Alexandria, Louisiana
October 1, 2013
The Rapides Parish School Board of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, met in regular public session at 5:00 o’clock p.m. on Tuesday, October 1, 2013 at the regular meeting place of said board in the Rapides Parish School Board Office, 619 Sixth and Beauregard Streets, in Alexandria, Louisiana.
President Stephen Chapman called the meeting to order and on roll call the following members were present.
Stephen Chapman, President
Keith Breazeale, Vice President
John Allen, Member
Wilton Barrios, Member
Steve Berry, Member
Janet Dixon, Member
Julie McConathy, Member
Darrell Rodriguez, Member
Absent: Pam Webb, Member
Mr. Nason Authement, Secretary for the Board, was present for the meeting.
District Attorney James Downs was present for the meeting.
The Invocation was pronounced by Rev. Jerry Crise, Pastor of Palestine United Methodist Church after which Dr. Stephen Chapman led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
(COPY OF OFFICIAL CALL MAILED TO EACH MEMBER OF THE RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD AND POSTED IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE AT THE MEETING PLACE OF SAID BOARD ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2013)
Alexandria, Louisiana
September 25, 2013
Dear Sir/Madam:
I, Stephen Chapman, do hereby give notice that the Rapides Parish School Board will meet in regular public session at its domicile at 619 Sixth and Beauregard Streets in the City of Alexandria, Louisiana, at 5:00 p.m. on
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2013
for the purpose of considering, acting upon, deciding, and if deemed advisable, submitting the following propositions, to wit:
1. Call to order
2. Invocation, Pledge
3. Roll call
4. Recognize:
a. the Board’s student guest from Alexandria Senior High School – Mr. Keith Breazeale
b. Buckeye Elementary for the bulletin board display in the lobby of the School Board Office for the month of October 2013 – Mr. Clyde Washington
c. Mr. Bob Stevens and Poland Junior High School for their Standards of Excellence in Teacher Evaluation and Student Achievements for 2012-2013 – Mr. Jeff Powell, Mrs. Peggy Kessler and Acadian Elementary School for their Standards of Excellence in Teacher Evaluation and Student Achievements for 2012-2013 – Mr. Jeff PowellPage 1
5. Consent Agenda: Motion to adopt in globo the items listed on the consent agenda (the consent agenda is established by the Board’s Executive Committee and any board member may request that any consent agenda item be considered separately - whether considered in globo or separately, board member and public comment shall be permitted on any item listed on the consent agenda; see pages 4 and 5)
*6. Motion that all contracted RPSB employees employed without a break in service from October 1, 2013 through December 19, 2013, inclusive, be paid a one-time salary supplement of $465 as provided by HB 1 of 2013 payable on December 19, 2013 – Mr. Nason Authement
*7. Motion to ask Superintendent and Staff to research cost of allowing schools to bid and contract certain services and bring to the October Board meeting (from August Board meeting) – Mr. Wilton Barrios
*8. Motion to present Superintendent Hiring Procedures for Support Positions (from September Board meeting) – Mrs. Janet Dixon
9. Motion to adopt Resolution requesting FCC to increase funding for the E-Rate Program and authorize the Board President to sign – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 2
10. Motion to approve amendment to Internet Service Contract dated 2-17-12 with Cebridge (dba Suddenlink) Acquisition and to authorize the Board President or Superintendent to sign Service Order – Mrs. Rebekah Beck
Pages 3-4
Source of funding General fund Amount $782.25/month after E-Rate discount
11. Motion to discuss and take action on the resurfacing of the track at Alexandria Senior High and the additional roofing project at Arthur F. Smith School – Mr. Keith Breazeale
12. Motion to clarify the acquisition of the portable buildings received from Allen Parish – Mr. Keith Breazeale
13. Motion to direct the administration to present a report at the November Regular School Board Meeting to report on the distribution of Journey Math and ELA materials to schools in the district. Report to include the number of schools that received material, quantities of that material, cost of materials, and an enumeration of schools that may still need such material – Mr. Steve Berry
14. Motion to direct the administration to present a report at the November Regular School Board meeting covering the costs associated with the design and implementation of the Frameworks program to include a list of the persons who participated in the promulgation of the material, their compensation for such work, and the funding source of the payment for such work – Mr. Steve Berry
15. Motion to direct the administration to present a report at the November Regular School Board Meeting addressing the RPSB school bus fleet to include a listing of all buses owned by or leased to RPSB that enumerates the age of the bus, the current use of each bus, the balance of the life expectancy of each bus, the estimated cost of replacement of each bus – Mr. Steve Berry
16. Motion to direct the administration to conduct a technology readiness assessment of each school in the system as well as those technology hardware and software systems that support all schools and any additional electrical supply equipment that may be needed to service enhanced computer systems. Assessment will include, but is not limited to, a definitive statement as to the technology status of each school as it relates to being equipped for wireless and/or wired communication. It shall also enumerate the actions needed at each school to bring it to at least the standard that will allow the school to participate in the PARCC assessments. It shall also provide the board with an estimate of the cost to make any upgrades that are needed and suggest a source of funding for such upgrades to hardware, software, and electrical support. Additionally, the report shall include the number of existing IP addresses at each location compared to the number needed. It shall also provide an estimated time to complete the upgrades district wide based on current needs and potential funding. The assessment shall be presented at the November Finance Committee Meeting for discussion - Mr. Steve Berry
