back has been a dream come true. So, Miss Anz is amazing at making everything relatable to the younger students because she understands that this generation may learn a little bit differently. >> Be there. >> I think the biggest thing about my teaching style and philosophy is the fact that it's very student centered. My students know that when we have an activity and we have a goal and a target that they are going to be a part of how we're going to build that. She makes sure that whatever we're learning, it's on a level that we

026can understand and she relates it to us and what we have going on in our own lives outside of the classroom. >> You know, I always say Cington High is the best kept secret on the Northshore. Well, we're not a secret anymore. We got the Rachel Szes on our campus and uh we got plenty of them on our campus and it's making a big difference. You know, we doing a lot of good stuff on our campus at Coven tonight. It's because of the Rachel Szes. It has meant so much to me because it's just it reaffirms what I do in the classroom and that I'm actually am making a difference and it is being noticed. It means the world to me to be district teacher of the year. >> Again, congratulations to Rachel. I hope

027she's having a wonderful ride and a wonderful parade. Um, but in talking to John Budro, he said that Rachel receiving this award and the recognition she's gotten going through the process, she is changing the culture at Covenant High School and what she's doing uh in our PLC's in mentoring the young teachers. She is just blown away by the process and I know she's she's very uh influential there on Covenant's campus. So again, thank you to Rachel and uh to all of our winners. And tonight again uh Mr. Mr. Green, before I turn it over to you, um, we, you know, again, these teachers represent over 3,000 of our educators that work in our classrooms that put students first every day, and they represent all of the teachers of the year that were nominated by all

028of the campuses. Uh, I just I I appreciate everything that our teachers do, and uh, being able to recognize uh, these ladies tonight is a tremendous honor. So, I'd like to turn over to you if the board has any uh, comments or any questions or anything. We before you turn over I we do have one more recognition um before we before we finish but if if somebody would like to comment on teachers of the year. >> Yeah. Teacher of the year. That's before I start principles. >> Yeah. Anyone? Oh, okay. Unless we want to take a break and go celebrate Miss Cena out in the at the >> parade. Well, we'll move on. I just didn't know if you'all want to do proud teach. >> I just want to say congratulations to all of you.

029Just the speeches up here. I could feel your passion seeing the videos. says, "I want to be in your classroom." It just reminds me of why I wanted to be a teacher and I'm just so proud of everybody and thank you for serving our our parish and our students. So, thank you. >> Well said, Mr. J. >> I I'll move on to principal of the year. That would be great. Uh thank y'all very much. Uh again, it's my honor to recognize our principles of the year this year. Uh they are instructional leaders. They lead our campuses. Uh they they change the culture and the climate on our campuses. So, I appreciate everything that all of our administrators do and they represent over 55 principles that lead our campuses. Tonight, we'll start off in the elementary

030division with our elementary principal of the year from Mayfield Elementary, Miss Katie Singleton. [Music] [Applause] Nothing like the Bears. >> That That was a first. >> That was That was a first. I think uh I think they borrowed Miss Martin's van to come here so they could come together. Um but uh I I don't I'm I'm speechless right now. So, let's let's check out a video of Katie. [Music] Katie is a phenomenal leader. She is strong. She brings the energy to our school. She definitely sets the example by putting the kids first. And in doing that, we follow suit. And uh it's a great place to work. >> Our kids are everything. And and that's just what's so great about Mayfield because our school is prek through 6th grade. So, we are allowed to receive

031them at the tender age of four when they are kicking and screaming and not wanting to come to school. And then by the time they're in sixth grade, they're still kicking and screaming cuz they don't want to leave Mayfield. >> Mrs. Singleton has found the secret of keeping a great faculty. She puts children first, but to put children first, you have to also take care of your faculty. >> The entire school just loves her. It's amazing. She's just a good person. And if she was even in my grade, I know that we would be friends. >> She is the heartbeat of this learning community because the children are what makes the community. >> We're thrilled for her. She has led our school to greatness and we are so proud of her um as a whole

032faculty and staff here at Mayfield. >> So we instill school spirit first, making sure that they love their school, they're safe, and they come to school ready to learn. We truly believe that we are the best elementary school in America because of our amazing students, our awesome faculty and staff, and our parents. [Applause] Katie, would you join me up front, please? Well, they asked me and I said, "Do whatever." Yeah. Because they were going to do whatever anyway. So, um, it is truly an honor to receive this award. One does not go into this profession seeking recognition like this, but I must say thank you. Thank you, Mr. Jabia. Thank you, assistant superintendent. Thank you, board members. Um, I often hear people say, "I could never go into education or work in a school system."

033Um, I'm my response is always, "You could if you worked at Mayfield." >> I truly believe I have the best work family behind me in America. Um, that's why I share with this award with them as well. Each and every one of them. It's because of teachers like Mr. Reer, uh, who drives from Manderville every day, parked in his assigned spot, arrives before 700 a.m. and ready to seize the day, or teachers like Miss Izzio, who is willing to move grade levels whenever needed to support our sweet students. And it's because of teachers like Miss Pratini who co-sponsors a dance team and volunteers every single event at Mayfield. It's also because of pair of professionals like Miss Kendra who is willing to go above and beyond for any student in the building. These are the

034people who make our school not just a workplace but a family. Guys, a place filled with dedication, laughter, and big fun. As you can see, as I think back to four years when I accepted this position of principal, two amazing women said to me, "Call me if you need anything." That's something people often say, right? But these two, they actually meant it. They have honored their promise wholeheartedly. And I'm forever grateful to Miss Carrie Sue and Miss Arena Leblanc, two of Mayfield's legends. I owe a piece of this award to them as well. We often joke and call ourselves Mayfield University thanks to our prek through sixth grade span, the number of students we serve, and all of the programs we offered on our campus. I'm blessed to have two incredible assistant principles, MissWig and

035Miss Una, who make every child at Mayfield feels loved and heard. I proudly share this award with them, too. Every principal needs a Misty Hebler as a supervisor. So, thank you for truly understanding Mayfield Misty. And how can I not mention the 7,456 students, or at least that's what it feels like, who keep me on my toes every single day. I'm so proud to be part of their educational journey. To our amazing PTA and parents, thank you for trusting me with trusting us with your children and supporting everything we do at Mayfield. I share this award with you as well. I I read a post last night that said, "Adults need a village, too." I couldn't agree with them. I couldn't agree more. My village is the incredible Slidel High Learning Community principles who inspire,

