OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Alexandria, Louisiana

August 5, 2014

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

Pam Webb, Member 

                        Mr. Nason Authement, Secretary for the Board, was present for the meeting.  

                                   District Attorney James Downs arrived at the meeting at 5:20 p.m.

                        The Invocation was pronounced by Rev. Andrew Cox, Student Minister at the Pentecostals of Alexandria after which Mr. John Allen 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 JULY 30, 2014)

Alexandria, Louisiana

July 30, 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, AUGUST 5, 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.  Zachary Smith as a graduating student through the Graduation Alliance Program
          - Ms. Penny Toney

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 3,4,5 and 6)

6.   Motion for the RPSB to consider and take action as to the election of new board officers at the August Board meeting pending review by Attorney James Downs – Dr. Stephen Chapman

7.    Motion to allow Board Secretary (not Superintendent) to designate a presiding official for Committees, if the Chair is absent and has not notified the Secretary who he or she wishes to act in his or her absence – Mr. Wilton Barrios

        8.     Motion to establish that Board Members will communicate with Staff in a professional and respectful manner – Mr. Wilton Barrios

     *  9.     Motion to authorize the Superintendent to adjust the calendar for weather related decisions and to change the current RPSB Policy and layover to the August Board meeting –Mr. Wilton Barrios

Pages 1-3

  *   10.     Motion to direct staff to develop incentives and measures to encourage teacher attendance and bring a report back to the August Board meeting - Mr. Wilton Barrios

  *   11.     Motion to amend RPSB Policy KG and add to Policy KG: (to return fees collected for use of facilities at various schools to the schools whose facilities were used, less the amount of money spent to pay employees for their overtime) and layover to the August Board meeting – Mr. Keith Breazeale and Mr. Wilton Barrios

Pages 4-8 

  *   12.     Motion to ask the Superintendent to study and review admission and dismissal policies at Phoenix Magnet and bring back to the August Board meeting – Mr. Steve Berry and Mr. Wilton Barrios

  *   13.     Motion to authorize the staff to publish notice and advertise the public hearing on the proposed budget for 2014-2015 – Ms. Liz Domite

  *   14.     Motion to authorize the Superintendent and Staff to develop a plan for a one-time payment to all support personnel and report to August Finance Committee – Mrs. Pam Webb andMr. Wilton Barrios 

  *   15.     Motion to authorize Central Office Staff to prepare and release a request for proposals for “Annual Maintenance Service and Warranty Agreement” for all schools with AT&T, Lucent and Avaya telecommunication equipment for 2014-2015 school year, a recommendation of award to be made to the Board – Mr. Clyde Washington

Pages 9-12       Source of funding Parish Wide Maintenance              Amount $50,000.00

      16.    Motion to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. by the Central Office Staff and award to the lowest responsive/responsible bidder(s) for 2014-2015 school year and authorize staff to enter into purchase order contract(s) accordingly funded by School Food Service Funds – Mrs. Erma Davis

Page 13       Cafeteria Fresh Produce” - RPSB Bid No. FS10-14-15 - Estimated $430,000.00

    17.     Motion to appoint Pamela Cheney as Temporary Manager at Tioga Elementary School Cafeteria for the 2014-2015 school year – Mrs. Erma Davis

                                                     Source of funding Food Service                      Amount $18,771.00 (per year)

       18.    Motion to authorize the Board President to execute an Intergovernmental Agreement between the RPSB and the Rapides Parish Police Jury regarding the operation and maintenance of the school zone highway beacons at those high schools after review by Board counsel (Rapides High and Oak Hill High) – Mr. John Allen and Mr. Clyde Washington

             Pages 14-27                Source of funding District 51                                  Amount $240.00 (est. per year)

                                                                         District 61                                   Amount $120.00 (est. per year) 

