STPPS Board Meeting – 3/20/25

001[Music] Heat. Hey. Hey. [Music] [Applause] [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] N. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] Hey. Hey. Hey. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Bye-bye. [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Welcome everybody to the March 20th, 2025 board meeting for the St. Tammy Parish School Board. Miss Kley, will you please call the role? Mr. Green, here. Miss Hansen, here. Miss Rutherford here. Miss Font Laoy. Mr. Harold here. Miss Martin here. Miss Moore, Dr. Peterson here, Miss Baker here, Miss McCullum here, Miss Lamey here, Miss Hurst, Mr. Bro here, Mr. Kuzanne, Miss Rafino Gallagher. Thank you, Dr. Peters. Dr. Peterson will lead us in the invocation and pledge. Dear God, heavenly father of all creation, we give you thanks and praise for the opportunity we have to be here tonight

002in the interest of our students, our community, and each other. We pray that you will give us your guidance and your light and help us to arrive at those choices and decisions that please you. We ask this in Jesus name. Amen. Amen. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Would any board members like to recognize visitors? Miss Font Laoy. Um it I can't see well enough right now because I'm have my contacts in to recognize visitors. But um I um I wanted to thank Leila and McKenzie, two fifth graders at Folsam Elementary for a wonderful tour of the school today. Uh they're on the lighthouse team and they led me and

003a group of um just people from around Folsam all around the school and they did a wonderful job and they knew the history of the school and just did they were leading a family around in a couple hours later so that that was their kind of their job. They introduced the school to to new people. So uh shout out Ila and McKenzie. Great job. Miss Lamey. So, I don't want to go by name, so I don't leave anybody out, but like one of my favorite families, the Singleton family is here. So, we'll talk more about them in a little bit. And then our Mayfield family, which I see so many um even a family member that I could just call I have to stand up and chat. But anyway, all of our Mayfield teachers and

004community. Could y'all just like wave your hands? Thank you for being here. Y'all are awesome. Okay, Mr. Jaby. Thank you, Mr. Green. appreciate it. Um, we got been a busy week to say the least, but it's uh rolling right along. I just want to remind everybody we have our elementary fitness meet this Saturday at Lakeshore High School. Registration starts at 8:00 p.m. So, if any board members would like to come join me, I will not be performing any physical fitness. Um, but I will be rooting some people on. Uh, we we the the itinerary coaches and the PE department do a tremendous job. They all give up their time on a Saturday to help our kids and and this is so kids can qualify for the state competition and we always send a powerhouse every

005year of kids. So I'm excited to see uh the makeup of our team this year and so I'm really excited to see those kids get after it and do their thing. Uh today was busy. Uh I started at Woodlake at 7:30, drove to Baton Rouge. Uh we had uh Superintendent uh Brumley's advisory committee. a lot of important topics along uh with third grade retention, some some pieces for uh certification. We did a complete and I'll have to get with Kim. We they did a complete overhaul with some of the terminology and ver terminology and verbiage for our SUI uh manuals that we use. Uh so that'll be going to the uh the special education advisory committee for the state. Uh and then on to Bessie. So, we got a lot of great information today and

006got to got to hear from uh those folks up there and kind of talk about some things. Um had a superintendent uh region 2 meeting on Tuesday. Uh great turnout by those folks. We we we talk about I say this all the time, but you know, we talk about a lot of the things that are are pertinent to all of us statewide. And so as as different as many of our communities are, we have very similar challenges and and very similar issues that we have to work through. So it's always great to visit with them. This past Friday, I did get on a call with my region. I set up uh with Representative Wilder from Livingston and Representative Carver. We talked accountability. We talked amendment two. Uh we talked about a whole lot of different

007things and how that's going to impact our state. So, I appreciate those two men giving up their time and getting on a Zoom call with all of us. So, I appreciate that. Um, so it's been it's been busy. We uh we got a lot going on. Uh a lot of great people. It's been great to go visit uh from 37 presentations in of 70. So, it's been great to visit with all of our campuses and and our teachers and have a a chance to meet with employees and kind of fill them in on a whole lot of things that are upcoming that are challenges for us that we're going to work through. So, appreciate that. But we have a couple videos we'd like to play for you tonight. Um the first one, and a lot

008of you saw the post that I made in in our our communication did, uh February 24th through the 28th was public school appreciation week. Um, so channel 13 has put together a video for us. Let's check that out. To me, public school is education, tradition, athletics, and friendship. It's just like one big community, one big family. There's so many opportunities that public schools offers like clubs for example, lighthouse, student council, um robotics, all those amazing clubs that really help you get involved in the school. I find this environment very easy to like learn in because everybody's really nice and if you need help, they will help you. I love public schools because I get I get to meet uh new people, make new friends, and learn about different stuff. I think the education here has

009been very rigorous. It's pushed me to be the best that I can. I'm in a perfect spot to succeed and move on to high school and even use some of the lessons I've learned here in public schools for the rest of my life. All the teachers I've had, I've kind of taken a piece of them with me and it's helped me and I feel like that has been really invaluable to me. Like it has become part of me and my educational journey. The teachers that I have had through the years at St. Tammy Parish public schools has been an amazing experience to help me prepare for high school and beyond that in college and my future. High school is like one of the most important parts of your life. It sets the set stepping stones

010for everything. And I think this place has given me such a great foundation. I wouldn't be where I am today without public schools and St. Timothy [Music] [Applause] Parish. Again, thank you to Channel 13 and everyone that participated in that video. Uh what we have here in St. Tammy is special. Just look around. Look around the state. Look around the region. What we do in St. Tammy is very special and I appreciate everyone that makes that possible. We are surrounded by I say this to you guys all the time. We are surrounded by so much talent. Uh and what they do for our kids every day is just absolutely amazing. So, thank you to everyone. The last one I'd like the last video I'd like to show uh we recently the the district was chosen

011to host uh the Bessie board and lobby and in a a travel and road show we're calling it um where they come and they kind of lay out some expectations and then the school system is able to show how we what we do for work-based industry and what we do for kids, what internships look like uh and what how our community supports our internships. So, let's check out a a visit by our Bessie board. Bessie contacted us to be a model of success tour site. So, what we did today is highlight the wonderful work of our school to work coordinators, our interns, and our internship members. And it was truly a team effort. This program was all about showing the state and our our board of educators, uh, Bessie, exactly what we do at St.

012Tammy, what we're about, what we're committed to, and doing right by kids every day. And that would not be possible without the hardworking teachers. What we've done at Bessie is we we've recognized, we work with the governor's office and uh, workforce development folks to appreciate all the opportunities that are out there in our state and and all these vacancies for highpaying jobs. And so we want now that we've recognized those, we're touring the state uh here today in our third Bessie stop to help folks to appreciate the value in these high school student internships. Going into college without this, I would have just been all confused. It would have been brand new. So this internship has really prepared me and given me an experience that not everyone going into college is going to have. So

013one of the key pieces of the experience today was the campus tour. So we highlighted the career technical education courses and so our membership was able to go in there and to see all the certifications that the students are earning, the knowledge and skill that they're building through this coursework and they were able to interact with the students and teachers to understand what it takes to build the workforce of tomorrow. When I visit schools, the kids tell me, "Mr. Morris, how do you make education relevant? What are we doing here?" That's what we heard today. We heard students tell us that this makes education relevant. So that's my major takeaway. That's what the kids are telling us. St. Tammy, we're very lucky. We have a we have a tremendous backing of community, but that's not

014the case everywhere around the state. We are truly blessed. And I hope they understand that, you know, what we're doing at St. Tamley is special. I truly appreciate all the board members that came out. You guys made it a priority to be there and I really appreciate the support. A huge shout out to Melissa Stratenburgger and our entire team of CTE teachers, our entire team of school to work coordinators, our counselors, uh all the supervisor, everyone that made that possible. But I see a gentleman sitting in the back of the room that we kicked off this event with the Fountain Blue High School Jazz Ensemble playing for everyone to hear to showcase not only our building, but also to showcase our program, what our kids do. and Lee Hicks does an unbelievable job uh at

015Fountain Blue High School. So Lee, thank you very much. I appreciate you. Thank you for being here. We are truly blessed. We are truly blessed to have uh amazing uh leaders of our bands uh in our music department like Lee. So board members, that kind of wraps up my uh my update. Thank you, Mr. Jeffy. I know we always appreciate hearing the the Fountain Blue Jazz Band and any events we get the opportunity to attend. So, uh any questions for the superintendent on his update? See none, we'll move to item two, special recognition. Uh Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals student award recognitions. Good evening. My name is Melissa Do. I am with St. Tam Parish Fair and I'm actually the essay and poster contest chairman. So every year, y'all know the fair is held

016in October. During that point in time, we collect essays and posters from our students. In February, we attend a state convention called the Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals. And this is where all the fairs and festivals from across the state go. We network. We um get information from one another, but we also compete for various prizes and awards. The Louisiana Association of Fairs and Festivals selects the essay theme that we use for our essay contest. We are allowed to submit only three essays and then we then compete against everyone else. So St. Tamony Parish Fair is competing against say Washington Parish Fair and Brobridge Crawfish Festival, Rainfrog Festival. we're talking about from all across the state. So this past year we s or this past February we submitted our top three essays with you

017know fingers crossed and hope and a prayer when we went to convention we were um told that they competed and there were 50 entries 5-0 50 entries. We were very very surprised and happy to hear that not only did we get second place in the state, we also got first place. So, and of course I'm clapping like I'm taking credit for that, but it was our students that did it. Of course, I took credit at the convention. No, no worries. I I took up for y'all. So, the essay theme for this past year was what makes a winning fair or festival volunteer? So these students wrote an essay about what makes a winning St. Tam Parish fair volunteer and that's what they were they were judged on. So I am very very happy to bring

018prize money and more checks to Miss Morgan Johnson of Mandeville Junior High for second place. And then first place in the entire state, Miss Bianca Childris of Folsam Junior High. And if I could also have the uh the staff of Folsam Junior High and Mad Mandeville Junior High stand if you're present. We thank you so much for your support of these children. It means the world to us and it the support you give them shows throughout the community and the state. Thank you for having me. If the parents of Bianca and Morgan could stand and we could recognize them, that would be great. [Applause] It's fantastic. Uh the Mr. Jabby will come to the podium for item B which is our student of the year awards. Thank you board members. It is my honor tonight

019to recognize our three district students of the year representing fifth grade, eighth grade, and 12th grade for Saint Tammy Parish. These students are are it's a really rigorous process. It's very competitive not only at their schools amongst the the highest performing students at their schools but also across this district. All the schools that have fifth grade, eighth grade, and 12th grade. Uh the the students just have so much talent. They're so involved and they're so dedicated. Uh like I said, it is extremely competitive. But these students were chosen because of their leadership, their academic achievement, their character, and their service to their school and their communities. Every one of the the district winners tonight that you're going to meet were all regional finalist, which means they were semi- finalist for the state and we are

