OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Alexandria, Louisiana
September 2, 2014
The Rapides Parish School Board of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, met in regular public session at 5:00 o’clock p.m. on Tuesday, September 2, 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
Wilton Barrios, Member
Steve Berry, Member
Keith Breazeale, Member
Stephen Chapman, Member
Darrell Rodriguez, Member
Pam Webb, Member
John Allen, Member
Mr. Nason Authement, Secretary for the Board, was present for the meeting.
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District Attorney James Downs arrived at 5:30 p.m. for the meeting.
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The Colors were presented by the Alexandria Senior High JROTC. The Invocation was pronounced by Rev. Coy Raiford, Student Pastor at First Baptist Church of Pineville after which Mrs. Julie McConathy led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
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(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 AUGUST 27, 2014)
Alexandria, Louisiana
August 27, 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, SEPTEMBER 2, 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 Peabody Magnet High School – Mr. John Allen
b. HaydenR. Lawrence Elementary School for the bulletin board display in the lobby of the School Board Office for the month of September 2014 – Mr. Clyde Washington
c. Mr. Columbus Goodman for retiring with 45 years of Perfect Attendance with the Rapides Parish School Board - Mr. Nason Authement
d. Board President, Mrs. Janet Dixon, for having received the designation of “Distinguished Board Member” from the Louisiana Department of Education – Mr. Nason Authement
e. Benjamin Sanson, Buckeye High School student, for his achievement of attaining the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America through Troop 626 of the Louisiana Purchase Council – Mrs. Julie McConathy
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, 5 and 6)
* 6. Motion to approve proposed revisions to administrative contracts – Mrs. Janet Dixon and
Mrs. Vicki Younger
Pages 1-5
* 7. Motion 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 September Board meeting – Mrs. Janet Dixon
Pages 6-27
* 8. Motion to approve new policies as recommended by Forethought Consulting and
pending review by legal counsel - Mr. Keith Breazeale and Dr. Arthur Joffrion
Pages 28-31
a. JCE - (Student Complaints and Grievances)
b. JGFC - (Student Dismissal Precautions)
c. JHE - (Student Publications)
d. JKA – (Solicitations of Students)
* 9. Motion to revise Policy IHC – (Class Rankings and Awards) – Ms. Penny Toney
Pages 32-33
* 10. Motion to conduct a public hearing on the Proposed Budgets for the 2014-2015 Fiscal
Year – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 34-154
* 11. Motion to adopt a Resolution adopting the Operating Budgets of Revenues Expenditures
and Fund Balances for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2014 – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 155
* 12. Motion to consider and take action with respect to adopting a Resolution with respect to
the Municipalities continuing disclosure cooperative initiative of the Securities and
Exchange Commission – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 156-162
* 13. Motion to authorize the secretary to exercise the option to renew the contract under the
same terms and conditions for the 2014-2015 school year for “Fire Alarm System Test and
Inspection Services” (Bid No. 15-54) with written mutual agreement of the vendor
(Siemens Industry, Inc.) and authorize the secretary to sign any documentation connected
therewith (Original Bid #14-54A) – Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding Various Maintenance Amount $60,000
* 14. Motion to approve an agreement between RPSB and Balfour to be the official yearbook
publisher for Buckeye High School for the 2014-2015 school year and authorize the
Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith - Mr. John Allen and
Ms. Liz Domite
Page 163 Source of funding School Funds Amount $18,500.00
15. Motion to hear a report from Rozier, Harrington and McKay on the Targeted Audit/Agreed
Upon Procedures Engagement - Ms. Liz Domite
16. Motion to approve an agreement between RPSB and Taylor Publishing dba Balfour for
Balfour to be the official yearbook publisher for Buckeye Elementary for the 2014-2015
school year and authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to sign any
documentation in connection therewith - Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 164-165 Source of funding School Funds Amount $6,250.00
17. Motion to approve an agreement between RPSB and Taylor Publishing dba Balfour for
Balfour to be the official yearbook publisher for Scott Brame Jr. High for the 2014-2015
school year and authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to sign any
documentation in connection therewith - Ms. Liz Domite
Page 166 Source of funding School Funds Amount $10,350.00
18. Motion to approve an agreement between RPSB and Taylor Publishing dba Balfour for
Balfour to be the official yearbook publisher for Northwood High School for the 2014-
2015 school year and authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to sign any
documentation in connection therewith - Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 167-168 Source of funding School Funds Amount $9,500.00