       19.    Motion to approve Change Orders # 3 and # 4 on “Tioga Junior High School Renovations” for RPSB Bid No. 14-45 between the Rapides Parish School Board and Tudor, Inc. increasing $133,952.50 ($131,780.00 + $2,172.50) to the contract sum thereby increasing the total contract amount to $2,062,173.50 and authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to sign any documentation – Mr. Wilton Barrios

                Pages 28-37            Source of funding District 11 Maintenance Fund                              Amount $133,952.50

            Consent agenda: (Item 5)

            A.  Reports:

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

                          Pages 38-42

            B.  Action – Minutes

      1.    to approve the minutes of the 7-1-14, the 6-17-14 Personnel, Education, and Finance Committee meetings, the 6-26-14 Discipline Review Committee meeting and the 6-23-14 Executive Committee meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk   

C.   Action – Education

 *   1.    to approve the 2014-2015 Pupil Progression Plan – Mrs. Kim Bennett

             Pages 43-168

              *   2.    to enter into an Inter-Agency Agreement with Community Development Institute (CDI) in a cooperative effort to identify and provide special education services to pre-school aged children in accordance with state law and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documents connected therewith subject to final review of advising counsel - Mrs. Shelly Close and Mr. Roy Rachal

                          Pages 169-176

              *   3.   to enter into an agreement with CDI for Head Start Program contingent upon final review by legal counsel – Dr. Arthur Joffrion

                          Pages 177-191           

              *   4.    to present to the Board the average percent of growth for the turnaround schools versus the non-turnaround schools in grades 3 through 8 for the 2013-2014 school year – Mr. Nason Authement

                        Pages 192-195

              *   5.    to present to the Board the organizational chart relative to the administration’s vision for moving the district forward for the 2014–2015 school year – Mr. Nason Authement

                       Page 196

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   

Pages 197-210 

            *     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 211-212

            *     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

Page 213

            *     5.   to receive quarterly report on Maintenance Funds – Ms. Liz Domite

Page 214

             *     6.   to accept the donation of a new Pylon Sign and Message Board from J. I. Barron Elementary PTO on behalf of J.I. Barron Elementary with installation of sign included in donation valued at $26,500 - Ms. Liz Domite

                         Pages 215-217

             *     7.  to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids for “Lease of 435 Acres of School Board Property” (Bid No. 14-50) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids, a recommendation to be made to the Board and sign any documentation connected therewith – Ms. Liz Domite

            *    8.    to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. by the Central Office Staff for the “Purchase of Science Materials and Supplies” (Bid No.14-16) 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

             Page 218              Source of funding General Fund           Amount $40,000.00 (annually)

             *    9.    to enter into a contractual agreement with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, The Leadership and Learning Center for professional development services and authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to sign any and all documents in connection therewith – Dr. Arthur Joffrion

                           a.   August 2014 - May 2015 (Building and District Instructional Leadership with Steve Ventura and Laura Besser)

                          b.   August 2014 – September 2014 (Common Formative Assessment) 

                           c.   September 2014 – November 2014 (Power Strategies for Effective Teaching)

                           d.   August 2014 – May 2015 (Implementation Coaching for Instructional Data Teams) 

                                Pages 219-225      Source of funding Believe and Succeed - $126,279.00 (Round 1)

                                                                                               Title II - $164,480.00

                                                                                              Believe and Succeed - $438,998.64 (Round 2)

                                                           Total Amount $729,757.64

            *   10.    to approve the purchase of the Fast Forward Reading Program for Tioga Elementary  School – Mrs. Kim Bennett

                          Pages 226-227    Source of funding Tioga Elementary Maintenance   Amount $18,900.00

            *   11.    to discuss and take action on granting permission to the Village of Forest Hill through an existing Inter-Governmental Agreement to construct improvements consisting of removal of trees, grading lands and constructing additional baseball and/or soccer fields on the board owned property designated as Forest Hill Elementary School campus and authorize the Board President and/or the Superintendent to sign any and all documents in connection therewith subject to review and advice of legal counsel – Mr. Darrell Rodriguez