020lucky to have one tonight. Uh that is a a excuse me, a finalist for fifth grade this year in for St. Ty Parish. [Applause] all these students and and I I told them just a few minutes ago when we when we uh took some pictures, uh the communications department heard feedback that they we get feedback every year on how our students did and and how they felt like they performed and and our feedback to communications was this was this was extremely competitive, but that our students as a group were so impressed impressive uh on what they brought to the table. Uh and and I just I told them before I'm just so proud of the way they've represented themselves, their families, and this school system. I'm extremely extremely proud. But tonight, we're going to kick

021it off with our fifth grade category. Miss Lauren Singleton from Mayfield Elementary School is our district fifth grade student of the year and a state finalist. [Applause] Lauren, like I said before, Lauren does a tremendous job. Uh she is so super talented, not only academically, she is involved in so many things uh throughout her entire not just at the school uh but privately also and just extremely talented. Let's check out a little video of Lauren. Lauren is one of the sweetest and kindest students you could ever meet. Every time I think about an adjective to describe Lauren, the word kindness comes to mind. Lauren, as a student, has become such an integral part of my classroom. She not only steps up in participation, she steps up in helping with other students. She has been amazing

022in things like crisis management when students are having trouble on tests or assignments. She immediately jumps in and comforts or assists whenever needed without any prompting. Lauren is just one amazing child. She is a true born leader. I see that in the classroom as her math teacher and as a cheer coach. Um she thrives to help others and she wants to see the best in others. And I think that's one of the most amazing qualities of Lauren is that she wants to challenge herself to become better, but also do that to others. You know, it's such an honor to be here right now and I'm just so grateful and I think my family members and my friends, they're so proud of me and to have that support. It's just amazing. And to see where my

023journey takes me next. I just love the school and the teachers and staff. They're so encouraging and so inspirational to me. She has been an absolute blessing to my classroom. I couldn't ask for a better student. Come on up, Lauren. If you can join me. I I know everybody's clapping, so come on up. Congratulations. So proud of you. This is for you. I'm going to leave it for you. Come on. Step. You want to have got a little box or you Sure. Good evening, Superintendent Javia and board members. My name is Lauren K. Singleton and I am a fifth grader at Mayfield Elementary School. # the best elementary school in America. It is truly an honor to be recognized as student of the year and I am humbled to stand before you all. This award

024isn't just for me. It is a reflection of the dedication and and support of countless individuals who have empowered my educational journey from the tender age of five. I want to express my sincere gratitude to the faculty and staff who instilled in me a love for learning. At this time, can all of the Mayfield faculty and staff please stand. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You may be seated. To my parents, thank you for the support. I love you. To my brother Jay, thanks for coming tonight. I'm pretty sure you would rather be playing baseball or at the gym, but you had no choice. And to my family in Alabama, roll tide. Thank you for [Laughter] believing. Thank you for believing in me. Before I close, I must let Mr. Jabia know that

025four years ago, you visited Mayfield and I remember you visiting my first grade class, Miss Martinez's, which is sitting right there. and I raising my hand to let you know the girl's bathroom needed soap. Well, I'm happy to report that the girls soap problem has been fixed. However, we would prefer lavender soap in our in our fresh oyster bar in the cafeteria. Thank you again for this incredible honor. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and look forward to attending the stu student of the year state finalist in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and representing St. Tam Parish. I have one huge favor that I would like everyone to help me with in the true Mayfield way. Go Bears on three. 1 2 3 Go Bears. Thank you. So proud of you. This is for you. Thank

026you for everything. You did a great job. So, really quickly, I' I've I've known Lauren since she was born. And so, I show up. We're in the middle of COVID. Um, we're distancing. People are spread out everywhere. And I walk in, I'm just kind of popping in, saying hello, not trying to ruffle anybody's feathers. And Lauren goes, "There's no soap in the bathroom." I'm like, Don't call your parents. I've been on a job like two months. I'm like, come on. So, and uh but I I'm just uh I'm just blown away. Y'all get to see that. That's the kind of fire and and determination that that our students exude. Uh at this time, I'd like to even though he's an Alabama fan, I would like um Lauren's mom and dad uh to please stand and

027be recognized. And any other family members that are here? and Jeremy. So, I just appreciate them coming in. And Jeremy uh their son Jeremy. Uh but uh even though he wore his Alabama colors, even though I it makes me a little aggravated, but he knows I love him. But congratulations, Lord. I'm super super proud of you. In our middle school and junior high category, uh, eighth grade student of the year is Mr. Ken Sudter. He is from Mandeville Junior High School. He is a student of the year and also a regional winner. Kalen is an amazing kid. Uh, he he is so talented in the classroom, outside of the classroom. He he exudes so much. I mean, I I know I called him out when I went and introduced him. I had him stop their

028PE class and and come and kind of present him in front of his PE class, which I know was a little overwhelming for him and was glad to have his mom and dad there with us. Uh, but Ken, not only is he an amazing kid, he has an amazing story. Uh, so let's check out our video. Callen Ken is one of those students that as a teacher you hope to get every year. He's he's inquisitive and he's uh he's engaged and he actually wants to know things outside of whatever it is that we're talking about. He wants to know the bigger details. I've always just love learning. I love reading and writing. I like math and history. So, I enjoy it. I like having those good grades and making good grades that I enjoy it.

029He just kind of knows if I want to be the best at this thing, it's time to do this thing. If I want to be the best at this thing, it's time to do this thing. I think he's just really good at that. Um, even at at his age of like focusing on the goal at hand rather than just sort of allowing it to happen. If I have free time in school instead of playing games, I can always do work for other classes, which enables me to again like have more time for sports and for leisure and for more school work. And it's just it's all they all go hand in hand. I've had great teachers, great friends, administrators. All of my schools I've loved and they've gotten me to where I am today. So,

030I'm super grateful to every uh this parish, the school district, and managing. I'm extremely proud, but I'm not surprised. He's that kid you hope if you had a hundred of that kid. Uh your job would be the easiest in the world, right? But but like I said, Kellen's he's he's he's something else. [Music] Callum, can you come join me up here, please? Congratulations. Good work. Well, put him on the spot. Um, I didn't have anything prepared, but it it'll be coming out of the heart, so I think that's better. First off, just uh a big thank you to Mr. Javia and the whole school board and school district as a whole. This has been an amazing opportunity for me and I'm grateful to represent my school and my um district. Also want to give a

031big thanks to my administrators, my amazing principal, Miss Brown, also Miss uh Miss Lauren Vogle. Um she helped me through this process of the student of the year and also Miss Turner. Um, and also my parents, my dad. Um, he was my uh emotional support dad. So, he's there. And then my mom who helped me put together my application. She's been ever since fifth grade when I was nominated at Lake Harbor Middle School. She's been keeping my records and keeping everything making making sure that um uh because she knew she could tell that I was going to win it again or or get nominated again. and um she helped me put it together. So, just a big thanks to them. Also, my sister Riley, my favorite, my dogs Maggie, Wrigley, and Cooper. And uh just

032um I'm really grateful for um everyone. This has been an amazing opportunity. Thank you guys. I'm telling you, just you it just comes out. Y'all see y'all see what we see. Well, you see what our teachers see every day. Uh at this time, and I know Ken brought it up, but if his parents and Miss Gina Brown, the principal, and any other family members, friends are here, please stand to be recognized, please. We are truly blessed. Our next honore is our 12th grade level student of the year and that's Miss Hannah Bradley from Mandeville High School. And again, she also was a regional winner. Hannah is I I got to pop into her AP class uh to recognize her uh to to give her the news and and her class was just blown away. They

033were blown away. She was blown away. I was lucky enough at these events we had we were able to get their parents lined up and surprise them. Um, but Hannah again just an amazing student, just so talented. So talented artistically, so talented as a student, and just an amazing person. So let's check out a video of Hannah. Hannah Bradley is as close to of a perfect student I think that any teacher would be honored to have in their class. It makes me very proud to know that Hannah's going to be representing Manville High School and also her individual teachers as a student of the year. It's just an opportunity I never thought I would have. I'm honored that such an amazing school board would honor me out of all people. We're just so proud of

034her because of where she is, the hard work it took to get there, and where she's come from, and how wonderful her family is. We're we're just so proud for her, what this means for her in the future. So, art's always been a part of my life. I'm really into landscape art in particular because it's a way for me to celebrate the culture that I'm a part of. I like depicting scenes that celebrate the beauty be beauty of this area even with the horrible tragedies that we face sometimes. My arts in DC right now because there's this thing that I applied to called the Congressional Art Competition. It was crazy to see my art being seen by all these very important people in Congress, even the president, things like that. And I'm happy that it

035brought some people some joy. Anybody, it's everybody in Washington, me included, walks by and sees it's artwork from a kid from Mandville High School. It's it's incredible. I love Mandal High School. I was so apprehensive at first going into the school because I didn't know what to expect. I didn't know how supportive the community here was. People who just encourage me, the students here. There's a lot of special people here. Hannah, if you would please join me up here, that would be Thank you. Oh my goodness. Okay, I didn't prepare anything either, so we're in it together, you know. Um, I just want to thank of course the school board and also I just am so incredibly honored to be with two amazing students who just impress me every single day. I never thought that

036I would get to this point. I started off in the special education program in elementary school and never thought that this was possible for me. But without you guys, without the support of the teachers and the paras and the people, my principal, everyone who's been involved in my life and giving me those resources, I just I could not be here today. I really couldn't. And I just my heart goes out to you guys. I know how hard you work. And I'm also grateful of course to my parents, my family. I guess I'll mention my cats because he mentioned my dogs. You know, I got to mention them. Saki boy who's blind and deaf but meows every night but we love him. Um just so much thank you. I really appreciate [Applause] it. I know she

037mentioned him that but if if Hannah's family would please stand and be recognized. Mr. Mson. Unfortunately, a [Applause] good Mr. Munchson is where I wish I was in the happiest place on earth in Disney World with the seniors, but Miss Paige Butler is here to represent the administration. So, Paige, thank you for being here. Thank you very much. Um, again, we we are truly blessed as you have seen today. Uh, we have amazing people who love animals and they love all their friends and family. Um, but these students represent 36,400 students around the district. Uh, and they represent them so well. They they are a true reflection of the amazing students we have in this district. Also, I want to thank uh our communications team and the and the administration schools for all the spotlights

038they've done to spotlight every single student that was named a student of the year on that campus. and we will continue to celebrate uh those people the entire year. Uh and I just want to congratulate everyone who was named a student of the year on the campus. That is that is the biggest honor you can get to happen on that campus where you are a student with all of your classmates. To know that you were chosen and to move on again to the district level, to the regional level, and now to the state level is absolutely amazing. Um, I also want to wish Lauren the best of luck. May the 16th is a state competition, so I want to wish Lauren and her family the very best of luck. And, uh, I know she will

039represent us very well. So, board members, that concludes my presentation. Thank you all very much. Thank you, Mr. Jaby. think in the the six years I've served on this board, this this night, this recognition is always my favorite because it really does highlight three students who really really exude u the energy, the academic, the athletics. I really just can't wait to follow all of your stories. Uh because I know that you know what we're doing to prepare you for the future and what you've already uh accomplished. Uh this the world's going to have amazing things for you. And I know that you'll just eat up every opportunity and as I I just can't wait to follow your career and success through life. And I'm I'm thankful that we get to recognize all of you today.