17. Motion for the administration to give a report on the professional development programs that have been implemented so far, the cost of those programs and the funding sources of those programs. Also, to provide to the Board any future professional development programs being considered with their related costs and funding sources – Mr. Keith Breazeale
18. Motion to consider and take action with respect to adopting a Resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of not exceeding $3,500,000 of Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2013, of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana providing certain terms of said certificates making application to the State Bond Commission for approval of said certificates and providing for other matters in connection therewith – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 5-10
19. Motion to instruct the RPSB Administration to conduct an Evaluation of the Student Transportation System as recommended in Title 28 Education Part CXIII, Bulletin 119, Louisiana School Transportation Specification and Procedures. Requested information will include but need not be limited to the items listed in Chapter 27 and Chapter 29, 2901, Sections B, C, D, E and H – Mrs. Julie McConathy
Pages 11-12
20. Motion to amend the District 62 budget to reflect an appropriation of $380,000 to fund the re-roofing of the Phoenix Magnet School and to award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder contingent on the lowest bidder meeting all LA Public Bid law and contract document requirements and specifications. This motion is a carryover from the September 3, 2013 Regular Board Meeting – Mr. John Allen
21. Motion to hear a report on the activities of Turn-Around Teams B and C – Mr. John Allen
22. Motion to receive a report on the cohort graduation rates of each high school in the Rapides Parish School District for the school year 2012-2013 – Mr. John Allen
23. Motion to receive a report from the Administration concerning the following: (1) the student enrollment of each school for the current school year; (2) the number of in-school suspensions, out-of-school suspensions, the number of expulsions and the attendance rates for each school in the district for the school year 2012-2013 – Mr. John Allen
Consent agenda: (Item 5)
A. Reports:
1. to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 13-14
B. Action – Minutes
1. to approve the minutes of the 9-3-13 meeting, the 8-20-13 Personnel and Finance Committee meetings and 8-26-13 Executive Committee meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk
C. Action – Finance
1. to approve personal services contracts, leases, and other such agreements; authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to sign any and all documentation in connection with said contracts; and approve bills paid for the previous month - Ms. Liz Domite
2. to approve/adopt any budget changes/amendments – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 15-24
3. to receive an update/report on grants, approve grants included therein, and authorize the Superintendent to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Ms. Liz Domite
4. to hear a budget update from the Finance Department – Mr. Steve Berry
5. toenter into a Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with Lafourche Parish School System for Procurement of Library Books pursuant to Lafourche Parish School System Bid #2012-2016 (RPSB Bid #14-29) – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 25
6. to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Ball Park Concession/Press Box for Rapides High” (Bid #14-15) and to award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements and Specifications - Ms. Liz Domite
Source of Funding Maintenance – District 61 Amount $100,000.00 (Estimate)
7. to ratify and confirm proposal(s) received on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Telephone System and Equipment Maintenance” (RFP #14-27) and to award proposal to the recommended responsive and responsible proposer contingent on recommended proposer meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements and Specifications – Ms. Liz Domite Source of funding General Fund
8. to approveCooperative Agreement with Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service for the continuation of support of 4H Programs in Rapides Parish Schools and to provide funding in the amount of $32,772.00 for the 2013-2014 fiscal year only and authorize Superintendent to sign any necessary documentation in connection – Ms. Liz Domite Pages 26-31
Source of funding General Fund Amount $32,772.00
9. to accept donation of three (3) used desks and three (3) office chairs on behalf of the Rapides Parish School Board Curriculum Center from Carroll Furniture valued at $1,050.00 (contact person for Carroll Furniture is Frank Brame) – Ms. Penny Toney Page 32
D. Action - Discipline (Motion to go into Executive Session for 1, 2 and 3)
*1. to uphold the Rapides Parish School Board Review Committee’s recommendation – Mrs. Ruby Smith
2. to receive an update outlining the progress of each student attending the Rapides Alternative Learning Facility (RALF) - Mrs. Ruby Smith
3. to receive a report for students successfully completing the requirements for a performance contract – Mrs. Ruby Smith
E. Action – Personnel
1. receive reports as follows: - Dr. Emily Weatherford
a. new hires, pending a satisfactory drug screening and background check
b. new hires in lieu of substitute
c. promotions
d. leave requests, rescissions, waivers, etc.