Pages 228-240

            *   12.    to approve the annual support/subscription renewal for Pearson PowerSchool for the period of 9-1-14 through 8-31-15 and authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Mrs. Rebekah Beck

Page 241               Source of funding General Fund           Amount $115,182.75

        *   13.       to approve the annual renewal for Oncourse Lesson Planner/Web Site Hosting and Technical Support for the period of 9-1-14 through 9-1-15 and authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Mrs. Rebekah Beck

Page 242               Source of funding General Fund          Amount $39,981.62

        *   14.   to accept the donation of $7,500 from Hixson Ford on behalf of the Alexandria Senior High Swim Team for the purchase of a New Score Board and Timing System and approve the advertising of donor on timing system as per policy KJ – Ms. Liz Domite

Pages 243-248

             *   15.   to amend Theophilus Oil, Gas and Land Services lease number 21264 and reassign to CABA, LLC with same existing terms and conditions of said lease and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documents connected therewith, pending review by legal counsel – Mr. Clyde Washington

                          Page 249

        *   16.   to receive an update on District 62 Financial Funds (from District 62 meeting) – Ms. Liz Domite

                     Pages 250-251

        *   17.   to receive an update on construction projects (from District 62 meeting) – Dr. Stephen Chapman

                     Pages 252-254

        *   18.   to authorize the Board Secretary and/or Staff to advertise and receive sealed bids in accord with public works bid law for "Bolton High School Window/Window Casement Repair, Restoration and Weatherization Project", a recommendation of award to be made to the board (from District 62 meeting) - Mrs. Pam Webb

                                            Source of funding District 62 Maintenance            Amount $155,000.00

        *   19.   to engage Barron, Heinberg and Brocato (BH&B) architect and engineering firm to consult, design, specify and project manage the Bolton Window/Window Casement and Weatherization Project at their cost not to exceed eight percent (8%) of the total project amount (from District 62 meeting) - Mrs. Pam Webb

                                              Source of funding District 62 Maintenance            Amount $13,600.00

            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 Positive Program for Students (RAPPS) - 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: - Mrs. Vicki Younger

                           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 – Mrs. Vicki Younger 

              *    3.   to accept the proposed evaluation instrument tool that was presented from the Superintendent to the RPSB regarding the Superintendent’s Annual Evaluation and also for the Personnel Chair to make any recommendations, additions, changes or deletions. Such information shall be in writing for consideration for further discussion and action – Mr. Steve Berry and Mrs. Janet Dixon

                        Pages 255-263

              *    4.   to approve two (2) Professional Services Contracts for Occupational Therapy and authorize the Superintendent and/or Board President to sign any and all documentation therewith – Mrs. Shelly Close

                        Pages 264-265              Source of funding General Fund   Amount $89,000.00

             *    5.   to approve a contract with ProCare Therapy for Speech Therapy and to authorize the Superintendent and/or Board President to sign any and all documentation therewith, pending legal review - Mrs. Shelly Close

                        Pages 266-271              Source of funding General Fund   Amount $217,000.00

              *          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 30^th day of July 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 Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to add to the agenda to recognize New Administrators and District Staff - Reason to add: Time sensitive. (Item 4-b)

                        Discussion ensued.

                        On roll call the vote to add was as follows:

AYE:                 Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mrs. Dixon

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          None

                        A motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to add to the agenda to approve Change Order #2 on “Tioga High School Signage” for construction contract (RPSB Bid # 14-41) between the Rapides Parish School Board and James A. Decker Builders, Inc. increasing the contract sum by $3,074 thereby increasing the total contract amount to $254,884 and authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to sign any documentation required to effect change – Reason to add: Circumvent stalling contract work. (Item 20)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote to add was as follows:

AYE:                 Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mrs. Dixon

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          None

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to add to the agenda to amend the Inter-Agency Sponsorship Agreement with Mid State Orthopaedic, adding Central Louisiana Surgical Hospital as a co-sponsor for the 2014 Mid-State and Central Louisiana Surgical Hospital Cenla Jamboree and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documents connected therewith; subject to final review and approval of advising counsel - Reason to add: Time sensitive. (Item 21)

                        Discussion ensued.

