Lillie Chiasson

The meeting addressed several new business items, including a review of the December 2025 Special Education Quarterly Newsletter and a review of the SJPPS Crisis Intervention Guidelines concerning Seclusion and Restraint Techniques for students with specific medical conditions, including information on accessing these guidelines. The Director of Child Welfare & Attendance presented the district's new Risk Assessment process. Council agenda items included a presentation by Magnolia Family Services, LLC detailing their services, evaluation steps, insurance accepted, and contact information. A subsequent dialogue focused on the impact of emotional/behavioral disorders on education and school safety, yielding recommendations for consistent staff training on IEPs and behavior, relationship building with families, medication management, and recognizing Mental Health Days for staff. Closing remarks included suggestions for celebrating National Developmental Disorders Month and Autism Awareness Month.

The board meeting included reports from various committees. The Executive Committee recommended approval of the agenda for the November 11th meeting. The Building Committee motions included substantiating completion for the Lecher High School softball complex renovations and approving change orders for the St. James High School media center/broadcast studio and Lecher High School softball complex additions. The Academic Committee provided informational updates on academic initiatives. The Policy Committee approved a policy revision regarding school admissions for foreign exchange students. Major financial discussions involved approving a resolution for a First American Bank and Trust credit card agreement for principals and various campuses, and approval for several certificates of payment totaling $132,745.19, covering freezer/cooler replacement, facility renovations, and design work. The board also approved the renewal of stop-loss insurance for January 1st, 2026, and ratified contracts for speech therapy services (Williamson Speech Therapy and Learning Center and Saliant Health LLC), services for a visually impaired student (Blind Grace), and work-based learning experiences for students with significant disabilities (XP Synergy ESS). A contract renewal with XP Synergy JAG was also approved to extend instructional opportunities. The board held an executive session to discuss and take action concerning the desegregation order in United States versus St. James Parish School Board. Condolences were offered before adjournment.

The meeting included discussion and approval of meeting minutes from September 16th, 2025, committee meeting reports, and a public meeting report. The board discussed and approved the St. James Perry School Board sales and tax or section 7 vendors compensation rate reinstatement. They also discussed and approved job descriptions and salary schedule amendments for the executive director of elementary schools, executive director of secondary schools, and director of child welfare attendance and student services. Additionally, the board discussed and approved a contract with Noel Consulting LLC, a resolution authorizing the superintendent to execute a CA between the Louisiana Department of Treasury and the St. James Parish School Board, the 2026-2027 school calendar, the 2026-2027 12-month employee calendar, and certificates of payment for various construction projects.

The meeting included committee reports from the Executive Committee, Building Committee, Insurance Committee, and Policy Committee. The Executive Committee reviewed and set the agenda. The Building Committee approved a change order and substantial completion for Lucher High School gym renovations, and approved issuing an RFQ for garbage collection and disposal services. The Insurance Committee approved insurance renewals and the purchase of cyber liability insurance. The Policy Committee approved several policies related to short-term notes, financial reports, salary deductions, equal opportunity employment, health examinations, board committees, expense reimbursement, student use of personal vehicles, retirement, and education of students with exceptionalities. Representative Ken Brass was recognized for his support of the school district's internship program, cosmetology program, and media studio. Students with perfect scores on the LEAP test were also recognized.

The meeting included discussions and approvals on various topics, including the St. James Parish employee handbook, occupational therapist services, a part-time nurse contract, and a certificated and support staff stipen plan. Payments for construction and design services at Lecher High School and Mace Chiller were approved. The school activity funds manual was updated, particularly regarding cashless transactions. The board also levied millage rates for the 2025 tax year and discussed contracts with XP Synergy for instructional and educational support services, as well as Michelle Dwey for library services. A salary schedule addendum related to state allocation differential pay and a contract with Lassar were also addressed.