OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Alexandria,
December 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, December 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:
Julie McConathy, Vice President
John Allen, Member
Wilton Barrios, Member
Steve Berry, Member
Keith Breazeale, Member
Darrell Rodriguez, Member
Absent: Janet Dixon, President
Absent: Stephen Chapman, Member
Absent: Pam Webb, Member
Mr. Nason Authement, Secretary for the Board, was present for the meeting.
__________________
District Attorney James Downs was present for the meeting.
___________________
The Colors were presented by the Peabody Magnet High School JROTC. The Invocation was pronounced by Rev. Rob McLain of New Hope Baptist Church of Elmer, LA after which Mr. Wilton Barrios 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 NOVEMBER 19, 2014)
Alexandria, Louisiana
November 19, 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, DECEMBER 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 Tioga High School – Mr. Wilton Barrios
b. Nachman Elementary School for the bulletin board display in the lobby of the School
Board Office for the month of December 2014 – Mr. Clyde Washington
c. school from each category (small elementary schools, large elementary school, K-12
schools, middle/junior high schools, high schools) with the highest teacher attendance
rate for the quarter – Dr. Arthur Joffrion
d. Ms. Penny Toney, Director of Secondary Education – Mr. Nason Authment
e. Coach Landry at Buckeye High School for Coach of the Year – Mrs. Julie McConathy
f. schools who recently received letter grade “A” and Top Gain schools from recently
released SPS – Dr. Arthur Joffrion
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 hear and receive a Reorganizational Plan designed to increase the effectiveness
and efficiency of the operation and maintenance of the District’s Physical Plant and act
thereon – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 1-14 Amount $ - 151,456.85 - General Fund
$ +177,251.79 - Parish Wide
* 7. Motion to go into Executive Session to present the Superintendent’s Evaluation -
Mr. Wilton Barrios
* 8. Motion to approve the West Baton Rouge Parish School Board’s request to
participate in a cooperative purchasing agreement with the Rapides Parish School
Board for the purchase of Educational Material (RPSB Bid #12-29) – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 15
* 9. Motion to consider and take action with respect to adopting a Resolution giving
preliminary approval to the issuance of General Obligation School Refunding Bonds of
Consolidated School District Number 62 of Rapides Parish Louisiana making
applications to the State Bond Commission for approval of said bonds and providing for
other matters in connection therewith – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 16-21
* 10. Motion to consider and take action with respect to announcing that the Parish School
Board of the Parish of Rapides State of Louisiana plans to consider adopting a Resolution
ordering and calling elections to be held within (i) the Parish of Rapides, State of
Louisiana for school purposes, (ii) Poland School District Number 55 of Rapides Parish
Louisiana and (iii) Ruby Wise School District Number 56 of Rapides Parish Louisiana to
authorize the continuation of Ad Valorem taxes within said Parish and District at the
School Board Meeting on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. at the Parish School
Board Office Building, 619 Sixth Street, Alexandria, Louisiana – Ms. Liz Domite
* 11. Motion to discuss and take action to receive guidance on the payment of $1,200 to
employees retiring or resigning prior to January 1, 2015 – Mr. John Allen and
Mrs. Pam Webb
Page 22
12. Motion 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 Inventory” (Bid No. 15-25) and 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
Page 23
13. Motion to hear a report and recommendation from the Board’s Insurance Consultant relative to renewal of Excess Workers’ Compensation Insurance coverage for the 2015 calendar year, act thereon, award contracts and documents in connection therewith – Mr. Roy Rachal
Source of funding General Fund Amount $75,993 (estimate)
14. Motion that the RPSB amend the Policies GBK and GBN with changes and for the Administration to provide to the RPSB, upon completion, the process of randomly selecting the hearing officer and layover these policies to the December Board meeting – Mr. Steve Berry
Pages 24-31
15. Motion to direct staff to use the following guidelines when implementing the motion that was approved at the November 5, 2014 RPSB meeting for the $1,200 one-time salary increase: - Mr. Wilton Barrios and Mr. Keith Breazeale
