OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Alexandria, Louisiana
April 1, 2014

The Rapides Parish School Board of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, met in regular public session at 5:00 o’clock p.m. on Tuesday, April 1, 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 

Wilton Barrios, Member

Steve Berry, Member

Keith Breazeale, Member

Stephen Chapman, Member

Darrell Rodriguez, Member

Pam Webb, Member 

Absent:          John Allen, Member

Absent:          Julie McConathy, Vice President

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 Bolton High School JROTC. The Invocation was pronounced by Rev. Jiovonte Watkins of Bethel AME Church after which Mr. Steve Berry 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 MARCH 26, 2014)

Alexandria, Louisiana

March 26, 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, APRIL 1, 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 Oak Hill High School – Mr. Darrell Rodriguez

b.     Hadnot-Hayes STEM Elementary School for the bulletin board display in the lobby of the School Board Office for the month of April 2014 – Mr. Clyde Washington

c.     Students of the Year – Dr. Arthur Joffrion

·       Mary Catherine Hickman – Peabody Montessori Elementary

·       Sara Ashlyn Toal – Tioga Junior High

·       Joshua Logan James – Buckeye High School

d.     Alexandria Senior High Danceline for winning the National Championship - Mr. Keith
Breazeale

e.     Alexandria Senior High Girls’ Powerlifting Team for winning the 5A State Powerlifting Championship – Mr. Keith Breazeale

f.      Pineville Junior High Cheerleaders for winning National Competition - Mr. Nason Authement

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 suspend the Special Board meeting each May for awards and recognitions – Mr. Wilton Barrios

*7.     Announce the Public Meeting to levy 2014 tax millages will be held on May 6, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the Rapides Parish School Board at 619 Sixth Street, Alexandria LA 71301 and announcement of this public meeting will be published in The Town Talk as required by R.S.42:19.1 - Ms. Liz Domite

   8.  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.     “Dust Control Services” for the 2014-2015 school year Bid # 14-03 

b.     “Mary Goff Elementary Renovations” - Bid #14-55

   9.  Motion to approve removing “Mary Goff Elementary Re-roof” project from Bid #14-44 prior to advertisement and release of bid specifications. (Project was approved at January7, 2014 Board meeting – Item 29d) – Ms. Liz Domite

Source of funding District 11 Bond

 10.  Motion to approve maintenance agreement renewal for the Compass Learning Program for the time period April 2, 2014 through July 31, 2014 and to approve professional development for Central Office Staff and Summer School Teachers for the months of April, May and June 2014 – Mrs. Kim Bennett

 11.  Motion to authorize the Superintendent and/or Board President to enter into an agreement with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company for the purchase of Journeys Reading Series for Kindergarten and First grades – Mr. Nason Authement

*12.  Motion to discuss and approve Policy EDDA (Special Use of School Buses) and bring back to the April Board meeting (this was a layover as per RPSB policy from March Board Meeting) – Mrs. Julie McConathy

 13.  Motion 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 – Mr. Keith Breazeale and Mr. Wilton Barrios

 14.  Motion to discuss salary schedule of support personnel and have the Administration bring more information to the April Board meeting – Mrs. Julie McConathy and Mr. Wilton Barrios

 15.  Motion to change the procedure for the opening of Public Works bids received from contractors. All bids shall 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 shall open the bids and read into the record the name of each bidder and the amount each bidder(s) bid. The bids shall 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) and to receive additional information from the Administration – Mr. Wilton Barrios and Mr. John Allen

 16.  Motion to approve out of state travel for Superintendent Authement to attend the International Visible Learning Conference in San Diego, CA on July 17-18, 2014 – Mr. Nason Authement

 17.  Motion that the district calendar for the 2013-2014 and the 2014-2015 school years will recognize Memorial Day as an observed holiday for all contracted employees beyond nine (9) months. These employees are to fulfill the number of working days specified in their contract – Mr. Nason Authement

 18.  Motion to approve Change Order #1 on “Addition to J. I. Barron Elementary” project (Bid #12-36A) between the Rapides Parish School Board and M.D. Descant, Inc. decreasing $19,801 to the original contract sum, thereby decreasing the original contract to $6,999,199 and increasing 29 days to the contract time and authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to sign any documentation – Mr. Steve Berry

Pages 18-65

 19.  Motion to go into Executive Session to discuss the job performance of several individuals – Mr. Nason Authement

Consent agenda: (Item 5)