036who support, and challenge me daily. I share a piece of this award with you, too. And lastly, to my family watching from the great state of Alabama, I love you. And mom, I'm pretty sure I'm your favorite again. So, please add this award to the family group chat. And to my kids, Jeremy and Lauren, thank you for sharing me with everyone. And I know one of you doesn't mind at all, and we all know the other one definitely does. Yes. And to my husband who's right here tonight, thank you for helping me balance work and life. Even though it wasn't my idea to add the dog to the family, I owe a piece of this award to you, Jeremy. And as I close, I want to challenge each board member to come visit the best

037elementary school in America. But be prepared. You might end up in a hallway dance party on the blue hall with the students, the faculty, and the staff, or see fourth grade teachers on the green hall dressed up in costumes while teaching. You might hear students in the penthouse or on the yellow hall laughing because they genuinely love Mayfield. Or even witness a teacher like Miss Balden racing students at recess. I'll let her tell you about the aftermath of that. We end every day bursting with school pride. So, as I close, I want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. And go Bears on three. One, two, three. Go Bears. >> Thank you. [Applause] Good luck to the next two principles I'm going to call up. No, but we're we're joined, as she

038said, we're joined by our family and friends. So, everybody here for Katie, if you'd stand up and be recognized, that would be great. Y'all just keep her husband Jeremy in your prayers, please. Please. Oh, I I just never know. I I knew it when I she came in. I'm like, I just never know. Um, but we'll move on to our next division in our junior high and middle school division principal of the year from Lancaster Elementary School, Miss Laura Haggard. I was over here ducking. I was having PTSD. Let's check out a video of Laura. >> How are y'all? Good. You having a good day? Lancaster is such a positive place to be as a student, as a faculty member, and it's a combination of Miss Haggard's ability as a strong leader, but also her

039compassion that she has. She's real, she's approachable, and uh she leads with, you know, this clear vision for what she wants our school to be like. But she also inspires us, and she does so with such love and care and compassion. I truly believe this award is not just showcasing me, but the hard work that we do here at Lancaster. Being a part of the Lancaster family just feels like it completes me. It's a part of who I am. It's always a great day to be a sea turtle is what our motto is. Miss Haggard is a great principal and she's very patient and she would she's the type of person to take 30 minutes out of her day just to say hi to kids and check on how they're doing. Good. >> Miss Hagard

040is a great principal, but she is also a great friend. She will challenge us to do our best and she is very welcoming to our school and she loves us. When you have a leader that is so caring and compassionate as Miss Haggard, it is less like you are working for her and more like you are working with her. She um makes us enjoy coming here every day. She makes us feel like we are part of a family. We're all just here for the kids and for one another. She has our back just like we have everyone else's back. Laura, would you you join me up here, please? >> We'll leave that right there for you. >> Thank you. >> Kind of sad I don't have any confetti, but that's okay. I'll forgive them. My

041office will probably be rolled tomorrow or something. Um, well, good evening. I am truly humbled and honored to accept this award. First, I would like to thank Superintendent Mr. Jabia and our school board for your unwavering leadership and support of Lancaster. Your vision continues to inspire us to continue to grow and persevere every day. To my assistant principles, Miss Sweat, Miss Ko, and Mr. Stroll, thank you for being my partners in everything. Your dedication and teamwork make us the best place to work. To our faculty and staff, this award belongs to you guys as much as it does to me. um you give your 110% every day to um our students and to our school. So, thank you to our parents and families. Thank you for trusting us with your children and partnering us with

042us to make Lancaster a true community. And to our students, you are the reason why we do what we do every day. You inspire us to lead, to learn, and to love this work. And to my family, thank you for putting up with me and for supporting me. to my husband Ryan. Thank you for um your patience and support and for making my coffee and lunch every day. Um and to my three amazing kids, Blake, Hayden, and Elise. Um being a principal's kid is not very easy. It's a very tough job. And you make being a mom very easy. And um thank you for for being this patient with me and for always loving me. So thank you again for this honor. Hearing Laura talk about uh getting breakfast and lunch made. I think everybody

043needs a Ryan, right? Everybody needs one of those. Where can I get one of them? Um but uh Laura Laura does a tremendous job. So, at this time, I want to have Laura's family, friends, co-workers please stand and be recognized. Thank y'all so much for being here. Last but not least, we'll move on to our high school division, our high school principal of the year from Mandeville High School, Mr. Christian Mson. [Applause] Still got a little PTSD, Christian. I was just checking. I am extremely proud to announce that Christian was named one of our state finalists and he joined only only one of nine in the entire state of Louisiana uh at the awards excellent uh gala in back in excuse me in New Orleans this summer. Uh it was an honor to be there

044with Christian, his family and friends uh to be there to celebrate him. Uh he's just done a tremendous job and to get recognized by the state is a very difficult task to do. Um and so uh let's check out a video of Christian. [Music] >> We are so proud of Mr. Mson for winning district high school principal of the year. He hasn't been here for super long, but just in the few short years he has been here, the impact has been so great. Um he's so good with the kids. He's created so many programs. He's created so much excitement about Mandville High. It just seemed obvious that he would be the go-to choice, not only here, but across the state. I think that Mr. Mson overall has transformed Vanville High to foster his school motto

045of sees the day, which every day we strive to get better. Seize the day, become the best versions of ourselves. He embodies this, which promotes students to embody this, and I think that's what makes him such a great leader and really deserving of the award. There's a lot of work that goes behind these awards. Uh, and there's a lot of people that deserve a lot of recognition. So, for me to be out in front and receive that, it it's it's extremely uh humbling, but at the same time, it just it's me representing a lot a lot of people and a lot a lot of hard work. >> I've come at him with so many different ideas, so many things I want to do. I know the kids have as well. And he is never the