19. Motion to approve an agreement between RPSB and Taylor Publishing dba Balfour for
Balfour to be the official yearbook publisher for Phoenix Magnet Elementary School for
the 2014-2015 school year and authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to sign
any documentation in connection therewith - Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 169-170 Source of funding School Funds Amount $11,400.00
20. Motion to present information regarding staffing for the 2014-2015 school year -
Mrs. Vicki Younger and Dr. Arthur Joffrion
21. Motion to present information relative to the success of the first annual Rapides Parish
School District Summer Institute - Dr. Arthur Joffrion and S.I. Committee Members
22. Motion for the RPSB to review annually in October the “Special Reserve Fund” and for
the RPSB to decide annually in October the disposition of this fund as it relates to the
contribution or non-contribution to this fund – Mrs. Janet Dixon
23. Motion for the RPSB to consider and take action on the following request of Denise
Echols, an employee of the RPSB: Please accept this letter as a Petition for the
reimbursement of my back pay for the difference in the salary I received and the salary I
should have received had I been credited for my years of service as a certified teacher in
the State of Louisiana during the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 academic school years –
Dr. Stephen Chapman
Pages171-172
24. Motion to present and approve revised Interagency Agreement between the RPSB and
CDI Head Start and the revised Addendum A and Addendum B and to authorize the board
president to sign, subject to legal counsel review and approval - Dr. Arthur Joffrion
25. Motion to accept Kevin Hood’s letter of withdrawal of Bid for Bid No. 14-50 and accept his bid security check in the amount of $872.18 as liquidated damages – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 173
26. Motion to enter into a collaborative endeavor agreement with the Louisiana
Department of Education with regards to supplemental course allocation (SCA), the
Level 4 funding of (SCA) and the reporting of students for SCA and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith pending review and
approval by legal counsel – Mr. Nason Authement
Pages 174-178
27. Motion to discuss Policy GAE (Complaints and Grievances) – Mr. John Allen
Pages 179-181
Consent agenda: (Item 5)
A. Reports:
1. to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 182-186
B. Action – Minutes
1. to approve the minutes of the 8-5-14 and 7-15-14 meetings, the 7-15-14 Personnel, Education, and Finance Committee meetings, the 7-15-14 District 62 meeting, the
7-15-14 Discipline Review Committee meeting and the 7-28-14 Executive Committee meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town
Talk
C. Action – Education
* 1. to inform the Board regarding school choice – Mr. Nason Authement
Pages 187-188
* 2. to inform the Board regarding probationary students at Phoenix Magnet Elementary
School – Mr. Nason Authement
* 3. to approve policies as recommended by Forethought Consulting and pending review by
legal counsel - Dr. Arthur Joffrion
Pages 189-196
a. EE - (Child Nutrition Program Management)
b. JBB - (Entrance Age)
c. JCDAD - (School Bus Conduct)
d. JGCB - (Immunizations)
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 –
Mrs. Bethanie Herrick
Page 197
* 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 198
* 5. to approve the Grant 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 Bid #12-29) – Ms. Liz Domite Page 199
* 6. to approve the Jefferson 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 Bid #12-29) – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 200-201
* 7. to declare salvage inventory per the attached list located at the Morgan Street Warehouse
surplus and to authorize the Secretary to advertise for bids for the “Sale of Surplus
Equipment” (Bid No. 15-18) and the Executive Committee and/or Superintendent and
Central Office Staff to receive bids and a recommendation to be made to the Board –
Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 202-212
* 8. to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Friday, August 22, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. by the
Central Office Staff for “Lease of 435 acres of School Board Property” (Bid No. 14-50)
and to award bid to the highest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on bidder
meeting all LA Public Law and Contract Document Requirements and Specifications
and award to K & L, LLC for $4,397.85 for District C funding - Ms. Liz Domite
Page 213 Source of funding General Fund
* 9. to ratify and confirm proposal(s) received on Monday, August 25, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. by
the Central Office Staff for “Telephone System and Equipment Maintenance”
(RFP #14-27B) and to award proposal to the recommended responsive and responsible
proposer contingent on recommended proposer meeting all LA Public Bid Law and
Contract and Specifications – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 214 Source of funding General Fund Amount $48,000 (estimate)
* 10. to approve Professional Services Contract with the Center for Educational Leadership
from September 1, 2014 through February 28, 2015 for professional development and
