Alexandria, Louisiana
February 4, 2014
The Rapides Parish School Board of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, met in regular public session at 5:00 o’clock p.m. on Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at the regular meeting place of said board in the Rapides Parish School Board Office, 619 Sixth and Beauregard Streets, in Alexandria, Louisiana.
President Janet H. Dixon called the meeting to order and on roll call the following members were present:
Janet Dixon, President
Julie McConathy, Vice President
John Allen, Member Wilton Barrios, Member
Steve Berry, Member
Keith Breazeale, Member
Stephen Chapman, 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 Colors were presented by the Tioga High School JROTC. The Invocation was pronounced by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez after which Mrs. Julie McConathy 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 JANUARY 31, 2014)
Alexandria, Louisiana
January 31, 2014
Dear Sir/Madam:
I, Janet H. Dixon, 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, FEBUARY 4, 2014
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 Pineville High School – Mr. Steve Berry
b. Mary Goff Elementary for the bulletin board display in the lobby of the School Board Office for the month of February 2014 – Mr. Clyde Washington
c. Principals of the Year – Dr. Arthur Joffrion
· Bonnie Lord – Cherokee Elementary
· Shannon Alford – Caroline Dormon Junior High
· Jonathan Garrett – Buckeye High
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 to hear an update on the status of ACT 1, presented by Jon Guice – Mr. Nason Authement
7. Motion to discuss and approve the implementation of a School Based Dental Program operated by Christus Cabrini Hospital, pending review by legal counsel - Mr. Nason Authement
Pages 1-8
8. Motion to approve hiring Purtle and Associates to do an assessment of Bolton High to identify water intrusion problems and to provide possible solutions and to enter into a contract, pending review by legal counsel – Mrs. Pam WebbSource of funding District 62 Amount $10,000 (not to exceed)
9. Motion to accept the recommendation of the Insurance Committee regarding the Employee Voluntary Deduction for Long Term Disability Insurance – Ms. Liz Domite
10. Motion to receive an update on the activities of Turn-Around Teams A and D – Mr. John Allen
11. Motion to have the administration come back with a solution to the intercom system at Alexandria Senior High and a projected estimated cost – Mr. Keith Breazeale
12. Motion to install a bus canopy at Phoenix Magnet Elementary School with a report by district to show the number of students that attend Phoenix Magnet school – Mr. Wilton Barrios/Mr. John Allen
Pages 9-10
Source of funding Parish Wide and/or District 62 Amount $60,000
13. Motion to ratify and confirm proposal(s) regarding “Fire Alarm System Test and Inspection Service” (RFP #14-54A) received on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. with back-up and documentation on how this determination was made with the option to re-b id if deemed necessary – Mrs. Janet Dixon
Page 11
Source of funding Various Maintenance Amount $60,000
14. Motion to hear and possibly take action on the district-wide technology wireless infrastructure plan - Mrs. Rebekah Beck
Source of finding Various Funds Amount $1 million
15. Motion for the RPSB administration to present for review, discussion and action: the RPSB School Activity Funds Policies and Procedures Manual – Dr. Stephen Chapman
16. 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
Pages 12-21
17. Motion to approve the St. Bernard Parish School Board’s request to participate in a cooperative purchasing agreement with the Rapides Parish School Board for the purchase of educational materials (RPSB #12-29) – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 22
18. Motion to accept a donation of $2,500.00 from AYCO Charitable Foundation on behalf of the Bolton High Baseball Team and authorize the Superintendent or Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 23
19. Motion to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Friday, January 31, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Purchase of School Buses” (Bid # 14-34) and to award bid to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder(s) contingent on low bidder(s) meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements and Specifications - Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding General Fund – Certificates of Indebtedness Amount $3,400,000.00
20. Motion to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids and a recommendation to be made to the Board – Ms. Liz Domite
a. “Purchase of Educational Materials and Supplies” for the 2014-2015 school year Bid # 14-62 - Funding General Fund
b. “Purchase of Science Materials” - Bid #14-16 - Funding General Fund
c. “Purchase of Refurbished Computers” – Bid # 14-30 - Funding Various Funds
d. “Purchase of Propane Gas” for the 2014-2015 school year - Bid # 14-10 – Funding General Fund
e. “Sanitary Maintenance” – Bid # 14-13 – Funding Maintenance Funds
21. Motion to reject all proposal(s) received on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Targeted Audit/Agreed Upon Procedures” (RFP # 14-35) and to authorize staff to re-advertise after April 15, 2014 - Ms. Liz Domite and Mr. Nason Authement
Source of funding General Fund