040And uh thank you for being here. Thank you for the families, uh the teachers, the administrators. They're here in support of these students. And uh with that, um we will take a quick break because some of the families might not want to stick around for the business part of this agenda. And we'll give you a chance to exit, go celebrate with your families, and uh thank you again for being here. It's a it's a great honor to recognize you tonight. [Applause] come back with that resolution for [Music] Tammy. Heat. Heat. [Music] Daddy. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] N. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. N. [Music] Can I get the board members back in here so we'll get back to the business? Oh, I better wait for Yeah. Thank you. I'd like to call the meeting

041back to order and and also um apologize. I kind of got ahead of myself on the agenda. Normally, we wouldn't call a recess until we had finished our special recognitions, but we do Uh so uh we'll move to item C which is our national board certified educators educators resolution and Miss Lamey will read that resolution. I am honored to read this resolution. Whereas the St. Tammy Parish School Board appreciates the dedication and commitment of all employees who have a positive impact on student learning in St. Tammy Parish public school system. And whereas the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards was founded in 1987 with the mission of maintaining high and rigorous standards for what accomplished educators should know and be able to do in order to generate continuous improvement in the field of education. And

042whereas national board certification is a relevant and impactful process in which educators voluntarily engage in continuous learning collaboration and reflect on teaching practices in order to achieve national board certification. And whereas the St. Tamony Parish School Board is extremely proud of our school system employees, including teachers and school counselors who have gone through the process of earning national board certification through NBPTs, demonstrating their desire to continue their own education in order to serve our students. And whereas we honor all of our National Board Certified Educators for their strong commitment to education and commend them for attaining this certification. Now therefore, be it resolved that the members of the St. Tammy Parish School Board acknowledge and appreciate the dedication of all National Board certified employees within our school system. Be it further resolved that the resolution

043be spread upon the official minutes of this board with a copy being sent to all schools and offices within the school system to post as a sign of gratitude and respect to all of the National Board and Professional Teaching Standard certified educators. And I so move. Thank you, Miss Miss. Unanimous second. Yes, sir. Right. And can I ask if we have any national board certified teachers to please stand? Thank you both so much. Uh public comments, Miss Berios. Lee Barrow is retired teacher. I was uh curious to find out how many national board active still teaching in the parish teachers we have. So I asked Mr. Alfonso and we actually have 31 still act still teaching in the parish. So I wanted to recognize them real quickly. Some of whom have move moved on to

044be administrators. Sharon Bennett, Joanna Brockhoff, Britney Buyers, Hope Kim, Sheree Hamita, Elizabeth Cleveland, Kimberly Font, Laoy, Casey Gleason, Pamela Green, Henry Hyer, Stacy Henderson, Tiffany Houston, Tiffany Jordan, Melissa Langwa, Natalia Levelvel, Desiree Maguire, Man McNab, Holly Moore, Maria O'Keeffe, Lisa Pay, Trace C. Pendry, Patricia Piconei, Heather Revier, Nicole Roberts, Chantel Smith, Gina Troyer, Kimberly Vanderles, Aaron Vicary, Susan Wright, Nancy Joerger, and Hianne Taylor. Thank you. [Applause] Thank you, Miss Perios. I hope that doesn't become a retirement resolution list anytime soon. Um, any other comments from the public? Miss Underwood, I just want to say that process to become that is very rigorous and I don't think I would ever do it. So, kudos to those 31. You said 31 that did that are still in our system that have it. And hopefully one day we

045can I know the state send send some funding. Maybe they don't anymore. I I can't remember anymore for that specific one, but give them more money for all the work they have to do to to get that and keep it. So, thanks. [Applause] Any other comments from the public? Seeing none, any from the board? No. And that motion is carried unanimously. Um so we'll move on to our next item, which is the consent agenda. Um, do we need to remove any items from the agenda, Mr. Bro? Yes, I'd like to remove both the curriculum items on the agenda. We ask for more information. And so, Mr. Bro has asked for items C and D to be removed. The recommends purchase of high school social studies instructional materials and the purchase of CTE instructional materials. Is

046that correct, sir? Okay. Any others? Seeing none, I'll remove those two and read the remainder and we'll vote on those and then we'll have the discussion on the two removed. So, the consent agenda as proposed by it as proposed is item A, consent agenda. Uh, well, items in the discussion B, approval of minutes for the regular meeting held February 13, 2025. Item E recommends acceptance of the lowbase bid and alternate number one submitted by ANA Mechanical Inc. in the amount of 600 to650,000 for the for the replacement of cafeteria and gymnasium HVAC units at Ponchet train middle schools STPSB project number P0411. Item F recommends acceptance of the apparent lowbase bid submitted by Danahue Construction LLC in the amount of 340,000 for the paving repairs asphalt mill and overlay at Bonnie Cole Elementary School STPS

047project number P 0307 recommendation substantial completion of Slidle High School 1033 Ninth Street building renovations phase 1 St. Tamony Parish School Board project number P 0449. Item H, recommend recommendation substantial completion of Mandal High School visitor side restroom and concession building St. Tamony Parish School Board project number P0434. May I have a motion? Miss Rutherford. A second. Miss Baker. Any comments from the public? See none. Any from the board? Let's please vote on the consent agenda. And the consent agenda passes unanimously. Um, item C from the consent agenda is recommends purchase of high school social studies instruction materials as presented. Do I have a motion to open the floor for discussion? Miss Font Laoy. Do I have a second? Miss Hansen. So the floor is open. Do I have public comments? See none. Oh, I'm

048sorry. Sorry. There was a motion to discuss on a motion to accept. It was It was recommend. That was the motion. Sorry. All right. Um, good evening members of the board. Uh, my name is Jason Bordal. I'm an 11-year uh, veteran teacher and I've been teaching um, AP psychology at Mandavville High School for the last three years. Um, basically I come here I'm coming here tonight to kind of dispel some of the rumors that are being spread um, about the AP psychology curriculum and textbook. Um, I can say with certainty that the section uh in the textbook that covers transgender and gender identity encompasses only five paragraphs um on two separate pages and we spend about a total of two minutes on this the entire year. Um, and I have here the actual book that

049is up for uh vote tonight. This was sent to me last year. As you can see, I've marked here. Um we have a few these these three paragraphs down here and then one separate paragraph uh right up here. So that is where they that's where it's mentioned in the textbook. Um we in in class we define the terms you know transgender and gender identity. Um then we move on. Um in the time that I'm given tonight I could actually read every word in the book that covers transgender and gender identity. That is how little we talk about it. Um now to say that you know teachers of this subject are indoctrinating kids or teaching kids information that's outside of the curriculum is unfounded and it's very dangerous uh simply because my responsibility is to teach

050my students what is in the curriculum so that they have the best chance to succeed on the AP exam in May. Um these textbooks are important because they will support uh these students in their classes and will allow them to succeed. We need these textbooks because this will allow them to do the best that they possibly can on this exam uh that they take at the end of the year. Uh also AP psychology is the second most important course offered uh second most popular course excuse me offered at Mandavville High and the reasons why are because it is a fun way and is it we the kids learn valuable information that is real world applicable every single day. Um, I have evidence with me that shows that 100% of my students would agree with that

051statement. Some of them are here with me tonight. Um, there also some sitting that came out to support this textbook. Um, over the last three years, my students have a 79% pass rate on the AP exam, which is uh nothing to sneeze at. Uh, it's a very it's a very good pass rate. to take away um a textbook that supports these students and offers them the chance to learn and go grow and receive college credit that some of these kids really need just because there's five paragraphs in an 825page textbook. Um that some people disagree with that this is detrimental to the overall purpose that I serve and that we serve as educators. I strongly encourage the board to approve the new textbook so that these kids can have the best opportunities when taking this

052course and to overcome um or to become the the best version of themselves that they can and get that college credit that many of these kids really need and work hard for. Uh thank you for your time. Thank you. Um, if the students when you come up you if you wouldn't mind just saying your name and where you go to school, that would be great. First up. Yes, sir. Hello. My name is Joseph Krishna Shack Snider. I am from Sorry, just trying to get my crutches to not fall over. I am from Mandaville High School and my excellent psychology teacher for Bay Psych and AP Psych is Mr. Borton. Thank you, Mr. Bordalon. He's awesome and you he covered the textbook situation wonderful wonderfully and marvelously. But I want to cover one specific topic that

053we covered in the class that changed my life completely. It allowed me to drive. Whenever I was born, I physically couldn't see out of my right eye and the school's test failed to catch that. The first thing that caught that was the DMV. This was due to the fact that my left eye was significantly stronger than my right eye. So my brain decided to wire itself saying I don't need my right eye so let's just turn it off when both eyes are open. Needless to say that bit me in the butt at the DMV whenever they said read this line and I didn't see a line. So then we came to this topic neuroplasticity in psychology. Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to rewire itself and adapt to challenges whenever it first sees them. So, I

054began training my own eye with this topic that we learned in AP psychology until eventually I was able to rewire my own brain to gain control of the muscles surrounding my right eye to where now I can jitter it and I can pretty much wake up my right eye to where I could have depth perception. I could drive. I could be on the road. And that has 100% changed my life. Thank you for hearing me. Oh, Thank you, Joseph. Thank you. I got you. I got you. Hello everybody. I am Nicholas Ingram. I'm a student at Manville High School and um I'm a junior currently enrolled in advanced placement psychology. Uh my teacher is Mr. Jason Bordalon who has just spoken and he is the most enthusiastic teacher I've ever had. Um, he teaches quality

055lessons day in and day out and he has really helped my learning this year. I'm here to say that preventing the teaching n of the new nationally accepted textbook for the AP psychology course and banning the course in general in St. Tammy Parish would be detrimental to student education and morale on campuses across the parish. I'd also like to state that textbooks are crucial to maintaining order throughout the year and work to reinforce learning. And when the textbook is not up to date with the end of year exam, AP scores will see significant decreases. AP psychology has helped me learn a wide variety of concepts that apply to daily life that are not taught in my core classes. The topics covered in this course encapsulate a broad understanding of simple psychological concepts with an incredibly

056minor one of those concepts being the topic of transgenderism that is covered in unit 3 under the topic of transgender. I mean sorry of gender. Um only a few small paragraphs are dedicated to this concept in a textbook that is 525 pages. Um and the use of what many claim to be a divisive term makes no mention sorry, makes no mention of trans transgenderism being a good thing nor a bad thing. What the textbook does is simply acknowledge that the concept exists in our world today and that it shows correlation to certain neurological patterns and he explains what the broad definition of the term is. In Mr. Mr. Bolan's actual presentation of the unit. However, his slideshow simply had a bullet point saying transgender and he gave a very brief explanation of the term. The

057claim that AP psychology is indoctrinating our students with radical leftist ideology and encouraging them to become transgender is clearly a claim from somebody living outside the realm of reality. This course is taken by high school juniors and seniors, most of which are range from the age of 16 to 18 and already have a clear understanding of what the word transgender means. This course does not encourage young, impressionable children to be transgender. All it does is explain to mature young adults that it is a topic in our world. This attack on a high quality and popular advanced course such as AP psychology is entirely unjustified. and I encourage members of this board not to vote in favor of such a hateful act. Thank you all for your time. Thank you. Hi, my name is Ree Parker.