                        On roll call the vote to add was as follows:

AYE:                 Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mrs. Dixon

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          None

                        A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to add to the agenda to authorize the Board Secretary and Central Office Staff to engage Pan American Engineers for project design and management, advertise for bids for “Alexandria Senior High Drive Way Project” (RPSB Bid No. 15-15) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids with a recommendation to be made to the Board – Reason to add: Immediately dangerous to life, health and property. (Item 22)

                        Discussion ensued.

                        On roll call the vote to add was as follows:

AYE:                 Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mrs. Dixon

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          None

                        Ms. Penny Toney recognized Zachary Smith as a graduating student through the Graduation Alliance Program. (Item 4a)

Mr. Nason Authement and Dr. Arthur Joffrion recognized New Administrators and

District Staff. (Item 4b)

                        A motion was made by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to

approve the consent agenda. (Item 5)

                        Discussion ensued and items 5C-1, 5F-3, 5F-4 and 5F-5 were pulled for the regular agenda for discussion.

On roll call the vote was as follows to approve and pulling the items listed above:

AYE:                 Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mrs. Dixon

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          None
                       

Consent agenda: (Item 5)

            A.  Reports:

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

                            Pages 38-42

            B.  Action – Minutes

1.      to approve the minutes of the 7-1-14, the 6-17-14 Personnel, Education, and Finance Committee meetings, the 6-26-14 Discipline Review Committee meeting and the 6-23-14 Executive Committee meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk   

C.   Action – Education

 *   1.    pulled for the regular agenda.

              *   2.    to enter into an Inter-Agency Agreement with Community Development Institute (CDI) in a cooperative effort to identify and provide special education services to pre-school aged children in accordance with state law and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documents connected therewith subject to final review of advising counsel – Mrs. Shelly Close and Mr. Roy Rachal

                          Pages 169-176

              *   3.    to enter into an agreement with CDI for Head Start Program contingent upon final review by legal counsel – Dr. Arthur Joffrion

                          Pages 177-191

              *   4.    to present to the Board the average percent of growth for the turnaround schools versus the non-turnaround schools in grades 3 through 8 for the 2013-2014 school year – Mr. Nason Authement

                          Pages 192-195

              *   5.    to present to the Board the organizational chart relative to the administration’s vision for moving the district forward for the 2014–2015 school year – Mr. Nason Authement

                        Page 196

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

                          Pages 197-210

            *     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 211-212                         

            *     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

Page 213

            *     5.   to receive quarterly report on Maintenance Funds – Ms. Liz Domite

Page 214

             *     6.   to accept the donation of a new Pylon Sign and Message Board from J. I. Barron Elementary PTO on behalf of J.I. Barron Elementary with installation of sign included in donation valued at $26,500 - Ms. Liz Domite

                          Pages 215-217

             *     7.   to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids for “Lease of 435 Acres of School Board Property” (Bid No. 14-50) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids, a recommendation to be made to the Board and sign any documentation connected therewith – Ms. Liz Domite

             *    8.    to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Tuesday, July 15, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. by the Central Office Staff for the “Purchase of Science Materials and Supplies” (Bid No. 14-16) 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 award to Frey Scientific (primary) and Fisher Scientific (secondary) – Ms. Liz Domite

              Page 218              Source of funding General Fund           Amount $40,000.00 (annually)

             *    9.    to enter into a contractual agreement with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, The Leadership and Learning Center for professional development services and authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to sign any and all documents in connection therewith – Dr. Arthur Joffrion

                           a.   August 2014 - May 2015 (Building and District Instructional Leadership with Steve Ventura and Laura Besser)

                           b.   August 2014 – September 2014 (Common Formative Assessment) 

                           c.   September 2014 – November 2014 (Power Strategies for Effective Teaching)