e. performance contract renewals
f. resignations and retirements
2. to discuss any personnel complaints that may go before the full board for action – Dr. Emily Weatherford
*Denotes that these items have been through committee
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, Witness my official signature and the seal of the Rapides Parish School Board this 25thth day of September 2013
/s/Stephen Chapman
President
ATTEST:
/s/Nason Authement
Secretary
S E A L
Public comment was solicited prior to the vote on items during this meeting.
Mr. Keith Breazeale introduced the Board’s student guest, Sophia Robichaux a senior at Alexandria Senior High, who was recognized for her academic and extracurricular achievements. Also recognized were Sophia’s family and Mr. Duane Urbina, principal at Alexandria Senior High. (Item 4a)
The Board recognized Buckeye Elementary School for the bulletin board display in the lobby of the School Board Office for the month of October 2013. (Item 4b)
Mr. Jeff Powell recognized the following: (Item 4c)
Mr. Bob Stevens and Poland Junior High School for their Standards of Excellence in Teacher Evaluation and Student Achievements for 2012-2013.
Mrs. Peggy Kessler and Acadian Elementary School for their Standards of Excellence in Teacher Evaluation and Student Achievements for 2012-2013.
A motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez that all contracted RPSB employees employed without a break in service from October 1, 2013 through December 19, 2013, inclusive, be paid a one-time salary supplement of $465 as provided by HB 1 of 2013 payable on December 19, 2013. (Item 6)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Barrios, Mrs. McConathy, Mrs. Dixon, Mr. Berry, Mr. Allen, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Dr. Chapman
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to approve the consent agenda. (Item 5)
Dr. Stephen Chapman read the consent agenda and discussion ensued.
Items 5C-6 and 5C-7 were pulled for regular agenda.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Barrios, Mrs. McConathy, Mrs. Dixon, Mr. Berry, Mr. Allen, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Dr. Chapman
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb
A. Reports:
1. to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 13-14
B. Action – Minutes
1. to approve the minutes of the 9-3-13 meeting, the 8-20-13 Personnel and Finance Committee meetings and 8-26-13 Executive Committee meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk
C. Action – Finance
1. to approve personal services contracts, leases, and other such agreements; authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to sign any and all documentation in connection with said contracts; and approve bills paid for the previous month - Ms. Liz Domite
2. to approve/adopt any budget changes/amendments – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 15-24
3. to receive an update/report on grants, approve grants included therein, and authorize the Superintendent to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Ms. Liz Domite
4. to hear a budget update from the Finance Department – Mr. Steve Berry
5. toenter into a Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with Lafourche Parish School System for Procurement of Library Books pursuant to Lafourche Parish School System Bid #2012-2016 (RPSB Bid #14-29) – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 25
6. pulled for the Regular agenda.
7. pulled for the Regular agenda.