22. Motion to accept donation from the Bolton High School Alumni Association for the restoration of the Bolton High School Museum Room value of donation is $12,421.64 – Mr. Nason Authement and Mrs. Pam Webb
Pages 24-39
23. Motion to accept monetary donation for the construction of a “Concession/Restroom Facility at the Buckeye High Softball/ Baseball Complex” on Buckeye High School Campus; construction project has an architect’s estimate in the range of $40,000 - $55,000 – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 40
24. Motion to authorize the secretary to advertise for Bids (Bid 14-46) for Concession/ Restroom Facility at Buckeye Softball/Baseball Complex” and authorize the Executive Committee and/or Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids with a recommendation to the Board – Ms. Liz Domite
25. Motion to accept donation of a new Metal Building valued at $3,795 on behalf of Scott M. Brame Middle School from Factor Steel Buildings and provide any necessary documentation related to the donation – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 41-42
26. Motion to direct the Superintendent and/or staff to study the possibility of shared counselors at the elementary schools to be decided by staff (deferred from November Education Committee) – Mr. Wilton Barrios
27. Motion to select Barron, Heinberg and Brocato as the engineers for the installation of the canopy at the Phoenix Magnet Elementary School – Mr. John Allen
28. Motion to change the procedure of the opening of bids received from contractors. All bids will be received by the Deputy Assistant Superintendent of Administration until the due date and time, as set forth in the advertisement for bids expires. The bids will remain unopened until a meeting of the Finance Committee is convened. During the meeting of the Finance Committee, a member of the administration will open the bids and read into the record the name of each bidder and the amount each bidder(s) bid. The bids will be reviewed by the members of the Finance Committee and any Board Member present that desires to review them. The Finance Committee shall send the bids to the administration for tabulation and a recommendation to the School Board for the acceptance or rejection of the bid(s) – Mr. John Allen
29. Motion for the RPSB to discuss the policy change to Policy GBA. It is recommended that the language below be added to the end of Policy GBA under the section Performance Contracts. A motion will be placed on the March Regular Board meeting for adoption of the policy change according to Board Policy: …”introduced at one meeting and laid over for adoption at a subsequent regular meeting”:
“Renewal of Performance Contracts described in R.S. 17:444 shall occur no earlier than 120 days prior to the expiration for the existing performance contract of an employee. Unless the Board by specific motion dictates a longer term for performance contracts, those contracts shall be for a maximum term of two years.” – Mrs. Janet Dixon
Pages 43-44
Consent agenda: (Item 5)
A. Reports:
1. to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 45-47
B. Action – Minutes
1. to approve the minutes of the 12-3-13, 12-18-13 and 12-20-13 meetings, the 12-4-13 In-Service meeting, the 12-19-13 Discipline Review Committee and the 12-16-13Executive Committee meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official
C. Action – Education
*1. to give the Board an update on the District’s PARCC technology readiness – Mrs. Rebekah Beck
*2. to disseminate and discuss information regarding the leadership academy, Rapides Educational Leadership Institute (RELI) for the 2013-2014 school year – Dr. Emily Weatherford
Pages 48-49
*3. to discuss and update the Board on the Administrative procedures on establishingthe yearly district calendar – Mrs. Kim Bennett
Page 50
*4. to hear a report from the Administration concerning the activities of the Curriculum Specialists – Mr. John Allen
Pages 51-65
D. 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
Page 66
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 quarterly report on Maintenance Funds – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 67
E. 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
F. 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
*3. to revise the job description for JROTC Instructor – Dr. Emily Weatherford
Pages 68-76
*4. to approve professional services contracts and authorize the Superintendent and/or Board President to sign any and all documentation therewith: - Mrs. Shelly Close
a. Speech Therapists (2)
b. Occupational Therapist
Pages 77-80
Source of funding General Fund Amount $51,480.00
*5. to discuss Rapides Parish School Board’s policy GBN, entitled Dismissal of Employees (School Employees) - Mr. John Allen
Pages 81-85
*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 31st day of January 2014
/s/Janet H. Dixon
President
ATTEST:
/s/Nason Authement
Secretary
S E A L
Public comment was solicited prior to the vote on items during this meeting.
Mr. Steve Berry introduced the Board’s student guest, Camille Faircloth, a senior at Pineville High School, who was recognized for her academic and extracurricular achievements. Also recognized were Camille’s family and Dr. Karl Carpenter, principal at Pineville High School. (Item 4-a)
The Board recognized Mary Goff Elementary for the bulletin board display in the lobby of the School Board Office for the month of February 2014. (Item 4-b)
President Janet Dixon and Superintendent Authement asked for a personal privilege at this time.
