OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Alexandria,
June 2, 2015
The Rapides Parish School Board of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, met in regular public session at 5:00 o’clock p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2015 at the regular meeting place of said board in the Rapides Parish School Board Office, 619 Sixth and Beauregard Streets, in Alexandria, Louisiana.
President W. K. Breazeale called the meeting to order and on roll call the following members were present:
Keith Breazeale, President
Wilton Barrios, Vice President
Steve Berry, Member
Stephen Chapman, Member
Sandra Franklin, Member
Willard McCall, Member
Darrell Rodriguez, Member
Gerald Crooks, Member
Absent: John Allen, Member
Mr. Nason Authement, Secretary for the Board, was present for the meeting.
__________________
Attorney James Downs was present for the meeting.
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The Invocation was pronounced by Mr. Wilton Barrios 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 MAY 27, 2015)
Alexandria, Louisiana
May 27, 2015
Dear Sir/Madam:
I, W. K. Breazeale, 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, JUNE 2, 2015 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 Tioga High School Choir for honors received at the Music Festival – Mr. Wilton Barrios
b. the Rapides Parish Counselors Association for the bulletin board display in the lobby of the School Board Office for the months of June, July and August 2015 - 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 4, 5 and 6)
* 6. Motion to authorize the Superintendent to set the salary and hire a licensed plumber on the 18 year level as a SB-118 for $39,165.00 base salary – Mr. Keith Breazeale and Mr. Roy Rachal
Pages 1-12
* 7. Motion to review and approve a job description for an Early Childhood Professional Development Facilitator/Coach and authorize Human Resources to begin advertising for two (2) positions, pending Board approval – Mrs. Cindy Rushing
Page 13 Source of funding Preschool Expansion Grant
Amount $115,000 (salary & benefits for two)
* 8. Motion to charge the Superintendent and Staff to study and report to the June Education Committee meeting on the feasibility of block scheduling in high school – Mr. Wilton Barrios
* 9. Motion to enter into a contractual agreement with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt/The Leadership & Learning Center for Common Formative Assessment Certification Training on September 8, 9 and 10, 2015 and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Dr. Arthur Joffrion
Pages 14-16 Source of funding Believe and Succeed Grant – Rd 2 ($38,500)
Title II ($36,500)
Amount $75,000
* 10. Motion to adopt a Resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of not exceeding $1,990,000 of Certificates of Indebtedness of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana providing certain terms of said Certificates making application to the State Bond Commission for approval of said Certificates and providing for other matters in connection therewith - Mr. Steve Berry and Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 17-29
* 11. Motion to take action with respect to adopting a Resolution providing for canvassing the returns and declaring the result of the Special Elections held in (i) the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana, (ii) Poland School District Number 55 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, (iii) Ruby Wise District Number 56 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana on Saturday, May 2, 2015 to authorize the continuation of Special Taxes therein - Mr. Steve Berry and Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 30-52
* 12. Motion to hear a report from CLEAResult Consulting on an energy saving audit sampling and the potential for savings and receipt of incentive funds from Cleco - Mr. Clyde Washington and Mr. Roy Rachal
Pages 53-69 Source of funding Maintenance Funds Amount To be decided
* 13. Motion to hear a recommendation from the Board’s Insurance Consultant at the June Board meeting on the results of renewal negotiations for Third Party Claims Administration Services for General and Auto Liability and Errors and Omissions Claims for the 2015-2016 fiscal year, act thereon by awarding and authorize the Board President to sign all documentation connected therewith - Mr. Roy Rachal
Source of funding General Fund Amount $96,131.82 (Estimate)
* 14. Motion to hear a recommendation from the Board’s Insurance Consultant at the June Board meeting on the results of renewal negotiations or quoting for Property and Casualty Insurance for the 2015-2016 fiscal year, act thereon including the rejection of uninsured motorist coverage by awarding and authorize the Board President to sign all documentation connected therewith – Mr. Roy Rachal
Pages 70-74 Source of funding General Fund Amount $699,614.00 (Estimate)
* 15. Motion to authorize the Superintendent and Staff to institute an RFP to perform the filtration service for the district and bring back to the Board - Mr. Steve Berry and Mr. Roy Rachal
16. Motion to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Tioga High Parking Lot Expansion” (Bid No. 14-64) and to 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