8. to approveCooperative Agreement with Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service for the continuation of support of 4H Programs in Rapides Parish Schools and to provide funding in the amount of $32,772.00 for the 2013-2014 fiscal year only and authorize Superintendent to sign any necessary documentation in connection therewith –Ms. Liz Domite Pages 26-31
Source of funding General Fund Amount $32,772.00
9. to accept donation of three (3) used desks and three (3) office chairs on behalf of the Rapides Parish School Board Curriculum Center from Carroll Furniture valued at $1,050.00 (contact person for Carroll Furniture is Frank Brame) – Ms. Penny Toney
Page 32
D. Action - Discipline (Motion to go into Executive Session for 1, 2 and 3)
*1. to uphold the Rapides Parish School Board Review Committee’s recommendation – Mrs. Ruby Smith
Ø Motion that in lieu of expulsion, Luther Hunter be admitted to the Rapides Alternative Learning Facility and complete all requirements as mandated by the principal and Board and thereafter be re-admitted to the zoned school conditioned upon a probationary agreement to be executed by the student, parent and Superintendent within five (5) days, otherwise the principal’s recommendation is upheld.
Ø Motion that in lieu of expulsion, Fadee Alnajjar be admitted to the Rapides Alternative Learning Facility and complete all requirements as mandated by the principal and Board and thereafter be re-admitted to the zoned school as soon as he completes the requirements conditioned upon a probationary agreement to be executed by the student, parent and Superintendent within five (5) days, otherwise the principal’s recommendation is upheld.
2. to receive an update outlining the progress of each student attending the Rapides Alternative Learning Facility (RALF) - Mrs. Ruby Smith
3. to receive a report for students successfully completing the requirements for a performance contract – Mrs. Ruby Smith
E. Action – Personnel
1. receive reports as follows: - Dr. Emily Weatherford
a. new hires, pending a satisfactory drug screening and background check
b. new hires in lieu of substitute
c. promotions
d. leave requests, rescissions, waivers, etc.
e. performance contract renewals
f. resignations and retirements
2. to discuss any personnel complaints that may go before the full board for action –Dr. Emily Weatherfor
*Denotes that these items have been through committee
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Ball Park Concession/Press Box for Rapides High” (Bid #14-15) and to award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements and Specifications. (Item 5C-6)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to reject all bids received on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Ball Park Concession/Press Box for Rapides High” (Bid #14-15) due to exceeding budget allocation and to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids for “Rapides High Concession Stand/Press Box (Bid #14-15A) authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office
Staff to receive bids and a recommendation to be made to the Board.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Barrios, Mrs. McConathy, Mrs. Dixon, Mr. Berry, Mr. Allen, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Dr. Chapman
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to to ratify and confirm proposal(s) received on Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Telephone System and Equipment Maintenance” (RFP #14-27) and to award proposal to the recommended responsive and responsible proposer contingent on recommended proposer meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements and Specifications. (Item 5C-7)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to reject RFP #14-27 because of non-responsiveness and to put out another RFP and to use the existing contract with Lagniappe for a 90-day period, on an as needed basis, until a decision is made on the RFP (staff is also to include a feasibility study on having one of our own employees conduct our phone work). (Item 5C-7)
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Barrios, Mrs. McConathy, Mrs. Dixon, Mr. Berry, Mr. Allen, Mr. Breazeale,Mr. Rodriguez, Dr. Chapman
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb
Let the record reflect that Mr. John Allen left the meeting at this time.
