OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Alexandria, Louisiana
November 5, 2014
The Rapides Parish School Board of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, met in regular public session at 5:00 o’clock p.m. on Wednesday, November 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.
__________________
Assistant District Attorney Field Gremillion was present for the meeting.
___________________
The Colors were presented by the Tioga High JROTC. The Invocation was pronounced by Rabbi Arnold Task after which Mr. Steve Berry 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 OCTOBER 30, 2014)
Alexandria, Louisiana
October 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
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 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. the Board’s student guest from Bolton High School – Mrs. Pam Webb
b. Huddle Elementary School for the bulletin board display in the lobby of the School
Board Office for the month of November 2014 – Mr. Clyde Washington
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 to revise the job descriptions for: - Dr. Arthur Joffrion
Pages 1-6
a. Deputy Assistant Superintendent of Administration
b. Deputy Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction
* 7. Motion 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 (deferred from 9-2-14 and 10-7-14 Board
Meeting) – Mrs. Janet Dixon, Dr. Stephen Chapman and Ms. Liz Domite
Page 7 Source of funding General Fund Amount $48,000 (estimate)
* 8. Motion for the RPSB to discuss and take action on a proposed $1,200.00 one-time
supplement for all employees for December 2014 in a 13th pay check contingent upon
completion of designated in-service to be named by the Administration at the November
Board meeting – Mrs. Julie McConathy and Mr. Wilton Barrios
Source of funding General Fund
9. Motion to present parent concerns regarding Eureka Math – Mr. Nason Authement
Pages 8-9
10. Motion to name the Boulevard in the parking lot at Alexandria Senior High,
Bamburg Boulevard, named for the 1st principal of the school – Mr. Keith Breazeale
11. Motion to approve an agreement between Rapides Parish School Board and School
Annual Publishing Company to be the official yearbook publisher for J. I. Barron
Elementary for the 2014-2015 school year and authorize the Board President to sign any
documentation in connection therewith – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 10-11 Source of funding School Funds Amount $8,125.00
12. Motion to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids and authorize the Executive
Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids and
a recommendation to be made to the Board – Ms. Liz Domite
a. “Ball Elementary Parking Lot Repavement” (Bid No. 14-63)
Source of funding District 11 Bond Amount $475,000
b. “Ball Elementary Storage Building” (Bid No. 14-56)
Source of Funding District 11 Bond Amount $75,000
c. “Tioga High Multipurpose Building” (Bid No. 14-59)
Source of funding District 11 Bond Amount $3,565,000
d. “Tioga High Parking Lot Expansion” (Bid No. 14-64)
Source of funding District 11 Bond Amount $110,000
13. Motion for the RPSB to go into Executive Session to conduct the Superintendent’s
Annual Evaluation – Mrs. Janet Dixon
14. Motion to approve Change Order #5 on “Tioga Junior High School Renovations” for
RPSB (Bid #14-45) between Rapides Parish School Board and Tudor, Inc. increasing the
contract sum by $300,681.82 and thereby increasing the total contract amount to
$2,362,855.32 and to authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in
connection therewith – Mr. Wilton Barrios
Pages 12-29 Source of funding Tioga Bond Contingency
Amount $300,681.82
15. Motion to renew the operating lease between ModSpace and RPSB for eight (8) modular
classrooms with a new lease start date of November 1, 2014 and end date of October 31,
2015 and approve the non-renewal and return of six (6) modular classrooms and
authorize the Board President to sign any necessary documentation in connection
therewith, pending review by legal counsel – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 30-33 Source of funding District 11 Amount $ 775 (month)
District 62 $ 5,210 (month)
Total $71,820 (year)
16. Motion to approve Professional Services Contract with Career Compass of LA. in the
amount of $27,800 for 2014–2015 school year to provide college and career coaching to
Rapides Parish School District and to authorize the Superintendent and/or Board
President to sign any required documents – Mrs. Bethanie Herrick
Pages 34-38 Source of funding CTE 1% 2014-2015)
Amount $27,800.00
17. Motion that the administration develop and implement a strategic plan that will ensure
that the following schools will receive at least the letter grade “D” or a SPS score of at
least 49.9 on their school performance scores for the 2014-2015 school year for Alma
Redwine, Alexandria Middle Magnet, Peabody Magnet High School and Julius Patrick
Elementary School. The Administration will provide periodic reports on the progress
made in achieving such goal. Each school will be provided the resources to achieve such
goal – Mr. John Allen
18. Motion to conduct an expulsion hearing – Mr. John Allen
19. Motion to discuss the Rapides Parish School Boards Policy (GAE) on Complaints and
Grievances - Mr. John Allen
Pages 39-41
Consent agenda: (Item 5)
A. Reports:
1. to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 42-45
B. Action – Minutes
1. to approve the minutes of the 10-7-14 and 9-16-14 meetings, the 9-16-14 Personnel,
Education, and Finance Committee meetings, and the 9-29-14 Executive Committee
meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town
Talk
C. Action – Education
* 1. to authorize the Board President to execute an Interagency Agreement between the RPSB
and Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care, Inc. dba Pediatric Health Choice-Alexandria,
concerning the providing of Special Education services to homebound Rapides Parish