058I'm a senior at Mandavville High School. Um, AP psychology has really been a course that I look forward to my entire high school career. You know, you hear your senior friends talking about it and it's just it's something that sounds really interesting and Mr. Bordal makes it great. He is the most fun, engaging, goofy teacher I have ever had and he is he really is just like a highlight of my day. Um, Louisiana is such a a beautiful home of creativity, originality, and self-expression. So, it it really does make little sense to me how self-exression and originality is something that is being attempted to suppress by removing the textbook and removing the section of the textbook because of fear of a word or a concept. Um, the concept of transgenderism in our textbook makes up

059about 1/100th of our curriculum. And it like the claim that teachers are trying to push a transgender agenda is so false. Like I mean, if you step foot into our classroom for 5 seconds, you you can see how like just not accurate that is. We cover topics from dream interpretation, psychological stages, development, brain structure, and cognitive human behavior. Trying to take away a class that is the highlight of so many people's day is without a doubt is one of the most interesting and informational classes that Mandal High offers, it removes so much intellectual opportunity from these students. Not to mention the um financial benefits that it presents being an AP course. you go into college having to pay for all of these very expensive courses when you can get the same education in a high

060school. Um the topic is taught in college. It's a profession that's recognized worldwide. It's incredibly important and there's no way to silence the entire world. So maybe don't try and silence the high school students through a textbook. Um the course is necessary. It's a it's my favorite part of the day. It really is. Mr. Bordalon is my favorite part of the day. Um, so if you could take that into consideration, that would be greatly appreciated. [Applause] Uh, good evening, board president, uh, Green, board members, uh, administration. Um, as a teacher, I earned gifted certification and with that, masters in curriculum instruction. as a union person, this isn't my lane. This is the board selecting curriculum. You listen in, put all that. I'm looking at it from a negotiator standpoint. This whole tier one thing is

061just a scam. If they're only offering one thing, there's no competition. And if we could get back to that era of paying teachers well to write curriculum and we just need a textbook as a resource, maybe not get all the ancillary stuff, play them against each other because otherwise if you're just saying, "Okay, thanks vendor." and signing a check. That's government waste. We've got to figure out ways to save every nickel. This is a massive market. This is a huge district. So, just moving forward, not tonight. I'm just saying moving forward, let's figure out ways to negotiate, play these people against each other, and get the best quality book, and don't limit yourself to Louisiana. Reach out. Reach out. Thank you. [Applause] Any other comments from the public? Seeing none, I'll move to the board.

062Any comments from the board? Mr. Mr. Bro, thank you. U last last week I asked um Mr. Mr. Bordal to um gather information. I'm sorry. Co close enough, Lewis. Um to to gather information on how many licenses we're using simultaneously. uh with the hopes that uh we can limit the number of digital licenses uh or at least negotiate that with them. If if only half the students are using them at one time, we could get away possibly with half the licenses. Uh in addition to that, it was mentioned that going to the block system, we probably cut these numbers in half because instead of um 272, you cut that in half because you have one semester followed by a second semester. And so the reason I took them off the consent agenda is I need

063more information. I don't think these numbers are right. I think they're inflated based on um based on those two criteria. In addition, I don't really understand all the numbers here. Um at the top of these spreadsheets that you just handed out, it has printed textbook access. Um, for example, um, world geography, it says 149 and then workbook 19 and then digital access zero. So 149 for the textbook. Could you explain those numbers for me? There's no digital cost. It's you have to buy the textbook and it depends. Some there is no digital component or it's included. It's one of the two. So So they don't sell it just digital. So, you'll notice on that spreadsheet there's the um print the textbook. There's a column for that with three prices. And then toward the right side

064of your spreadsheet, you'll notice it says digital only. That is if you were only to buy the digital. So, all the way at the bottom, it doesn't have a shipping cost. It just has that processing fee because there's one vendor that charges significant amount for processing. And then since between this meeting and last meeting, because um Mr. wrote, "You know what? We we always do. You're exactly right. We don't need to buy things that our schools don't need. We we have cases and cases of textbooks. They're never opened." So that number, the print is the high-end, is the absolute high-end, which still is under what we budgeted for. Luckily, the digital only would be the low end. So, we would more than likely fall in the middle. So, this past weekend, I'll let Mrs. Fuller

065um she can explain a little bit. We reached out based on y'all's concerns and just asked the teachers, "Hey, what would you want? Would you want a class set? Do you want digital only? What would it be?" And so the column that was added to that spreadsheet, which is why we passed it out all the way to the right, is an updated almost combo, which is what we do. That's how we always purchase. And did everybody reply? I did not get 100% um of the replies, but I got 84% teachers directly. So, you interpolate it from the 84% on. Was there an option for um and I don't even know if they offer this, but uh um teachers edition only or teachers resource only because I've talked to some people and they said, you know,

066we don't even use a textbook. We don't use even a classroom version, but I need the teachers edition to prepare my students for what they're going to be tested on. Um this particular was with CTE. um that the the certification needs a certain uh uh certain curriculum and unless the teacher has access to that curriculum, he doesn't he he may be teaching something that's not going to be uh advantageous when they go for credentials uh examination. So was that an option just uh teachers edition only? the the line we have to really walk a fine line is when students don't have access to the curriculum or content. If they struggle and a parent wants to help their child, there's nothing there for them. So that that's the the part with buying a teacher edition only

067then if if a child wants to study at home is is it going to be dependent on the teacher making copies like and you run into copyright, you know, issues. So that that's a really tricky situation to navigate. So I gave them six options. Textbook for every student with no digital access. Option two, textbook for every student with digital access. Option three, class set of textbook, no digital access. Option four, class set of textbook with digital access. Option five, digital access only. Option six, I do not want a textbook or digital access for the course that I teach. I had two teachers um reply to that. The majority uh 42 of the teachers um out of the ones that were um sent the uh form was a class set of textbooks with digital access. Yeah.

068The the problem with asking people that is there's there's no detriment. I want everything all the time. you know, if if somebody says, "Do you want a Ferrari or do you want, you know, not a Ferrari?" I'd say, "I want the Ferrari." Uh, so there's no downside. So, the easiest response is yes, give me this, you know, and you know, what does it cost? It doesn't cost the teacher anything. And and so that's that's a downside. That's just human nature. I'm just saying that you're gonna get far more. That's why we have boxes of textbooks in in storage is because, you know, you you ask for everything and that's just that's just my opinion on on that. But thank you for giving me more numbers. Um I still would like the u the uh information

069on licenses and how many we use simultaneously. And uh I I hope the teachers would really consider how much this is costing. I don't know if they had a cost figure associated with it. I actually included the board um presentation that we presented last week and the link for the YouTube video for them to watch it as well. All right. Thank you, Miss Flory. Uh thank you, Mr. Green. Um first off, I want to say thank you to the students that spoke. Um I appreciate it and I love to see students come and speak and um and share their thoughts just like Mr. Jaby's advisory panel. We really need to hear from you guys. Um Mr. Bordalon, you are clearly an amazing teacher and thank you for everything you do. Um I'm a little bit

070confused um in that several times it was mentioned that we were thinking of doing away with AP. I never understood that to be a consideration, but um maybe I missed something. Last week, what was discussed was that we would have a companion guide to go along with our AP psychology as well as psychology. Right. Okay. And um and if you didn't hear her, she she mentioned the companion guide, which I do support. I think our parents are still our parents. And when you're talking about controversial subjects, they have the right to be the parent and be informed. They're our taxpayers and they have that right. And just like we do when we do seventh grade um sex ed, we just do a little extra send home a note to make the parents aware we're going

071to cover that. Then they can be the parent and make a decision if they want more information. I think that's fair um for us to do that um for our parents in this just there's a there's a controversial subject being covered. We want you to be aware in case you want to talk about that with your child. I think that's a right the parent has. Um, I in no way support removing the course because it is benefiting our kids going forward in college. Um, I do have um one question. I don't know if it's Dr. Langwa or Miss Pvost. Someone asked me this and I think I do have a clear understanding of how the budget works, but they asked me and I want it on public record for their answer. If we've budgeted I'm

072just going to throw numbers. If we budgeted a million dollars for something and we only end up spending $500,000, what then? How do you guys handle the remaining 500,000? You want want me to answer this? Okay. Um the first of all, the process for the budget um the last two years has been extremely extensive for curriculum. They spent a lot of time doing a color-coded worksheet coming up with the numbers they were going to give me for the budget. They did an amazing job in 24 because they were one of the only departments that came under budget across the board. Um textbooks last year were 4 million less. So that helped us that money left over does not give them cart blanch to go spend it. They only spend on what they developed. Now you're

073going to have things that may come up a budget transfer. It's usually not significant lines. um like if you need money from another line that relates to textbooks, they could do or you can have um unforeseen things happen like books damaged or you know things that's going to be in there but again not a significant dollar. They've been well under budget and right now um they've spent only a million dollars of $8 million budget. Now they're about to buy textbooks for this year but I totally anticipate they're going to be under budget again. But we monitor all budgets. I start particularly this time of year looking for people that haven't spent their budget and I watch it and we have multiple approvers on every expenditure and the administrators that are approving those expenditures watch. So

074people that are just spending their money because they haven't spent it. That doesn't happen here. Um it may have happened many many years ago but it doesn't happen now. So they will if the money is left over it's going to help us with our overall deficit which I hope that's the case. Um as well as any other line that comes up less than the budget. That's a good thing. So, we always want actual to be less. So, that at the end helps us with that final deficit or surplus. And both these numbers, I'm sorry, I just want to add both of these numbers on the high end or under what we budgeted and projected. We just wanted to make sure, you know, we were covered. We didn't want to be on the opposite end. Okay.