authorize the Superintendent and/or Board President to sign any required documents –
Dr. Arthur Joffrion
Pages 215-216 Source of funding Rapides Foundation - $63,910
Believe and Succeed Grant – Round 2 - $77,538
* 11. 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 meeting and per policy lay over for one
month – Mr. Keith Breazeale
Pages 217-218
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 approve Professional Services Contract for ABA School Consultants, LLC and to
authorize the Superintendent and/or Board President to sign any and all documentation
therewith – Mrs. Shelly Close
Source of funding IDEA Amount $60,000-$80,000 based on need
* 4. to approve Professional Services Contract for services to Talented (Drama, Voice and
Music) and to authorize the Superintendent and/or Board President to sign any and all
documentation therewith – Mrs. Janet Dixon and Mrs. Shelly Close
Pages 219-220 Source of funding General Fund (Gifted and Talented)
Amount $19,200.00 (Drama and Voice)
19,000.00(Music)
* 5. to approve Professional Services Contract for Literacy Interventionist and to authorize
the Superintendent and/or Board President to sign any and all documentation therewith –
Mrs. Shelly Close
Page 221 Source of funding IDEA Amount $12,000.00
* 6. to approve Professional Services Contract for Recreational Therapy and to authorize the
Superintendent and/or Board President to sign any and all documentation therewith –
Mrs. Shelly Close
Page 222 Source of funding IDEA Amount $32,000.00
* 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 27th day of August 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. John Allen introduced the Board’s student guest, Robert Julius Gaulden, a senior at Peabody Magnet High School, who was recognized for his academic and extracurricular achievements.
Also recognized were Robert’s family and Mrs. Jamie Henagan, principal at Peabody Magnet High School. (Item 4-a)
The Board recognized Hayden R. Lawrence Elementary for the bulletin board display in the lobby of the School Board Office for the month of September 2014. (Item 4-b)
Item 4-c was deferred to the October Board meeting.
The Board recognized Benjamin Sanson, Buckeye High School student, for his achievement of attaining the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America through Troop 626 of the Louisiana Purchase Council. (Item 4-e)
Mrs. Janet Dixon was recognized for having received the designation of “Distinguished Board Member” from the Louisiana Department of Education for voluntarily completing all required in-service training as required by LA Revised Statutes 17:53 to attain the designation as a Distinguished School Board Member for the four-year term commencing January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2014. The statutory requirements include the completion of a minimum of sixteen hours of LSBA approved continuing learning units in 2011, and, six hours of LSBA approved continuing learning units in each subsequent year. (Item 4-d)
The Board recognized Mr. Gerald Crooks (District C) and Mrs. Sandra Franklin
(District I) as new RPSB members starting in 2015 and Mr. Willard McCall as a candidate in
District “D”.
Items 6, 17 and 27 were deleted from the agenda.
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to
approve the consent agenda. (Item 5)
Discussion ensued and 5A-1, 5D-8 and 5D-9 were pulled for the regular agenda.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to adopt the consent agenda with the exception of 5A-1, 5D-8 and 5D-9.
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. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
Consent agenda: (Item 5)
A. Reports:
1. pulled for the regular agenda.
B. Action – Minutes
1. to approve the minutes of the 8-5-14 and 7-15-14 meetings, the 7-15-14
Personnel, Education, and Finance Committee meetings, the 7-15-14 District 62
meeting, the 7-15-14 Discipline Review Committee meeting and the 7-28-14
Executive Committee meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the
official journal, The Town Talk
C. Action – Education
* 1. to inform the Board regarding school choice – Mr. Nason Authement
Pages 187-188
* 2. to inform the Board regarding probationary students at Phoenix Magnet
Elementary School – Mr. Nason Authement
* 3. to approve policies as recommended by Forethought Consulting and pending
review by legal counsel - Dr. Arthur Joffrion
Pages 189-196
a. EE - (Child Nutrition Program Management)
b. JBB - (Entrance Age)
c. JCDAD - (School Bus Conduct)
d. JGCB - (Immunizations)
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 – Mrs. Bethanie Herrick
Page 197
* 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 198
* 5. to approve the Grant 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 Bid #12-29) – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 199
* 6. to approve the Jefferson 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 Bid #12-29) – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 200-201
* 7. to declare salvage inventory per the attached list located at the Morgan Street
Warehouse surplus and to authorize the Secretary to advertise for bids for the
“Sale of Surplus Equipment” (Bid No. 15-18) and the Executive Committee
and/or Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids and a
recommendation to be made to the Board – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 202-212
* 8. pulled for the regular agenda.
