Lucila Arzu

The Board Retreat included opening remarks from the President. Discussions involved an Impact Report presented by Dr. Perry, followed by a scheduled Executive Session to discuss the Superintendent's Evaluation. Following the executive session, the board held a working lunch/team building session. Agenda items also included a construction update from Volkert Construction and Board Training focused on SIMBLI Training and a Mock Board Meeting conducted via Zoom conference.

Key discussions during the meeting included bond updates presented by Volkert. The committee took action to recommend approval of Change Order 3 for the West St John High School New Fieldhouse Project, involving a time delay and modifications related to boring and utility coordination, funded by the 2022 Capital Improvement Bond. The committee also recommended approval of Change Order 2 for the Garyville Mt Airy Magnet School - HVAC Improvements Project due to late electrical gear delivery, also funded by the 2022 Capital Improvement Bond. Approval was granted to purchase new bleachers for West St. John Elementary and Garyville Mt. Airy Magnet School using bond funds. A discussion regarding new gym flooring for West St. John Elementary, JLO, and GMMS resulted in a decision to take no action pending funding confirmation. The committee approved extending Volkert's contract for up to an additional 10 months for future projects derived from the 2022 Capital Improvement Bond, and approved the purchase of 30 sets of middle school and kindergarten furniture via bond money. Finally, approvals were granted to advertise for air conditioner parts, general maintenance supplies, and plumbing supplies.

The Executive Committee meeting included a review and recommendation for the approval of Policy BCB- School Board Meeting. Furthermore, the committee reviewed and recommended the approval of changes to Policy IDDF- Education of Students with Exceptionalities, specifically in conjunction with Policy IDDFC- Cameras in Special Education Classrooms. The committee also discussed and recommended approval for meeting dates for the remainder of the 2026 calendar year, scheduled for the Tuesday preceding the Board Meetings at 5:00 p.m.

The meeting commenced with a motion to waive policy to add the Superintendent's strategic plan presentation in conjunction with item 4. Public comments included a presentation on S.P.A.R.K Saturdays, which are currently open for registration and run until May 2nd. The Superintendent also presented on the media/publicity/engagement plan for the millage renewal scheduled for May 16, 2026. Furthermore, the Board held two separate Zoom calls with representatives from Simbli and LSBA to address questions and receive overviews regarding the meetings module, and the policy and evaluation modules, with the latter noted as an asset to the Human Resources department.

The Finance Committee meeting included several key financial discussions. Mr. Lucien Gauff provided an update on Ad Valorem taxes, estimating receipts in the $36 Million range and noting the expected arrival of ITEP money. Ms. Lacy Landrum updated the committee on FEMA Projects (ELOS), confirming all documents were submitted and promising a follow-up in three months. Other agenda items covered by Mr. Rene Mire included a Financial Update, Federal Programs Update, Budget to Actual review, an updated report on district-wide overtime, and expenses for extra bus runs. Finally, the committee recommended and approved the opening of a new LAMP account specifically for the construction fund millage.