075Thank you. Thank you. Okay. Yes. And you may have said this, but I just want to clarify this on the courses from um US history, world history, business law, psychology, street law, world geography, and world history all have a zero for their digital access, right? But in the digital total column, there are numbers there. So that's if you were just to do the digital. So you can see that digital is included with the purchase of a hardcover textbook. And sometimes there's not a huge difference. Okay. I think it was the world um geography. It's a couple dollar difference and you still get digital access with the textbook. So that's how they kind of get you even if you don't get a textbook. It's still a higher charge for the digital sometimes. Okay. All right. Thank

076you. So the digital is the valuable value of the material and the print is the value of the printing press. Does that make sense? Okay, Miss Hansen. Thank you. Um, I do want to reiterate what Miss Font Laoy said that, you know, first of all, thank you to all the students who came. You were so eloquent. I don't know how they pick a student of the year when we have so many wonderful students to select from. Um but we do have and and the teachers. Um but we do have to listen to the voices of our constituents because we have to listen to not only what the students are saying, the teachers are saying, admin saying, but also what the community is telling us in general and then we make decisions that we feel are

077in the best interest of all of our students. And you know, as I said last week, AP is extremely important to our students. you know, you you get the opportunity and if you don't have the appropriate resources, the necessary resources, it's going to make it more difficult to get that three or higher on the AP test. So, I am all for getting the um the appropriate um materials that you will need. Now, it seems to be the question of okay, do we get the um do we get the textbook alone? Do we get the textbook in the digital? Do we get the digital loan? Well, when you look at the cost differences, you know, um you may not have it in front of us in front of you, but in front of us, we have

078like the printed alone, if I'm reading it correctly, is 1,15,000 plus, whatever. Um so that comes to when you look at the number of students the estimated student count in the AP classes as well as business law, psychology, street law, world geography and world history which students have to have four social studies in order to graduate. Um and one of those can be psychology to replace it. So you you know they they need not only the AP but the on level courses as well. We have according to the estimated student count 6,240. So when you look at the cost differences text only it comes out to $16267 approximately when you average it all. I mean I know some courses are more expensive than others but when you average it per student it's $16267 if we

079just get the textbook. If we just get digital it's $1239. So yeah, that that saves approximately $40 per student. However, we have to recognize when our students are going off to college, they're not everything's not going to be on a device. They're going to have to read printed material, know how to annotate printed material. And for many students, that printed material is the best way for them to see it. the young man with the eye issue. You know, sometimes the printed material works better for them. And I don't think we'd be doing a service to our students if we didn't offer them the opportunity to have the printed material. I for one prefer printed materials. Um I know I'm old, but I think there's young people that would too. Um, and then when you look

080at both the digital, which gives you access to a lot of those resources, um, as well as the text, it's $154.64 per student. Um, if a teacher isn't using the resources that requested, quite honestly, I look at that as a personnel issue, an administrative issue. If I as a principal walk into a classroom and the teacher is not using the resources that are necessary for these students, then that needs in and that's my opinion. You need to be using the resources. Okay? Because this is what is necessary for our students to do well in these courses. Um I just feel like I have to support that we give both to these students so they can have access digitally to which a lot more than what can happen in a in a in a printed material

081as well as the printed material. So thank you again students. I was for it before but you even you you know um were very eloquent in the way in which you um uh promoted it and and supported it. So, thank you, Miss Hers. Thank you, Mr. President. Um, yeah. No, I appreciate you guys coming out and the students and um the gentlemen with your story. That's amazing about that that you should write an article, submit that some because that is amazing and that just is proof, you know, that I think psychology is awesome. I wish they offered that, you know, in high school cuz that's, you know, something when I when I went I think it's amazing. And no, I don't I don't want you guys to lose it. So, I'm not sure where that

082came from. Now, when I first had the school board meeting, I did mention, you know, to, you know, get rid of it, but we came to a compromise. So, I'm not sure where all this is coming from. I don't So, and as far as the whole like, you know, bringing up that somebody thinks that all these teachers are doing this indoctrination and I don't know where that's coming from either. Um, and I've also been very clear and my thoughts are very clear on my schoolboard page as to why I voted no. I've been extremely transparent with everything. Um, my main reason why I voted no last week and I'm going to be transparent now. um is because I mentioned and this might not be the the best consensus, but I've I've got comments um is

083because I think who better to know their students and maybe curriculum is the teachers and our curriculum specialists and maybe you know teachers um like yourself could help in writing um the curriculum and the assets and the materials, the assessments. ments. I mean, and the materials for our students. Um, y'all know what what your what your students need to pass these tests, which I think in itself, and I've argued with Bessie a million times, we are tested to death. And the standards are ridiculous. And another thing is is we don't know what's coming down the pipe with the changes with the with the federal department. You know, Frank mentioned just last week that we don't know what funds we could be getting, where those funds might be going, and things might be changing. Who knows?

084If we go and buy this curriculum, what if in the next year, things might change, and this curriculum might be useless. So, that money might be for nothing and this curriculum might be for nothing. So that's that's really my main reason for for voting no. I mean, we came to the compromise, you know, last week and I'm all for that. And I think that's great. And because I think if we're going to teach something, let's teach let's teach all of it because I mean, yeah, it's out there. It's on Tik Tok. It's it's, you know, I mean, it is. Psychology is an awesome an awesome subject. and I want the students to get all their credits. So, yeah, I mean, I'm not, you know, one of these I'm I'm open-minded, guys. I'm openminded, okay? I

085hear everything. So, um that's and again, I'm being transparent about everything. I mean, if y'all got something, just tell me. And I I say it. Maybe I don't say it nicely or the right way cuz y'all know my delivery isn't the best, but I try y'all. I try. I I try to do what's best for the students, what's best for the teachers, and what's best for the community. Am I right all the time? No. But sometimes knock me upside the head. I might get it right. Tammy tries to. Michelle when she's here she tries too. But anyway, that's that's my two cents. Before I move to Miss Lameia, just a point of clarification because last week in the committee meeting, we did approve the recommendation with a companion guide. So, I asked Miss Kley to

086include the companion guide so we can clear that up in the agenda. So, that was approved. So, that's now part of the agenda. So, um I'll move to Miss Lamey. I'll be super quick. Um, one was a response to Mr. Bro. I I understand your analogy, but what Miss Fuller was explaining was they didn't choose the Ferrari because she gave them the option to have a textbook per student and the digital, but that was option number three. And then number five was get a class set of textbooks in digital. They chose the class set, which means they would reuse it the following semester. If they taught two sections in that day, they would still have one class set, maybe a couple of extras in case somebody needed to borrow one to go home to study,

087but they didn't choose the max because the teachers don't want 60 books in their room or they don't want So, I just want to clarify that because that wasn't chosen, the max option, the most money. Um, the next thing I was going to say very quickly, um, oh, I agree with you. um in that you know we have a curriculum for teachers to teach what they need to teach for the test and make sure the students are getting all of the standards met but I bet Mr. Borderon after 11 years of teaching psychology doesn't use the textbook verbatim because it wouldn't be the highlight of those students day if he did. It wouldn't be exciting and you know be the amazing teacher that he is that has all these kids sitting here. Of course he

088refers to the book because it's a tool and he uses that to make sure he's covering what he needs to. But I would venture to to say he makes his lessons his own and he does his thing. Is that a correct thing? I mean, not just like turn to page six today, tomorrow's page seven, right? Okay. So, so it is a resource that that and so I just have to say that because I was one of those teachers that had the textbooks stacked and we pulled them when we needed them and put them back when we didn't. So, um that was it. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Lamey. Uh Mr. Bro, if you would, I'd like to Yeah. Yeah. Miss McCollum. Thank you, Mr. President. Um I'm just just a quick comment about this. Uh

089I you know we we are in a day where we are trying to limit the amount of work that our teachers have to do on a daily basis. So to say we want you to teach whatever and not give you any kind of resource to use is unspeakable in my opinion. They have got to have something. They can't just walk into the classroom with nothing. No textbook, nothing. And I know we're not talking about that, but you know, and sometimes when a brand new text is adopted, they don't really know completely what's in that textbook yet until they delve into it and start planning their lessons and their units. And uh you know I I just I do feel that the teachers and we should trust them in deciding do they need just a class

090set? Do they need a textbook for every child? Do they need a digital copy for every child? And personally I think we need to provide it for them. Dr. Peterson. Um yeah, I just wanted to uh make a point of clarification just for everyone based on our last meeting that we had uh the committee as a whole and that was that um there was concern about the content of text and and uh was relative to what could happen changes that could occur in the future near future with textbooks. And we always and if we're going to spend the amount of money that we're going to spend, we wanted to have the latest version with the most correct information in it possible. Even and if some information would be altered or disappearing in the future, we

091wanted to be sure that we had the latest. So that was important. But uh this was not an isolated topic because across the country, I just wanted to throw this out to you. uh textbooks in other states have even like the Cambridge international psychology course that textbook has been widely pushed through across the country people are looking at that it comes without certain content which we didn't really value example that we had earlier it wasn't something we spent a lot of time on but uh it totally did not have that information from what I understand you also had the n international balorate version uh of the of the a psychology book, AP psychology book, which was also used if you were a balorate program, you could use that material which is used worldwide in 166

092different countries and that text material did not have that content either from my understanding. So there were things that were available and there were topics to discuss. Uh beyond that, we did determine at this board meeting uh the last time we met that there would be a companion guide that would be used that would address that topic so that teachers would be validated in whatever they did in the approach that we offer them and no one would be left on a limb. And so we want to protect our teachers as they teach. We want to make sure the material is accurate, up-to-date and correct for our students. And that's where we are as a board and that's where we are from last week to this week. And um so that's where we are right now.