1. Employees on Workers’ Comp.
a. If not on payroll for this school year (2014-2015)
- No payment will be made
b. If went on Workers’ Comp. this year and is currently back at work
- Payment will be made
c. If went on Workers’ Comp. this year and using sick leave
- Payment will be made
2. Leave of Absence Without Pay (LAWP)
a. Entire year
- No payment will be made
b. If on Payroll 10-31-2014 and then LAWP
- Payment will be made, once confirmation of workshops have
been successfully completed
c. If left before 10-31-2014
- No payment will be made
3. Resigned before 12-18-2014
- No payment will be made
4. Retired after 10-31-2014
- Payment will be made once confirmation of workshops have
been successfully completed
16. Motion to hear from administration regarding efforts to inform parents relative to Eureka
math and as to what supports are in place to assist teachers with the implementation of
Eureka math – Mrs. Kim Bennett
17. Motion to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Town of Ball for
use of Ball Elementary Parking lot for staging for the Ball Christmas Parade and
authorize the Board President to sign same with prior review of advising counsel
– Mr. Roy Rachal
Pages 32-37
18. Motion to discuss the track at Buckeye High School – Mrs. Julie McConathy
Consent agenda: (Item 5)
A. Reports:
1. to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 38-41
B. Action – Minutes
1. to approve the minutes of the 10-21-14 Personnel, Education, and Finance Committee
meetings, the 10-23-14 Discipline Review Committee meeting and the 10-27-14
Executive Committee meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official
journal, The Town Talk
C. Action – Education
* 1. to receive a six (6) month update on the Laptop Checkout Program (from May Board
meeting) – Mr. Keith Breazeale
* 2. to approve revising Policy ID (Curriculum) based on the provisions of Act 643 and
Act 833 as recommended by Forethought Consulting, pending review by legal counsel -
Dr. Arthur Joffrion
Pages 42-43
* 3. to approve revising Policy II (Testing Program) as recommended by Forethought
Consulting, pending review by legal counsel – Dr. Arthur Joffrion
Pages 44-53
* 4. to approve revising Policy JBC (School Admission) based on the provisions of Act 741
as recommended by Forethought Consulting, pending review by legal counsel –
Dr. Arthur Joffrion
Pages 54-57
* 5. to approve revising Policy JBH (Attendance Reports for Student Drivers) as
recommended by Forethought Consulting, pending review by legal counsel – Dr. Arthur
Joffrion
Pages 58-59
* 6. to direct the Superintendent and staff to review and adjust school attendance zones to
relieve overcrowding and to correct under-population of schools and to purchase
necessary software to accomplish the process and bring an update to the February
Education Committee - Mr. Steve Berry and Mr. Wilton Barrios
* 7. 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 (deferred from 11-5-14 Board Meeting) – Mrs. Janet Dixon and Mr. John Allen
Pages 60-63
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
Pages 64-65
* 4. to receive a report on donation(s) made to the Rapides Parish School Board on behalf of
the RPSB schools, accept and approve donations included therein, and provide any
necessary documentation related to the donation(s) – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 66-67
* 5. to enter into a Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with East Baton Rouge Parish School
System for Motor Fuels and Fuel Management pursuant to East Baton Rouge Parish
School System’s renewal of RFP #10-11 – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 68-69 Source of funding General Fund and Various Maintenance Funds
Amount $1,800,000 (estimate)
* 6. to ratify and confirm bids/proposals received by the Central Office staff and award to the
lowest responsive and responsible bidder or proposer contingent on low bidder meeting
all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements and Specifications – Ms.
Liz Domite
a. “Forest Hill Elementary Cafeteria Expansion” (Bid # 14-37) received on
Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at 2:30 p.m.
Page 70 Source of funding District 16 Bond
b. “Mary Goff Elementary Renovation” (Bid # 14-55) received on Tuesday,
November 18, 2014 at 2:00 p.m.
Pages 71-72 Source of funding District 11 Bond
c. “Tioga High Field House Renovation” (Bid # 14-42) received on Thursday,
November 6, 2014 at 2:00 p.m.
Pages 73-74 Source of funding District 11 Bond
d. “Fire Alarm System Test & Inspection Service” (RFP #15-54) received on
Friday, November 7, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.