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to consider and take action with respect to adopting a Resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of not exceeding $3,500,000 of Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2013, of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana providing certain terms of said certificates making application to the State Bond Commission for approval of said certificates and providing for other matters in connection therewith. (Item 18)
Mr. Trevor Haynes with Foley and Judell presented information to the Board at this time and discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Barrios, Mrs. McConathy, Mrs. Dixon, Mr. Berry, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Dr. Chapman
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Allen
RESOLUTION
A resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of not exceeding Three Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($3,500,000) of Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2013, of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana; providing certain terms of said certificates; making application to the State Bond Commission for approval of said Certificates; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
WHEREAS, the General Fund Budget for the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana (the “Issuer”), for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014, shows an estimated excess of revenues (including fund balance) over statutory, necessary and usual charges and all other expenses for such fiscal year, which sum is available for the payment of principal and interest on the hereinafter described Certificates of Indebtedness; and
WHEREAS, the surplus reflected for the current fiscal year is sufficient to meet the maximum principal and interest requirements in any future year on the indebtedness herein authorized and this Parish School Board will herein obligate itself and its successors in office to budget and set aside annually adequate funds for the payment of the Certificates of Indebtedness (hereinafter described) in principal and interest in future years; and
WHEREAS, Sections 2921 to 2925, inclusive, of Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended (R.S. 33:2921-2925) (the “Act”), authorize the Issuer to make and enter into contracts dedicating the excess of annual revenues of subsequent years above statutory, necessary and usual charges to the payment of the cost of public improvements and other obligations which are to be borne by the Issuer under such contracts, provided all such dedications do not exceed the estimated excess of revenue above statutory, necessary and usual charges for the year in which such contract is made; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Act, and subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission, the Issuer desires to issue not exceeding $3,500,000 of Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2013 (the “Certificates”), for the purpose of purchasing school buses and equipment and paying the costs incurred in connection with the issuance of the Certificates, to be payable from and secured by a pledge and dedication of the excess of annual revenues of the Issuer above statutory, necessary and usual charges in each of the fiscal years during which the Certificates are outstanding; and
WHEREAS, the Issuer desires to make formal application to the State Bond Commission for approval of the Certificates;
WHEREAS, the Issuer is not now a party to any contract pledging or dedicating its excess annual revenues above statutory, necessary and usual charges, EXCEPT for the outstanding (i) Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2004; (ii) Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2005; (iii) and Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2006; (iv) and Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2011 (collectively, the “Outstanding Parity Certificates”); and
WHEREAS, the Issuer desires to make formal application to the State Bond Commission for approval of the Certificates;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana, acting as the governing authority of said Parish for school purposes, that:
SECTION 1. Preliminary Approval of Certificates. Preliminary approval is given to the issuance of not exceeding $3,500,000 of Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2013, of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana (the “Certificates”), to be issued for the purpose of purchasing school buses and equipment and paying the costs incurred in connection with the issuance of the Certificates, said Certificates to be payable from and secured by and payable as to principal and interest solely from a pledge and dedication of the excess of annual revenues above statutory, necessary and usual charges. The Certificates shall be issued on a parity with the following outstanding Certificates of Indebtedness of the Issuer payable from excess revenues (collectively, the “Outstanding Parity Certificates”):(i) Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2004; (ii) Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2005 (iii) Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2006 ; (iv) and Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2011. The Certificates shall bear interest at a rate or rates not exceeding 5% per annum, to be determined by subsequent proceedings of this Parish School Board at the time of the sale of the Certificates, and shall mature in annual installments due no later than ten years from the date of issuance. The Certificates shall be issued in fully registered form, shall be sold to the purchasers thereof at a price of par, plus accrued interest, if any, and shall have such additional terms and provisions as may be determined by this Parish School Board.
SECTION 2. Employment of Bond Counsel. This School Board finds and determines that a real necessity exists for the employment of special counsel in connection with the issuance of the Certificates, and accordingly, Foley & Judell, LLP, of New Orleans, Louisiana, as Bond Counsel, is hereby employed to do and perform work of a traditional legal nature as bond counsel with respect to the issuance and sale of said Certificates. Said Bond Counsel shall prepare and submit to this School Board for adoption all of the proceedings incidental to the authorization, issuance, sale and delivery of such Certificates, shall counsel and advise this School Board as to the issuance thereof and shall furnish their opinions covering the legality of the issuance of the Certificates. The fee of Bond Counsel for each series of said bonds shall be fixed at a sum not exceeding the fee allowed by the Attorney General's fee guidelines for such bond counsel work in connection with the issuance of each such series of revenue bonds and based on the amount of said bonds actually issued, sold, delivered and paid for, plus "out-of-pocket" expenses, said fees to be contingent upon the issuance, sale and delivery of said bonds. A certified copy of this resolution shall be submitted to the Attorney General of the State of Louisiana for his written approval of said employment and of the fees herein designated, and the Finance Director is hereby empowered and directed to issue vouchers in payment for the work herein provided for upon completion of the work herein specified and under the conditions herein enumerated.