                           d.   August 2014 – May 2015 (Implementation Coaching for Instructional Data Teams) 

                               Pages 219-225       Source of funding Believe and Succeed - $126,279.00 (Round 1)

                                                                                               Title II - $164,480.00

                                                                                              Believe and Succeed - $438,998.64 (Round 2)

                                                                 Total Amount $729,757.64

            *   10.    to approve the purchase of the Fast Forward Reading Program for Tioga Elementary School – Mrs. Kim Bennett

                         Pages 226-227     Source of funding Tioga Elementary Maintenance   Amount $18,900.00

            *   11.    to discuss and take action on granting permission to the Village of Forest Hill through an  existing Inter-Governmental Agreement to construct improvements consisting of removal of trees, grading lands and constructing additional baseball and/or soccer fields on the board owned property designated as Forest Hill Elementary School campus and authorize the Board President and/or the Superintendent to sign any and all documents in connection therewith subject to review and advice of legal counsel – Mr. Darrell Rodriguez

                          Pages 228-240

            *   12.    to approve the annual support/subscription renewal for Pearson PowerSchool for the period of 9-1-14 through 8-31-15 and authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Mrs. Rebekah Beck

                          Page 241                   Source of funding General Fund                 Amount $115,182.75

        *   13.   to approve the annual renewal for Oncourse Lesson Planner/Web Site Hosting and Technical Support for the period of 9-1-14 through 9-1-15 and authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Mrs. Rebekah Beck

                     Page 242                  Source of funding General Fund             Amount $39,981.62

        *   14.   to accept the donation of $7,500 from Hixson Ford on behalf of the Alexandria Senior High Swim Team for the purchase of a New Score Board and Timing System and approve the advertising of donor on timing system as per policy KJ – Ms. Liz Domite

                     Pages 243-248

             *   15.   to amend Theophilus Oil, Gas and Land Services lease number 21264 and reassign to CABA, LLC with same existing terms and conditions of said lease and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documents connected therewith, pending review by legal counsel – Mr. Clyde Washington

                         Page 249

        *   16.   to receive an update on District 62 Financial Funds (from District 62 meeting) – Ms. Liz Domite

                     Pages 250-251

        *   17.   to receive an update on construction projects (from District 62 meeting) –Dr. Stephen Chapman

                     Pages 252-254

        *   18.   to authorize the Board Secretary and/or Staff to advertise and receive sealed bids in accord with public works bid law for "Bolton High School Window/Window Casement Repair, Restoration and Weatherization Project", a recommendation of award to be made to the board (from District 62 meeting) - Mrs. Pam Webb

                                            Source of funding District 62 Maintenance        Amount $155,000.00

        *   19.   to engage Barron, Heinberg and Brocato (BH&B) architect and engineering firm to consult, design, specify and project manage the Bolton Window/Window Casement and Weatherization Project at their cost not to exceed eight percent (8%) of the total project amount (from District 62 meeting) - Mrs. Pam Webb    

                                              Source of funding District 62 Maintenance            Amount $13,600.00

            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 no action be taken on Alexandra Braden because she withdrew from the Rapides Parish School System.

Ø  Motion that in lieu of expulsion, Sa’Teriq Johnson be readmitted to the RAPPS (Rapides Alternative Positive Program for Students) effective August 12, 2014 upon the following: make passing grades, no discipline problems and good attendance 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 Positive Program for Students (RAPPS) - 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: - Mrs. Vicki Younger

                           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 – Mrs. Vicki Younger 

              *    3.   pulled for the regular agenda.

              *    4.   pulled for the regular agenda.

             *    5.   pulled for the regular agenda.

              *          Denotes that these items have been through committee   

                        A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to approve the 2014-2015 Pupil Progression Plan. (Item 5C-1) (23)

                        Dr. Chapman requested that Mrs. Kim Bennett review the changes being made the Pupil Progression Plan.

                        Mrs. Kim Bennett presented the changes to the Board at this time and discussion ensued.