Page 75 Source of funding Various Maintenance
* 7. to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Thursday, November 13, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. by
the Central Office Staff for “Sale of Surplus Buses” (Bid # 15-20) and award bid to the
highest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on high bidder meeting all LA
Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements and Specifications – Ms. Liz
Domite
Pages 76-77 Source of funding General Fund
* 8. to approve Change Order #1 on “Re-Roof of Arthur Smith Middle Magnet” RPSB
(Bid #13-60A) between the RPSB and Industrial Roofing and Construction, LLC
decreasing the contract sum by $7,000 and thereby decreasing the total contract amount
to $448,260 and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection
therewith – Mr. Roy Rachal
Pages 78-79 Source of funding District 62 Amount $(7,000.00)
* 9. to approve Change Order #1 on “Re-Roof of Phoenix Magnet” RPSB (Bid #13-61A)
between the RPSB and Industrial Roofing and Construction, LLC decreasing the contract
sum by $2,500 and thereby decreasing the total contract amount to $291,423 and
authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith – Mr.
Roy Rachal
Pages 80-81 Source of funding District 62 Amount $(2,500.00)
* 10. for the Administrative Staff to present to the Board the proposal, job description and
salary schedule for the Telecommunications Technician in lieu of the current telephone
agreement – Dr. Stephen Chapman and Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 82-96
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
* 2. to discuss any personnel complaints that may go before the full board for action –
Mrs. Vicki Younger
* 3. to approve revising policy ABCC (Term of Office) as recommended by Forethought
Consulting, pending review by legal counsel – Dr. Arthur Joffrion
Page 97
* 4. to approve revising policies based on the provisions of ACT 628 as recommended by
Forethought Consulting, pending review by legal counsel as follows: - Dr. Arthur
Joffrion
Pages 98-103
a. BCBB (Notification of School Board Meetings)
b. BCBD (Agenda Preparation and Dissemination)
c. BCBH (Minutes of School Board Meetings)
d. BCBK (Executive Sessions)
* 5. to approve an amended Professional Services Contract for Occupational Therapy and to
authorize the Superintendent and/or Board President to sign any and all documentation
therewith – Mrs. Shelly Close
Page 104 Source of funding General Fund Amount $20,000
* 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 19th day of November 2014
/s/Janet H. Dixon
President
ATTEST:
/s/Nason Authement
Secretary
S E A L
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Public comment was solicited prior to the vote on items during this meeting.
____________________
Mr. Wilton Barrios introduced the Board’s student guest, DeAnna Leigh Bartlett, a senior
at Tioga High School, who was recognized for her academic and extracurricular achievements.
Also recognized were DeAnna’s family and Mr. Alan LaCombe, principal at Tioga High School.
(Item 4-a)
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The Board recognized Nachman Elementary for the bulletin board display in the lobby of
the School Board Office for the month of December 2014. (Item 4-b)
____________________
The school from each category (small elementary schools, large elementary school, K-12
schools middle/junior high schools, high schools) with the highest teacher attendance rate for the quarter. (Item 4-c)
Sonia Rasmussen – Plainview High School
Alan Lacombe – Pineville High School
Dewayne Vines – Tioga Jr. High
Bonnie Lord – Cherokee Elementary
Denise Carter – Horseshoe Elementary
____________________
Superintendent Nason Authement recognized Ms. Penny Toney, Director of Secondary Education. Ms. Toney is retiring after 44 years of Professional and Dedicated Service to the Rapides Parish School District. (Item 4-d)
____________________
Let the record reflect that Dr. Stephen Chapman arrived at the meeting at this time.
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Coach Landry at Buckeye High School was recognized for Cenla Broadcasting Coach of the Year. (Item 4-e)
____________________
Let the record reflect that Mrs. Janet Dixon arrived at the meeting at this time.
____________________
Schools were recognized who recently received letter grade “A” and Top Gain schools from recently released SPS as follows: (Item 4-f)
Grade “A” Schools:
J. I. Barron Elementary
Caroline Dormon Junior High
Peabody Montessori Elementary
Phoenix Magnet Elementary
Poland Junior High
Rosenthal Montessori Elementary
Ruby-Wise Elementary
Top Gain Schools from recently released SPS:
Glenmora High School
Horseshoe Elementary NVA
Huddle Elementary NVA
Nachman,Elementary
North Bayou Rapides Elementary
Plainview High
Rosenthal Montessori Elementary
Ruby Wise Elementary
AF Smith Middle Magnet
____________________
A motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to add to the agenda to authorize the Superintendent to proffer the standard form “Addendum to Contract” (attached) to all third parties with whom the Board shares or releases students’ personally identifiable information and if accepted by same, authorize the Board President to execute said addendum to contract in accord with Acts 677 and 837 of the 2014 Louisiana Legislative Session. (Item 19)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy,
Mr. Breazeale, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb
____________________
Item 11 was deleted.