SECTION 3. State Bond Commission. Application is hereby made to the State Bond Commission, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for approval of the issuance and sale of the Certificates and for consent and authority to proceed with the issuance and sale of the Certificates as provided above, and Bond Counsel is directed to make application to the State Bond Commission in accordance with the foregoing on behalf of the Issuer. By virtue of applicant/issuer’s application for, acceptance and utilization of the benefits of the Louisiana State Bond Commission’s approval(s) resolved and set forth herein, it resolves that it understands and agrees that such approval(s) are expressly conditioned upon, and it further resolves that it understands, agrees and binds itself, its successors and assigns to, full and continuing compliance with the “State Bond Commission Policy on Approval of Proposed Use of Swaps, or other forms of Derivative Products Hedges, Etc.”, adopted by the Commission on July 20, 2006, as to the borrowing(s) and other matter(s) subject to the approval(s), including subsequent application and approval under said Policy of the implementation or use of any swap(s) or other product(s) or enhancement(s) covered thereby.
SECTION 4. Declaration of Intent. Prior to the delivery of the Certificates, the Issuer anticipates that it may pay a portion of the costs of the project from the General Fund. The project includes specifically paying the costs of purchasing school buses and equipment and paying the costs of issuance thereof. Upon the issuance of the Certificates, the Issuer reasonably expects to reimburse any such expenditures of other available funds from a portion of the proceeds of the Certificates. Any such allocation of proceeds of the Certificates for reimbursement will be with respect to capital expenditures (as defined in Reg. 1.150-1(b)) and will be made upon the delivery of the Certificates and not later than one year after the later of (i) the date such expenditure was paid or (ii) the date on which the project was placed in service. This Section is intended to be a declaration of official intent within the meaning of Reg. 1.150-2.
SECTION 5. Publication. A copy of this resolution shall be published immediately after its adoption in one issue of the official journal of the Issuer.
This resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:
|
Members |
YEAS |
NAYS |
ABSENT |
ABSTAINING |
|
|
X |
|
|
|
|
Wilton Barrios, Jr |
X |
|
|
|
|
Steve Berry |
X |
|
|
|
|
Julie McConathy |
X |
|
|
|
|
Janet Dixon |
X |
|
|
|
|
Stephen Chapman |
X |
|
|
|
|
John E. Allen, Jr. |
|
|
X |
|
|
Keith Breazeale |
X |
|
|
|
|
Darrell Rodriguez |
X |
|
|
|
|
Pam Webb |
|
|
X |
|
And the resolution was declared adopted on this, the 1st of October, 2013.
/s/ Nason Authement s/ Dr. Stephen Chapman
Secretary President
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF RAPIDES
I, the undersigned Secretary of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana, do hereby certify that the foregoing pages constitute a true and correct copy of a resolution adopted by said Parish School Board on October 1, 2013, giving preliminary approval to the issuance of not exceeding Three Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($3,500,000) of Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2013, of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana; providing certain terms of said Certificates; making application to the State Bond Commission for approval of said Certificates; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
IN FAITH WHEREOF, witness my official signature at Alexandria, Louisiana, on this the 1st day of October, 2013.
___________________
Secretary
Let the record reflect that Mr. John Allen returned to the meeting at this time.
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to ask the Superintendent and Staff to research cost of allowing schools to bid and contract certain services and bring to the October Board meeting (from August Board meeting). (Item 7)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to direct the Superintendent and Staff to research the local schools being allowed to communicate with administration on their desire to use locally provided services, inclusive of minority and women-owned businesses and to come back to the Board with this information.
Discussion ensued.
On the substitute motion by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon, the Board voted unanimously to direct the Superintendent and Staff to research the local schools being allowed to communicate with administration on their desire to use locally provided services, inclusive of minority and women-owned businesses and to come back to the Board with this information.
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to present Superintendent Hiring Procedures for Support Positions (from September Board meeting).(Item 8)
Discussion ensued.
An amended motion was made by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to request that the Superintendent present the Superintendent Hiring Procedures for Support Positions (from September Board meeting).
Dr. Emily Weatherford presented information at this time and discussion ensued.
The Board received the information.
A motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to adopt Resolution requesting FCC to increase funding for the E-Rate Program and authorize the Board President to sign. (Item 9)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Barrios, Mrs. McConathy, Mrs. Dixon, Mr. Berry, Mr. Allen, Mr. Breazeale,Mr. Rodriguez, Dr. Chapman
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb
Rapides Parish School Board
ERATE Resolution Concerning the FCC E-Rate NPRM, proceeding 13-184
WHEREAS the E-Rate has been of great importance to the Rapides Parish School Board and;
WHEREAS the E-Rate has helped our students and teachers gain access to a wealth of online resources, to communicate and collaborate, and to develop the 21st century skills necessary for college and career and;
WHEREAS E-Rate funding levels have not kept pace with the Rapides Parish School Board current and future bandwidth needs and;
WHEREAS we know that seamlessly infusing digital learning throughout the school curriculum is a pre-requisite for students to graduate from high school with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s global economy and;
WHEREAS accesses to high speed broadband is the key for modern teaching and learning to occur in all schools across the country and;
WHEREAS the Rapides Parish School Board use digital learning to personalize learning, provide online classes, meet common core state standards, administer online assessments, and make data driven decisions and;
WHEREAS the Rapides Parish School Board’s network currently is severely limited in keeping up with demand and;
WHEREAS the need for a high speed reliable network is only going to increase in the near future and;
WHEREAS the E-rate program has been a phenomenal success in bringing Internet access to almost every classroom in America and;
WHEREAS in the last funding cycle applications from schools and libraries to the Universal Services Administrative Corportation (USAC) totaled more than $5 billion, more than double the available funding;
THEREFORE LET IT BE RSOLVED that the Rapides Parish School Board respectfully urges the FCC to increase funding for the E-Rate program to at least $5 billion to meet this demand.
________________________
BOARD PRESIDENT
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to approve amendment to Internet Service Contract dated 2-17-12 with Cebridge (dba Suddenlink) Acquisition and to authorize the Board President or Superintendent to sign Service Order. (Item 10)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Barrios, Mrs. McConathy, Mrs. Dixon, Mr. Berry, Mr. Allen, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Dr. Chapman
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb
Let the record reflect that Mr. Wilton Barrios and Mrs. Julie McConathy left the meeting at this time.
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to discuss and take action on the resurfacing of the track at Alexandria Senior High and the additional roofing project at Arthur F. Smith School. (Item 11)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to amend the budget for the roofing project at Arthur F. Smith School to $700,000 and to defer any action on resurfacing the track at Alexandria Senior High School.
On roll call on the substitute motion the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mrs. Dixon, Mr. Allen, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez
NAY: Dr. Chapman
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mrs. McConathy
ABSTAIN: Mr. Berry
THE SUBSTITUTE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.
A motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to clarify the acquisition of the portable buildings received from Allen Parish. (Item 12)
Mr. Keith Breazeale stated the portable buildings received from Allen Parish were not donated to the Rapides Parish School District, that it was an Interagency Agreement and we had to pay for the cost of having them moved to Rapides Parish and discussion ensued.
No action was needed.
Items 13, 14, 15 and 16 were discussed in globo.
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to take these items in globo as follows: to direct the administration to present a report at the November Regular School Board Meeting to report on the distribution of Journey Math and ELA materials to schools in the district. Report to include the number of schools that received material, quantities of that material, cost of materials, and an enumeration of schools that may still need such material (Item 13); to direct the administration to present a report at the November Regular School Board meeting covering the costs associated with the design and implementation of the Frameworks program to include a list of the persons who participated in the promulgation of the material, their compensation for such work, and the funding source of the payment for such work (Item 14); to direct the administration to present a report at the November Regular School Board Meeting addressing the RPSB school bus fleet to include a listing of all buses owned by or leased to RPSB that enumerates the age of the bus, the current use of each bus, the balance of the life expectancy of each bus, the estimated cost of replacement of each bus (Item 15); and to direct the administration to conduct a technology readiness assessment of each school in the system as well as those technology hardware and software systems that support all schools and any additional electrical supply equipment that may be needed to service enhanced computer systems. Assessment will include, but is not limited to, a definitive statement as to the technology status of each school as it relates to being equipped for wireless and/or wired communication. It shall also enumerate the actions needed at each school to bring it to at least the standard that will allow the school to participate in the PARCC assessments. It shall also provide the board with an estimate of the cost to make any upgrades that are needed and suggest a source of funding for such upgrades to hardware, software, and electrical support. Additionally, the report shall include the number of existing IP addresses at each location compared to the number needed. It shall also provide an estimated time to complete the upgrades districtwide based on current needs and potential funding. The assessment shall be presented at the November Finance Committee Meeting for discussion. (Item 16)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to bring items 13-16 to the November Education Committee meeting.