Mr. Doug Bonner introduced the first graduating student with the assistance from the Graduation Alliance Program. Tiara Johnson, a working mother, was able to complete her studies and will be attending college soon.
A motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to add to the agenda to approve the annual renewal agreement for School Messenger with Reliance Communications and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation with regards to said renewal – Reason to add: Current Agreement expires February 28, 2014 and renewal documentation was received on January 29, 2014. (Item 30)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb
A motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to add to the agenda to enter into an Interagency Agreement with Christus Health Central Louisiana d/b/a Christus St. Francis Cabrini Hospital to operate established school based health centers in the following schools: Buckeye High, Glenmora High, Northwood High, Pineville Junior High, Lessie Moore Elementary, Tioga High and Tioga Junior High and authorize the Board President to executive same, subject to legal review by advising counsel – Reason to add: Advice of Legal Counsel. (Item 31)
On roll call the vote to add was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. John Allen to hear an update on the status of ACT 1, presented by Jon Guice. (Item 6)
Attorney Jon Guice presented information to the Board and discussion ensued.
No action was taken.
Let the record reflect that Mr. Wilton Barrios left the meeting at this time.
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to approve hiring Purtle and Associates to do an assessment of Bolton High School to identify water intrusion problems and to provide possible solutions and to enter into a contract, pending review by legal counsel. (Item 8)
Mr. Thomas Sanders presented information to the Board and discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to have Purtle and Associates do an on-site visit at Bolton High School and bring a proposal back to the Board with definitive numbers to evaluate all sources of water intrusion and to include any outsourcing needed, pending review by legal counsel.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios
A motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to accept the recommendation of the Insurance Committee regarding the Employee Voluntary Deduction for Long Term Disability Insurance. (Item 9)
Mr. Mike Greene and Mr. James Odom, representatives of First Financial Group of America, presented information to the Board and discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to approve a recommendation from the Insurance Committee to replace Lincoln National Life Company Long Term Disability Insurance Deduction with American Fidelity Assurance Insurance Company Long Term Disability Insurance effective end of policy term, June 30, 2014.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios
A motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mr. John Allen to discuss and approve the implementation of a School Based Dental Program operated by Christus Cabrini Hospital, pending review by legal counsel. (Item 7)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to postpone any action until the May Board meeting to discuss and approve the implementation of a School Based Dental Program operated by Christus Cabrini Hospital, pending review by legal counsel.
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon, the Board voted unanimously to postpone any action until the May Board meeting to discuss and approve the implementation of a School Based Dental Program operated by Christus Cabrini Hospital, pending review by legal counsel.
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to enter into an Interagency Agreement with Christus Health Central Louisiana d/b/a Christus St. Francis Cabrini Hospital to operate established school based health centers in the following schools: Buckeye High, Glenmora High, Northwood High, Pineville Junior High, Lessie Moore Elementary, Tioga High and Tioga Junior High and authorize the Board President to executive same, subject to legal review by advising counsel. (Item 31)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios
ABSTAIN: Mr. Breazeale
A motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to hear and possibly take action on the district-wide technology wireless infrastructure plan. (Item 14)
Mrs. Rebekah Beck presented information to the Board and discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to defer this item to the February Finance Committee.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios
THE SUBSTITUTE MOTION FAILED.
A second substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry for the RPSB to accept staff’s recommendation on the district-wide technology wireless infrastructure plan and go with Cisco for the amount listed in the proposal.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the second substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios
A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to receive an update on the activities of Turn-Around Teams A and D. (Item 10)
Teams A and D gave an update to the Board at this time.
No action was taken.
A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to have the administration come back with a solution to the intercom system at Alexandria Senior High and a projected estimated cost. (Item 11)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to have the administration come back with a solution to the intercom system at Alexandria Senior High and a projected estimated cost and to receive at least three (3) quotes – funding is District 62 Maintenance funds.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios
A motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to install a bus canopy at Phoenix Magnet Elementary School with a report by district to show the number of students that attend Phoenix Magnet school. (Item 12)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to install a bus canopy at Phoenix Magnet Elementary School with a report by district to show the number of students that attend Phoenix Magnet school and with the ratio being 65% and 35% to approve the funding from District 62 for $39,000 and $21,000 from Parish Wide.
Discussion ensued.
An amended motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to install a bus canopy at Phoenix Magnet Elementary School with a report by district to show the number of students that attend Phoenix Magnet school and the funding source is 65% from District 62 Fund and 35% Parish Wide Repair Fund on the total cost.