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to
approve the consent agenda. (Item 5)
Discussion ensued and 5D-6 and 5D-10 were pulled for the regular agenda.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to approve the consent agenda with the exception of items 5D-6 and 5D-10. (Item 5)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy,
Mr. Breazeale, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb
____________________
Consent agenda: (Item 5)
A. Reports:
1. to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 38-41
B. Action – Minutes
1. to approve the minutes of the 10-21-14 Personnel, Education, and Finance
Committee meetings, the 10-23-14 Discipline Review Committee meeting and
the 10-27-14 Executive Committee meeting of the Board as written and to be
published in the official journal, The Town Talk
C. Action – Education
* 1. to receive a six (6) month update on the Laptop Checkout Program (from May
Board meeting) – Mr. Keith Breazeale
* 2. to approve revising Policy ID (Curriculum) based on the provisions of Act 643
and Act 833 as recommended by Forethought Consulting, pending review by
legal counsel - Dr. Arthur Joffrion
Pages 42-43
* 3. to approve revising Policy II (Testing Program) as recommended by
Forethought Consulting, pending review by legal counsel – Dr. Arthur Joffrion
Pages 44-53
* 4. to approve revising Policy JBC (School Admission) based on the provisions of
Act 741 as recommended by Forethought Consulting, pending review by legal
counsel – Dr. Arthur Joffrion
Pages 54-57
* 5. to approve revising Policy JBH (Attendance Reports for Student Drivers) as
recommended by Forethought Consulting, pending review by legal counsel –
Dr. Arthur Joffrion
Pages 58-59
* 6. to direct the Superintendent and staff to review and adjust school attendance
zones to relieve overcrowding and to correct under-population of schools and to
purchase necessary software to accomplish the process and bring an update to
the February Education Committee - Mr. Steve Berry and Mr. Wilton Barrios
* 7. 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 (deferred from 11-5-14 Board
Meeting) – Mrs. Janet Dixon and Mr. John Allen
Pages 60-63
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
Pages 64-65
* 4. to receive a report on donation(s) made to the Rapides Parish School Board on
behalf of the RPSB schools, accept and approve donations included therein, and
provide any necessary documentation related to the donation(s) – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 66-67
* 5. to enter into a Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with East Baton Rouge Parish
School System for Motor Fuels and Fuel Management pursuant to East Baton
Rouge Parish School System’s renewal of RFP #10-11 – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 68-69 Source of funding General Fund and Various Maintenance Funds
Amount $1,800,000 (estimate)
* 6. Pulled for the regular agenda.
* 7. to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Thursday, November 13, 2014 at 11:00
a.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Sale of Surplus Buses” (Bid # 15-20) and
award bid to the highest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on high
bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements
and Specifications and award to Daniel Hanson for $45,270.00 and to Auto
Recycling & Towing, Inc. for $1,600.00 and to Eric Coon for $901.00
– Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 76-77 Source of funding General Fund
* 8. to approve Change Order #1 on “Re-Roof of Arthur Smith Middle Magnet”
RPSB (Bid #13-60A) between the RPSB and Industrial Roofing and
Construction, LLC decreasing the contract sum by $7,000 and thereby
decreasing the total contract amount to $448,260 and authorize the Board
President to sign any documentation in connection therewith – Mr. Roy Rachal
Pages 78-79 Source of funding District 62 Amount $(7,000.00)
* 9. to approve Change Order #1 on “Re-Roof of Phoenix Magnet” RPSB (Bid #13-
61A) between the RPSB and Industrial Roofing and Construction, LLC
decreasing the contract sum by $2,500 and thereby decreasing the total contract
amount to $291,423 and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation
in connection therewith – Mr. Roy Rachal
Pages 80-81 Source of funding District 62 Amount $(2,500.00)
* 10. pulled for the regular agenda.
