St. John the Baptist Parish School Board adopts multiple policy updates, approves strategic plan contract and awards contracts

The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board on Sept. 15 in Reserve approved a slate of policy updates and contracts, entered and exited an executive session on pending litigation, and voted to delay taking action on selecting a permanent superintendent.

Interim Superintendent Rebecca Johnson told the board the district is reviewing Courseware (Edmentum) usage in high schools and updated members on the district’s Consent Decree timeline. Board member Albert Burl said the district should limit reliance on Courseware, calling its overuse "unacceptable." The board also read a resolution of sympathy for former teacher Chermaine Roybiskie.

Why it matters: The policy revisions and contract approvals are part of a broader effort the board described as bringing its policy manual and operations into alignment with state law and district goals. The strategic-plan contract is intended to produce a diagnostic, stakeholder engagement, an implementation plan and a dashboard of metrics meant to guide district decisions.

Key actions and votes at the meeting included the following (votes reflect recorded roll calls where provided):

- Approved Revised Policy BCB (School Board Meeting Procedures) — motion passed (recorded roll call indicated approval).
- Approved Revised Policy BE (School Board Ethics) — motion passed (9 yeas, 2 absent).
- Approved Revised Policy ABC (Board Members Legal Status) — motion passed (9 yeas, 2 absent).
- Approved Revised Policy CE (School Superintendent) — motion passed (9 yeas, 2 absent).
- Approved Policy CED (Employment of Superintendent) — motion passed (9 yeas, 2 absent).
- Approved Policy IDFAB (Sports Injury Management and Concussions) — motion passed (9 yeas, 2 absent).
- Awarded custodial supplies contract to Economical Janitorial Supplies — motion passed (9 yeas, 2 absent).
- Approved the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire — motion passed (9 yeas, 2 absent).
- Accepted proposal for fleet and general liability insurance with La Insurance Services at $304,801.47 — motion passed (9 yeas, 2 absent).
- Clarified West St. John High exterior and roofing award to CDX Construction as $690,000 total (base bid $240,000 plus $450,000 add alternate) — motion passed (9 yeas, 2 absent).
- Approved a contract with Attuned Education Partners to develop a district strategic plan at a cost of $74,999 — motion passed (9 yeas, 2 absent).
- Approved the 2022–2023 Pupil Progression Plan — motion passed (8 yeas, 1 nay [Burl], 2 absent).

Several items were introduced for future consideration: revised policies on child abuse (JGCE), student absences and excuses (JBD), a special education advisory council (IDDFA), cameras in special education classrooms (IDDFC) pending funding, and a student voter-registration policy (JM).

Contentious and noteworthy exchanges included debate over the superintendent selection process and timing. Board member Debra Schum urged starting a permanent superintendent search, saying the district "is in a state of critical urgency" and needs continuity and leadership. Others, including board member Jones, cited legal counsel advising against hiring during an election year. After a substitute motion to table the superintendent selection process, the board voted to table the matter.

The board also went into an executive session under La. R.S. 42:17(A)(2) to discuss the status and strategy in the lawsuit Fulcrum Enterprises, LLC v. St. John the Baptist Parish School Board (Suit No. C-77965) and reconvened later the same evening.

Procedural notes and next steps: the Attuned contract was reviewed by the district attorney and may be reimbursable; the approved Pupil Progression Plan will be posted on the district website. Interim Superintendent Rebecca Johnson agreed to provide the board copies of professional service contracts she signed in the prior 90 days upon request. The meeting adjourned at 9:01 p.m.

Quotes from the meeting include board member Albert Burl saying the district finds the "overuse of Coursewhere is unacceptable" and board member Debra Schum urging immediate action on superintendent selection, saying the district needs a permanent leader.

Provenance: See meeting record from SEG 003 (call to order) through SEG 339 (adjournment).