                        On motion by Mrs. Janet Dixonand seconded by Mr. John Allen, the Board voted unanimously to approve the 2014-2015 Pupil Progression Plan.

                        A motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to accept the proposed evaluation instrument tool that was presented from the Superintendent to the RPSB regarding the Superintendent’s Annual Evaluation and also for the Personnel Chair to make any recommendations, additions, changes or deletions. Such information shall be in writing for consideration for further discussion and action. (Item 5F-3) (24)

                        Discussion ensued.

                        A substitute motion was made by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios to accept the proposed evaluation instrument tool that was presented from the Superintendent to the RPSB regarding the Superintendent’s Annual Evaluation and also for the Personnel Chair to make any recommendations, additions, changes or deletions. Such information shall be in writing for consideration for further discussion and action at the August Personnel Committee meeting.

                        Discussion ensued.

                        On the substitute motion by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios, the Board voted unanimously to accept the proposed evaluation instrument tool that was presented from the Superintendent to the RPSB regarding the Superintendent’s Annual Evaluation and also for the Personnel Chair to make any recommendations, additions, changes or deletions. Such information shall be in writing for consideration for further discussion and action at the August Personnel Committee meeting.

                        Items 5F-4 (25) and 5F-5 (26) were discussed in globo.

                        A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazealeto approve two (2) Professional Services Contracts for Occupational Therapy and authorize the Superintendent and/or Board President to sign any and all documentation therewith (Item 5F-4) and to approve a contract with ProCare Therapy for Speech Therapy and to authorize the Superintendent and/or Board President to sign any and all documentation therewith, pending legal review. (Item 5F-5)

                        Discussion ensued.                  

On roll call the vote was as follows:

AYE:                 Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mrs. Dixon

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          None

                        A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman for the RPSB to consider and take action as to the election of new board officers at the August Board meeting pending review by Attorney James Downs. (Item 6)

                        Discussion ensued.

                        A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to direct Board counsel to request an Opinion from the office of the Attorney General as to whether:

1.     It is legally permissible for the Board to dismiss a Board officer elected pursuant to RS 17:54, prior to the expiration of the officer’s term, and:

2.     If the answer to the above is in the affirmative, are there procedural steps which must be followed before a Motion to vacate a Board office can be properly considered?

            Comments were made from the public and discussion ensued.  

             Comments were made by the Board Members and discussion ensued.

            On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:

AYE;                 Dr. Chapman, Mrs. Webb, Mr. Berry

NAY:                Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios, Mrs. Dixon

ABSENT:          None

THE SUBSTITUTE MOTION FAILED.

                        A motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to

allow Board Secretary (not Superintendent) to designate a presiding official for Committees, if the Chair is absent and has not notified the Secretary who he or she wishes to act in his or her absence. (Item 7)

                        Discussion ensued.

                        A substitute motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to require the RPSB Committee Chairperson to notify the Board President regarding any details related to their committee in their absence and if they do not contact the Board President to allow the remaining members to choose their own chairperson for that month.

                        Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:

AYE:                 Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mrs. Dixon

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          None

                   
                        The original motion on item 6 was not completed, therefore, additional discussion took

place at this time.

            The substitute motion on item 6 failed.

            Discussion ensued on the original motion on item 6 which was for the RPSB to consider

and take action as to the election of new board officers at the August Board meeting pending review by Attorney James Downs.       

                        Dr. Stephen Chapman requested that the motion be deleted.

                        A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to establish that Board Members will communicate with Staff in a professional and respectful manner.

(Item 8)

                        Discussion ensued.

                        A substitute motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon that Board Members and all Staff communicate with parents and each other in a professional and respectful manner.

                        Discussion ensued.

                        On the substitute motion by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon, the Board voted that Board Members and all Staff communicate with parents and each other in a professional and respectful manner.

                        Let the record reflect that Mr. Wilton Barrios voted “NAY” on this item.

                        President Janet Dixon called for a short recess and then the meeting reconvened. 