046one to say no. Um, it's always yes, let's look into it. >> I wanted to lead as as if I were a kid. You know, I wanted to be the principal that I always wanted to have. >> I feel as if coming in I was his first freshman class and I have seen the school grow each year under his leadership. I feel as if he fosters a collaborative learning community where all students can thrive. No matter if you're interested in the arts, if you're interested in sports, or if you're interested in more educational clubs. Um, and he inspires all to do that through his leadership. Christian, if you'll join me up here, please. Uh, Superintendent Javier board. Um, thank you. It's It's funny watching that video. I don't have a bald spot five years ago,

047so this job is not for faint of heart. Um this is um it's difficult for me to come up here and talk because I really don't think like there's just there's a like what I said there's a lot of hard work that we do every day. We don't ever stop and reflect back and say you know hey we've ever won a race or we've done something. It's constant. Um just it's a battle every day. And um you know I'm up here and I represent 2,000 students. I represent 200 employees. I represent uh an incredible community that I'm lucky I get to serve. Um every day I wake up and I pray and I ask God to to use me to whatever glory he wants and he's placed me at Mandville High and and I'm I'm

048just excited that I get to to serve this community. Um so when you become when you get through the district uh region, the the paperwork, the stuff that you have to do, it's insane. So, God bless whoever is gonna going to follow follow this. Um, I do want to give a a big shout out because as as a competitive person, if you're going to get this, you're going to try to win. And so, uh, Rusty Grego is my broadcasting teacher. So, I said, "Hey, on the video portion of it, we got to kill it. Like, we got to make it great." So, our kids, uh, produced all the videos that were submitted, um, they were phenomenal. And I think that's what what was one of the the cornerstones of me moving forward. Um when you're

049tasked to write a lot of stuff about yourself, it's difficult. So, uh Joanie Landry, my assistant principal, we sat down and I was like, I can't say anything good about myself. Like, I just think, you know, you just go to work. So, uh we began to just put a lot of stuff together. But the true person who really should get this award is my wife Leslie. um she um is an incredible writer. So, not that I'm cheating, but um I would write everything and over a glass of wine, she would say, "Ah, nope. Let's change this. Do this." Um but just just like that, we get up every every day. She and I, we work really hard. We're raising two great kids. Um one of which is a is a freshman at Mandeville. And um

050this this represents so many people at school. I said in the interview um in the Zoom interview they they asked something about you know what this means and I said it doesn't mean anything for me. It means something to the boots on the ground. Our teachers that get up every day and and they come to work and and they get beat up and they come back and you know they they go through the highs and lows of all these kids. And so I'm just so happy and honored to to have accepted this award knowing that um it represents a great great learning community. I will say this uh because Frankie was was with us. I went there to win and uh it was a long ride home and I'm I'm super competitive. Leslie is 10

051times more competitive. So we had a lot of we had a we had a it was it was a tough ride home. I'll say this. When I got to the the right outside of the district portion of it, I told myself, I said, I just want to get to the next round because the Mandaville community deserves to be recognized. I got to the second round and I said, "Okay, I just want the district to get some recognition in the semi-final round." And when I got to the final round, as soon as I saw it, I said, "It's on. I'mma win this thing." And uh and and when I didn't win it, I was I was extremely upset. So, I'm I'm excited, but I have a chip on my shoulder to make Manville High that much

052better and go out there and destroy everybody else. So, uh but but thank you. I'm honored in and thank you. Listening to the last two speeches, the superintendent needs a Ryan and a Leslie. So, I need to I need to find those. So, that'd be great. But like I said tonight, we're surrounded by amazing people. We're surrounded by amazing teachers. We're surround surrounded by amazing administrators. And it's just our pleasure, my staff's pleasure, this board's pleasure u to recognize truly awesome people in our district and all of the employees of our district that do an amazing job. So, thank you board members and thank everyone for being here tonight. >> Thank you. Yeah. Would the friends and family of Christian please stand up and be recognized too in that learning community? [Applause] >> Board members,

053I'll just say one one quick thing. you know, teachers of the year, principles of the year, the speeches you give it, the the passion you have for the schools, for the students really shines through. And I think I speak for all the board when I say that you represent the best of the best. St. Tam is a just a fantastic parish and our learning communities are fantastic and and we just thank you for the continuous hard work and what you do each and every day for our schools and for our students. So, thank you so much. [Applause] >> Before we break, um we do have one last special recognition. Uh so I would like to turn that over to Miss Martin. I'm reading the resolution for school bus safety and school bus owners, operators, and

054bus attendance appreciation week, October 20th through October 24th, 2025. Whereas school buses cover more than 29,000 miles daily in St. Tamony Parish, transporting public and non-public students, and have an excellent safety record. And whereas the positions of school bus owner, operator, and school bus attendant require tremendous responsibility as they are required to safely operate in traffic, maintain order on the bus, and in the event of an emergency are looked upon for leadership and guidance. And whereas the Saint Tam Parish School Board is dedicated to the safety of our students and drivers on school buses. And whereas primary factors for the excellent safety record of St. Tamony Parish buses can be attributed to dedicated school bus operators and attendants who spend considerable time and energy in ongoing training to maintain skills and keep current knowledge of

055laws and safety procedures as well as careful bus maintenance and thorough inspections. And whereas school bus owners, operators, and attendants are a critical part of this public education system by making our schools accessible to all students throughout Saint Tamony Parish. Now therefore, be it resolved that the members of the St. Tamony Parish School Board hereby acknowledge and applaud the everyday efforts of all school bus owners, operators, and school bus attendants in the school system and proclaimed the week of October 20th through the 24th, 2025 as St. Tamony Parish School bus safety and school bus owner operator and school bus attendant appreciation week. be it further resolved that this resolution be spread upon the official minutes of this board with a copy being sent to Mr. Matthew Burmester, director of transportation and to all schools within

056the school system to post as a sign of appreciation to all school bus owners operators and school bus attendants. And I so move >> any comments from the public. Yes, ma'am. Miss Sharp >> Barbara Sharp, bus driver. Um, I support this res resolution recognizing all of the bus employees. As of this week of recognition begins, these employees along with all of the bus duty school employees have the responsibility of evacuation drills. Also uh this week of celebration for these employees comes with the huge task of some drawbacks of course but we uh we see it as our responsibility to do the uh safety drills. It does put a lot of burden on the school duty teachers and the drivers because of the enormous responsibility of evacuating all children through the front door, reloading them and