On roll call the vote on the amended motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to ratify and confirm proposal(s) regarding “Fire Alarm System Test and Inspection Service” (RFP #14-54A) received on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. with back-up and documentation on how this determination was made with the option to re-bid if deemed necessary. (Item 13)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to accept the proposal by Siemen’s regarding “Fire Alarm System Test and Inspection Service” (RFP #14-54A) received on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. for $60,000.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez
NAY: Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mrs. Dixon
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios
THE SUBSTITUTE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon for the RPSB administration to present for review, discussion and action: the RPSB School Activity Funds Policies and Procedures Manual. (Item 15)
Ms. Liz Domite presented the names of the Committee members to review and discuss and bring a recommendation back to the Board and discussion ensued.
An amended motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon for the RPSB administration to present for review, discussion and action: the RPSB School Activity Funds Policies and Procedures Manual and bring back to the April Finance Committee.
Discussion ensued.
On the amended motion made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon, the Board voted unanimously for the RPSB administration to present for review, discussion and action: the RPSB School Activity Funds Policies and Procedures Manual and bring back to the April Finance Committee.
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 16)
Dr. Arthur Joffrion gave a report at this time and discussion ensued.
No action was taken.
A motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to approve the St. Bernard Parish School Board’s request to participate in a cooperative purchasing agreement with the Rapides Parish School Board for the purchase of educational materials (RPSB #12-29). (Item 17)
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy, the Board voted unanimously toapprove the St. Bernard Parish School Board’s request to participate in a cooperative purchasing agreement with the Rapides Parish School Board for the purchase of educational materials(RPSB #12-29).
A motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to accept a donation of $2,500.00 from AYCO Charitable Foundation on behalf of the Bolton High Baseball Team and authorize the Superintendent or Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith. (Item 18)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Friday, January 31, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Purchase of School Buses” (Bid # 14-34) and to award bid to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder(s) contingent on low bidder(s) meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements and Specifications and award to Ross Bus and Equipment for the amount of $2,820,985.00. (Item 19)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios
Let the record reflect that Mr. Darrell Rodriguez left the meeting at this time.
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. John Allen to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids and a recommendation to be made to the Board. (Item 20)
a. Purchase of Educational Materials and Supplies” for the 2014-2015 school year Bid # 14-62 - Funding General Fund
b. “Purchase of Science Materials” - Bid #14-16 - Funding General Fund
c. “Purchase of Refurbished Computers” – Bid # 14-30 - Funding Various Funds
d. “Purchase of Propane Gas” for the 2014-2015 school year - Bid # 14-10 –Funding General Fund
e. “Sanitary Maintenance” – Bid # 14-13 – Funding Maintenance Funds
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. John Allen, the Board voted unanimously to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids on the items listed above on 20 a-e.
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. John Allen to reject all proposal(s) received on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Targeted Audit/Agreed upon Procedures” (RFP # 14-35) and to authorize staff to re-advertise after April 15, 2014. (Item 21)
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. John Allen, the Board voted to reject all proposal(s) received on Wednesday, January 15, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Targeted Audit/Agreed upon Procedures” (RFP # 14-35) and to authorize staff to re-advertise after April 15, 2014.
Let the record reflect that Dr. Stephen Chapman voted “NAY” on this item.
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to accept donation from the Bolton High School Alumni Association for the restoration of the Bolton High School Museum Room value of donation is $12,421.64. (Item 22)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Rodriguez
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to accept monetary donation for the construction of a “Concession/Restroom Facility at the Buckeye High Softball/ Baseball Complex” on Buckeye High School Campus; construction project has an architect’s estimate in the range of $40,000 - $55,000. (Item 23)
Discussion ensued.
An amended motion was made by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Mr. John Allen to accept monetary donation from the various Buckeye parents for the construction of a “Concession/ Restroom Facility at the Buckeye High Softball/ Baseball Complex” on Buckeye High School Campus; construction project has an architect’s estimate in the range of $40,000 - $55,000.
On roll call the vote on the amended motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Rodriguez
A motion was made by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to authorize the secretary to advertise for Bids (Bid 14-46) for Concession/Restroom Facility at Buckeye Softball/ Baseball Complex” and authorize the Executive Committee and/or Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids with a recommendation to the Board. (Item 24)
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry, the Board voted unanimously to authorize the secretary to advertise for Bids (Bid 14-46) for Concession/Restroom Facility at Buckeye Softball/ Baseball Complex” and authorize the Executive Committee and/or Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids.
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to accept donation of a new Metal Building valued at $3,795 on behalf of Scott M. Brame Middle School from Factor Steel Buildings and provide any necessary documentation related to the donation. (Item 25)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Rodriguez
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to direct the Superintendent and/or staff to study the possibility of shared counselors at the elementary schools to be decided by staff (deferred from November Education Committee). (Item 26)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to direct the Administration to bring the results of the possibility of using shared counselors at the elementary schools and bring back to the April Board meeting.