Students of Pediatrics’ day health care facilities at 5505 Jackson Street, Alexandria,
Louisiana, the terms and conditions of the final agreement to be approved by the Director
of Special Education and review by Board counsel – Mrs. Shelly Close
Pages 46-48
* 2 . to approve revising policies as recommended by Forethought Consulting, pending review
by legal counsel – Ms. Penny Toney
Pages 49-51
a. IHF (Graduation Requirements)
b. IKDB (Graduation Exercises)
* 3. to approve revising policy JCAB (Searches) as recommended by Forethought Consulting,
pending review by legal counsel – Mr. Roy Rachal
Pages 52-54
* 4. to approve revising policy JCDAC (Student Drug Use) as recommended by Forethought
Consulting, pending review by legal counsel – Mrs. Ruby Smith
Pages 55-56
* 5. to approve new policy JQCA (Testing For Dyslexia) as recommended by Forethought
Consulting, pending review by legal counsel – Dr. Arthur Joffrion
Page 57
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 58-84
* 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
Pages 85-86
* 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 87
* 5. to hear quarterly report on Maintenance Funds – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 88
* 6. to authorize the secretary to advertise for proposals for “Security Systems for Ball
Elementary and Alexandria Middle Magnet” (Bid No. 15-23) and authorize the Executive
Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive proposals and a
recommendation to be made to the Board – Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding Maintenance
* 7. to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids for “Compartment Trays for RPSB
Cafeterias” (Bid No. 15-24) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the
Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids and a recommendation to be made
to the Board – Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding Food and Nutrition Service
* 8. to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Friday, October 24, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. by the
Central Office staff for “Annual Purchase of Band Instruments” (Bid # 15-02) and award
bid to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on low bidder meeting all
LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements and Specifications – Ms. Liz
Domite
Page 89 Source of funding Maintenance Amount $65,000
* 9. to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. by the
Central Office staff for “Sale of Surplus Inventory” (Bid # 15-18) and award bid to the
highest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on bidder meeting all LA Public
Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements and Specifications – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 90-93 Source of funding General Fund
* 10. to approve the Professional Service Contract for transporting and delivery of U.S.D.A
commodities from Polar Bear Ice Company to individual schools in Rapides Parish
effective January 5, 2015 through June 20, 2015 – Mrs. Erma Davis
Pages 94-95 Source of funding Food and Nutrition Services
Amount $20,325.00
* 11. to renew the Professional Services Contract with Mr. Frank Bruno for state contract
licensed electrician, as required by state and local governing agencies. Contract period
shall be for a six (6) month period with an option to renew at same terms and conditions
for an additional six (6) month period upon mutual agreement of both parties and
authorize the Board President and/or the Superintendent to sign any and all documents in
connection therewith – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 96-97 Source of funding Parish-wide Maintenance (002)
Amount $4,785.00 - plus mileage @ state rate (.51 a mile)
* 12. for permission to advertise and receive proposals (RFP) for E-Rate services for the 2015-
2016 school year – Mrs. Rebekah Beck
* 13. to approve a Professional Contract with ACT Mastery to conduct the ACT Boot Camp at
Rapides High School on February 27, 2015 and to authorize the Superintendent/Board
President to sign any required documents - Mr. Bill Higgins
Page 98 Source of funding Title I Amount $6,300.00
* 14. to inform the Board of the Rapides Parish School System’s involvement in a federal
Pre-School Development and Expansion Grant under the direction of the LDOE
– Dr. Arthur Joffrion, Mrs. Cindy Rushing and Mrs. Cathy McKay
Pages 99-114
* 15. to approve Professional Services Contract with The Orchard Foundation in the amount of
$63,400 from October 16, 2014 through June 30, 2015 to employ and supervise the part-
time Regional Project Manager for the Cenla Jump Start Workplace Experiences
Exchange grant and to approve the Project Manager job description to coordinate the
8th grade Regional Career Exploration Job Fair, and teacher externship activities defined
in the grant proposal awarded by the Louisiana Department of Education to Rapides
Parish School District and to authorize the Superintendent and/or the Board President to
sign any required documents – Mrs. Bethanie Herrick
Pages 115-120 Source of Funding Jump Start Grant Amount $63,400.00
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
g. disclosure of new and renewed performance contracts
Page 121
* 2. to discuss any personnel complaints that may go before the full board for action –
Mrs. Vicki Younger
* 3. to approve revising policies as recommended by Forethought Consulting, pending
review by legal counsel as follows: - Mrs. Vicki Younger
Pages 122-130
a. GBA (Contracts and Compensation)
b. GBI (Evaluation)
c. GBL (Tenure)
* 4. to approve revising policies as recommended by Forethought Consulting, pending
review by legal counsel as follows and for the Administration to provide to the RPSB,
upon completion, the process of randomly selecting the hearing officer - Dr. Arthur
Joffrion
Pages 131-137
a. GBK (Employee Discipline)
b. GBN (Dismissal of Employees)
* 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 30th day of October 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.