* 9. pulled for the regular agenda.
* 10. to approve Professional Services Contract with the Center for Educational
Leadership from September 1, 2014 through February 28, 2015 for professional
development and authorize the Superintendent and/or Board President to sign
any required documents – Dr. Arthur Joffrion
Pages 215-216 Source of funding Rapides Foundation - $63,910
Believe and Succeed Grant – Round 2 - $77,538
* 11. 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 meeting and per policy lay over for one month – Mr. Keith
Breazeale
Pages 217-218
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 approve Professional Services Contract for ABA School Consultants, LLC and
to authorize the Superintendent and/or Board President to sign any and all
documentation therewith – Mrs. Shelly Close
Source of funding IDEA Amount $60,000-$80,000 based on need
* 4. to approve Professional Services Contract for services to Talented (Drama,
Voice and Music) and to authorize the Superintendent and/or Board President to
sign any and all documentation therewith – Mrs. Janet Dixon and Mrs. Shelly
Close
Pages 219-220 Source of funding General Fund (Gifted and Talented)
Amount $19,200.00 (Drama and Voice)
19,000.00 (Music)
* 5. to approve Professional Services Contract for Literacy Interventionist and to
authorize the Superintendent and/or Board President to sign any and all
documentation therewith – Mrs. Shelly Close
Page 221 Source of funding IDEA Amount $12,000.00
* 6. to approve Professional Services Contract for Recreational Therapy and to
authorize the Superintendent and/or Board President to sign any and all
documentation therewith – Mrs. Shelly Close
Page 222 Source of funding IDEA Amount $32,000.00
* Denotes that these items have been through committee
A motion was made by Mrs. Pam Webb and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy 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 September Board meeting. (Item 7)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to accept the instrument presented by the Superintendent and to approve the additional information presented as part of the Superintendent Evaluation form.
Discussion ensued.
A second substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mrs.
Julie McConathy to accept the instrument presented by the Superintendent and approve additions as follows:
Area – Leadership
(No changes – remains the same)
Area – Administration
A. Personnel - (No changes - remains the same)
B. Finances – Add # 7 to read:
Regularly reports to the Board on the financial condition of the
district.
Area – School/Staff and Community Relations
Add #12 to read:
Develop plans for improvement of community relations and
involvement of all communities served by Rapides Parish
Area – Professional Growth and Ethics
(No changes – remains the same)
Area V – School and Student Performance
Add #5 to read:
The Superintendent has met the Performance Targets per his
contract.
Ø 3 points above the Louisiana public school SPS average on Annual improvement in student Achievement. The Superintendent will strive to maintain system student performance scores 3 points above the SPS 2012 school year beginning in 2014-2015 school year.
The target will increase by 1 point each year after the
2015-2016 school year.
The Rapides Parish School Board SPS score for 2012
will be used as the baseline. That Rapides Parish
School Board SPS district score is 99.9 and the
Louisiana Public School SPS is 102.9 for 2012.
Ø 2% increase in Annual improvement in overall parish student cohort graduation rates. Rapides Parish School System graduation rate grew by .8% from the 2011-2012 school year, therefore .8% will be used as the baseline.
3% increase in Annual improvement in graduation rates
for C and D performing schools.
2% increase in Annual improvement in graduation
rates in the F performing schools.
The baseline graduation rates will be derived from the
Louisiana Department of Education for the 2011-2012
school year. The 2014-2015 preliminary district
graduation rates will be used as the performance
target.
The graduation targets listed in this section will
increase by an additional 1% each year after the
2014-2015 school year both for the overall parish
rate and for the C, D, and F performing schools.
Ø 5% Annual improvement in percentage of teachers with an effective or highly effective performance rating.
After the baseline has been established in the 2013-
2014 school year for the number of effective teachers
in the Rapides Parish School System, the
Superintendent shall endeavor to achieve a number of
effective teachers and highly effective teachers in the
following year which shall be 5% higher than the
previous year.
Add - #6 to read:
The Superintendent has met the Performance Objectives per his
contract.
A. The Superintendent shall keep the Board informed of
any material developments, which positively or
negatively impact the school district.
B. The Superintendent shall keep the Board informed
as to the status of Board Finances and its budget and
shall make such recommendations as are necessary
to maintain a balanced budget.