                        Let the record reflect that Mrs. Pam Webb left the meeting at this time.

                        A motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to authorize the Superintendent to adjust the calendar for weather related decisions and to change the current RPSB Policy and layover to the August Board meeting. (Item 9)

                        Discussion ensued.

                        A substitute motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to delay action on item 9 pending review by the Superintendent on BESE rule: regarding authorizing the Superintendent to adjust the calendar for weather related decisions and to change the current RPSB Policy.

                        Discussion ensued.

                        On the substitute motion by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon, the Board voted to  delay action on item 9 pending review by the Superintendent on BESE rule: regarding authorizing the Superintendent to adjust the calendar for weather related decisions and to change the current RPSB Policy.

                        Let the record reflect that Mr. Wilton Barrios voted “NAY” on this item.
                                                                 

                        A motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to direct staff to develop incentives and measures to encourage teacher attendance and bring a report back to the August Board meeting. (Item 10)

                        Dr. Arthur Joffrion presented information to the Board and discussion ensued.

On motion by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman, the Board voted

unanimously to receive the report developed by staff on theincentives and measures to encourage teacher attendance.

                        A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios to amend RPSB Policy KG and add to Policy KG: (to return fees collected for use of facilities at various schools to the schools whose facilities were used, less the amount of money spent to pay employees for their overtime) and layover to the August Board meeting. (Item 11)

            Discussion ensued.

            A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to charge staff to coordinate re-draft of RPSB Policy KG “Use of  School Facilities” with legal counsel and the Board’s Consultant. Re-draft shall target distribution of all fees collected for school initiated use by third parties to same school and/or school            staff for extra-time worked. Likewise, to distribute all funds generated at the Central Office level through long term leases or through cooperative endeavors to the general fund of the district and bring said draft back to the Board at its August 19, 2014 Finance Committee meeting and per policy lay over for one month.

                        Discussion ensued.

                        On the substitute motion by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon, the Board voted unanimously to charge staff to coordinate re-draft of RPSB Policy KG “Use of School Facilities” with legal counsel and the Board’s Consultant. Re-draft shall target distribution of all fees collected for school initiated use by third parties to same school and/or school staff for extra-time worked. Likewise, to distribute all funds generated at the Central Office level through long term leases or through cooperative endeavors to the general fund of the district and bring said draft back to the Board at its August 19, 2014 Finance Committee meeting and per policy lay over for one month.

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to ask the Superintendent to study and review admission and dismissal policies at Phoenix Magnet and bring back to the August Board meeting. (Item 12)

                        Mr. Jeff Powell presented information to the Board at this time and discussion ensued.

                        A substitute motion was made by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios to direct the Superintendent to bring back to the RPSB a recommendation on exceptions for all Magnet and Montessori Schools.

                        Discussion ensued.

                        On the substitute motion by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios, the Board voted unanimously to direct the Superintendent to bring back to the RPSB a recommendation on exceptions for all Magnet and Montessori Schools.

Let the record reflect that Mr. John Allen left the meeting at this time.

                                                    
            A motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios to authorize the staff to publish notice and advertise the public hearing on the proposed budget for 2014-2015. (Item 13)

                        Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

AYE:                 Dr. Chapman, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mrs. Dixon

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          Mrs. Webb, Mr. Allen

                                
Let the record reflect that Mrs. Janet Dixon left the meeting at this time.

                  A motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to

authorize the Superintendent and Staff to develop a plan for a one-time payment to all support personnel and report to August Finance Committee. (Item 14)         

                        Discussion ensued.

                        A substitute motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to delay a one-time payment to all support personnel until the November Board meeting until the Board knows the financial condition of the district.

                        Discussion ensued.

                        On the substitute motion by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry, the Board voted unanimously to delay a one-time payment to all support personnel until the November Board meeting until the Board knows the financial condition of the district.