Source of funding District 11 Bond Amount $110,000.00
17. Motion to review recommended changes to the dress code policy and present at the Regular Board meeting in June - Mr. Clyde Washington
18. Motion to dismiss an employee for cause - Mr. Nason Authement and Mr. Clyde Washington
19. Motion to approve Change Order #8 on “Tioga Junior High School Renovations” for RPSB (Bid #14-45) between the Rapides Parish School Board and Tudor, Inc. increasing the contract sum by $6,088.50 and thereby increasing the total contract amount to $2,387,367.82 and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith – Mr. Wilton Barrios and Mr. Roy Rachal
Pages 75-84 Source of funding Tioga Bond Contingency Amount $6,088.50
20. Motion to approve Change Order #9 on “Tioga Junior High School Renovations” for RPSB (Bid #14-45) between the Rapides Parish School Board and Tudor, Inc. increasing the contract sum by $9,795.53 and thereby increasing the total contract amount to $2,397,163.35 and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith – Mr. Wilton Barrios and Mr. Roy Rachal
Pages 85-92 Source of funding Tioga Bond Contingency Amount $9,795.53
21. Motion to approve and appoint the Alexandria Daily Town Talk as the official journal and the Alexandria News Weekly as the associate journal for the Rapides Parish School Board for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2016 – Ms. Liz Domite
Consent agenda: (Item 5)
A. Reports:
1. to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 93-97
B. Action – Minutes
1. to approve the minutes of the 5-5-15, 4-21-15 and 4-28-15 meetings of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 4-21-15 Personnel, Education and Finance Committee meetings, the 4-21-15 District 62 Committee meeting, the 4-30-15 and 5-7-15 Discipline Review Committee meeting and the 4-27-15 Executive Committee meeting
C. Action – Education
* 1. to accept the new form for Declaration of Family Residency with accompanying procedures – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 98-100
* 2. for the administration to bring a recommendation back regarding the proposal relative to implementing a French Immersion Program in the District – Mr. Willard McCall and Mrs. Kim Bennett
Pages 101-109
* 3. to receive a report on the 2015-2016 School Choice Program – Mr. Bill Higgins
Pages 110-111 Source of funding General Fund Amount Cost of Transportation
* 4. to review and accept the revised 2015-2016 School Wellness Plan – Mrs. Kim Bennett
Pages 112-121
* 5. to authorize the Superintendent to send to the Discipline Policy Review Committee to review and report on the effectiveness of the current parish dress code - Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and Mr. Wilton Barrios
* 6. for the RPSB Administration to present an update on the current district-wide curricula including Eureka Math and present at the June Education Committee – Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and Dr. Stephen Chapman
* 7. to receive the information and defer to the June Education Committee - the results of the pre-testing and post-testing for each period that the tests were administered for the following programs: Mr. Willard McCall and Mr. John Allen
Pages 122-179
a. Dibels
b. Fast Forward
c. District Bench Mark Tests
d. Compass Odyssey
e. Star
The test results are for the following schools: (where applicable)
a. Alexandria Middle Magnet
b. Alma Redwine
c. Julius Patrick
d. Peabody Magnet High
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 180-201
* 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 202-203
* 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 204
* 5. to enter into an agreement between CPS Payment Services, LLC and Rapides Parish School Board for the processing of vendor payments using CPS Mastercard Corporate Card Payment System and enter into an agreement with Excel Software Professionals LTD to provide custom software and support for the CPS Mastercard System and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation related thereto, said agreements have been reviewed and approved by Board Attorney - Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 205-211 Source of funding General Fund
Amount $75,000.00 (Minimum estimated savings)
* 6. to authorize the secretary to advertise for proposals for “Chromebooks and Related Items” (RFP #16-01) 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 EEF and Other Various Funds Amount $400,000.00
* 7. to authorize the secretary to exercise the option to renew the contract under the same terms and conditions for additional six (6) months (July 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015) for “Cafeteria Trays” (BID #15-24) with written mutual agreement of the vendor, BCP Jan-San and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation connected therewith – Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding Food and Nutrition Service
* 8. to ratify and confirm bid(s) received by the Central Office Staff and award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements and Specifications - Ms. Liz Domite
a. “Alexandria Senior High Driveway Repair” (Bid #15-15) received on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.