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 in lieu of expulsion, Marquise Turner be admitted to continue his studies at the Aiken Virtual School until the end of the first semester and thereafter be admitted 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
* 2. to discuss any personnel complaints that may go before the full board for action
– Mrs. Vicki Younger
* 3. to approve revising policy ABCC (Term of Office) as recommended by
Forethought Consulting, pending review by legal counsel – Dr. Arthur Joffrion
Page 97
* 4. to approve revising policies based on the provisions of ACT 628 as
recommended by Forethought Consulting, pending review by legal counsel as
follows: - Dr. Arthur Joffrion
Pages 98-103
a. BCBB (Notification of School Board Meetings)
b. BCBD (Agenda Preparation and Dissemination)
c. BCBH (Minutes of School Board Meetings)
d. BCBK (Executive Sessions)
* 5. to approve an amended Professional Services Contract for Occupational Therapy
and to authorize the Superintendent and/or Board President to sign any and all
documentation therewith – Mrs. Shelly Close
Page 104 Source of funding General Fund Amount $20,000
* Denotes that these items have been through committee
____________________
Item 14 was deleted.
____________________
A motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to hear a report and recommendation from the Board’s Insurance Consultant relative to renewal of Excess Workers’ Compensation Insurance coverage for the 2015 calendar year, act thereon, award contracts and documents in connection therewith. (Item 13)
Mrs. Carmel Breaux presented information to the Board and discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry for the RPSB to accept the recommendation from the Board’s Insurance Consultant for the renewal of Excess Workers’ Compensation Insurance coverage for the 2015 calendar year and accept State National with Wright and Percy in Column #4 for $77,831.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy,
Mr. Breazeale, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to hear and receive a Reorganizational Plan designed to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of the operation and maintenance of the District’s Physical Plant and act thereon. (Item 6)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios to defer item 6 to the January 2015 Board meeting.
Discussion ensued.
On the substitute motion made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios, the Board voted unanimously to defer item 6 to the January 2015 Board meeting.
____________________
A motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to ratify and confirm bids/proposals received by the Central Office staff and award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder or proposer contingent on low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements and Specifications. (Item 5D-6/20)
a. “Forest Hill Elementary Cafeteria Expansion” (Bid # 14-37) received on
Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at 2:30 p.m.
Page 70 Source of funding District 16 Bond
b. “Mary Goff Elementary Renovation” (Bid # 14-55) received on Tuesday,
November 18, 2014 at 2:00 p.m.
Pages 71-72 Source of funding District 11 Bond
c. “Tioga High Field House Renovation” (Bid # 14-42) received on Thursday,
November 6, 2014 at 2:00 p.m.
Pages 73-74 Source of funding District 11 Bond
d. “Fire Alarm System Test & Inspection Service” (RFP #15-54) received on
Friday, November 7, 2014 at 10:00 a.m.
Page 75 Source of funding Various Maintenance
Ms. Liz Domite presented information to the Board and discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios to ratify and confirm bids/proposals received by the Central Office staff and award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder or proposer contingent on low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements and Specifications as follows:
b. “Forest Hill Elementary Cafeteria Expansion” (Bid # 14-37) received on
Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at 2:30 p.m. and award to James A.
Decker Builders, Inc., total bid is $150,464
Page 70 Source of funding District 16 Bond
b. “Mary Goff Elementary Renovation” (Bid # 14-55) received on Tuesday,
November 18, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. and award to Skip Converse for Base Bid
only for $931,000
Pages 71-72 Source of funding District 11 Bond
c. “Tioga High Field House Renovation” (Bid # 14-42) received on Thursday,
November 6, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. and award to Tudor, Inc. for total base bid
plus Alternate 1 and Alternate 2 for $688,300.00
Pages 73-74 Source of funding District 11 Bond
d. “Fire Alarm System Test & Inspection Service” (RFP #15-54) received on
Friday, November 7, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. and award to Simpson Security
for $33,150.00
Page 75 Source of funding Various Maintenance
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy,
Mr. Breazeale, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb
____________________
A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry for the Administrative Staff to present to the Board the proposal, job description and salary schedule for the Telecommunications Technician in lieu of the current telephone agreement.(5D-10/21)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry for the RPSB to take action on this proposal regarding Telecommunications Technician.
Discussion ensued.
A second substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon for the RPSB to accept the presentation and proposal from the Administrative staff regarding the Telecommunications Technician with the estimated cost of salary and benefits of $67,000.
Discussion ensued.
An amended motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon for the RPSB to accept the presentation and proposal, job description and salary schedule from the Administrative staff regarding the Telecommunications Technician.