           A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to

authorize Central Office Staff to prepare and release a request for proposals for “Annual Maintenance Service and Warranty Agreement” for all schools with AT&T, Lucent and Avaya telecommunication equipment for 2014-2015 school year, a recommendation of award to be made to the Board. (Item 15)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

AYE:                 Dr. Chapman, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          Mrs. Webb, Mr. Allen, Mrs. Dixon                                                                   
                                                                                            

                        A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. by the Central Office Staff and award to the lowest responsive/responsible bidder(s) for 2014-2015 school year and authorize staff to enter into purchase order contract(s) accordingly funded by School Food Service Funds. (Item 16)

            “Cafeteria Fresh Produce” - RPSB Bid No. FS10-14-15 – Award to Earl Roy Produce Co.,

                                                                                                                             LLC for $95,972.50

                        Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

AYE:                 Dr. Chapman, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          Mrs. Webb, Mr. Allen, Mrs. Dixon

                        A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to appoint Pamela Cheney as Temporary Manager at Tioga Elementary School Cafeteria for the 2014-2015 school year. (Item 17)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

AYE:                 Dr. Chapman, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          Mrs. Webb, Mr. Allen, Mrs. Dixon

                        A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to authorize the Board President to execute an Intergovernmental Agreement between the RPSB and the Rapides Parish Police Jury regarding the operation and maintenance of the school zone highway beacons at those high schools after review by Board counsel (Rapides High and Oak Hill High). (Item 18)

                        Discussion ensued.

                        A substitute motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to authorize the Board President to execute an Intergovernmental Agreement between the RPSB and the Town of Lecompte and the Board and the Rapides Parish Police Jury regarding the operation and maintenance of the school zone highway beacons at those high schools after review by Board counsel (Rapides High and Oak Hill High).

On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:

AYE:                 Dr. Chapman, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          Mrs. Webb, Mr. Allen, Mrs. Dixon

                        A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to approve Change Orders # 3 and # 4 on “Tioga Junior High School Renovations” for RPSB Bid No. 14-45 between the Rapides Parish School Board and Tudor, Inc. increasing $133,952.50 ($131,780.00 + $2,172.50) to the contract sum thereby increasing the total contract amount to $2,062,173.50 and authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to sign any documentation.

(Item 19)

                        Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

AYE:                 Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry

NAY:                Dr. Chapman

ABSENT:          Mrs. Webb, Mr. Allen, Mrs. Dixon

THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.

                        A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to approve Change Order #2 on “Tioga High School Signage” for construction contract (RPSB Bid # 14-41) between the Rapides Parish School Board and James A. Decker Builders, Inc. increasing the contract sum by $3,074 thereby increasing the total contract amount to $254,884 and authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to sign any documentation required to effect change. (Item 20)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

AYE:                 Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry

NAY:                Dr. Chapman

ABSENT:          Mrs. Webb, Mr. Allen, Mrs. Dixon

THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.

                        A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to amend the Inter-Agency Sponsorship Agreement with Mid State Orthopaedic, adding Central Louisiana Surgical Hospital as a co-sponsor for the 2014 Mid-State and Central Louisiana Surgical Hospital Cenla Jamboree and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documents connected therewith; subject to final review and approval of advising counsel. (Item 21)

                        Discussion ensued.

                        On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez, the Board voted unanimously to amend the Inter-Agency Sponsorship Agreement with Mid State Orthopaedic, adding Central Louisiana Surgical Hospital as a co-sponsor for the 2014 Mid-State and Central Louisiana Surgical Hospital Cenla Jamboree and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documents connected therewith; subject to final review and approval of advising counsel.

                          A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to authorize the Board Secretary and Central Office Staff to engage Pan American Engineers for project design and management, advertise for bids for “Alexandria Senior High Drive Way Project” (RPSB Bid No. 15-15) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids with a recommendation to be made to the Board. (Item 22)

                        Discussion ensued.

                        On roll call the vote was as follows:

AYE:                 Dr. Chapman, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          Mrs. Webb, Mr. Allen, Mrs. Dixon

                        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