Source of funding District 62 Amount $230,000.00
b. “Tioga Elementary Additions and Renovations” (Bid #14-57) received on Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.
Source of funding District 11 Bond Amount $2,624,512.00
c. “1st Responders Medical Supplies” (Bid # 15-31) received on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.
Source of funding General Fund - CDF Amount $50,000.00
d. “Sale of Surplus Tables” (Bid #15-21) received on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.
* 9. to approve an agreement between RPSB and Jostens Publishing for Jostens Publishing to be the official yearbook publisher for Scott Brame Middle School for the 2015-2016 school year and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith - Ms. Liz Domite
Page 212 Source of funding School Funds Amount $12,134.00 (plus S/H)
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 send back to staff for clarification on certain items regarding the Transportation Director and bring back another proposal for consideration at the June Personnel Committee meeting – Mr. Keith Breazeale and Mr. Wilton Barrios
* 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 May 2015
/s/W. K. Breazeale
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.
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A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to add to the agenda to recognize Ezekiel Joseph for the 5th Congressional District – Leadership Award for Outstanding Community and School Leadership Qualities - Reason to add: Time Sensitive. (Item 4-c)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
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A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to add to the agenda to approve changes to the job description for Supervisor of Career and Technical Education – Reason to add: Time Sensitive. (Item 22)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to add to the agenda to discuss outstanding lunch balance at Arthur Smith Middle Magnet and direct staff on source of payment of same to avoid reduction in Federal Funding – Reason to add: Time sensitive. (Item 23)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
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Item 4-b was deleted.
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The Board recognized the Tioga High School Choir for honors received at the Music Festival. (Item 4-a)
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Dr. Arthur Joffrion recognized Ezekiel Joseph for the 5th Congressional District – Leadership Award for Outstanding Community and School Leadership Qualities. (Item 4-c)
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A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to approve the consent agenda. (Item 5)
Discussion ensued.
Attorney Jonathan Stokes requested to make some comments on items 5C-5 and 5E-1
Comments were made at this time by Attorney Jonathan Stokes.
Mrs. Kim Bennett requested that revision be made on School Wellness policy on last page changing April 2014 to April 2015 on 5C-4.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to accept the consent agenda and pulling item 5D-8a and 5D-8d for the regular agenda and the revision on School Wellness policy changing date to April 2015.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
Consent agenda: (Item 5)
A. Reports:
1. to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 93-97
B. Action – Minutes
1. to approve the minutes of the of the 5-5-15, 4-21-15 and 4-28-15 meetings of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 4-21-15 Personnel, Education and Finance Committee meetings, the 4-21-15 District 62 Committee meeting, the 4-30-15 and 5-7-15 Discipline Review Committee meeting and the 4-27-15 Executive Committee meeting
C. Action – Education
* 1. to accept the new form for Declaration of Family Residency with accompanying procedures – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 98-100
* 2. to receive from the administration recommendation regarding the proposal relative to implementing a French Immersion Program in the District – Mr. Willard McCall and Mrs. Kim Bennett
Pages 101-109
* 3. to receive a report on the 2015-2016 School Choice Program – Mr. Bill Higgins
Pages 110-111 Source of funding General Fund Amount Cost of Transportation