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A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to add to the agenda to enter into a contractual agreement with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt The Leadership and Learning Center for 5 (five) days of on-site coaching for Rapides High School and authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Reason to add: Release of state school performance score. (Item 20)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add was as follows:
AYE: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy,
Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
____________________
A motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mrs. Pam Webb to add to the agenda to approve Apple ConnectED Program Grant with Apple and the signing of the Apple Agreement as part of the ConnectED initiative to support a digital learning initiative by providing products at no cost to Acadian, Alma Redwine, Hadnot- Hayes, Julius Patrick, North Bayou Rapides and W. O. Hall Elementary Schools and to authorize the Superintendent and/or the Board President to sign any required documents – Reason to add: Time sensitive. (Item 21)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add was as follows:
AYE: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy,
Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
____________________
Mrs. Pam Webb introduced the Board’s student guest, Annslee Perego, a senior
at Bolton High School, who was recognized for her academic and extracurricular achievements.
Also recognized were Annslee’s family and Mrs. Misty Slayter, principal at Bolton High School.
(Item 4-a)
____________________
The Board recognized Huddle Elementary for the bulletin board display in the lobby of
the School Board Office for the month of November 2014. (Item 4-b)
____________________
A motion was made by Mrs. Pam Webb and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to
approve the consent agenda. (Item 5)
Discussion ensued and 5E-1 (Lopez Henderson) and 5F-4 were pulled for the regular agenda.
A substitute motion was made by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to adopt the consent agenda with the exception of 5E-1 (Lopez Henderson) and 5F-4.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy,
Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, 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 42-45
B. Action – Minutes
1. to approve the minutes of the 10-7-14 and 9-16-14 meetings, the 9-16-14
Personnel, Education, and Finance Committee meetings, and the 9-29-14
Executive Committee meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the
official journal, The Town Talk
C. Action– Education
* 1. to authorize the Board President to execute an Interagency Agreement between
the RPSB and Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care, Inc. dba Pediatric Health
Choice-Alexandria, concerning the providing of Special Education services to
homebound Rapides Parish Students of Pediatrics’ day health care facilities at
5505 Jackson Street, Alexandria, Louisiana, the terms and conditions of the final
agreement to be approved by the Director of Special Education and review by
Board counsel – Mrs. Shelly Close
Pages 46-48
* 2. to approve revising policies as recommended by Forethought Consulting,
pending review by legal counsel – Ms. Penny Toney
Pages 49-51
a. IHF (Graduation Requirements)
b. IKDB (Graduation Exercises)
* 3. to approve revising policy JCAB (Searches) as recommended by Forethought
Consulting, pending review by legal counsel – Mr. Roy Rachal
Pages 52-54
* 4. to approve revising policy JCDAC (Student Drug Use) as recommended by
Forethought Consulting, pending review by legal counsel – Mrs. Ruby Smith
Pages 55-56
* 5. to approve new policy JQCA (Testing For Dyslexia) as recommended by
Forethought Consulting, pending review by legal counsel – Dr. Arthur Joffrion
Page 57
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 58-84
* 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
Pages 85-86
* 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 87
* 5. to hear quarterly report on Maintenance Funds – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 88
* 6. to authorize the secretary to advertise for proposals for “Security Systems for
Ball Elementary and Alexandria Middle Magnet” (Bid No. 15-23) and authorize
the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to
receive proposals – Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding Maintenance
* 7. to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids for “Compartment Trays for RPSB
Cafeterias” (Bid No. 15-24) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the
Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids – Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding Food and Nutrition Service
* 8. to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Friday, October 24, 2014 at 11:00 a.m.