093And I just want to put that out there. So thank you, Mr. Kuz. Thank you, Mr. President. I have just a couple things to say. As an old board member, we I have always voted in the best interest of the student. We just don't spend money to spend money. Our staff work as hard as they can to give us the information that we need before we make a decision. We go home and and study what they tell us, then we come back with a decision. As far as advanced placement is concerned and I like to make this statement I think if I'm not mistaken parents sign off on the student schedule card don't they? So this is the parents know exactly what the students are going to be taking. They understand they know what's on

094that schedule. So I just don't want you to think that we just arbitrarily spend money on anything that's out there. We working in the best interest of these students and sometimes as board members we we might miss a point of something or not but we always work in the best interest of the student of St. Tammy Parish Schools. Thank you very much. Miss Martin. Thank you, Mr. Green. Am I to assume that because our little voting box has come up um and it doesn't mention to purchase at this amount or anything like that. So am I to assume that it's the amount that is the teacher request amount. So, in years past, I looked at um textbook um presentations. Prices were not actually included in that. That is something that we started to do. So,

095y'all were aware because we got our budget approved and textbook was in that in the adoption during the board um retreat. It was presented as well. That was approved back in August. So that is a courtesy as well because you're voting on something that has such a high price value. So there isn't going to be a price in there. You are voting to accept the recommendations that our teachers have voted on. And just to put something into perspective, uh Miss Hansen, you had mentioned that like on average, let's say for the social studies, we had 6,240 students. The average would be about $154.64. But then you divide that by six, you're spending $25.77 per student a year on that. Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Miss Fuller. I guess that was my fault for not clarifying.

096I would like to know if we're voting for the printed like everybody gets a printed copy. Everybody get that. That's so combination. Okay, perfect. So, it's based off of when you asked the teachers what they wanted and that's perfect. Thank you, Mr. Bro. Oh, I thought I thought Miss Rutherford had spoken once before. Thank you. Um, so for our estimated student count, that's based on an annual that's based on kids students in the course currently now with a little bit of a percentage added to it. Okay. So, these are all high school courses and the numbers you have are based on they're not all high school. Well, actually for social studies it is. Sorry. So, so the numbers you're talking about are based on the annual enrollment of those students in high school, but we

097are going block schedule next year. Correct. So, remember this was to give you worst case scenario. We wanted to give you a picture of how many students would need a a book, a digital access, whatnot. But you're exactly right. So let's say to Miss Lamy's point, we're on block schedule. I'm a teacher. I'm Mr. Bordalong. Right now, he may have on a seventh period day five courses, but moving to block schedule, he'll have three in the fall, three in the spring. So one, if he were to choose a class set, one class set's all I need. I'm not ordering it. It it it really makes no never mind if all five classes three classes in the fall a class set is a class set because it's one if it's a class set but if it's

098based on student count correct it should be half and then it should how we would try to we would let the schools give us an idea when they do their scheduling how what's the high end of how many kids will be scheduling in one semester so is it going to be 5050 so I'll use an example 34 in AP comparative government that could be 17 and 17 but if it's looking like the school said, "You know what? We might have more like 20 and 14. Can we order 20 just to make sure we're covered?" That's what we will work with the schools. We always make sure that the schools give us input on what they need without going over and beyond and just ordering 34 because that's easy. Since since it makes such a substantial

099difference to the the cost, could we get those numbers? Yes, they're in the process of scheduling right now. They have not inputed all of their numbers to run the schedule for next year. So that's in the I'm assuming it's going to drastically reduce these numbers. Absolutely we will absolutely this is the highest end that we would spend. It will it will absolutely more than likely be less than this. But no matter what we are not going over budget and that's why you're not voting on the actual amount that you're spending. I can assure you that it'll be way under. Yeah. So, you're not going to go out and buy uh $964,000 worth of materials. That I I cannot imagine based based on this. All right. Thank you. We're going to purchase what our schools need

100to educate kids. Back to Dr. Peterson. Mr. B, you were you finished, sir? Okay. Dr. Peterson. Dr. Langwa, I would just like to ask you a question. How how different or how far apart are we with the purchase of the textbooks that we have and those that are offered in an international baloria program when you mean how far off like how different in other words how different are the text I mean are not not so much you know u are they different or are they just totally I read an article similar to you that was referring to those two um books I have not actually seen a copy I don't want to speak to something but I can definitely look into and try to get my hands on a copy and I I understand. Okay.

101I what I I was just hoping that uh at some point in our progress and our in our our drive to the future that we look at international baloria program as an additional aspect for St. Tam Parish. We have the students here that are capable of taking that rocket ship and just moving ahead internationally. And I just I just wish you know if we can get to that point we can offer our students that. But anyway, completely understand. Um, I will say this because our our district currently and I I hear you. We will definitely look into um IB programs. We looked at the AP um they have AP produces a list of books that are aligned to their test and all the books that we reviewed were on that list and the one obviously

102we recommended is on that. So um if that gives you any Well, close. Yeah. Okay. But yeah, really I'm looking forward to you talking about that in the future. Thank you. near future. Okay, we have a motion to uh accept the recommendation uh for the high school social studies and instructional material material as presented with a companion guide. So, please vote. That motion carries 12 yays, two nays. The next item is the recommendation of the purchase of the CTE instructional materials. Can I get a motion, Mr. Harold? Do I have a second? Miss McCullum. Thank you. Uh, any public comment? Yeah. See some gentlemen walking down here. If you would just please uh uh say your name, where you're from, if you're a a teacher, maybe uh where what where you teach. My name is

103Hunter King. I'm a ACT teacher at Coington High School. Um, I can also say that there is not any uh transgender ideology being taught to the cows in our textbook. Um, I'm just here to speak just briefly on the adoption of our uh our our our potential new textbook that we're looking for for agriculture. Um, we have a a state industry based credential that that we're required to uh test our students in a 34. Um it's a three-year uh prep that they they prepare for and we we offer that um credential, statewide basic credential for our students. Um the the previous textbook that we had was adopted before that credential was put in place by the state. So we did not have a current textbook or curriculum that followed that directly. So, we have now

104found a a book. Um, uh, I think we actually have some teachers that are here that that have had some great success. When they went and found this this one particular book, he found one just a student book and he's been using that and I think he saw like a 60% increase in passage rate for his students. So what we're we're just hoping and asking what I asked you as the board to uh consider that for us just to give us that that one resource that we need to ensure that we are able to give the students that exact curriculum and follow that you know with anything in a there's all kind of different numbers for different items that we deal with. Um, and so this it's it's important that the test the the the

105questions that are on the test that our kids are required to take and they have to pass that we get the same material um to supplement them in their learning. So we're not uh I'm not giving them some information that's maybe even modern, but the test was written, you know, 5 years ago and they're using an older thing. So I don't want kids to get even which is unfortunate. They should be able to get the right information current. Um but that test isn't always current. So anyway, just help us to get that and um pass that uh that that curriculum so we can get the right test uh the right equip um material for these students. Thank you. Good evening. My name is Billy Mayfield. I teach at Pearl River High. Uh I've been teaching

106for edging up on 30 years now. and the book that we adopted, I've used older versions of that book in other parts of the state and it is an excellent textbook and it is an excellent reference for the kids whenever they need something. They can always go to that book and and find what they're looking for. Uh it is one of many tools that we use in the aggracience classrooms to get the information. uh it's all about student success and it's all about the needs of the teacher and that it's an excellent resource for us to use with our students. So, we're hoping that you'll pass this one. Thank you very much. Thank you, Mr. Mayfield. Any other comments from the public? See none, I see Miss McCullum queued up first. Thank you, M. Uh,

107Mr. President. Um, I would just say in in the career technical courses, you know, I've spoken with um the principal in my high school principal in my district and with teachers in my district and teachers in other districts and u you know I I just can't imag one particular one said that she's teaching principles of business. Uh the book that she's been using was 2008. I can't imagine that uh things in business have not changed since 2008 and that we need something more current. I can't imagine an auto tech class teaching uh have having a book that they I don't I don't know how old their books are at that this point in time but I know that the auto technology has completely changed in the last five years much less the last 10 years

108depending upon and I can't see any course listed here that hasn't changed drastically since probably we last adopted a book for them and their resources. So, everyone that has contacted me and everyone I have talked to are asking us for these resources and I will definitely support them having them. Miss Hansen, thank you. Um, I want to thank uh Dr. Langwa also for the and and Miss Fuller for all the information regarding the number of teachers that participated in the review. I think that's helpful to see that it's not just like I've responded to several emails I've gotten and as I've told every one of them we make decisions based on the information that we're provided. I don't have a CTE background. So therefore I like to hear from the experts in in CTE those

109knowledgeable. what do you think about it? So, thank you for the additional information you provided us as to how many teachers were, you know, involved and how many schools were involved in um voting for these textbooks. I agree with Miss McCullum. We need something updated. We need a resource for them again, something that they can uh solid in their hand and read and and in order to help them be successful. So, I will be supporting this as well. Thank you, Mr. Bro. Yes. I I want to make it clear I'm not opposed to getting new textbooks and the resources that our teachers need. My concern is that and and I appreciate that you gave us the the additional information on on the teachers response. My my concern is that we may be off by 40

110to 50% on the cost and and I'd just like to get a little closer to that before I can vote yes for this. Thank you. Okay, we have a motion to approve the recommendation for the purchase of CT instruction materials as presented. Please vote. That motion carries 13 yays, one nay. Next item on the agenda is the appropriate retirement resolutions for the following certificated personnel subsequent to February 13, 2025. Mr. Alfonso. Thank you, President Green, Superintendent Jabia, and board. Appropriate retirement resolution. The following certificated personnel subsequent to the February 13, 2025 meeting. Cali B. Foreman Educational Center, 20.15 years, all in St. Tammy Parish. Thank you. Do I have a motion? Miss Lamey, do I have a second? Mr. Harold, any comments from the public? Any from the board? Please vote. Miss Lamey, Miss McCollum.

111That motion carries unanimously. Next item is the appropriate retirement resolutions for the following employee support services personnel subsequent to February 13, 2025. Mr. Alfonso. Thank you again, President Green, Superintendent Jaby, and board. Appropriate retirement resolution the following employee support services personnel subsequent to the February 13, 2025 meeting. Dedra R seven Clearwood Jun Clearwood Junior High 21.19 years all in St. Tammy Paris. Geraldine B. Fernandez Coington Elementary 28.04 years all in St. Tam Parish. Monica M. Silva, Covington High, 11.99 years, all in St. Tam Parish. Michelle Lewis, Lakeshore High, 20 years, all in St. Tam Parish. Cynthia D. Bahham, Lion Elementary, 36.07 years, all in St. Tam Parish. and Lisa S. Ford Transportation Center, 2.64 years, all in St. Tam Parish. Thank you, sir. Do I have a motion? Miss Rutherford, do I have a second?