* 4. to review and accept the revised 2015-2016 School Wellness Plan – Mrs. Kim Bennett
Pages 112-121
* 5. to authorize the Superintendent to send to the Discipline Policy Review Committee to
review and report on the effectiveness of the current parish dress code - Mr. Darrell
Rodriguez and Mr. Wilton Barrios
* 6. for the RPSB Administration to present an update on the current district-wide curricula including Eureka Math and present at the June Education Committee – Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and Dr. Stephen Chapman
* 7. to receive the information and defer to the June Education Committee - the results of the pre-testing and post-testing for each period that the tests were administered for the following programs: Mr. Willard McCall and Mr. John Allen
Pages 122-179
a. Dibels
b. Fast Forward
c. District Bench Mark Tests
d. Compass Odyssey
f. Star
The test results are for the following schools: (where applicable)
e. Alexandria Middle Magnet
f. Alma Redwine
g. Julius Patrick
h. Peabody Magnet High
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 180-201
* 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 202-203
* 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 204
* 5. to enter into an agreement between CPS Payment Services, LLC and Rapides Parish School Board for the processing of vendor payments using CPS Mastercard Corporate Card Payment System and enter into an agreement with Excel Software Professionals LTD to provide custom software and support for the CPS Mastercard System and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation related thereto, said agreements have been reviewed and approved by Board Attorney - Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 205-211 Source of funding General Fund
Amount $75,000.00 (Minimum estimated savings)
* 6. to authorize the secretary to advertise for proposals for “Chromebooks and Related Items” (RFP #16-01) 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 EEF and Other Various Funds Amount $400,000.00
* 7. to authorize the secretary to exercise the option to renew the contract under the same terms and conditions for additional six (6) months (July 1, 2015 - December 31, 2015) for “Cafeteria Trays” (BID #15-24) with written mutual agreement of the vendor, BCP Jan-San and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation connected therewith – Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding Food and Nutrition Service
* 8. to ratify and confirm bid(s) received by the Central Office Staff and award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements and Specifications - Ms. Liz Domite
a. pulled for regular agenda.
b. “Tioga Elementary Additions and Renovations” (Bid #14-57) received on Thursday, May 14, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.
Source of funding District 11 Bond Amount $2,624,512.00
c. “1st Responders Medical Supplies” (Bid # 15-31) received on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.
Source of funding General Fund - CDF Amount $50,000.00
d. pulled for regular agenda.
* 9. to approve an agreement between RPSB and Jostens Publishing for Jostens Publishing to be the official yearbook publisher for Scott Brame Middle School for the 2015-2016 school year and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith - Ms. Liz Domite
Page 212 Source of funding School Funds Amount $12,134.00 (plus S/H)
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, Tyja Fisher be admitted to the Rapides Alternative Positive Program for Students (RAPPS) for the duration of the assigned time (45 school days) 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.
Ø Motion that Ta’tyana Spradley be admitted to the zoned school effective August 10, 2015 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.
Ø Motion that the Superintendent’s recommendation to uphold the Rapides Parish School Board policy in the 2014-2015 Student Code of Conduct as it relates to dress and appearance in Ashton Bodiford’s situation.
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 send back to staff for clarification on certain items regarding the Transportation Director and bring back another proposal for consideration at the June Personnel Committee meeting – Mr. Keith Breazeale and Mr. Wilton Barrios
* Denotes that these items have been through committee
____________________
Items 13 and 14 were discussed in globo.