by the Central Office staff for “Annual Purchase of Band Instruments” (Bid # 15-
02) and award bid to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on
low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements
and Specifications and award to Red River Music for $68,402.59 – Ms. Liz
Domite
Page 89 Source of funding Maintenance Amount $65,000
* 9. to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Tuesday, October 14, 2014 at 11:00 a.m.
by the Central Office staff for “Sale of Surplus Inventory” (Bid # 15-18) and
award bid to the highest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on bidder
meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements and
Specifications and award to Ronald Renfrow for $740, to Williams Ellington
for $90 and to Christine Hassell for $1,509 - Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 90-93 Source of funding General Fund
* 10. to approve the Professional Service Contract for transporting and delivery of
U.S.D.A commodities from Polar Bear Ice Company to individual schools in
Rapides Parish effective January 5, 2015 through June 20, 2015 – Mrs. Erma
Davis
Pages 94-95 Source of funding Food and Nutrition Services
Amount $20,325.00
* 11. to renew the Professional Services Contract with Mr. Frank Bruno for state
contract licensed electrician, as required by state and local governing agencies.
Contract period shall be for a six (6) month period with an option to renew at
same terms and conditions for an additional six (6) month period upon mutual
agreement of both parties and authorize the Board President and/or the
Superintendent to sign any and all documents in connection therewith –
Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 96-97 Source of funding Parish-wide Maintenance (002)
Amount $4,785.00 - plus mileage @ state rate (.51 a mile)
* 12. for permission to advertise and receive proposals (RFP) for E-Rate services for
the 2015-2016 school year – Mrs. Rebekah Beck
* 13. to approve a Professional Contract with ACT Mastery to conduct the ACT Boot
Camp at Rapides High School on February 27, 2015 and to authorize the
Superintendent/Board President to sign any required documents - Mr. Bill
Higgins
Page 98 Source of funding Title I Amount $6,300.00
* 14. to inform the Board of the Rapides Parish School System’s involvement in a
federal Pre-School Development and Expansion Grant under the direction of the
LDOE – Dr. Arthur Joffrion, Mrs. Cindy Rushing and Mrs. Cathy McKay
Pages 99-114
* 15. to approve Professional Services Contract with The Orchard Foundation in the
amount of $63,400 from October 16, 2014 through June 30, 2015 to employ and
supervise the part-time Regional Project Manager for the Cenla Jump Start
Workplace Experiences Exchange grant and to approve the Project Manager job
description to coordinate the 8th grade Regional Career Exploration Job Fair, and
teacher externship activities defined in the grant proposal awarded by the
Louisiana Department of Education to Rapides Parish School District and to
authorize the Superintendent and/or the Board President to sign any required
documents – Mrs. Bethanie Herrick
Pages 115-120 Source of Funding Jump Start Grant Amount $63,400.00
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
Lopez Henderson was pulled for the regular agenda.
Motion that in lieu of expulsion, Keishad Gaines be admitted to the RAPPS (Rapides Alternative Positive Program for Students) for forty-five (45) school days including the thirteen days served and thereafter, be readmitted to the zoned school conditioned upon a probationary agreement to be executed by the student, parent and Superintendent within five (5) days otherwise the principal’s recommendation is upheld.
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
g. disclosure of new and renewed performance contracts
Page 121
* 2. to discuss any personnel complaints that may go before the full board for action
– Mrs. Vicki Younger
* 3. to approve revising policies as recommended by Forethought Consulting,
pending review by legal counsel as follows: - Mrs. Vicki Younger
Pages 122-130
a. GBA (Contracts and Compensation)
b. GBI (Evaluation)
c. GBL (Tenure)
* 4. pulled for the regular agenda.
* Denotes that these items have been through committee
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy for the RPSB to discuss and take action on a proposed $1,200.00 one-time supplement for all employees for December 2014 in a 13th pay check contingent upon completion of designated in-service to be named by the Administration at the November Board meeting. (Item 8)
Discussion ensued.