057evacuating them again through the rear door. So, it puts a lot of stress on the timelines and the um the patience of all of those involved. This is only accomplished by working together as the school and the drivers and patients. And we appreciate all involved in this. And we would like to address some shortages in what the school bus drivers and aids attendance that you're recognizing go through constantly is subs for those attendants. We have bus drivers. They're short too. But just saying we appreciate you doing this recognition and we appreciate some help in getting some extra subs. Thank you, [Applause] >> Mr. Osborne. >> Thank you, Chairman Green. Ban Osborne, Federation President. I just wanted to thank the board for bringing the full resolution. Um, obviously a very important job class. Um, so thank

058you so much. I didn't really realize how important words are, but these things mean a lot. Um, I did want to say, you know, we have so many employment groups. I get it. But um not everyone necessary needs a big resolution. Um our team uh Meredith Mendes, Frank's team, they do a great job on social media with the smaller groups. So I know it can kind of seem overwhelming, but everybody's going to get seen and heard, but thank you for this traditional group that's throughout the years been honored. I would like to also call attention. You know, I know I've always represented and and stress the importance of bus owner operators and operators. Let's not miss out on our bus attendance. Um I'm learning more and more about the vital services that they provide and

059their challenges. So um you know we encourage everybody to see both and celebrate both. They don't want their own. They want to be combined with the people they work with. So thank you again for bringing this full motion and thank you so much. Appreciate it. >> Any other comments from the public? Any from the board? Yes, sir. Mr. Kuzanne. Thank you, Mr. President. Having been a part of the transportation department many years ago, I just want to personally thank each and every operator attendants and people that work in that department in that area. I don't think sometimes we realize how much responsibility these people have. And I just want to say thank you for this board and from myself personally for all you do for the students of St. Tammy Parish School. Thank you. >>

060Thank you, Mr. Kuzanne. Any other from the board? Okay, we have a motion to pass the resolution. Please vote. >> Oh, sorry. Unanimous. I'm sorry. Um, so let's let's take a five a fivem minute recess. There's a lot of folks that want to get out and celebrate and the business part of an agenda doesn't need to stop you. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Hey, hey, hey. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Hey, Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Okay, we've returned from our recess. Uh, thanks everyone. The next item on our agenda is the consent agenda. Does any board member need to remove an item from the agenda? >> Yes, ma'am. Miss Hurst. >> That was not very

061professional. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Uh, yes, President Green. I would like to remove Let me get there for a second. Um, that would be H. >> Okay. recommends acceptance of revisions to school board policy, CG, administrative records. Is that the the public records request thing? It is. >> Okay. Yes, I would like to remove that, please. >> Okay, that item's been removed. Any other items, board members? >> Okay, I will read through the consent agenda minus item H. Um, item A, well, item B is approval of a minutes for the special meeting held September 4th, 2025. Item C, approval of minutes for the regular meeting held September 11th, 20, 2025. Item D recommends acceptance of a resolution for the approval of the Louisiana compliance questionnaire for the fiscal year 2425 audit. Item E recommends acceptance

062of anou with the federation for differential compensation pay. Item F recommends acceptance of revisions to salary schedules for fiscal year 25 through 26, which include payment plans for state funded stipens of 20,000 certificated 10,000 support staff and for differentiated compensation pay funded by the state. Item G recommends acceptance of a resi revised job description, coordinator of child welfare and attendance. Do I have a motion? Miss Laney, second by Miss Baker. Any comments from the public? See none. Any from the board? I do want to let Terry um address one item. She wanted me to uh >> Yeah. In the salary schedule since there were some questions last week um from Miss Gallagher and I believe Mr. Broad um on page 30 where it discusses the uh using the differentiated compensation to reimburse for the the

063VAM and the non-BAM stipens. I added a sentence at the each of those sections. This is a previously approved stipen and not a new stipen for these teachers. Just to make it clear to everybody that it's not a new stipen. And also I added um in D it's for grades K through 12. Differential funding can only be used for K through 12, no preK. So just to make that clear. So it's just a clarification. >> Thank you, Miss Pos. Any questions from the board? Please vote on the consent agenda. And that motion carries unanimously. So the next item is the recommends acceptance of revisions to schoolboard policy CG administrative records. Do I have a motion to open discussion? Miss Hurst, do I have a second? Miss Martin, any comments from the public? >> See none.

064>> Oh. This is public comments on this agenda item. So now's the time to talk. Miss Barios Lee Berios, retired teacher. I recommend that you table a final vote on this policy until you've had a chance to do at least one of two things. First of all, file request for an attorney general's opinion regarding several items. For instance, can the custodian charge 50 cents a page for documents that have to be examined and reviewed to determine if there is any confidential or privileged information that needs to be redacted? The action of redaction is part of the examination and review process described in RS4432C3. Can the custodian charge 50 cents a page for redacting confidential or privileged information from a public record prior to allowing review of documents requested? RS 4432C1 clarify for all public records.

065It shall be the duty of the custodian of public records to furnish copies to persons so requesting unless the requesttor fails to pay the applicable copying fees after being notified. This is referencing copies of records that the citizen wants to take home, not to review for free. This custodian charges 50 cents a page for any page being redacted before the records can simply be reviewed. I also recommend that the board contact the attorney general's office to schedule an educational seminar as a public meeting during which all of your questions can be answered and the law clarified. Uh it's part of statute RS44312 uh the public records awareness program. They will provide that. Before think beware of thinking that what other parishes put in their policy is correct or that because they do it you can

066too. The Kushu school board policy m Mr. Alfonso quoted last week does not comply with law in several parts and it has not been updated since 2004. Both your policy and theirs also refers to personnel folders rather than certain personnel records. Both your policy and calc still state that social security number can be contained in an IEP which it's absolutely prohibited. Thank you. >> Any other comments from the public >> to the board? >> The queue's not working. >> Okay, I'll just miss Hurst. >> Thank you, President Green. >> Excuse me. >> Point of order. The motion is to open it up for discussion. We're launched into discussing already. So we have to vote on the motion to open it up for discussion first. >> Okay. >> So So any discussion right now is whether