C. The Superintendent shall timely file and/or post all
necessary reports, agendas, or other documents as
required by law.
D. Develop plans for improvement of community
relations and involvement of all communities served
by Rapides Parish.
E. Development of and presentation to the Board
systemic programs focused on improvement of the
educational attainment levels of students of the
Rapides Parish School System. The systemic
programs will insure that all students in all schools
are working within the same academic framework.
Such plans shall address, among other items, what
additional resources and supervision may be needed
at the lower performing schools.
Add New Area - Area VI – School Board Relations
1. Keeps the board informed of any material developments
which positively or negatively impact the school district.
2. Supports and implements policy established by the board.
3. Develops administrative regulations that supports the
application of school board policies.
4. Maintains/improve relations between the superintendent and
school board through periodic retreats, workshops, and
training sessions
5. Responds directly and factually to the school board.
6. Respects the policy making authority and
responsibility of the board.
7. Systematically provides accurate, relevant information
to the board to facilitate decision making.
Discussion ensued.
Let the record reflect that Mr. John Allen and Mr. Darrell Rodriguez withdrew the first substitute motion at this time.
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. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
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. Steve Berry to approve new policies as recommended by Forethought Consulting and pending review by legal counsel. (Item 8)
a. JCE - (Student Complaints and Grievances)
b. JGFC - (Student Dismissal Precautions)
c. JHE - (Student Publications)
d. JKA – (Solicitations of Students)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to approve new policies as recommended by Forethought Consulting and pending review by legal counsel as follows:
a. JCE - (Student Complaints and Grievances)
b. JGFC - (Student Dismissal Precautions)
c. JHE - (Student Publications) – change as follows:
Third paragraph to read as follows:
Delete the sentence: Student publications shall provide as much opportunity as possible for the sincere expression of student opinion.
Add to the last sentence: shall be supervised by the designated
faculty advisor and principal
d. JKA – (Solicitations of Students)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to hear a report from Rozier, Harrington and McKay on the Targeted Audit/Agreed Upon Procedures Engagement. (Item 15)
Mr. Steven Kimball, CPA, presented information and discussion ensued.
No action was taken.
A motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to present information relative to the success of the first annual Rapides Parish School District Summer Institute. (Item 21)
Dr. Arthur Joffrion and S.I. Committee Members presented information to the Board at this time.
No action was taken.
President Janet Dixon called for a short recess and then the meeting reconvened.
Let the record reflect that Mr. John Allen returned to the meeting at this time.
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to revise
Policy IHC – (Class Rankings and Awards). (Item 9)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to approve the revised Policy IHC – (Class Rankings and Awards) and to lay over for one month and send to the October Board meeting.
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. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Pam Webb to
consider and take action with respect to adopting a Resolution with respect to the Municipalities continuing disclosure cooperative initiative of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
(Item 12)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTION
A resolution with respect to the Municipalities Continuing Disclosure
Cooperative Initiative of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
WHEREAS, the Rapides Parish School Board and its various school districts are political subdivisions of the State of Louisiana (hereinafter referred to as "Issuer"); and
WHEREAS, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") has announced its Municipalities Continuing Disclosure Cooperative Initiative (the "MCDC Initiative") relating to certain disclosure obligations in offeringdocuments relating to municipalsecurities pursuantto Rule 15c2-12 (the "Rule") under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act"); and
WHEREAS, the Issuer has issued one or more series of bonds (collectively, the
“Bonds”) that may be subject to the terms of the MCDC Initiative; and
WHEREAS, an official statement was prepared in connection with the primary offering of each series of Bonds; and
WHEREAS, such official statement included certain information with respect to the Issuer's past compliancewith its prior continuing disclosure undertakings entered into pursuant to Section (b)(5) of the Rule (the "Prior Undertakings"); and
WHEREAS, the Issuer may desire to participate in the MCDC Initiative with respect to its Prior Undertakings; and
WHEREAS, the Finance Director of the Issuer shall consult with counsel to the Issuer, including Bond Counsel, to determine compliance with its Prior Undertakings in official statements delivered in connection with the Bonds; and
WHEREAS, this governing authoritydesires to authorize the Finance Director of the Issuer, after such review and after consultation with counsel, to determine whether the Issuer should participate in the MCDC Initiative and to take all necessary actions in connection therewith; and
WHEREAS, the deadline established by the SEC for reporting under the MCDC Initiative is currently September 9, 2014;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVEDby the Parish School Board of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, acting as the governing authority of the Parish for school purposes and of its various school districts, that:
SECTION 1. If the Finance Director, in her sole discretion, determines such filing is advisable, the Issuer is hereby authorized to participate in the MCDC Initiative and file with the SEC the Municipalities Continuing Disclosure Initiative Questionnaire (the "Questionnaire") in connection with the Bonds of the Issuer, and the Finance Director is hereby authorized to execute the Questionnaire for, on behalf of and in the name of the Issuer. The Questionnaire shall be in the required form, with information to be completed by the Finance Director upon the advice of counsel to the Issuer. The signature of the Finance Director upon the Questionnaire, or as may be otherwise required for or necessary, convenient or appropriate to effect the purposes of this resolution, is deemed to be conclusive evidence of her due exerciseof the authority vested in suchofficer hereunder
SECTION 2. The FinanceDirector is furtherauthorized to execute an agreement on behalf of the Issuer containing such standard terms as may be required by the SEC.