On roll call the vote on the amended motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy,
Mr. Breazeale, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb
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A motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to approve the West Baton Rouge Parish School Board’s request to participate in a cooperative purchasing agreement with the Rapides Parish School Board for the purchase of Educational Material (RPSB Bid #12-29). (Item 8)
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale, the Board voted unanimously to approve the West Baton Rouge Parish School Board’s request to participate in a cooperative purchasing agreement with the Rapides Parish School Board for the purchase of Educational Material (RPSB Bid #12-29).
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A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to consider and take action with respect to adopting a Resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of General Obligation School Refunding Bonds of Consolidated School District Number 62 of Rapides Parish Louisiana making applications to the State Bond Commission for approval of said bonds and providing for other matters in connection therewith. (Item 9)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy,
Mr. Breazeale, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb
RESOLUTION
A resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of not to exceed Six Million Dollars ($6,000,000) of General Obligation School Refunding Bonds of Consolidated School District Number 62 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, making application to the State Bond Commission for approval of said Bonds; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of Article VI, Section 33 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, Sub-Part A, Part III, Chapter 4, of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority, Consolidated School District Number 62 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the "Issuer") has heretofore issued $13,595,000 of General Obligation School Refunding Bonds, Series 2005 (the "Series 2005 Bonds"); and
WHEREAS, in order to provide debt service savings to the Issuer, the Issuer desires to refund all or any portion of the Issuer’s outstanding Series 2005 Bonds pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 14-A of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority (the "Act"), through the issuance of its refunding bonds; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Act, and subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission, the Issuer desires to accomplish the refunding by authorizing the issuance of not exceeding Six Million Dollars ($6,000,000) of its General Obligation School Refunding Bonds (the "Bonds"), to be payable from unlimited ad valorem taxes; and
WHEREAS, the Issuer desires to make formal application to the State Bond Commission for approval of the issuance of the Bonds;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana (the "School Board"), acting as the governing authority of Consolidated School District Number 62 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the "Issuer"), that:
SECTION 1. Preliminary Approval of the Bonds. Preliminary approval is given to the issuance of not exceeding Six Million Dollars ($6,000,000) of General Obligation School Refunding Bonds (the "Refunding Bonds"), of the Issuer, to be issued for the purpose of refunding the all or any portion of the Issuer’s outstanding General Obligation School Refunding Bonds, Series 2005 Bonds, and paying the costs of issuance of the Refunding Bonds, said Refunding Bonds to be payable from and secured by unlimited ad valorem taxes now being levied and collected annually in excess of all other taxes on all the property subject to taxation within the territorial limits of the Issuer. The Refunding Bonds shall bear interest at a rate or rates not to exceed three percent (3%) per annum, to be determined by subsequent resolution of this School Board at the time of the sale of the Refunding Bonds, and shall mature in annual installments due no later than March 1, 2019. The Refunding Bonds shall be issued in fully registered form, shall be sold to the purchasers thereof at a price of not less than 97% of par, plus accrued interest, and shall have additional terms and provisions as may be determined by this School Board.
SECTION 2. Employment of Bond Counsel. This Governing Authority finds and determines that a real necessity exists for the employment of special counsel in connection with the issuance of the Bonds, and accordingly, Foley & Judell, LLP, of New Orleans, Louisiana, as Bond Counsel, is hereby employed to do and perform work of a traditional legal nature as bond counsel with respect to the issuance and sale of said Bonds. Said Bond Counsel shall prepare and submit to this Governing Authority for adoption all of the proceedings incidental to the authorization, issuance, sale and delivery of such Bonds, shall counsel and advise this Governing Authority as to the issuance thereof and shall furnish their opinions covering the legality of the issuance of the Bonds. The fee of Bond Counsel for each series of said bonds shall be fixed at a sum not exceeding the fee allowed by the Attorney General's fee guidelines for such bond counsel work in connection with the issuance of revenue bonds and based on the amount of said bonds actually issued, sold, delivered and paid for, plus "out-of-pocket" expenses, said fees to be contingent upon the issuance, sale and delivery of said bonds. The Superintendent is hereby authorized and directed to execute, and this Governing Authority hereby agrees to and accepts the terms of, the engagement letter of Bond Counsel on file with the Secretary. A certified copy of this resolution shall be submitted to the Attorney General of the State of Louisiana for his written approval of said employment and of the fees herein designated, and the Secretary is hereby empowered and directed to issue vouchers in payment for the work herein provided for upon completion of the work herein specified and under the conditions herein enumerated.