067to open it up with discussion. >> Okay. Um >> Okay. Let's let's clarify then. This motion is to accept. >> It's to discuss. You said to discuss. >> Okay. Well, I I apologize. Uh I I I had lived and I shouldn't have. This is a motion to recommend acceptance of revisions to schoolboard policy CG administrator. Sorry, >> Mr. Green. There's two on there. Which one are we voting on? The legal or the bro >> because legal is >> I thought we voted on one last week. >> Mr. So, we're voting to approve Mr. Bro's version of the policy. >> Well, my intent was once you removed it from the consent agenda, you have two before you, and after listening to comments from the public in between the last board meeting and this one, I tried

068to simply quote statutory language to avoid this unnecessary discussion on redaction and something that's become too confusing. So in uh 2022, the statute that everyone's referenced 44 32C included in exact phrasiology which I have before you the ability to collect for copies copies that are related to the electronic copies of public records. So if you're looking at anything prior to 2022 on whether a governmental system can charge for electronic copies, it is dated. This includes many cases I'm familiar with, including the St. Tammy Parish Coroner fought to be able to charge for electronic copies. The gold standard, which is throughout this act, is a reasonable charge, and this charge is not always easy to put into words. So, I've suggested an edit that takes out the reference to redacting entirely, and it includes the language

069which says you can charge 50 cents per page copied. This is the copying charges whether you get them in paper or whether you get them in an electronic copy. And that's the intent of when the legislature made this amendment. doesn't necessarily have anything to do with redaction. And for the record, the school system does not charge for the time it takes a human to redact. It's not done. Does not charge for um taking records that are clearly not privileged and putting them in a room. People can go inspect records all the time. If you have a clear request for records that are clearly not intermingled with privilege information, the public has a right to inspect them, go and look at them. They can copy them themselves. They can use a scanner. They can take pictures

070on their phone. This is not complicated. When they ask for copies at that point though, I want you to vision someone who just looked at 5,000 sheets of paper says, "I want copies." You get a choice. You can get a paper copy and this board is suggesting 50 cents a page. It's not charging for the time it takes a human to run the copies. Or if they said, "No, I want them electronic." Well, practically speaking, they have to still be run through a scanner. So, they're in an electronic format and then they hand you a a flash drive. See, that's what we're trying to do here. We're not trying to talk about the time it takes to redact. And uh I'm trying to add clarity to a policy that like always if the policy is

071ever unclear, we always follow the statutory law in cases. So you can go to the attorney general and in a room in a discussion, I promise you what I'm saying is going to mirror what this man is going to tell you. So any confusion in this policy is a result of us trying to summarize um an extremely complex bit of legislation in title 44 with more exceptions than you can possibly imagine in 44 col 4.1. So I apologize for this amendment and we can vote on Mr. Bros, but we're going to implement it by law and we're not going to charge for redaction which was in the old version. See, is is this I'm hopefully becoming clear and not being long-winded, but I'm not charging for redacting. And vision this 200 sheets of paper, they're

072intermingled with all kinds of privileged information. How can you inspect it with it having co-mingled redacted information? You can't. You're going to be looking at privilege. You see, like it's say it's a personnel file and oh, after a big fight, you're going to produce it. You can't stare at someone's bank account information or their social security record prior, you know, to being you have to redact first. So, you have to copy them first. Then you have to physically remove the privilege. Then you could put the records in a room for you to decide how much you want. Does that make sense? Hopefully, this is what we're trying to capture. So again, I recommend my edits because they quote the statute and it removes this idea that we're trying to charge for scanning or redacting, which

073is not happening. I've done my best. Any questions? Please let me know. >> Mr. Brown, >> I I have questions on the amendments. you put in different amendments than what I had or >> there's let me just >> I'm okay with dropping the the the sentence from about redaction. I do want to make sure that the other part that I put in where the records that are not confidential in the personnel folder are still there. >> Oh, that's still there. We we are >> okay. So, you're recommending dropping that that little section that I thought was going to make it clear, but it doesn't follow the exact wording of the state law. So, I'm okay because I thought it was redundant anyway. >> It it is and I and I tried to make it clear

074and it might have made it more confusing, but we're literally looking at that line on that policy that says 50 cents per page copy. You can put 50 cents for page copy and I just added which includes transmission of electronic copies of public records. That's the statutory language. No reference to scanning or redacting or confidential or privilege. >> All right. Well, I have no problem with dropping that. that >> I think what we need to do is a friendly amendment. Yes. >> To what's on the to accept the legal um uh edit. >> So I move we accept it with the friendly amendment to remove that that option that redacted. >> But it was he said friendly amendment. So if Miss Hurst said >> well I I make a motion to accept it with that

075redact with that clause eliminated about redaction. >> Start over. >> Okay. I recommend we accept the the policy with the edits to remove >> I think it was item D >> to just accept legal edits. >> Legal edit is what >> that's not exactly what >> if you open it it's he he fixed legal edit if you open up that's in legal edit the word he just said is in there now >> and and my my option is in there. >> It's in there. >> Yes. And I put brackets around it and I'm like delete this. >> Okay. I'm I'm okay with uh I move that we accept the legal edit. >> Okay. Do I have a second? >> Final draft. >> Miss McCullum second. Okay. >> So, I will open it back the floor

076back up for public comments if we have any. >> Since I've been contradicted by Mr. Harrison, I'm going to send you all emails that clearly show that I've been told that I have to pay upfront for them to redact documents before I can view them. >> Board members, >> Miss Martin, >> just so I'm clear, Mr. Harrison, you had just said that we we are not going to charge for redaction and that if a document is privileged, you do have to copy it. So then you can redact it, right? And so then if you take that document, put it in a room for someone to come and view it. If they don't want a copy of that, but they just want to view it, there will be no charge. I think I'm following you. So