An amended motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios to grant to our contracted employees, employed by October 31, 2014, a one-time special salary increase of $1,200 payable on December 18, 2014 with the stipulation that the employee successfully pass the Emergency Management In-Service Program by March 30, 2015. If the in-service is not successfully completed by March 30, 2015, then the money will be recovered in the May 2015 pay check pursuant to
RS 17:422.6(A). (Source of Funding - General Fund)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the amended motion was as follows:
AYE: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez
____________________
Let the record reflect that Mr. John Allen left the meeting at this
___________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to present parent concerns regarding Eureka Math. (Item 9)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry for the RPSB to have a Special Board Meeting on November 10, 2014 at 6:00 p.m. at Peabody High School to hear parent concerns regarding Eureka Math.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez
NAY: Mr. Barrios, Mrs. McConathy, Mrs. Dixon
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
THE SUBSTITUTE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.
____________________
The President 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 Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mrs. Pam Webb to
approve revising policies as recommended by Forethought Consulting, pending review by legal counsel as follows and for the Administration to provide to the RPSB, upon completion, the process of randomly selecting the hearing officer. (Item 5F-4/22)
a. GBK (Employee Discipline)
b. GBN (Dismissal of Employees)
Discussion ensued with some recommendations.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to strike out on GBK (Employee Discipline) on page 132 – top of page - remove the verbiage however, upon request of the employee, the Rapides Parish School Board may grant a hearing and on GBN and to remove the verbiage however, upon request of the employee, the Rapides Parish School Board may grant a hearing and on page134 - Under Non-tenured Teachers; and also on page 136 – the sentence after #4 at top of page and on page 134 on GBN Add the following: Under Tenure Teacher
by the Superintendent or his/her designee.
Discussion ensued.
An amended motion was made by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy that the RPSB amend Policy GBK and GBN with the following changes and recommendations from the Personnel Committee and recommendations from the Board Attorney as follows:
a. GBK (Employee Discipline)
on page 132 – top of page - remove the verbiage
however, upon request of the employee, the Rapides Parish
School Board may grant a hearing.
b. GBN (Dismissal of Employees)
on page 134 - Under Non-tenured Teachers, last sentence to
read as follows: The teacher shall not be entitled to a hearing
before the School Board; however, upon request of the
employee, the Rapides Parish School Board may grant a hearing.
Add the following: If a hearing is granted it shall not constitute a full due
process hearing with the calling of witnesses or introduction of exhibits, but
shall consist of only of a general discussion by the Board of the
recommendation with the Superintendent and the affected employee, and
any directives or suggestions by the Board shall be consistent with
the provisions of Act 1 of 2012. The employee shall be entitled to
representation.
Add the following: Page 134 -Under Tenure Teachers
by the Superintendent or his/her designee.
Page 136 – the sentence after #4 at top of page to read as follows:
The employee shall not be entitled to a hearing before the School Board;
however, upon request of the employee, the Rapides Parish School Board
may grant a hearing.
Add the following: If a hearing is granted it shall not constitute a full due
process hearing with the calling of witnesses or introduction of exhibits, but
shall consist of only of a general discussion by the Board of the
recommendation with the Superintendent and the affected employee, and any
directives or suggestions by the Board shall be consistent with the provisions
of Act 1 of 2012. The employee shall be entitled to representation.
On roll call the vote on the amended motion was as follows:
AYE: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Breazeale
ABSENT: None
THE AMENDED MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.
____________________
A motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to revise the job descriptions for: (Item 6)
a. Deputy Assistant Superintendent of Administration
b. Deputy Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon, the Board voted unanimously to approve and revise the job descriptions for:
a. Deputy Assistant Superintendent of Administration
b. Deputy Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction
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A motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez 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 (deferred from 9-2-14 and 10-7-14 Board Meeting).
(Item 7)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry for the Administrative Staff to present to the Board at the November Finance Committee the proposal, job description and salary schedule for the Telecommunications Technician in lieu of the current telephone agreement.
Discussion ensued.
Let the record reflect that Mr. Steve Berry left the meeting at this time
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale,
Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Berry
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Let the record reflect that Mr. Steve Berry returned to the meeting at this
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Items 10, 11, 12, 15, 16 and 20 were discussed in globo.
