By David Vitrano

L’Observateur

RESERVE – St. John the Baptist Parish School Board Attorney Lloyd LeBlanc advised the board vacate the contract it entered into with A.M.E. Disaster Recovery Services in January to perform renovations at Garyville/Mt. Airy Math and Science Magnet School.

LeBlanc told the board Thursday a due process hearing determined the company to not be a responsible bidder because one of the company’s qualifying members was a convicted felon at the time the bid was offered. He said responsibility on the part of a bidding company is determined by a combination of skill, integrity, finances, quality of work and other similar factors.

A.M.E. attorney David Voss and two representatives from the Norco-based company were present at the meeting to refute LeBlanc’s advice.

“I would respectfully disagree with the attorney’s recommendation,” said Voss.

He continued, “You can’t go back and un-accept a contract,” adding, “Mr. Moliere is not the bidder. A.M.E. is the bidder.”

Nonetheless, the board passed a motion 6-3 to declare the contract null and void. Two members were absent.

In other business, Superintendent Courtney Millet addressed upcoming state testing.

Earlier this week, parish schools participated in a mock test to prepare for the writing portion of the tests, which will be given March 23.

She said proctors for the mock exam gave the students high marks.

“I truly believe we are ready. I truly believe good testing comes from good teaching,” Millet said.

This is the first year the tests will be administered in two parts. The multiple choice section of the test will be given the week of April 12.

Millet said parents can find testing re-sources at www.louisianapass.org and www.louisianaeagle.org.

The proposed school calendar for the 2010-11 school year, which was given to board members at the March 2 meeting, was approved by the board unanimously.

Also Thursday, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance Perry DiCarlo presented the board with his quarterly truancy report.

According to DiCarlo numbers in most categories are down slightly from last year and significantly from two years ago. The referrals category showed a slight increase from last year, but DiCarlo said that may be because of modifications to disciplinary procedures at individual schools.

At 94.65 percent, the district’s attendance percentage is also slightly down from last year. DiCarlo said the attendance target is 95 percent.

When the topic turned to truancy court, board member Russ Wise asked DiCarlo if any parents of habitually truant students had yet been held accountable for their child’s actions.

DiCarlo responded while some parents have been threatened with fines or jail time, none had actually received such a penalty to his knowledge.

“By now we better put some teeth into this thing,” said Wise.

Lastly, a special School Board meeting has been called for March 25 at 10 a.m. to discuss matters related to the parish’s Headstart program.