077let's say it's a limited amount of records that's not overly burdensome to redact to begin with and they can be quickly redacted and put in a room and they can come and look at those records and not get charged. That's the way it works in theory. Now, when you start dealing with We have a records request right now for 65,000 pages and we're trying to get them to narrow it because it's not happening. I'm not paying my staff to look through 65,000 pages which came back in response to a request for their own students records, but it's co-mingled in rosters with other students names in it. So you see, I'm not going to redact that 65,000page document and put it in a room for them to go look at for free. >> I don't want

078to produce that at all. And that's a real case and Mr. Alfonso can tell you about it. So it is very fluid. I am we are overly fair, but the standard is reasonleness. And so I can't give you a precision because the act isn't written that way. And buried in it there is a concept of undue burden. And if your request triggers 65,000 pages, which Lewis confirmed for me, we're going to say that's too much. But if you want that information, yeah, I would highly recommend you pay upfront for the copies at 50 cents a page. That'd be $32,000. So, we got to come up with a better system when records that are that extensive get prepared. You have to limit the request. You see, that's as best as I can do. Now, you ask

079for like 200 records and and I can get a parallegal or y'all redact them. I don't even want to redact them to be honest with you. It's time consuming and it's a pain. But that time is not charged. >> So, a few hundred is reasonable. >> I think I think a few hundred's reasonable, but a few thousand is not. And that's what it's like in the trenches when you try to follow the law. >> Thank you. >> Other board members, Miss Hers. Yeah, I was wondering when I was going to speak considering that I'm like I'm the one that pulled it off the consent agenda. Um I'm looking here and we are supposed to vote on the revisions of the schoolboard policy and I feel that we're all over the place. Everybody's just talking whenever

080they feel like it about this policy. Um, what are we what are we voting on? Because we already we are we have we are Mr. Bro saying that we're supposed to vote on uh to discuss it. So, did we vote to discuss it? Are we voting on the revisions of the policy? What are we doing right now is what I'd like to know because now we're changing the policy. We're discussing it. What the freak are we doing? >> So, just just to clarify, last week we approved the policy that Mr. >> Yes, we did. >> But then he said point of order that we're supposed to be thinking about discussing it. >> That was corrected. >> then you corrected him. >> So, okay. And thank you. >> So, Mr. Bro then offer after discussion about

081legal edits, it's the second attachment in board docs. We appro he we motion to approve the res the uh >> Mr. Bros thinking it with legal edit. >> Yeah. And if you open that up, it's one line item within that document. >> Okay. And now he's doing a friendly amendment to that. >> no, we're just editing that. >> We're voting on that edited version. >> Okay. So now if I want to do something to that, when can I do that? After the vote. >> Nope. The floor is yours. >> Okay, I can do it now. All right. Thank you. All right. Well, I would like to do I guess a friendly amendment. I don't know what I'm doing now. I never know what the h I'm doing. I would like to include some language in

082the public records policy stating that residents of St. Parish shall receive their first 100 physical copies of public records at no cost. As residents already contribute through taxes, it is both reasonable and in the spirit of transparency and service that we ensure access to public information without creating financial barriers. Because for instance, okay, let's see where am I? Okay, this amendment applies only to individual residents. Let me be clear, individual residents, not businesses or corporations. Access to information about our public institutions should never depend on someone's ability to pay. Like for in like for instance, if some like um a single mom, you know, is trying to ask for some information about um her child's school and um maybe she may be denied access because she finds out ahead of time, it's wind up being

083like $100. Me personally, I I couldn't afford $100 if I needed to try to find some public records. Now, how would that be if this single mom could not get the information that she needed because she couldn't afford $100 for public records? So, in this case, I'm I'm not finished. Hold on. Um, you know, I think say the first hund copies physical copies because now I'm hearing all this other stuff is free. And I was just told last week that, you know, it's very minuscule our cost anyway that or that we've been um getting because I haven't received any information as far as cost. Um but we were told last week it's very minuscule that we're getting anyway. Um that why can't we just go ahead in fairness and openness and accountability to the people

084that we serve that we cover that cost. So, I would like to add that into this policy that um again the language in the public record policy stating that residents of St. Tamony Parish shall receive their first 100 physical copies of public records at no cost. And whatever the term is I shall move or whatever it is. >> So, you're asking for a friendly amendment? >> Yes, sir. Yes, Mr. Mr. President. >> Mr. Bro and Miss McCullum will have to agree to that, right? No, >> I don't know who who did the >> they have to >> first and second. >> I don't agree. >> Okay, >> I do not either. >> What? >> Then she has to make a substitute motion >> or an amendment. >> You're shaking your head. >> A substitute motion.

085>> I love the idea, but honestly, I think that would violate like an equal protection type thing. >> How How is that? >> I'm telling you, if you're in New York and you want records, you should get charged, which then means if you're locally and you want records, you should get charged. It's just equal across the board. There's no there's no real reason to to create a carveout for those residents here as as kind as the idea is. >> Yeah. Considering our property taxes just went up, skyrocketed and everything else. >> Records are entitled to the public. And the biggest part behind the public records act is you literally give the public what they're entitled to. >> And I'm only involved like 10% of the time. And the charges are ridiculously low. So I don't

086I don't >> 50 cents a copy >> in practice if they can be produced what's already electronic I'm telling you Steve puts it on a flash drive I don't know if it's $5 or something like this it's a very dimminimous charge >> yeah $5 for that I can see but we're talking 50 cents a a physical copy >> miss let's offer a substitute motion if you'd like to >> my substitute motion okay maybe the first 50 copies >> you have to state form Okay. I Okay. The my policy residents of the St. Tamony Parish shall receive their first 50 physical copies of public records at no cost. >> Motion has been made. Is there a second? >> No second. >> Okay. Motion's been seconded. Public comment. So I see where Miss Hers is going. The

087the public record is supposed to be provided the public because as as best you can do it. You're not supposed to hinder in any way uh public records. However, that mother just to remind you could go down and see those records for free and make her own copies with the cell phone or any other way. Okay. Okay. So, but I I do agree. 50 cents is too much in my opinion. The state, all state agencies, the maximum they can charge is 25 cents a copy. And they don't have to charge that. They have that option. And you all could have that option too in any case. The, for instance, the Department of Education never charges anything even if they mail you a big packet. Those are state agencies. They're free to do that. So, um,