A motion was made by Dr Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to hear a recommendation from the Board’s Insurance Consultant at the June Board meeting on the results of renewal negotiations for Third Party Claims Administration Services for General and Auto Liability and Errors and Omissions Claims for the 2015-2016 fiscal year, act thereon by awarding and authorize the Board President to sign all documentation connected therewith (Item 13) and to hear a recommendation from the Board’s Insurance Consultant at the June Board meeting on the results of renewal negotiations or quoting for Property and Casualty Insurance for the 2015-2016 fiscal year, act thereon including the rejection of uninsured motorist coverage by awarding and authorize the Board President to sign all
documentation connected therewith. (Item 14)
Mrs. Carmel Breaux presented information to the Board on items 13 and 14 and discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to accept the recommendation of the Board Insurance Consultant for the Third Party Claims Administration Services for General and Auto Liability and Errors and Omissions Claims for the 2015-2016 fiscal year for $96,131.82 and authorize the Board President to sign all documentation connected therewith. (Item 13)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to accept the recommendation of the Board Insurance Consultant for Property and Casualty Insurance for the 2015-2016 fiscal year for $709,381.00 and including the rejection of uninsured motorist coverage and authorize the Board President to sign all documentation connected therewith. (Item 14)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to ratify and confirm bid(s) received by the Central Office Staff and award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements and Specifications - a. “Alexandria Senior High Driveway Repair” (Bid #15-15) received on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. (Item 5D-8a)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry for Alexandria Senior High Driveway Repair” (Bid #15-15) received on Thursday, May 28, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. and award to Progressive Construction inclusive of Alternate No. 2 for a total award of $260,798 and approve Change Order No. 1 in the amount of $31,300 (deductive change) resulting in a total contract amount of $229,498 and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation relative thereto.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to ratify and confirm bid(s) received by the Central Office Staff and award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements and Specifications - d. “Sale of Surplus Tables” (Bid #15-21) received on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. (Item 5D-8d)
Discussion ensued and this should be to the highest bidder.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios to ratify and confirm bid(s) received by the Central Office Staff and award to the highest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on high bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements and Specifications on “Sale of Surplus Tables” (Bid #15-21) received on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. and award to the highest bidder for $217.00 to Ronald C. Renfrow.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to authorize the Superintendent to set the salary and hire a licensed plumber on the 18 year level as a SB-118 for $39,165.00 base salary. (Item 6)
Mr. Roy Rachal presented information to the Board and discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to review and approve a job description for an Early Childhood Professional Development Facilitator/Coach and authorize Human Resources to begin advertising for two (2) positions, pending Board approval. (Item 7)
Information was presented to the Board and discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to approve a job description for an Early Childhood Professional Development Facilitator/Coach and authorize Human Resources to begin advertising for two (2) positions and at the termination of the grant period that if these positions continue they would have to be approved by the Board.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to charge the Superintendent and Staff to study and report to the June Education Committee meeting on the feasibility of block scheduling in high school. (Item 8)
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez, the Board voted unanimously to charge the Superintendent and Staff to study and report to the June Education Committee meeting on the feasibility of block scheduling in high school.
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to enter into a contractual agreement with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt/The Leadership & Learning Center for Common Formative Assessment Certification Training on September 8, 9 and 10, 2015 and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith. (Item 9)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios to approve Change Order #8 on “Tioga Junior High School Renovations” for RPSB (Bid #14-45) between the Rapides Parish School Board and Tudor, Inc. increasing the contract sum by $6,088.50 and thereby increasing the total contract amount to $2,387,367.82 and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith. (Item 19)
Mr. Joe Brocato presented information to the Board and discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Crooks
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.
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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to approve Change Order #9 on “Tioga Junior High School Renovations” for RPSB (Bid #14-45) between the Rapides Parish School Board and Tudor, Inc. increasing the contract sum by $9,795.53 and thereby increasing the total contract amount to $2,397,163.35 and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith. (Item 20)
Mr. Joe Brocato presented information to the Board and discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Rodriguez
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.
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A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to the issuance of not exceeding $1,990,000 of Certificates of Indebtedness of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana providing certain terms of said Certificates making application to the State Bond Commission for approval of said Certificates and providing for other matters in connection therewith. (Item 10)
Ms. Liz Domite presented information to the Board and discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
RESOLUTION
A resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of not exceeding One Million Nine Hundred Ninety Thousand Dollars ($1,990,000) of Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2015, of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana; providing certain terms of said certificates; making application to the State Bond Commission for approval of said Certificates; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 1430 of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended (the “Act”), and other constitutional and statutory authority, and subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission, the Issuer desires to issue not exceeding $1,990,000 of Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2015 (the “Certificates”), for the purpose of (i) refunding and extending a portion of the Issuer’s outstanding Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2004 (consisting of the interest bearing certificates of said issue) and (ii) purchasing school buses and equipment and paying the costs incurred in connection with the issuance of the Certificates, to be payable from and secured by a pledge and dedication of the excess of annual revenues of the Issuer above statutory, necessary and usual charges in each of the fiscal years during which the Certificates are outstanding; and
WHEREAS, the Issuer desires to make formal application to the State Bond Commission for approval of the Certificates;
WHEREAS, the Issuer is not now a party to any contract pledging or dedicating its excess annual revenues above statutory, necessary and usual charges, EXCEPT for the outstanding (i) unrefunded Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2004; (ii) and Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2006; (iii) Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2011; (iv) and Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2013 (collectively, the “Outstanding Parity Certificates”); and
WHEREAS, the Issuer desires to make formal application to the State Bond Commission for approval of the Certificates;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana, acting as the governing authority of said Parish for school purposes, that:
SECTION 1. Preliminary Approval of Certificates. Preliminary approval is given to the issuance of not exceeding $1,990,000 of Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2015, of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana (the “Certificates”), to be issued for the purpose of (i) refunding and extending a portion of the Issuer’s outstanding Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2004 (consisting of the interest bearing certificates of said issue) and (ii) purchasing school buses and equipment and paying the costs incurred in connection with the issuance of the Certificates, said Certificates to be payable from and secured by and payable as to principal and interest solely from a pledge and dedication of the excess of annual revenues above statutory, necessary and usual charges. The Certificates shall be issued on a parity with the following outstanding Certificates of Indebtedness of the Issuer payable from excess revenues (collectively, the “Outstanding Parity Certificates”):(i) unrefunded Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2004; (ii) Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2006; (iii) Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2011; (iv) and Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2013. The Certificates shall bear interest at a rate of 2.15% per annum, in accordance with the Commitment Letter of Capital One Public Funding, LLC, annexed hereto as Exhibit “A”, which Commitment is hereby accepted, and shall mature in annual installments due no later than May 1, 2016. The Certificates shall be issued in fully registered form, shall be sold to the purchaser thereof at a price of par, plus accrued interest, if any, and shall have such additional terms and provisions as may be determined by this Parish School Board.
SECTION 2. Employment of Bond Counsel. This School Board finds and determines that a real necessity exists for the employment of special counsel in connection with the issuance of the Certificates, 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 Certificates. Said Bond Counsel shall prepare and submit to this School Board for adoption all of the proceedings incidental to the authorization, issuance, sale and delivery of such Certificates, shall counsel and advise this School Board as to the issuance thereof and shall furnish their opinions covering the legality of the issuance of the Certificates. 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 each such series 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. 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 Finance Director 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 Certificates and for consent and authority to proceed with the issuance and sale of the Certificates 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 Issuer. 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. Declaration of Intent. Prior to the delivery of the Certificates, the Issuer anticipates that it may pay a portion of the costs of the project from the General Fund. The project includes specifically paying the costs of purchasing school buses and equipment and paying the costs of issuance thereof. Upon the issuance of the Certificates, the Issuer reasonably expects to reimburse any such expenditures of other available funds from a portion of the proceeds of the Certificates. Any such allocation of proceeds of the Certificates for reimbursement will be with respect to capital expenditures (as defined in Reg. 1.150-1(b)) and will be made upon the delivery of the Certificates and not later than one year after the later of (i) the date such expenditure was paid or (ii) the date on which the project was placed in service. This Section is intended to be a declaration of official intent within the meaning of Reg. 1.150-2.
EXHIBIT A
COMMITMENT LETTER
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 June 2, 2015, giving preliminary approval to the issuance of not exceeding One Million Nine Hundred Ninety Thousand Dollars ($1,990,000) of Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2015, of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana; providing certain terms of said Certificates; making application to the State Bond Commission for approval of said Certificates; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
IN FAITH WHEREOF, witness my official signature at Alexandria, Louisiana, on this the 2nd day of June, 2015.
Secretary
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A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to adopt a Resolution providing for canvassing the returns and declaring the result of the Special Elections held in (i) the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana, (ii) Poland School District Number 55 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, (iii) Ruby Wise District Number 56 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana on Saturday, May 2, 2015 to authorize the continuation of Special Taxes therein. (Item 11)
Ms. Liz Domite presented information to the Board and discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
RESOLUTION PUBLISHED IN THE TOWN TALK ON JUNE 10, 2015
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A motion was made by Mr. Gerald Crooks and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to hear a report from CLEAResult Consulting on an energy saving audit sampling and the potential for savings and receipt of incentive funds from Cleco. (Item 12)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios to defer this motion to the June Finance Committee to hear a report from CLEAResult Consulting on an energy saving audit sampling and the potential for savings and receipt of incentive funds from Cleco.