112Miss Baker, thank you. Public comment. See none. Any from the board? Mr. Bro, I know you were waiting for me to ask last time. I I wasn't quick enough. You'll never stomp me again. How how how is the trends? Uh how are we doing? um to in total this year compared to last year. Well, I don't have Well, you're not stumping me. I'm going to tell you for this for this retirement for this cycle and for certificated last year, last year we had 179.43 more years of retirement for people that retired. Now on a support side, support side we had 40 more 40.58 years more on a support side this year but a net gain of 138.85. Thank you. You're welcome. Any other comments from the board? Seeing none, please vote. And that motion carries

113unanimously. Next item on our agenda is threem minute comments. Um I see one of the students from Mandeville has left. Mr. Borderline. Do you want to speak sir? Okay. Uh Stephanie Underwood State, Stephanie Underwood, executive vice president of the federation. So we had a uh union membership meeting last night and man, I thought I was at a board meeting. It lasted so long. No, we had good rich conversation. Um, one of the main topics we talked about was this bond that the district wants and um, we we asked what do you need in order to support this. So, the membership came up with a resolution and I'm going to read the resolves. Therefore, be it resolved that no later than March 27th, 2025, the St. Tamony Federation of Teachers and School Employees respectfully requests the

114Saint Tammy Parish School Board to take the following actions. One, pass a res resolution directing the superintendent to negotiate in good faith with the federation to extend current the current 2024 2026 collective bargaining agreement by two years and authorize a memorandum of understanding to finalize this extension and pass a resolution immediately suspending the development and implementation of any employee handbook intended to replace the CBA. and pass a resolution directing the superintendent to prioritize the completion of all school-based projects identified in the May 3rd, 2025 St. Contamin Parish School Board bond issue starting with replacing portable classrooms which includes modular classrooms before initiating any work on the proposed discovery center and published no later than March 28, 2025, a complete organizational chart for management and administration, including job titles, the percentage of the payroll budget allocated,

115and the total cost of salaries, benefits, and perks. and pass a resolution guaranteeing that no teacher and school employee payraises will not be negatively impacted by the outcome of the bond vote or any financial restructuring, including but not limited to transfers to special funds such as the parishwide construction fund. Be it further resolved that the Saint Tammy Federation of Teachers and School Employees formally request the Saint Tammy Parish School Board to commit to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and respect for the collective bargaining process, ensuring that all negotiations, policies, and budgetary decisions are made in the best interest of students, teachers, school employees, and the community at large. Adopted on this 19th day of March, 2025 by the Saint Federation of Teachers and School Employees. So, those are our employees request and I look forward to hearing

116more. Thanks, [Applause] Mr. Osborne. Thank you, Board President Pro. Brandon Osborne, Saint Tammy Federation President. I bring to you a um resolution that was passed last night. This is regarding constitutional amendment two. This was passed unanimously by our membership. Be it resolved that the membership of the St. Tammy Federation of Teachers and School Employees directs our local union number 3952 to actively campaign against constitutional amendment number two that is on the ballot for the March 29th election. And let me give that a second to get to Baton Rouge and also Poer Street, New Orleans. The LFT, the Louisiana Federation of Teachers is for this. And the great thing about the American Federation of Teachers, uh, union is it is a local control model. So, nobody gives me marching orders except our members behind us and

117our executive council. Council members, if you could stand, just briefly identify yourselves. This is Miss Latasha Brownley, Stephanie Edwood, Barbara Sharp, Babette Allen, Charerelle Griffin. Thank you. And so their model is different. They're they're statewide, global. We have very specific concerns and our folks are very well educated. And at first I was for this until people got in my ear and explained it to me. So it the bottom line to me is this. It's about promises made two years ago in the legislature and not kept. They played games in the final hour of the legislative session and they turned raises into stipens. Then last year, same thing. Stipens. Now they're offering this poison pill called a raise. Well, we're gonna RFK that and slap that poison pill right back at them. Go back to the

118table. Go back to the budget and find the money. We rose 17 spots to 32 in the nation. That's unheard of. We're always in the bottom and that's what you're going to do. No, we need real raises funded in a traditional way because our teachers and school employees are worth it. And I'll say this, this Pelican policy group, you've heard me say it a million times, and this Americans for Prosperity, while Frank, Jabby, and I were negotiating, these teams were negotiating, working really hard. I had to go to Baton Rouge and fight because they were trying to destroy local control and ban public sector collective bargaining. Well, guess what? In Saint Tam, there are consequences for that. When you poke the bear in Saint Tamony, the bear pokes back. So, I am going to be

119aggressive. We are going to defeat this. Good luck, folks. Governor Landry, I respect many of the decisions you made, Troop Nola. Great. But don't pose uh with kids with that number 32 rank you just got here, sir. Respectfully, let me say this. Let me end with this. I appreciate Michelle Hurst for standing up to Bessie. We've always talked about Aposi going up there and uh confronting them. Well, they came to us and you were the only one to speak out and really tell them what you felt. We can't be polite, folks. They're destroying public education. Anyone willing, can you please stand and show appreciation for Miss Michelle Hers? Thank you. Appreciate it. Lee Hicks. Uh, I'm the band director at Fondlau High School. I'm also the president of the Louisiana Music Educators Association. Uh, and

120I appreciate your kind words about our jazz program. We love playing for you guys. Anytime you want to have us come over, we're here. Um, our kids are special in this parish, as you well know. I love my job. I love my students. And I love St. Tamony Parish public schools. I'm here tonight to uh public publicly voice my concern for the future of music education in our great parish. The uproar of concern over the strings program only scratched the surface of concerns many of us educators have. Since CO, we've seen a drastic drop in band and choir enrollment. Many of our music educators are concerned that we are not seeing consistent support from middle school and junior high programs parishwide to help us rebound from those setbacks. There's plenty of information supporting the positive

121impact that arts have on student achievement. And I'm not going to get into that tonight because you can go look that up and most of you already know that the current uh inconsistencies on how to schedule band and choir rehearsals in middle schools sets up many of our students to fail. Trying to teach a student a new language, which is music, and how to play an instrument in only once a week in 30 minutes is next to impossible. It sets them up to be in a position to fail. They then get frustrated and quit while developing negative feelings towards music. In some of our schools, students are told that choir is only for fourth grade students, and fifth and sixth graders are not allowed to join the choir. Well, it's no wonder then that those

122high school and junior high programs have dwindling numbers and almost no students in their programs. I truly believe that there are many supporters of music education in this building. I know it for a fact. Until this year, Frank Jabi is the only principal I've ever known to walk in parades with his high school's marching band. This year, Mr. Kley walked with Thumplau High School's band. Um, and I know that there are many of our leaders in this room here right now committed to music education as well on this board and sitting in in these chairs right in front of me. However, there is true concern and a perception that some of our supervisors may be listening to our words, but they're not hearing what we're saying. When this is the case, nothing gets done and

123educators feel abandoned and that their input really doesn't matter. Our music educators want nothing more than to build strong programs that represent their schools and St. Parish in the most positive ways possible. It's always my goal. My goal is to achieve what the goat who I consider the goat is Miss Gail Sloan who told me when I was a young teacher, we got to go from good to being great. That's been my motto for Fountain Blue High School's band ever since. Um with the quality of clientele and uh amount of parental support we have here in St. Tony Parish, we should be leading Louisiana in arts education. And unfortunately at this time we are not. I see what's going on around the state as the president of Louisiana Music Educators Association and I would love

124for us to be number one, but I don't feel that we are at this time. My colleagues and I colleagues and I are fully committed to helping our schools take our arts programs to the highest levels possible. Our only hope is that you are as well. It's music in our schools month. So I wanted to bring this to your attention now. I appreciate your time. [Applause] Eleanor Stagno. Good evening. Uh my name my name is Eleanor Stagno. I am here in support of the strings program. I am in the sixth grade I am a sixth grade student at Lake Harbor Middle School. I've been Miss Miranda's student since first grade at Marane Elementary. I have also been a member of my school's band since the fifth grade and I was recently chosen to represent Lake

125Harbor for our parish's honor band. In addition to these activities, I am the I am in the talented arts program and the Northshore youth orchestra led by Miss Miranda and Mr. Justice. I wish for the strings program to continue through high school or for some sort of orchestra program to be created for junior high in high school. Strings has been one of my favorite hobbies since I started playing. It has always brought me joy to be by my friends and playing. Strings is not just about playing. It can also be about the friendships you make. I have so many close friends that have been in the strings program or are still in the strings program. Strings has helped me through my music career by treat teaching me to read music. It has helped me go

126through b into band a lot by having a musical knowledge. So much so that I did not find the flute challenging enough early on and inspired by Mr. Justice to play the obo, which he also plays. When I heard that Miss Miranda was getting moved to another school, it made me feel sad that the people that I know in this program will have a new teacher. The relationships she builds with our her students are a key part in our su success. I urge the board to reconsider their decisions of shuffling the teachers around because this will only hurt the students. Thank you for your time. Elizabeth Hotard. Hi, I'm Dr. Hotard. And last week when I came and I spoke, I didn't understand that the strings program was really just the same song but another

127verse. Um, back in the 1980s, St. Tam Parish worked hard to establish a phenomenal gifted program. The community came together, the parents came together, and they built an exemplary program that people moved to our parish to participate in during the '9s. When I was at Chinshuba Middle, all of the academic subjects were offered at a gifted level. And this is not just a gifted program. This is a gifted service that students qualify for. These are taking academically rigorous classes that are going above and beyond. They're accelerating them. And then they're giving students time to have enrichment depthwise, breadthwise. Um they're giving them teachers that are qualified, certified and gifted and know how to bring out the best in these students and it gives the students an environment where they can grow in their social emotional

128needs because for a lot of gifted students one of the biggest risk is failure. It sounds counterintuitive, but for a lot of students that qualify for gifted services, if they are not given appropriate services, they're going to underperform and for a lot of them, they are going to fail and they are going to exit school early, which I know our district doesn't want. Um, so when I was in the program, it was a phenomenal program and I asked some of my classmates, what have y'all done? What who are y'all in the community? and looking at who they have become. I have classmates who are MDs in the ER. They're working on an international scale at this point. There are pediatric immunologists and allergists. lots of teachers and a phenomenal number of researchers who are out

129there developing new technologies, new medicines, new procedures that are going to help save your lives, your famil family's lives, um engineers, and many others that are vastly important in our community. And when I asked them, did did the program do anything or was it just a little extra? Again and again, they said having that social emotional bond develop in that classroom full of peers and having an accelerated curriculum made a world of difference at the college level, at the graduate level, and in life. Um, but looking at where the program is now, it has fallen. We've drained the potency of the program. The students aren't offered the academics that they were offered. they aren't offered the social emotional supports that they need. So I ask you to support it. Lee Barios liberios retired teacher gifted.