A.  Reports:

1.     to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington

Pages 66-68

B.  Action – Minutes

1.     to approve the minutes of the 2-5-14, 2-18-14 and 3-5-14 meetings, the 2-18-14 Personnel, Education, and Finance Committee meetings, the 2-27-14 Discipline Review Committee meeting and the 2-24-14 Executive Committee meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk

C.  Action – Education

*1.   to enter into an Inter-Governmental Agreement with Louisiana State University at Alexandria in a cooperative endeavor for “Camp Carter” and authorize the Board President or Superintendent to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Mr. Roy Rachal

Pages 69-70

*2.  to approve Professional Services Contract with The Leadership and Learning Center (LLC) for professional development, training and coaching for the Rapides Early Childhood Network April 2, 2014 through June 30, 2014 and to authorize the Board President to sign any required documents - Mrs. Cindy Rushing and Dr. Arthur Joffrion

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

*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

Pages 83-84

*4.   to receive a report on donation(s) made to the Rapides Parish School Board on behalf of the RPSB schools, accept and approve donations included therein, and provide any necessary documentation related to the donation(s) – Ms. Liz Domite

Pages 85-87

*5.   to approve Management Service Agreement between Pearson Technical Solutions Group and Rapides Parish School Board and to authorize the Superintendent and/or Board President to sign any required documents – Ms. Liz Domite

*6.   to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. by the Central Office staff for “Purchase of Refurbished Computers” (Bid #14-30) and award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements and Specifications – Ms. Liz Domite

Source of funding Various Funds

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

*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 26^th day of March 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. 

A motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to add to the agenda to Recognize Peabody Magnet High Boys’ Powerlifting Team for winning the 4A State Powerlifting Championship – Reason to add: Time Sensitive. (Item 4-g)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote to add was as follows:

Mr. Darrell Rodriguez introduced the Board’s student guest, Bailey Johnson, a senior at Oak Hill High School, who was recognized for her academic and extracurricular achievements.

Also recognized were Bailey’s family and Mr. Kerry Rogers, principal at Oak Hill High School. (Item 4-a)

The Board recognized the Alexandria Senior High Danceline for winning the National Championship at this time. (Item 4-d)

The Board recognized the Alexandria Senior High Girls’ Powerlifting Team for winning the 5A State Powerlifting Championship at this time. (Item 4-e)

The Board recognized Pineville Junior High Cheerleaders for winning National Competition. (Item 4-f)

The Board recognized Peabody Magnet High Boys’ Powerlifting Team for winning the 4A State powerlifting Championship. (Item 4-g)

The Board recognized Hadnot-Hayes STEM Elementary for the bulletin board display in the lobby of the School Board Office for the month of April 2014. (Item 4-b)

The Board recognized Students of the Year. (Item 4-c)

·       Mary Catherine Hickman – Peabody Montessori Elementary

·       Sara Ashlyn Toal – Tioga Junior High

·       Joshua Logan James – Buckeye High School 

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to approve the consent agenda. (Item 5)

On roll call the vote was as follows:

Consent agenda: (Item 5)

A.   Reports:

1.     to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington

Pages 66-68

B.   Action – Minutes

1.     to approve the minutes of the 2-5-14, 2-18-14 and 3-5-14 meetings, the 2-18-14 Personnel, Education, and Finance Committee meetings, the 2-27-14 Discipline Review Committee meeting and the 2-24-14 Executive Committee meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk  

C.   Action – Education

*1.   to enter into an Inter-Governmental Agreement with Louisiana State University at Alexandria in a cooperative endeavor for “Camp Carter” and authorize the Board President or Superintendent to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Mr. Roy Rachal

Pages 69-70

*2.   to approve Professional Services Contract with The Leadership and Learning Center (LLC) for professional development, training and coaching for the Rapides Early Childhood Network April 2, 2014 through June 30, 2014 and to authorize the Board President to sign any required documents - Mrs. Cindy Rushing and Dr. Arthur Joffrion

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

*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

Pages 83-84

*4.   to receive a report on donation(s) made to the Rapides Parish School Board on behalf of the RPSB schools, accept and approve donations included therein, and provide any necessary documentation related to the donation(s) – Ms. Liz Domite

Pages 85-87

*5.   to approve Management Service Agreement between Pearson Technical Solutions Group and Rapides Parish School Board and to authorize the Superintendent and/or Board President to sign any required documents – Ms. Liz Domite

*6.   to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Wednesday, March 12, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. by the Central Office staff for “Purchase of Refurbished Computers” (Bid #14-30) and award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements and Specifications and award to CNB Computers, Inc. - amounts are based per bid tab – Ms. Liz Domite

Source of funding Various Funds  

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 

·       Motion that Jebrealyne McGaskey be re-admitted to the zoned school effective April 2, 2014 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. 

