Board approves 60‑day Chief of Minds contract to clear teacher-certification backlog

The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board approved a time-limited contract with Chief of Minds to help the human-resources department process a backlog of teacher certification paperwork.

Interim Superintendent Kendria Spears presented the request and public commenters (Carolyn Batiste, Shondrell Perrilloux and Derron Cook) were listed in the minutes as speaking on the item. The initial motion to approve the professional‑services contract was followed by a substitute motion from Morris and Holden that limited the engagement to 60 days, required weekly reports to the board, and made any continuation subject to board approval. The substitute motion carried 8-1; Burl was recorded as the lone nay and two members were absent.

The minutes record the board’s direction that Chief of Minds provide regular updates but do not include contract dollar amounts, the scope of work beyond processing certifications, or performance metrics. The minutes also do not indicate a specific date when Chief of Minds would begin work; the action is recorded as approved on Sept. 14, 2023.

Next procedural steps recorded in the minutes: Chief of Minds will operate under the 60‑day authorization with weekly reporting to the board; any extension requires board approval.