Kevin Barney

This strategic document outlines the Guiding Principles, Mission, Vision, and Belief Statements for St. Charles Parish Public Schools. Its core business is teaching and learning, with a focus on continuous improvement and a commitment to lifelong learning. The mission is to develop empathetic, involved, productive, and responsible citizens through high-quality educational opportunities, while the vision is to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and values for productive global citizenship, emphasizing excellence and equity.

The board meeting included several agenda items focused on resolutions and proclamations, as well as student and employee recognitions. Resolutions passed unanimously in memory of former employees Mrs. Rosemary Bar White, Mr. Michael Guma, and Miss Denise C. Beck. Additionally, resolutions were approved regarding Louisiana School Board Member Training requirements and proclamations for Black History Month and Public Schools Week. A proclamation was also passed designating March 19th, 2026, as St. Charles Parish Public Schools Retired Teachers Day. Student recognitions included high school athletes named to the LHSAA all academic composite and divisional teams, wrestling champions, and high school musicians named to the LMEA District 7 Honor Choir. An employee from Honville High School was recognized as the 2025 Shell Science Lab Regional Challenge winner, receiving a $15,000 science lab makeover support package.

This document provides an update on the upcoming changes to Louisiana's school accountability system and its implications for St. Charles Parish Public Schools. It details how the district has achieved an 'A' rating under the current system and continues to show growth in early literacy, ELA progress, and math under the new simulated model. The key focus areas include adapting to increased weight on student growth in LEAP tests for elementary/middle schools, greater reliance on end-of-course LEAP exams for high schools, and prioritizing progress for struggling students and English language learners. The intended outcome is to reassure stakeholders that the district remains committed to student and staff support despite the new accountability model.

The meeting commenced with prayer and pledge, featuring recognition for students from Desteran High School and Hanville High School for various athletic and academic achievements, including district championship football and volleyball teams. A significant resolution was passed to revise attendant zones, specifically ratifying the reassignment of the Magnolia Ridge area to Mimosa Park Elementary and Lakewood Elementary attendance zones, and adopting narrative language defined by physical features. Business items included the approval of consent agenda items such as personnel matters and bid authorizations for fuel. The Board accepted the lowest bid of $8,276,170 for the Elementary Schools Auxiliary Gyms Project. Policy revisions were adopted for Retirements (Policy 4.6.13), authorization was granted for the purchase of five regular and two special needs buses, and an hourly pay rate of $35 for permanent substitute bus operators was approved. Additionally, a policy regarding credit for experience for bus operators, effective January 1st, 2026, was approved. The Board also approved accounts payable for November 2025 and elected Scott Cody as President and Karen Budro as Vice President for 2026. The Superintendent provided updates on upcoming holiday programs.

The meeting included the acceptance of the National School Counseling Week Proclamation and the adoption of the Louisiana School Board Recognition Month Resolution. Key discussions under the Consent Agenda involved approving bid authorization for the Hahnville High School Athletic Field Parking and Sidewalk Improvements project, accepting the substantial completion of the Triple A Alumni Center projects at Hahnville and Destrehan High Schools, receiving personnel items, authorizing a Request for Proposal for Network Infrastructure Upgrades - Cabling, and approving accounts payable for December 2025 totaling $6,140,127. Business items included approving minutes from prior December meetings, approving the recommendation of PayerAlly for pharmacy analytics services, approving the purchase of turf for Destrehan and Hahnville High School Stadiums at a cost of $1,882,800, approving the termination of a probationary employee, and approving a proposal from Magnolia Strategic Consultants, LLC for lobbying services at $60,000 annually. The Superintendent's report outlined schedules for the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday closure, Parent Teacher Conferences, and the Mardi Gras Holiday.