SECTION 3. The Finance Director is hereby authorizedto take any and all other action as may be necessary or desirable in order to carry out the provisions of this resolution.
STATE OF LOUISIANA PARISH OF RAPIDES
I, the undersigned Secretary of the Parish School Board of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, acting as the governing authority of the Parish for school purposes and of its various school districts, do hereby certifythat the foregoing pages constitute a true and correct copy of the proceedings taken by the governing authority on September 2, 2014, adopting a resolution with respect to the Municipalities Continuing Disclosure Cooperative Initiative of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
IN FAITH WHEREOF, witnessmy official signatureon this the 2nd day of
September, 2014.
A motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to authorize the secretary to exercise the option to renew the contract under the same terms and conditions for the 2014-2015 school year for “Fire Alarm System Test and Inspection Services” (Bid No. 15-54) with written mutual agreement of the vendor (Siemens Industry, Inc.) and authorize the secretary to sign any documentation connected therewith (Original Bid #14-54A). (Item 13)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios to send this item out for bids regarding “Fire Alarm System Test and Inspection Services”.
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. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
Items 14, 16, 18 and 19 were discussed in globo.
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez
to approve an agreement between RPSB and Balfour to be the official yearbook publisher for Buckeye
High School for the 2014-2015 school year and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation
in connection therewith (14); to approve an agreement between RPSB and Taylor Publishing dba Balfour
for Balfour to be the official yearbook publisher for Buckeye Elementary for the 2014-2015 school year
and authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to sign any documentation in connection
therewith (Item 16); to approve an agreement between RPSB and Taylor Publishing dba Balfour for
Balfour to be the official yearbook publisher for Northwood High School for the 2014-2015 school year
and authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to sign any documentation in connection
therewith (Item 18); and to approve an agreement between RPSB and Taylor Publishing dba Balfour for
Balfour to be the official yearbook publisher for Phoenix Magnet Elementary School for the 2014-2015
school year and authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to sign any documentation in
connection therewith. (Item 19)
Discussion ensued.
An amended motion was made by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Mr. John Allen to change item 14 to read as follows: to approve an agreement between RPSB and Taylor Publishing dba Balfour for Balfour to be the official yearbook publisher for Buckeye High School for the 2014-2015 school year and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith and to approve items 16, 18 and 19 as printed above.
Discussion ensued.
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. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to
present information regarding staffing for the 2014-2015 school year. (Item 20)
Dr. Arthur Joffrion presented information to the Board at this time and discussion ensued.
No action was taken.
A motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry for the RPSB to consider and take action on the following request of Denise Echols, an employee of the RPSB: Please accept this letter as a Petition for the reimbursement of my back pay for the difference in the salary I received and the salary I should have received had I been credited for my years of service as a certified teacher in the State of Louisiana during the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 academic school years. (Item 23)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez for the RPSB to make an exception to the current procedure as to giving credit years for the years of experience to Denise Echols and award her the six (6) years of credit for the time she has worked for the RPSB.
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. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to
present and approve revised Interagency Agreement between the RPSB and CDI Head Start and the revised Addendum A and Addendum B and to authorize the board president to sign, subject to legal counsel review and approval. (Item 24)
Dr. Arthur Joffrion presented revisions and discussion ensued.
