St. Mary Parish School District

The meeting included the introduction and recognition of Students and Employees of the Month from various schools, and recognition of the district principal of the year and the 2026 National Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award honoree. Key actions included the unanimous approval of the Instructional Calendar for the 2026-2027 school year, and the unanimous approval of the consent agenda items, including advertising for bids for various Child Nutrition Department supplies and equipment. Business affairs involved updates on Industrial Tax Exemption Program (ITEP) matters for Orion Engineered Carbons, LLC, Gravois Aluminum Boats, LLC, and Birla Carbon USA Inc., the approval of the School Board Member Training Resolution for 2025, recognition of members achieving Certified School Board Member Designation, the awarding of a bid for a Tilt Skillet/Braising pan, and the initiation of the Superintendent Selection Process. The Policy Committee reported on several revisions, including consolidating policies related to board meetings, updating notification requirements, revising policies on sale of surplus equipment, incorporating FEMA debarment requirements into Procurement, updating Recruitment and Employee Conduct policies per Act 409 regarding criminal convictions and registry checks, and clarifying cost responsibility for mandated mental health assessments under Act 469. The Special Education Advisory Council set future meeting dates and discussed the upcoming Spring Special Olympics. The Maintenance District I Committee recommended and the Board approved allocating $45,000 in District I Maintenance funds for the Centerville High School Baseball Field Lighting Project. Staff reports included a positive update on year-to-date sales tax collections and Superintendent updates on ongoing academic preparations and Black History Month celebrations. The meeting concluded with the reading of Resolutions of Respect for three late individuals.

The meeting commenced with the introduction and recognition of Students and Employees of the Month across several schools. The agenda was amended unanimously to include consideration of the resignation and retirement of Superintendent Dr. Buffy Fegenbush after 31 years of service, which was subsequently accepted by the Board. Following the acceptance, Dr. Sanders officially began serving as interim superintendent. Key actions included the unanimous approval of the Consent Agenda, which authorized RFP/negotiation for property and workers compensation insurance and proclaimed various recognition months/days for January and February 2026. Business Affairs involved unanimously approving a change to hold regular monthly meetings on the first Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. The Board received an update on the Group Health Insurance Plan, noting a modest 2.5 percent renewal increase, and unanimously approved the unmodified clean audit report for the year ended June 30, 2025. Committee reports included the Discipline Committee recommending approval of proposed revisions to student bus transportation guidelines. The CFO reported that year-to-date sales tax collections were slightly below budget but December collections were strong, and announced an increase in the standard mileage rate for travel reimbursement to $0.725 per mile starting January 1, 2026. The Superintendent provided updates on report card distribution, recognized Students of the Year, and acknowledged Board members and local law enforcement. Resolutions of Respect were read for three deceased individuals. The meeting concluded with an executive session to discuss pending litigation before adjourning.

The meeting commenced with introductions, including recognition of Students and Employees of the Month from various schools. Appearances included recognition for the St. Mary Parish School Board Christmas Card artwork winner, district Students of the Year, Teachers of the Year, Outstanding School Support Employees of the Year, and the School Health Provider of the Year. A Morgan City High School student was recognized for an achievement at the Ed Rising National Conference. Business affairs included receiving the Group Health Insurance Premium to Claims Summary Report, awarding the Bateman Island Lease to the highest bidder, and adopting revisions to the 2025-2026 Student-Parent Handbook. Committee reports detailed meetings on Special Education Advisory Council business and the review and recommendation of the Discipline (JD) policy. The Policy Committee reported on necessary revisions to several policies, including Equal Opportunity Employment, Equal Education Opportunities, Corporal Punishment, Procurement, and Bids and Quotations, aligning them with recent legislative updates and LDOE directives, including the approval of the new Accounting Procurement Manual. Financial reports noted that sales tax collections were 8 percent unfavorable year-to-date. The Superintendent's Report covered the release of 2024-2025 school performance scores, noting consistent academic growth and several school commendations, and announced the upcoming stipends for certified and support staff. The board concluded with a Resolution of Respect and an executive session to discuss pending litigation regarding 'Boudreaux, et al vs. School Board of St. Mary Parish'.

The meeting was convened to discuss the Superintendent's request for medical leave, which led to an executive session. Following the executive session, the board approved the Superintendent's request for medical leave. Subsequently, the board approved a resolution to temporarily assign the duties of Superintendent to the Assistant Superintendent of Operations, including a monthly stipend and car allowance for the duration of the assignment.

The meeting included recognition of Students and Employees of the Month from various schools, as well as VAM teachers. The board discussed health insurance premiums, a dental plan renewal with a premium increase, and a vision plan renewal with a slight premium increase. They canvassed the returns and declared the results of a special election to renew a sales and use tax, and adopted an ordinance to levy the tax. The superintendent was authorized to negotiate a Memorandum of Understanding with the St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office for the Futures Project. There were also discussions regarding a Policy Committee Meeting, a sales tax update, and financial statements. The Special Education Department was commended by the Louisiana Department of Education for equitable evaluation processes. Finally, the board entered an executive session to discuss a legal matter.