SECTION 3. State Bond Commission. Application is hereby made to the State Bond Commission, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for approval of the issuance and sale of the Refunding Bonds and for consent and authority to proceed with the issuance and sale of the Refunding Bonds as provided above, and Bond Counsel is directed to make application to the State Bond Commission in accordance with the foregoing on behalf of the School Board.
By virtue of applicant/issuer’s application for, acceptance and utilization of the benefits of the Louisiana State Bond Commission’s approval(s) resolved and set forth herein, it resolves that it understands and agrees that such approval(s) are expressly conditioned upon, and it further resolves that it understands, agrees and binds itself, its successors and assigns to, full and continuing compliance with the "State Bond Commission Policy on Approval of Proposed Use of Swaps, or other forms of Derivative Products Hedges, Etc.", adopted by the Commission on July 20, 2006, as to the borrowing(s) and other matter(s) subject to the approval(s), including subsequent application and approval under said Policy of the implementation or use of any swap(s) or other product(s) or enhancement(s) covered thereby.
SECTION 4. Appointment of Municipal Advisor. The Issuer hereby retains Raymond James & Associates, Inc., of New Orleans, Louisiana, Registered Municipal Advisors, to act as its Independent Registered Municipal Advisor ("IRMA") pursuant to the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the Final Rule adopted by the Securities and Exchange Commissioners on September 20, 2013 and the adopted final release (the "Release") for the purpose of providing advice on structure, timing, terms and other matters relating to the Bonds, upon which the Issuer may rely. The fee for such services shall be payable solely from the proceeds of the Bonds and the amount thereof shall be subject to approval by the Issuer and subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission. The Issuer or the Municipal Advisor may terminate this retention at any time upon written notification to the other party.
This resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:
MEMBERS: YEAS: NAYS: ABSENT: ABSTAINING:
Wilton Barrios, Jr. X ______ ______
Steve Berry X ______ ______
Julie McConathy X ______ ______
Janet Dixon X ______ ______
Stephen Chapman X ______ ______
John E. Allen, Jr. X ______ ______
Keith Breazeale X ______ ______
Darrell Rodriguez X ______ ______
Pam Webb ______ ______ X ______
And the resolution was declared adopted on this, the 2nd day of December, 2014.
/s/ Nason "Tony Authement /s/ Janet H. Dixon
Secretary President
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF RAPIDES
I, the undersigned Secretary of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana, do hereby certify that the foregoing pages constitute a true and correct copy of a resolution adopted by said Parish School Board on December 2, 2014, giving preliminary approval to the issuance of not to exceed Six Million Dollars ($6,000,000) of General Obligation School Refunding Bonds of Consolidated School District Number 62 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana; making application to the State Bond Commission for approval of said Bonds; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
IN FAITH WHEREOF, witness my official signature on this, the 2nd day of December, 2014.
__________________
Secretary
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to consider and take action with respect to announcing that the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides State of Louisiana plans to consider adopting a Resolution ordering and calling elections to be held within (i) the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana for school purposes, (ii) Poland School District Number 55 of Rapides Parish Louisiana and (iii) Ruby Wise School District Number 56 of Rapides Parish Louisiana to authorize the continuation of Ad Valorem taxes within said Parish and District at the School Board Meeting on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. at the Parish School Board Office Building, 619 Sixth Street, Alexandria, Louisiana. (Item 10)
Discussion ensued and Ms. Liz Domite read the following:
Notice is hereby given that the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana (the "School Board"), plans to consider adopting a resolution ordering and calling elections to be held within (i) the Parish of Rapides,State of Louisiana, for school purposes, (ii) Poland School District Number 55 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, and (iii) Ruby-Wise School DistrictNumber 56 of Rapides Parish,Louisiana, to authorize the continuation of ad valoremtaxes within said Parish and Districts at the School Board meeting on Tuesday, January 6, 2015 at 5:00 p.m. at the Parish School Board Office Building, 619 Sixth Street, Alexandria, Louisiana.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy,
Mr. Breazeale, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb
____________________
A motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry 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 Inventory” (Bid No. 15-25) and the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids and a recommendation to be made to the Board. (Item 12)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy,
Mr. Breazeale, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb
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A motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to direct staff to use the following guidelines when implementing the motion that was approved at the November 5, 2014 RPSB meeting for the $1,200 one-time salary increase: (Item 15)