·       Motion that Kelby Guillory be re-admitted to the zoned school effective April 2, 2014 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.

·       Motion that in lieu of expulsion Jesus Hernandez be admitted to the Rapides Alternative Learning Facility effective April 2, 2014 for the duration of his expulsion 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

*Denotes that these items have been through committee

Dr. Diann Norris of LSU-A and the Education Class were recognized at this time.

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to suspend the Special Board meeting each May for awards and recognitions. (Item 6)

Discussion ensued.

On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman, the Board voted unanimously to suspend the Special Board meeting each May for awards and recognitions.

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Pam Webb to Announce the Public Meeting to levy 2014 tax millages will be held on May 6, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. in the Boardroom of the Rapides Parish School Board at 619 Sixth Street, Alexandria LA 71301 and announcement of this public meeting will be published in The Town Talk as required by R.S.42:19.1. (Item 7)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman 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 8)

a.   “Dust Control Services” for the 2014-2015 school year Bid # 14-03 

b.   “Mary Goff Elementary Renovations” - Bid #14-55

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Pam Webb to approve removing “Mary Goff Elementary Re-roof” project from Bid #14-44 prior to advertisement and release of bid specifications. (Project was approved at January 7, 2014 Board meeting – Item 29d). (Item 9)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to approve maintenance agreement renewal for the Compass Learning Program for the time period April 2, 2014 through July 31, 2014 and to approve professional development for Central Office Staff and Summer School Teachers for the months of April, May and June 2014. (Item 10)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Pam Webb to authorize the Superintendent and/or Board President to enter into an agreement with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Company for the purchase of Journeys Reading Series for Kindergarten and First grades.  (Item 11)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to discuss and approve Policy EDDA (Special Use of School Buses) and bring back to the April Board meeting (this was a layover as per RPSB policy from March Board Meeting). (Item 12)

Discussion ensued.

On motion by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry, the Board voted unanimously to discuss and approve Policy EDDA (Special Use of School Buses).

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez 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. (Item 13)

Discussion ensued.

On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez, the Board voted unanimously to direct the Administration to bring the results of the possibility of using shared counselors at the elementary schools.

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to discuss salary schedule of support personnel and have the Administration bring more information to the April Board meeting. (Item 14)

Discussion ensued.

A substitute motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to discuss salary schedule of support personnel and have the Administration bring more information to the May Board meeting.

Discussion ensued.

On motion by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale, the Board voted unanimously to discuss salary schedule of support personnel and have the Administration bring more information to the May Board meeting.

Item 15 was deleted to be discussed at a later date.

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to approve out of state travel for Superintendent Authement to attend the International Visible Learning Conference in San Diego, CA on July 17-18, 2014. (Item 16)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez that the district calendar for the 2013-2014 and the 2014-2015 school years will recognize Memorial Day as an observed holiday for all contracted employees beyond nine (9) months. These employees are to fulfill the number of working days specified in their contract. (Item 17)

Discussion ensued.

On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez, the Board voted unanimously that the district calendar for the 2013-2014 and the 2014-2015 school years will recognize Memorial Day as an observed holiday for all contracted employees beyond nine (9) months. These employees are to fulfill the number of working days specified in their contract.

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to approve Change Order #1 on “Addition to J. I. Barron Elementary” project (Bid #12-36A) between the Rapides Parish School Board and M.D. Descant, Inc. decreasing $19,801 to the original contract sum, thereby decreasing the original contract to $6,999,199 and increasing 29 days to the contract time and authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to sign any documentation. (Item 18)

Discussion ensued.

On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez, the Board voted that the district calendar for the 2013-2014 and the 2014-2015 school years will recognize Memorial Day as an observed holiday for all contracted employees beyond nine (9) months. These employees are to fulfill the number of working days specified in their contract.

Let the record reflect that Dr. Stephen Chapman voted “NAY”

A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to go into Executive Session to discuss the job performance of several individuals. (Item 19)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

THE BOARD WENT INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.

On motion by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry, the Board voted unanimously to reconvene in Open Session.

THE BOARD RECONVENED IN OPEN SESSION.

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