On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy, the Committee voted unanimously to approve revised Interagency Agreement between the RPSB and CDI Head Start and the revised Addendum A and Addendum B and to authorize the board president to sign, subject to legal counsel review and approval.
A motion was made by Mrs. Pam Webb and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to enter into a collaborative endeavor agreement with the Louisiana Department of Education with regards to supplemental course allocation (SCA), the Level 4 funding of (SCA) and the reporting of students for SCA and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith pending review and approval by legal counsel. (Item 26)
Mr. Authement presented information to the Board at this time and discussion ensued.
On motion by Mrs. Pam Webb and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon, the Board voted unanimously to enter into a collaborative endeavor agreement with the Louisiana Department of Education with regards to supplemental course allocation (SCA), the Level 4 funding of (SCA) and the reporting of students for SCA and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith pending review and approval by legal counsel.
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to receive an update on school construction projects. (Item 5A-1) (28)
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez, the Board voted unanimously to receive an update on school construction projects.
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Pam Webb to ratify and confirm proposal(s) received on Monday, August 25, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Telephone System and Equipment Maintenance” (RFP #14-27B) and to award proposal to the recommended responsive and responsible proposer contingent on recommended proposer meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract and Specifications. (Item 5D-9) (30)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to defer this item to the September Finance Committee for additional information.
Discussion ensued.
On the substitute motion made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon, the Board voted unanimously to defer this item to the September Finance Committee for additional information.
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to accept Kevin Hood’s letter of withdrawal of Bid for Bid No. 14-50 and accept his bid security check in the amount of $872.18 as liquidated damages. (Item 25)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Friday, August 22, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Lease of 435 acres of School Board Property” (Bid No. 14-50) and to award bid to the highest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on bidder meeting all LA Public Law and Contract Document Requirements and Specifications. (Item 5D-8) (29)
Discussion ensued.
An amended motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Friday, August 22, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Lease of 435 acres of School Board Property” (Bid No. 14-50) and to award bid to the highest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on bidder meeting all LA Public Law and Contract Document Requirements and Specifications and award to K & L, LLC for $4,397.85 for “District C” funding.
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. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
A motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez for the RPSB to review annually in October the “Special Reserve Fund” and for the RPSB to decide annually in October the disposition of this fund as it relates to the contribution or non-contribution to this fund. (Item 22)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to revise the budget to reflect the minimum of 1% annual of the General Fund that was not deposited in 2013 and 2014 and that money be transferred to the Special Reserve Fund as mandated by the Board on April 2011 until the Strategic Plan runs out in 2015 and amend the General Fund transfer out in the amount of $3,747,627. In 2016, the Board will review in October and adopt a plan for the contribution or non-contribution to this fund and do so annually.
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. Webb, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: Mr. Barrios
ABSENT: None
THE SUBSTITUTE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Pam Webb to conduct a
public hearing on the Proposed Budgets for the 2014-2015 Fiscal Year. (Item 10)
Ms. Liz Domite presented information and discussion ensued.
No action was taken.
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to adopt a Resolution adopting the Operating Budgets of Revenues Expenditures and Fund Balances for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2014. (Item 11)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Alexandria, Louisiana
BUDGET RESOLUTION
A Resolution adopting the Operating Budgets of Revenues and Expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2014, and ending June 30, 2015.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD, IN
general session convened that:
SECTION 1: Actual revenues, expenditures, and fund balances for the year ended June 30, 2014, are hereby adopted as the amended budgets for the year, in compliance with the requirements of state law.
SECTION 2: The following estimates of Revenues for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2014, and ending June 30, 2015, be and the same are hereby adopted to serve as Operating Budgets of Revenues for the District, during said period.
SECTION 3: The following estimates of Expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2014, and ending June 30, 2015, be and the same are hereby adopted to serve as Operating Budgets of Expenditures for the District during said period.
SECTION 4: The adoption of the Operating Budgets of Expenditures is and the same is hereby declared to operate as an appropriation of the amounts therein set forth within the terms of the budget classifications.
SECTION 5: The adopted budget shall form the framework from which the Superintendent and staff shall monitor revenues and control expenditures.
SECTION 6: The Rapides Parish School Board does hereby authorize the Superintendent, through the Director of Finance, to make changes within budget classifications. However, the Board retains the authority to adopt budget amendments when required by the Local Government Budget Act.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at Alexandria, Louisiana, on this the 2nd day of September 2014.
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