130A growing number of gifted teachers and parents of gifted students have called on the federation to support their facilitation of district-wide reform for our gifted education program. They have suggested the establishment of a task force or committee that includes representatives from all schools including parents, students, teachers, and administrators. This committee can regularly meet to assess the needs of gifted students across the district and make recommendations for improving the program structure, resources, and SK scheduling. Therefore, the federation commits to a call to action to advocate for a clear documented committed commitment from the administration to prioritize the gifted program, ensuring appropriate funding and resources for enrichment activities. This can be achieved through presenting data on the academic and social impact of the gifted program and the consequences of neglect. To develop leadership and structure to ensure

131that the gifted program at the district level and at every school is led by a dedicated, highly trained and experienced gifted department lead who works collaboratively with administrators, teachers, and support staff to ensure consistent highquality program across all grade levels. This position provides direction, ensures best practices are followed, and advocates for resources and support for both gifted students and educators. to advocate for a district-wide leadership team which includes experienced gifted educators who provide mentorship, professional development, and advocacy, ensuring that the program remains innovative and student centered to ensure the gifted students have access to an enriched curriculum that challenges them and nurtures their intellectual curiosity. A program that offers a mix of advanced coursework, hands-on projects, creative problem solving activities, and cross-disciplinary learning opportunities to provide a clear and equitable scheduling system that ensures the

132gifted students are placed in appropriately challenging courses at every grade level. The federation is committed to following through with this request and ask that the school board offer support in bringing back a once shining light to St. Tam pair school system. Thank you, [Applause] Maria Mloud. Hello, I am Maria Mloud. I've been teaching music since 2013. I graduated with a bachelor's of music education from East Carolina University. I will speak as a professional and a child who grew up in a well-developed music system while comparing my experience here. I grew up in Eastern North Carolina public schools. Were we perfect? No. Were we heavily involved with music? Yes. I believe part of that was because the East Coast's largest Marine base was across the street. Marines lead by example. The president's own or his chosen

133hired band are Marines. They represent quality. That being said, striving for quality is embedded in me because of their influence. I thought moving to Louisiana, where American music was born, I would experience professional growth like no other, but not the quality that I expected. Growing up, my district was steam, heavily emphasized on the arts. St. Tam prioritizes statemanded subjects, but puts arts at the bottom. Opportunities seemed endless for honor in all state performances which were affiliated with the National Association for Music Educators. We have a chapter here called LMEA. St. Tam does allow collaboration between the two, but there's room for growth. Every site there had an encore team where art, music, library, and PE teachers were permanent. St. Tam relies on itenerate teachers. Only high school music teachers are considered truly permanent. The opportunities

134for collaboration are limited. Music therapists traveled in that district to offer music to SUI classes. We don't even have that here. Every high school had an auditorium, not a cafeterium. May I dare say my high school was a 4x4 schedule, which I hated, but we thrived because of active and strategic support from up top. Moving here, I had high hopes. I'm still hopeful. I've made this my home, and I'm raising my daughter here. I want to make public education the best. like you. But I wish you would listen to the music professionals. A 2024 study from Harvard Medicine states, "With both immediate and long-term exposure to music, a person's neurons will fire in new ways, helping to shape communication pathways over time." In 2023, the University of Chicago research found music can stimulate new connections

135in our brain, keeping our cognitive abilities sharp. The arts are the connection piece for our students. The arts in this district are struggling because of systematic changes and not prioritizing it. Want to raise those test scores? Quality arts. You want better comprehension, quality arts. You want better written expression, quality arts. You want students to have self-discipline, quality arts. There's a reason why Miss Rachel is a millionaire teaching using music. Music grows the brain. Your brain gets a workout actively participating in music unlike any other activity. scripted curriculum will not do that. Thank you for your time and I hope you would build our school systems music programs with me. Lindsay Lord, good evening. My name is Lindseay Lord and I'm a gifted teacher for our district. I stand before you today not just as an

136educator with 15 years of service, but as someone deeply invested in the growth and well-being of our students. Throughout my career, I have embraced various teaching roles while earning a master's degree, obtaining content lead certification, being honored as a teacher of the year, and becoming science of reading certified, just to name a few. I share these accomplishments not to boast, but rather to emphasize that my guiding principle has always been that when we stop learning, we stop living. This belief drives me to continually expand my knowledge to better support our students in reaching their fullest potential. Tonight, I wish to speak from the heart about our district's gifted program, a program that has profoundly impacted the lives of many students I've had the privilege to teach. I understand that there are concerns about the gifted

137program, but I also know that everyone here wants the best for our children. I'm not here to dismiss those concerns, but rather to share my personal experiences to shed to shed light on its significance. I'd like to share brief stories of two students whose experiences highlight the significant impact of our district's gifted program. The first student initially dreaded to write. He did everything possible to avoid it, believing he had nothing valuable to add, which often results in minimal effort. But through our gifted programs, tailored support, he was given the space to explore topics that excited him, engage in deep discussions, and write in ways that felt meaningful to him. Today, he proudly tells me that he wants to be a published author. He has recognized that his thoughts matter, shifting his mindset from reluctance to

138ambition, ultimately transforming his academic journey. I have no doubt that one day the world will read his words. The second student struggled socially. He often kept to himself and had a negative outlook on learning. Through the opportunities this program provides, collaboration, creative problem solving, and safe space to grow, he has flourished. He now participates, encourages peers, and approaches learning with curiosity instead of frustration. He recently told me, "I used to think I wasn't good at anything. Now I know I just needed to find where I fit." These are just two examples, but they reflect a larger truth. When we give our students the right environment to grow, they rise to meet their potential. The gifted program exemplifies our district's commitment to adapting and meeting the diverse needs of our students. I know that there are

139differing differing opinions about the gifted program and I welcome those conversations. Healthy discussions are how we continue to grow and improve. But I also believe that we must recognize the success stories the students that have found their confidence, their passion and their purpose, those achievements through this program. Thank you for your time and your commitment to our students. Alette Good evening. I'm uh Allet Slide Lel Maintenance. Hey, my time's up already. Thank you, sir. Uh good shot. you know, uh, every every so often in in people's lives, you have what they call a very long day. And and I've kind of had that today. So, I had to think about what I wanted my three minutes to be, which is dangerous. Uh, but, you know, I thought about trust. And the main reason why is

140because things that's happened in this long day have really intensified that that meaning that word. You know a lot of people ask for trust but what do they do to show it? A lot of people ask for trust but the way they act or respond to things doesn't show any trust. A lot of people ask for blind trust, but they don't understand. Trust has to be earned. It's not something that's just given. If you give trust to a doctor, you give it to him because he earned it through his residency, through his diplomas, through his classes. He earned it. So that is the kind of trust that I'm talking about. The kind of trust that everybody needs to understand that if they want people to come together like family should come together or like co-workers

141and students, faculty, staff, everybody. That trust has to be earned by everyone. Trust is earned from students because of the teachers qualifications, because of how they teach, because of the years they spend in college to teach. Actions, we don't see a lot of actions using the words trust. And even when they say trust me, but then none of their actions show it. When the person that I know that's made this day long for me showed me trust. Not only did she earn it, she showed it. And she showed it to me in my heart. She showed it by her actions, by her willingness, by what she did for others, for me and everybody else. And on that note, when I was hired 19 years ago, I trusted that raises would go along with it, same

142as teachers and everybody else. And that trust was broken. Thank you. That concludes three minutes um for for board president announcements. We will be scheduling a special meeting for a expulsion appeal hearings. More to come. The next committee as a whole meeting will be held on Thursday, April 3rd at 6 p.m. at Brooks uh educational complex in Slideel. The April 10th board meeting will be held at 6 PM at the Brooks Educational Complex in Slidel and there will be a robotics presentation at that meeting at 5:30. So that should be good. Um, with that, an executive session has been requested pursuant to Louisiana Revised Statute 42.17 A2 to discuss matters below. Do I have a motion? Miss Font Laoy, do I have a second? Miss Baker, any comments from the public? Yes. Bren Osborne, Federation

143President. Thank you, Board President Bro. Uh, my folks, y'all can go except for the negotiating team. I'm just going to make a simple request. I appreciate y'all coming out. They're going to go into executive session, so you got to go. I'm sorry. No problem. Um, President Green, if you would consider or if anybody would consider um amending the motion and I know you have some legal stuff. Um, that last item with the collective bargaining historically LC Burke Culture would come in for a portion of it is what the union historians have told me to just kind of discuss, answer questions. I don't want to get into like but this is what I sense. There's a lot of confusion still about certain aspects of whether it's grievances or just causes or just negotiations. So my team

144will be willing to interact with the U board and then kind you know leave so that y'all can get to that um business if you're willing to do that. Um, we had a nice session with the FMCS U mediator, solved a lot of um, problems with the grievance process to to streamline it. Um, Steve had ideas, Mary had ideas, our team had ideas. I want to say one particular thing. A grievance is about a remedy. A remedy is something to make somebody whole. So, one thing I agreed with Steve, the federation should not recommend um that a supervisor be disciplined for instance because that's the purview of the superintendent and if the goal is to make the person whole punishing somebody else that that's vindict that's not what that is designed to do. So, that

145one piece helps. Um we've also talked about uh Mr. Lawson. And unfortunately, we found out they they kind of shut FMCS down. So hopefully they can bring it back. All grievances start verbal. Okay. Um sometimes I would go to a grievance because it says in there that the person's protected from reprisals and a lot of people are fearful. But we're going to revise the process so that informally if it's reported, we're giving um Superintendent Jabby and his team a chance to respond, but they'll still be protected from reprisals. So that's the goal is to get the problem solved. But look, these grievances have been really valuable. Um we're going to work on a a policy on the first amendment providing uh guard rails for public servants. Mr. Bro, you go ahead and finish up when

146you can. Sure thing. But if anybody could make that motion, Yeah. Yeah. Sorry. If anybody could could if anybody could amend, we'd appreciate. But if not, um, you'all have a good evening. Thanks. Yeah. Comments from the board on going into executive session. Miss Hansen, the meeting wasn't adjourned though, was it? So anyone No one had to leave, right? I mean, we're going to the the meeting doesn't adjourn technically until executive session is over, but we we and until you call that. Okay. I just wanted to I I just thought that maybe it gave the impression that we were having people leave before the meeting was over before we even went into executive session. I just And I I just wanted to clarify that we we we did not the meeting would did not we did

147not officially go into executive s our president didn't officially put us into executive session. Thank you. So we have a motion and a second. Any more board comments? Please vote on to go into discussion. All those all those uh say yay. I I All those opposed? Nay. See none. We are in executive session. So we'll take a fivem minute recess, use the bathroom, whatever, and come back. [Music] Yeah. [Music]