A motion was made by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to name the Boulevard in the parking lot at Alexandria Senior High, Bamburg Boulevard, named for the 1st principal of the school (Item 10); to approve an agreement between Rapides Parish School Board and School Annual Publishing Company to be the official yearbook publisher for J. I. Barron Elementary for the 2014-2015 school year and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith (Item 11); to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids and (a) “Ball Elementary Parking Lot Repavement” (Bid No. 14-63), (b) “Ball Elementary Storage Building” (Bid No. 14-56), c. “Tioga High Multipurpose Building” (Bid No. 14-59), (d) “Tioga High Parking Lot Expansion” (Bid No. 14-64) (Item 12); to renew the operating lease between ModSpace and RPSB for eight (8) modular classrooms with a new lease start date of November 1, 2014 and end date of October 31, 2015 and approve the non-renewal and return of six (6) modular classrooms and authorize the Board President to sign any necessary documentation in connection therewith, pending review by legal counsel (Item 15); to approve Professional Services Contract with Career Compass of LA. in the amount of $27,800 for 2014–2015 school year to provide college and career coaching to Rapides Parish School District and to authorize the Superintendent and/or Board President to sign any required documents (Item 16); and to enter into a contractual agreement with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt The Leadership and Learning Center for 5 (five) days of on-site coaching for Rapides High School and authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith. (Item 20)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on all the above items were as follows:
AYE: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy,
Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to approve Change Order #5 on “Tioga Junior High School Renovations” for RPSB (Bid #14-45) between Rapides Parish School Board and Tudor, Inc. increasing the contract sum by $300,681.82 and thereby increasing the total contract amount to $2,362,855.32 and to authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith. (Item 14)
Discussion ensued and Mr. Brocato presented information to the Board.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale,
Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: Dr. Chapman
ABSENT: None
THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.
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A motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to approve Apple ConnectED Program Grant with Apple and the signing of the Apple Agreement as part of the ConnectED initiative to support a digital learning initiative by providing products at no cost to Acadian, Alma Redwine, Hadnot-Hayes, Julius Patrick, North Bayou Rapides and W. O. Hall Elementary Schools and to authorize the Superintendent and/or the Board President to sign any required
documents. (Item 21)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy,
Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
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Item 19 was deleted.
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A motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy that the administration develop and implement a strategic plan that will ensure that the following schools will receive at least the letter grade “D” or a SPS score of at least 49.9 on their school performance scores for the 2014-2015 school year for Alma Redwine, Alexandria Middle Magnet, Peabody Magnet High School and Julius Patrick Elementary School. The Administration will provide periodic reports on the progress made in achieving such goal. Each school will be provided the resources to achieve such goal. (Item 17)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to defer item 17 to the November Education Committee.
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez, the Board voted unanimously to defer item 17 to the November Education Committee.
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Items 5E-1/23 and item 18 were discussed in globo.
A motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to conduct an expulsion hearing (Item 18); and to uphold the Rapides Parish School Board Review Committee’s recommendation. (Item 5E-1/23)
Discussion ensued.
Lopez Henderson and his mother, Allison Holmes-Ford, requested to be heard in Open
Session.
Principal Duane Urbina and the Assistant Principal presented information to the Board at this time.
Comments were made by the Board and discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made Mr. John Allen to transfer Lopez Henderson to Peabody Magnet High School effective November 6, 2014 and sign a probationary agreement.
The substitute motion died for lack of a second.
A second substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by
Mrs. Julie McConathy to uphold the Superintendent recommendation for expulsion.
Discussion ensued.
A third substitute motion was made by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Mr. John Allen that Lopez Henderson complete the 45 days at RAPPS and then be transferred to Peabody Magnet High School until the end of the school year.
Discussion ensued and Mrs. Dixon withdrew her motion.
A fourth substitute motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy that Lopez Henderson be admitted to the RAPPS (Rapides Alternative Positive Program for Students) for 20 (twenty) additional days and thereafter, be transferred to Peabody Magnet High School for the remainder of the 2014-2015 school year 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.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the fourth substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Barrios, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Breazeale
ABSENT: None
THE FOURTH SUBSTITUTE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.
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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to reconsider item 5F-4/22 on the amended Policy GBK and GBN.
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon, the Board voted unanimously to reconsider item 5F-4/22 on the amended Policy GBK and GBN
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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to layover the amended Policy GBK and GBN until December Board meeting.
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon, the Board voted unanimously to layover the amended Policy GBK and GBN until December Board meeting.
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Let the record reflect that Mr. John Allen left the meeting at this time.
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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy for the RPSB to go into Executive Session to conduct the Superintendent’s Annual Evaluation. (Item 13)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale,
Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
THE BOARD WENT INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.
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Let the record reflect that Mr. John Allen returned to the meeting during Executive Session.
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On motion by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy, the Board voted unanimously to reconvene in Open Session.
THE BOARD RECONVENED IN OPEN SESSION.
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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