1. Employees on Workers’ Comp.
a. If not on payroll for this school year (2014-2015)
- No payment will be made
b. If went on Workers’ Comp. this year and is currently back at work
- Payment will be made
c. If went on Workers’ Comp. this year and using sick leave
- Payment will be made
2. Leave of Absence Without Pay (LAWP)
a. Entire year
- No payment will be made
b. If on Payroll 10-31-2014 and then LAWP
- Payment will be made, once confirmation of workshops have
been successfully completed
c. If left before 10-31-2014
- No payment will be made
3. Resigned before 12-18-2014
- No payment will be made
4. Retired after 10-31-2014
- Payment will be made once confirmation of workshops have
been successfully completed
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy,
Mr. Breazeale, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb
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A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to hear from administration regarding efforts to inform parents relative to Eureka math and as to what supports are in place to assist teachers with the implementation of Eureka math. (Item 16)
Discussion ensued and a Power Point was presented.
No action was taken.
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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Town of Ball for use of Ball Elementary Parking lot for staging for the Ball Christmas Parade and authorize the Board President to sign same with prior review of advising counsel. (Item 17)
Discussion ensued
On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon, the Board voted unanimously to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Town of Ball for use of Ball Elementary Parking lot for staging for the Ball Christmas Parade and authorize the Board President to sign same with prior review of advising counsel.
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A motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to discuss the track at Buckeye High School. (Item 18)
A lengthy discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to approve funding source for site work and resurfacing of the Buckeye High School track and field event areas including a survey by engineers to determine soil base compaction. Action on this project to begin immediately. Also, to approve funding source for soccer field lighting at Rapides High School – Source of funding: Track $300,000 from District 50 Maintenance and $350,000 from Parish Wide Maintenance and Lights for soccer field at Rapides High School for $18,000 from Parish Wide Maintenance.
Discussion ensued.
A second substitute motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to request from Administration to review the track at Buckeye High School and lights at Rapides High School and bring back to the January Board meeting the estimated amounts to do the projects and the status of the funding source that will pay for these projects and the amount of the these funds at the end of the year.
Discussion ensued.
A third substitute motion was a made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios to approve funding sources for site work and resurfacing track at Buckeye High School and field event areas including a survey by engineers to determine soil base compaction. Action to begin immediately after receiving quotes by the administration from professional track resurfacing company and also to approve funding for the soccer field lighting at Rapides High School after receiving estimates from Rapides Parish School Board Maintenance and same source of funding.
Discussion ensued.
A fourth substitute motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to direct the Superintendent and Staff to have a contractor look at the Buckeye site regarding the track and provide to the Board an amount and to hear the facts and to include the lights at Rapides High School and take possible action at a Special Board meeting on December 9, 2014 and to receive a report on the balance and money available for Parish Wide Maintenance.
On roll call the vote on the fourth substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Allen, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale, Mrs. Dixon
NAY: Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb
THE FOURTH SUBSTITUTE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.
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A motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to authorize the Superintendent to proffer the standard form “Addendum to Contract” (attached) to all third parties with whom the Board shares or releases students’ personally identifiable information and if accepted by same, authorize the Board President to execute said addendum to contract in accord with Acts 677 and 837 of the 2014 Louisiana Legislative Session. (Item 19)
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez, the Board voted unanimously to authorize the Superintendent to proffer the standard form “Addendum to Contract” (attached) to all third parties with whom the Board shares or releases students’ personally identifiable information and if accepted by same, authorize the Board President to execute said addendum to contract in accord with Acts 677 and 837 of the 2014 Louisiana Legislative Session.
____________________
Let the record reflect that Mr. John Allen left the meeting at this time.
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A motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to go into Executive Session to present the Superintendent’s Evaluation. (Item 7)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mrs. McConathy, Mr. Breazeale,
Mrs. Dixon
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mrs. Webb, Mr. Allen
THE BOARD WENT INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.
____________________
Let the record reflect that Mr. John Allen returned to the meeting during Executive Session.
____________________
On motion by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez, 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