Discussion ensued.
On the substitute motion by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon, the Board voted unanimously to direct the Administration to bring the results of the possibility of using shared counselors at the elementary schools and bring back to the April Board meeting.
A motion was made by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Mr. John Allen to select Barron, Heinberg and Brocato as the engineers for the installation of the canopy at the Phoenix Magnet Elementary School. (Item 27)
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Mr. John Allen, the Board voted unanimously to select Barron, Heinberg and Brocato as the engineers for the installation of the canopy at the Phoenix Magnet Elementary School.
A motion was made by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to approve the annual renewal agreement for SchoolMessenger with Reliance Communications and authorize the
Board President to sign any documentation with regards to said renewal. (Item 30)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Rodriguez
A motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry for the RPSB to discuss the policy change to Policy GBA. It is recommended that the language below be added to the end of Policy GBA under the section Performance Contracts. A motion will be placed on the March Regular Board meeting for adoption of the policy change according to Board Policy:”introduced at one meeting and laid over for adoption at a subsequent regular meeting”: (Item 29)
“Renewal of Performance Contracts described in R.S. 17:444 shall occur no earlier than 120 days prior to the expiration for the existing performance contract of an employee. Unless the Board by specific motion dictates a longer term for performance contracts, those contracts shall be for a maximum term of two years.”
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry, the Board voted unanimously for the RPSB to discuss the policy change to Policy GBA. It is recommended that the language below be added to the end of Policy GBA under the section Performance Contracts. A motion will be placed on the March Regular Board meeting for adoption of the policy change according to Board Policy: ”introduced at one meeting and laid over for adoption at a subsequent regular meeting”:
“Renewal of Performance Contracts described in R.S. 17:444 shall occur no earlier than 120 days prior to the expiration for the existing performance contract of an employee. Unless the Board by specific motion dictates a longer term for performance contracts, those contracts shall be for a maximum term of two years.”
Item 28 was deleted.
A motion was made Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to approve the consent agenda. (Item 5)
Item 5F-5 was pulled for discussion.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Rodriguez
A. Reports:
1. to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 45-47
B. Action – Minutes
1. to approve the minutes of the 12-3-13, 12-18-13 and 12-20-13 meetings, the 12-4-13 In-Service meeting, the 12-19-13 Discipline Review Committee and the 12-16-13 Executive Committee meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk
C. Action – Education
*1. to give the Board an update on the District’s PARCC technology readiness – Mrs. Rebekah Beck
*2. to disseminate and discuss information regarding the leadership academy, Rapides Educational Leadership Institute (RELI) for the 2013-2014 school year – Dr. Emily Weatherford Pages 48-49
*3. to discuss and update the Board on the Administrative procedures on establishing the yearly district calendar – Mrs. Kim Bennett
Page 50
*4. to hear a report from the Administration concerning the activities of the Curriculum Specialists – Mr. John Allen
Pages 51-65
D. 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
Page 66
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 quarterly report on Maintenance Funds – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 67
E. 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 the Board uphold the recommendation of the 504 Committee’s decision on Ja’Vonte Green and Ja’Vonte remain at the Rapides Alternative Learning Facility all 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 Geterrian Tillman be admitted to the zoned school effective February 5, 2014 on the following contract: must maintain passing grades, have no tardies, no absences, no discipline problems and must submit a monthly written report to the Rapides Parish School Board until he graduates from high school all 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
F. 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
*3. to revise the job description for JROTC Instructor – Dr. Emily Weatherford
Pages 68-76
*4. to approve professional services contracts and authorize the Superintendent and/or Board President to sign any and all documentation therewith: - Mrs. Shelly Close
a. Speech Therapists (2)
b. Occupational Therapist
Pages 77-80
Source of funding General Fund Amount $51,480.00
*5. pulled for the regular agenda.
*Denotes that these items have been through committee
A motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to discuss Rapides Parish School Board’s policy GBN, entitled Dismissal of Employees (School Employees). (Item 5F-5)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to defer this item to the February Personnel Committee to discuss Rapides Parish School Board’s policy GBN, entitled Dismissal of Employees (School Employees).
Discussion ensued.
On the substitute motion by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry, the Board voted unanimously to defer this item to the February Personnel Committee to discuss Rapides Parish School Board’s policy GBN, entitled Dismissal of Employees (School Employees).
Pursuant to motion duly carried, the Rapides Parish School Board adjourned.
/s/Janet H. Dixon
President
ATTEST:
/s/Nason Authement
Secretary
S E A L