Discussion ensued.
An amended motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon for items 13 and 14 go to the November Education Committee meeting and for items 15 and 16 go the November Finance Committee meeting.
Discussion ensued.
On the amended motion by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon, the Board voted unanimously for items 13 and 14 go to the November Education Committee meeting and for items 15 and 16 go the November Finance Committee meeting.
A motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy for the administration to give a report on the professional development programs that have been implemented so far, the cost of those programs and the funding sources of those programs. Also, to provide to the Board any future professional development programs being considered with their related costs and funding sources. (Item 17)
Discussion ensued.
An amended motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry for the administration to give a report at the January 2014 Finance Committee Meeting on the professional development programs that have been implemented so far, the cost of those programs and the funding sources of those programs. Also, to provide to the Board any future professional development programs being considered with their related costs and funding sources.
Discussion ensued.
On the amended motion by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry, the Board voted unanimously for the administration to give a report at the January 2014 Finance Committee Meeting on the professional development programs that have been implemented so far, the cost of those programs and the funding sources of those programs. Also, to provide to the Board any future professional development programs being considered with their related costs and funding sources.
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to instruct the RPSB Administration to conduct an Evaluation of the Student Transportation System as recommended in Title 28 Education Part CXIII, Bulletin 119, Louisiana School Transportation Specification and Procedures. Requested information will include but need not be limited to the items listed in Chapter 27 and Chapter 29, 2901, Sections B, C, D, E and H. (Item 19)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to instruct the RPSB Administration to conduct an Evaluation of the Student Transportation System as recommended in Title 28 Education Part CXIII, Bulletin 119, Louisiana School Transportation Specification and Procedures. Requested information will include but need not be limited to the items listed in Chapter 27 and Chapter 29, 2901, Sections B, C, D, E and H and send to the November Finance Committee.
Discussion ensued.
On the substitute motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman, the Board voted unanimously to instruct the RPSB Administration to conduct an Evaluation of the Student Transportation System as recommended in Title 28 Education Part CXIII, Bulletin 119, Louisiana School Transportation Specification and Procedures. Requested information will include but need not be limited to the items listed in Chapter 27 and Chapter 29, 2901, Sections B, C, D, E and H and send to the November Finance Committee.
A motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to amend the District 62 budget to reflect an appropriation of $380,000 to fund the re-roofing of the Phoenix Magnet School and to award the bid to the lowest responsible bidder contingent on the lowest bidder meeting all LA Public Bid law and contract document requirements and specifications. This motion is a carryover from the September 3, 2013 Regular Board Meeting. (Item 20)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to amend the District 62 budget to $360,000 for re-roof of Phoenix Magnet.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Barrios, Mrs. McConathy, Mrs. Dixon, Mr. Berry, Mr. Allen, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Dr. Chapman
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb
A motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to hear a report on the activities of Turn-Around Teams B and C. (Item 21)
Information was presented to the Board at this time and discussion ensued.
No action was taken.
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. John Allen to receive a report on the cohort graduation rates of each high school in the Rapides Parish School District for the school year 2012-2013. (Item 22)
Discussion ensued and it was stated that the report has not been received yet and it will be brought back to the Board when it is received.
No action was taken.
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to receive a report from the Administration concerning the following: (1) the student enrollment of each school for the current school year; (2) the number of in-school suspensions, out-of-school suspensions, the number of expulsions and the attendance rates for each school in the district for the school year 2012-2013.(Item 23)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to receive a report at the November board meeting from the Administration concerning the following: (1) the student enrollment of each school for the current school year; (2) the number of in-school suspensions, out-of-school suspensions, the number of expulsions and the attendance rates for each school in the district for the school year 2012-201.
Discussion ensued.
On the substitute motion made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale, the Board voted unanimously to receive a report at the November Board meeting from the Administration concerning the following: (1) the student enrollment of each school for the current school year; (2) the number of in-school suspensions, out-of-school suspensions, the number of expulsions and the attendance rates for each school in the district for the school year 2012-2013.
Pursuant to motion duly carried, the Rapides Parish School Board adjourned.
/s/Stephen Chapman
President
ATTEST:
/s/Nason Authement
Secretary
S E A L