088I see where you're going, but I think you're creating an accounting nightmare for one thing. Who's going to keep track of all that? Okay. So, just consider that. >> Any other public comment? >> President Green, may I say something about student records? And I'm not contradicting Miss Hers, this understand, but we don't charge for student records. If it's a parent, a guardian, they come to pick up student records or they request student records, we provide student records free of charge. >> Thank you. Miss Morton, you had a question. >> Thank you, President Green. Is it true that state agencies are limited to 25 cents? >> Yes, it's 25 cents. I researched it last meeting. I would support an amendment at 25 cents. I suggested it. Then again, Mr. Alonso was very diligent in his research

089and found many local agencies that aren't state agencies charging more. So realize in the constitution uh a local government is separate from a state agency. So the tension is whether you can charge 25 cents. I think Steve was telling me Coington charges a dollar. Many of them and many school systems are charging 50 cents. But I'm just telling you he picked a one of the lower numbers. So there's tension as to whether we can charge 50 cents or 25 cents. It's not clear. Is there a reason why we went with a higher amount versus the 25 cents that consistent >> was lower than many and commensurate with many school districts. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Any other board comment >> on the substitute motion? on the substitute motion. >> Wait, discussing or the fact that

090we're voting >> We're voting on the substitute a motion to approve Miss Herses. >> Yeah. Quick question. >> Yeah. I guess the first thing that since we're talking about state agencies, what types of records do state agencies provide versus local government like a school system? We have much more detailed names and stuff whereas they're probably much broader. So it's >> so all right. A deep dive is this simple. A state agency would include like um the sheriff's department. They're uh and the coroner's office and the district attorney's office. I'm I'm going off of memory, but the they are different in kind than say like a local government. There's another term of art called a political subdivision. So political subdivisions include like towns and parishes and they include a school board and they normally have a

091balanced form of government, right? A a mayor and a council or a parish president and a a council or a school board and a superintendent. So there is distinctions when you follow certain laws like for example very simply title 39 does not apply to the school board unless Miss Terry chooses to adopt some of those provisions and she could talk at length about that. So when you're dealing with a strictly state agency like they are sometimes smaller and they they may have less complex documents and they will not have student records but those really don't cause the problem. The student records are easy to produce because they're not charged for. >> Thanks, sir. And and one last, when we're talking about like the first 50 copies free or 100 copies, is that like per request?

092Is it per year? Is it per person? Like where's >> like per request? >> Per >> for like the year or for that request? Yeah, I guess it would be per person per year. >> Okay. >> But Okay. Well, let let me ask you this, President Green. Um, would it be possible then if I guess I changed and maybe did a price and and changed it instead of maybe 25 cents instead of the free copies? Are you trying to save >> change my change my amendment to 25 cents >> instead of the free copies >> for St. Tam residents? >> Yes, sir. >> And then other people would be charged 50. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Um you can make that motion that substitute motion. >> Can I do that or am I am I screwing

093things up? I guess it would be a friendly amendment if >> Yeah, it's a friendly amendment to your substitute motion and then you'll need Amanda to agree to that. >> Am I instead of Amanda, do you agree to the >> I feel like that might still cause confusion >> maybe. So, or should I just go across the board 25 cents? Yeah, across the board 25 cents for everything. Okay, so that would be a friendly amendment to my to my What was it? friendly amendment to my >> okay so >> substitute motion >> so I just want to clarify though because we still have a distinction between residents of Staint Tam and non-residents are you offering a substitute motion to just change it for everybody to be 25 cents >> just to be easy for Miss

094Pos >> okay so >> it's not easy can I say something we don't usually I Steve can answer this we don't always know where somebody lives so you're saying across the board. That's what I'm saying. >> Remove that. So, so you're doing >> to make it easy. >> So, so really what we're at now is a is a request for a friendly amendment to Mr. Bro to change it from 50 to 25 cents. >> That would Yeah. >> Do you accept that? >> No. All right. So, >> so now we have a substitute motion to accept policy CG with 25 cents instead of 50 cents. Do I have a second? At 25 cents. Going once. >> Miss Martin seconds that motion. Uh, any comments from the public? 25 cents. Miss Barios. I mean, I'm just

095trying to help you all understand uh certain things that seem to be like Mr. Harrison said, make it a big deal out of something that shouldn't. But, um, so in Mr. Harrison's contract with you all, he states that he doesn't necessarily charge for making copies of things to you, the school board, but if he would, it would be probably two or three cents, something like that. You can correct me, Mr. Harrison. Um, so it's not that it's you need that money, okay, for public records requests. All right. It's for a copy. If you get a copy of any item, a paper copy or digital, the new law, you can charge that. So, I mean, going crazy over how much you charge. Um, 25 cents is still a good bit of money if you have a

096100 pages. Okay? But again, anybody can come in and review and they're not supposed to charge. Although I have plenty of emails where I've been told I cannot see the records till I pay for the number of pages that were redacted. So anyway, >> any other public comment back to the board? Mr. Herrell, >> if we move to 25 cents, does that go to previous requests that have been unpaid or is that just moving forward any future requests? >> I'd imagine have to be moving forward. >> Yes. voted. That's >> okay. I I was just kind of curious. We got somebody with 65,000 requests. We just saved them $16,000. >> In fairness, that's the kind of thing that's not sustainable. That wouldn't be reasonable regardless of whether you're doing 25 or 50. Look, I'm going

097to make it easy. Go for the 25 cents. It's in the uh section 301 of the administrative code. And it makes it easy because it's what everybody else is doing. you start to go for more and it's it gets complicated and I can guarantee you that Cington trying to charge a dollar a page is not sustainable. They're going to get they're going to get challenged on it and Steve is more than fair. He mostly doesn't even charge 25 cents a page. >> Mr. Bro, did I see your hand up? >> Yeah. Yes. Um, I don't know how long the 25 cents has been on the books, but the state could change that next next year, next month, next week. Uh, it's probably been on the books for 10 years or more. Um, I know for

098a fact that I went get records from Slidel City years ago and it was a dollar. So, I think it is sustainable. Um, Steve, Mr. Alphonso did research. He he checked all the the uh surrounding areas and and other agencies and many school districts and 50 cents is what he recommends. Uh I I don't support going to 25 when it could be 50 next month at state. So, um you know, everything else has gone up and and that 25 cents has been there probably for 10 years. So I don't support changing it to 25 cents. >> Mr. Fino Gallagher, >> I will just comment on something Mr. Herrell said as of today the policy is the way it is. If we change it today is from here on out like then we would you how

099many people how far back would you go if you request in there? There could be 80 requests in there. I think somebody said last week there's like 50 requests still out there. You can't go back. It's from here on out. Like if we get a raise today, just because you're employed yesterday doesn't mean you get the I mean if you weren't employed if you're employed tomorrow, whatever I'm trying to say, you won't get it. It's it's the from here on out from here forward. The only other thing I'd say to Mr. Bro is if you're concerned if we're concerned about what the state's going to do, um I've done it in a board that I'm on. You say it's the rate that the state holds and if the state changes, you change with the state.

