School board approves budget-deadline exception, tables superintendent-evaluation approval and denies employee grievance

The St. John the Baptist Parish School Board approved multiple procedural and personnel-related actions at its May 26 meeting.

The board voted 7–0 to approve an exception to Board Policy DC (Annual Operating Budget) to allow additional time to prepare the 2021–22 operating budget. The motion was made by Board Member Debra Schum and seconded by Patricia Triche.

On a separate motion, the board tabled consideration of the instrument for evaluating the superintendent. Schum moved that item be tabled; Triche seconded and the motion passed 7–0.

The board also considered a Step IV employee grievance. Public commenter Cindy Graham said the grievance had been denied for procedural defects and that she had sent three emails to the superintendent without a response. The Chair read the legal counsel’s recommendation that the grievance be denied as procedurally defective and lacking merit and recommended the board direct immediate correction of any errors in the 2020–21 work calendar. Schum moved to deny the grievance; Triche seconded and the board voted 7–0 to deny the grievance.

Earlier in the meeting, minutes from the May 11 board workshop and May 13 board meeting were approved on a 6–0 roll call (with five members absent at that time). The meeting concluded with a 7–0 vote to adjourn.