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios, the Board voted unanimously to defer this motion to the June Finance Committee to hear a report from CLEAResult Consulting on an energy saving audit sampling and the potential for savings and receipt of incentive funds from Cleco.
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A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to authorize the Superintendent and Staff to institute an RFP to perform the filtration service for the district and bring back to the Board. (Item 15)
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry, the Board voted unanimously to authorize the Superintendent and Staff to institute an RFP to perform the filtration service for the district and bring back to the Board.
____________________
Let the record reflect that Mr. Willard McCall let the meeting at this time.
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Tioga High Parking Lot Expansion” (Bid No. 14-64) and to 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. (Item 16)
Information was presented to the Board and discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios to award Bid No. 14-64 “Tioga High Parking Lot Expansion” to Progressive Construction Company for the Base Bid for $208,086.00 and plus Alternate No. 2 for $28,500 for a total contract amount of $236,586.00.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: Mrs. Franklin
ABSENT: Mr. Allen, Mr. McCall
THE SUBSTITUTE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.
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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to approve and appoint the Alexandria Daily Town Talk as the official journal and the Alexandria News Weekly as the associate journal for the Rapides Parish School Board for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2016. (Item 21)
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman, the Board voted unanimously to approve and appoint the Alexandria Daily Town Talk as the official journal and the Alexandria News Weekly as the associate journal for the Rapides Parish School Board for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2016.
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Let the record reflect that Mr. Willard McCall returned to the meeting at this time.
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A motion was made by Mr. Gerald Crooks and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to approve changes to the job description for Supervisor of Career and Technical Education. (Item 22)
Discussion ensued and Mrs. Younger requested by the Salary – delete Index based on individual’s years of experience and degree and add by Salary – 12 month Supervisor.
On motion made by Mr. Gerald Crooks and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry, the Board voted unanimously to approve changes to the job description for Supervisor of Career and Technical Education and by the Salary – delete Index based on individual’s years of experience and degree and add by Salary – 12 month Supervisor.
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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to discuss outstanding lunch balance at Arthur Smith Middle Magnet and direct staff on source of payment of same to avoid reduction in Federal Funding. (Item 23)
Information was presented and comments were made at this time.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to allow and instruct the principal of Arthur Smith Middle Magnet School to transfer $2,750.70 from a restricted account to unrestricted account and to pay the Food Service balance of $2,750.70 and for the principal to pay out of the school account the outstanding amount by June 30, 2015.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to review recommended changes to the dress code policy and present at the Regular Board meeting in June.
(Item 17)
Mr. Clyde Washington presented information to the Board at this time and discussion ensued. Attorney James Downs made some recommendations and comments at this time.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to adopt the recommended changes of the Disciplinary Policy Committee to the dress code policy and to include the Procedures Applicable to Violations of Dress and Appearance Regulations as presented by Mr. Downs and to delete the sentence in parentheses on page 2 under # 4.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Berry,
NAY: Mr. Barrios, Mr. Breazeale
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
ABSTAIN: Mr. Crooks
THE SUBSTITUTE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE
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The President called for a short recess at this time and then the meeting reconvened.
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A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to dismiss an employee for cause. (Item 18)
The employee requested to be heard in Executive Session
A motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to go into Executive Session to discuss the dismissal of an employee for cause.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
THE BOARD WENT INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.
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On motion by Mr. Gerald Crooks and seconded by Mr. Darrel Rodriguez, the Board voted unanimously to reconvene in Open Session.
THE BOARD RECONVENED IN OPEN SESSSION.
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A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to dismiss an employee for cause. (Item 18)
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to uphold the Superintendent’s recommendation to dismiss the employee for cause.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: None
NAY: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
THE SUBSTITUTE MOTION FAILED
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Pursuant to motion duly carried, the Rapides Parish School Board adjourned.
/s/W. K. Breazeale
President
ATTEST:
/s/Nason Authement
Secretary
S E A L