100That's the only other option you would have because if the state changes, we're back to this discussion again. take an hour on how much we're going to charge people for a copy of paper. So that's my suggestion. Y'all can do with it what you so choose. >> Board members, >> let's please vote on the substitute motion to accept the policy with legal edit edits and change the cost from 50 to 25 cents. >> That's what we're voting on >> just to change Yeah. It should have popped up a new a new um vote. >> You voted yay to change it from you got. I got a Five, six, two. >> Five yays, six nays, and two abstensions. So, the substitute motion fails. So, we're back to the original motion with legal edits at 50 cents.

101>> Five, >> six, and two abstensions. >> Yeah. So, that motion does not pass. So, we're back to the original uh Mr. Bro's original motion uh to accept the policy with legal ad edits. And I guess I'll go back to public comment. See none. Back to the board comment. Any please vote. >> The original was legal edit. And that motion carries 13 yays and zero not two not present. Uh all right. So moving on to our other agenda items. Item A um item B now appropriate retirement resolutions for the following certificated personnel subsequent to September 11th 2025. Mr. Alfonso. >> Yes sir. Thank you Mr. Green. Superintendent Jabian board. Terry A. Glockner Falsam Elementary 26.2 years 25.2 years in St. Tammy Parish. Kimberly R. Vandercliffe Little Oak Middle 32.09 years all in St. Tamony. Mitchell

102R. Stubs Trafuncta Middle 31.25 years 30.25 years in St. Tam Parish. Michelle M. Braset Woodlake Elementary 28.27 years 27.27 years in St. Tammy Parish and that's a total of 117.81 years. >> Thank you. Do I have a motion? Mr. Kuzanne, second by Miss Baker. Any comments from the public? Any from the board? Please vote. That motion carries unanimously. Item C is appropriate retirement resolutions for the following employee support services personnel subsequent to September 11, 2025. >> Yes, sir. Thank everyone again. Karen A. Sturbins Brooks Curriculum Center 18.68 years all in Saint Tamity Parish. Diana W. Hernandez central office 27.97 years all in St. Tamony Parish. Randy J. Randy J. Latty Madisonville Elementary 25.66 years 12.91 years in St. Tam Parish. Randy S. Dossi, Transportation Center, 25.04 years, all in St. Tam Parish. Daryl M. Taylor,

103Transportation Center, 14.28 years, all in St. Tam Parish. And that's a total of 111.63 years. Thank you, sir. Do I have a motion? Miss Rutherford? Do I have a second? Miss Gallagher, any comments from the public? Any from the board? Miss Rutherford? >> I just want to say congratulations, Mr. Taylor. We will definitely miss him. He was a wonderful bus driver for Lake Harbor. >> Miss Gallagher, >> I missed it a minute ago from Miss Vanderliff. She was a great principal at Little Oak Middle School. Um, she's been there through all my kids, so she will be missed. So, thank you. >> Please vote. That motion carries unanimously. Item item D recommends acceptance of a resolution naming Paul E. Harrison LLC doing businesses Harrison and Richardson as general counsel for St. Tamony Parish School Board.

104Do I have a motion? Miss McCullum? Do I have a second? Miss Hurst. Any comments from the public? Any from the board? Please vote. >> Oh, wait. Sorry. Who made the motion? It was >> uh Miss McCullum. Miss McCullum and Miss Hurst was second. >> That motion carries unanimously. Uh, next item on our agenda is public comments. Mr. Osborne. >> Thank you, Board President Green. Brian Osborne, president of the St. Tammy Federation of Teachers and School Employees. Um, earlier this year, State Superintendent Cade Brumley released a letter to all teachers under the banner, "Let teachers teach." Many educators, however, felt he was speaking out of both sides of his mouth. In our response, our union is preparing a campaign of our own. Let teachers all caps really teach. We're at a crisis point. From block

105scheduling to the NIT rubric to endless testing, teachers feel burden in ways I have not seen before. This pain is sharpest in elementary schools, but it extends across middle and junior highs as well. Net is mandated, but I feel the way we are implementing it is part of the problem. Teachers are told a score of three to 3.5 on a five-point scale is rock solid. But if you are a diamond, being called rock solid isn't good enough. Especially when higher scores feel out of reach. That must change. My mentor teacher at Slaughter High, Susan Muchmore, often said, quote, "Feed the principles or they will eat the teachers. Feed the teachers or they will eat the students." It's harsh wisdom, but it holds truth. Both teachers and administrators need supports that feed their spirit and allow

106balance in their lives. Without support and course correction, the path forward is unsustainable. As a labor leader, my goal is always labor peace. But right now, there is labor unrest. In the days ahead, we will be hearing directly from our members on these critical issues. I believe the federation administration and this board should work together constructively to listen and provide relief. the teachers so desperately need. Thank you and good night. >> That concludes public comment. The future focus night dates are attached for your information and board docs. The November committee as a whole meeting will be held on Thursday, November 6th. The November board meeting will be held on Thursday, November 13th. An executive session has been requested pursu pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute 4217 A2 to discuss the following matters. Uh Eugene Bailix vers

107St. Tamony and Reeves verse Gary. Uh do I have a motion? Mr. Bro, do I have a second? Miss Rutherford, any public comment? Any comments from the board? We are in executive session. [Music]