OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Alexandria, Louisiana
October 6, 2015
The Rapides Parish School Board of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, met in regular public session at 5:00 o’clock p.m. on Tuesday, October 6, 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
Gerald Crooks, Member
Sandra Franklin, Member
Willard McCall, Member
Darrell Rodriguez, Member
Absent: John Allen, Member
Mr. Nason Authement, Secretary for the Board, was present for the meeting.
____________________
Attorney Janes Downs was present for the meeting.
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The Colors were presented by the Bolton High School JROTC. The Invocation was pronounced by Rev. Joseph Franklin of Mt. Triumph Baptist Church after which Mr. Steve Berry led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
(COPY OF OFFICIAL CALL MAILED TO EACH MEMBER OF THE RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD AND POSTED IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE AT THE MEETING PLACE OF SAID BOARD ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2015)
Alexandria, Louisiana
September 29, 2015
Dear Sir/Madam:
I, W. K. Breazelae, 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, OCTOBER 6, 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 cal
4. Recognition:
a. the Board’s student guest from Alexandria Senior High – Mr. Keith Breazeale
b. Paradise Elementary School for the bulletin board display in the lobby of the School Board Office for the month of October 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 3, 4 and 5)
* 6. Motion to allocate funds and authorize Superintendent and Staff to engage Professional Services and advertise for bids under Public Works for Constructing a Dressing Room/Restroom Facility for the Alexandria Senior High Girls’ Softball Facility, a recommendation of award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder to be made to the Board – Mr. Keith Breazeale
Pages 1-2 Source of funding District 62 Amount $184,000.00
7. Motion to renew the operating lease between ModSpace and RPSB for seven (7) modulars with a new lease start date of November 1, 2015 and end date of October 31, 2016 and authorize the Board President to sign any necessary documentation in connection therewith - Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 3-5 Source of funding District 62 Amount $61,140.00
8. Motion to enter into an Inter-Agency Agreement between RPSB and CLTCC supporting the college and career coaching of Rapides Students and authorizing the Board President to sign any necessary documents upon approval of Board Counsel – Mrs. Kim Bennett
Pages 6-8
9. Motion to enter into an Inter-Agency Agreement between RPSB and Career Compass of Louisiana supporting the college and career coaching of Rapides Students and authorizing the Board President to sign any necessary documents upon approval of Board Counsel – Mrs. Kim Bennett
Pages 9-15 Source of funding Carl Perkins Amount 28,500.00
10. Motion to enter into a Cooperative Agreement between the RPSB and LSU AgCenter supporting the 4H Youth Development for Rapides students and authorize the Board President to sign any necessary documents upon approval of the Board Counsel –Mrs. Kim Bennett
Pages 16-18 Source of funding General Fund Amount $32,103.00
11. Motion to consider and take action with respect to adopting a Resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of General Obligation Bonds of Consolidated 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 –Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 19-24
12. Motion to hear a proposal from C.O.P.E., Inc. as it relates to an Academic Enrichment Cooperative Endeavor Program, enter into an Inter-Agency Agreement and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith subject to changes, addenda and approval of advising counsel prior to execution – Mrs. Sandra Franklin
Pages 25-35
13. Motion for the RPSB to consider and take action on renewing the employment contract of Superintendent Nason Authement – Dr. Stephen Chapman
14. Motion to advertise for bids for renovating the home field house/concessions and restrooms of Peabody Magnet High School – Mr. Willard McCall
15. Motion to discuss Middle School SPS for Science and Social Studies – Mr. John Allen
16. Motion to reimburse Mrs. Janet Dixon for payment of attorney fees that were incurred as a result being charged with ethics violations while she served on the Rapides Parish School Board. Mrs. Dixon was cleared of all charges – Mr. John Allen
17. Motion to approve Change Order #3 on “Paradise Elementary School Additions and Renovations” for (RPSB Bid #14-58) between the RPSB and Skip Converse, Inc. with no change to the contract sum of $568,865.00 but increasing the total days of contract (7 days) due to inclement weather from a substantial completion date of October 17, 2015 to October 24, 2015 and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith – Mr. Wilton Barrios and Mr. Roy Rachal
Pages 36-37
Consent agenda: (Item 5)
A. Reports:
1. to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 38-40
B. Action – Minutes
1. to approve the minutes of the 9-1-15 and 8-18-15 meetings of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 8-18-15 Personnel, Education and Finance Committee meetings, and the 8-24-15 Executive Committee meeting
C. Action – Education
* 1. to approve revising Policy EDD (School Bus Scheduling and Routing) as recommended by Forethought Consulting – Dr. Arthur Joffrion
Pages 41-42
* 2. to approve revising Policy JCDB (Student Dress Code) as recommended by Forethought Consulting – Dr. Arthur Joffrion
Pages 43-46
* 3. to approve revising Policies as recommended by Forethought Consulting – Dr. Arthur Joffrion
Pages 47-57
a. JDD (Suspension)
b. JDE (Expulsion)
* 4. to receive an updated report on AdvancEd – Ms. Teresa Arratia
Pages 58-66
* 5. to approve a Memorandum of Understanding between Save the Children Head Start and RPSB for the identification of and provision of services to students with disabilities enrolled in Head Start Centers and to authorize the Board President to sign any and al documentation therewith, pending legal approval – Mrs. Shelly Close
Pages 67-76 Amount No cost to the Board
* 6. to enter into a contractual agreement with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt - The Leadership & Learning Center for professional services related to professional development for Tier III Schools, Tier II Schools and Tier I (non-turnaround schools) and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Dr. Arthur Joffrion
Pages 77-83 Source of funding Rapides Foundation Effective Schools Amount $168,000.00
D. Action – Finance
* 1. to approve personal services contracts, leases, and other such agreements; authorize the Board President 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 Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Mrs. Bethanie Herrick
Pages 84-85
* 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 86
* 5. to approve a transfer out of funds from General Fund to Special Reserve in the amount of $807,863 – Ms. Liz Domite
* 6. to approve an agreement between RPSB and Taylor Publishing DBA Balfour for Balfour to be the official yearbook publisher for the 2015-2016 school year and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith – Ms. Liz Domite Pages 87-90
a. Northwood High - School Funds - $9,000.00
b. Phoenix Magnet – School Funds - $11,000.00
c. Pineville High School – School Funds - $28,000.00
d. Buckeye High - School Funds - $18,300.00
* 7. to authorize the Board President to sign an agreement between Tri-City Charter, Inc. and Rapides Parish School Board for one Commercial Charter Bus for Arthur F. Smith Middle Magnet School Grades 6-8 field trip to St. Louis, MO and Memphis, TN – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 91-94 Source of funding School Funds Amount $9,085.10
* 8. to ratify and confirm bids/quotes/proposals received by the Central Office Staff and award to the lowest responsive and responsible vendor contingent on low bid/quote/proposal meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements and Specifications – Ms. Liz Domite
a. “Replace Gym Floor at Paradise Elementary” (RFQ #16-15A) received on Friday, September 18, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.
Page 95 Source of funding Maintenance - District 11 Amount $55,000.00
b. “Turnkey Purchase of Steamers for Various Schools” (Bid No, 16-24) received on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. (Pineville High, Peabody Magnet and Nachman)
Page 96 Source of funding Food Service Amount $120,000.00
c. “Intercom System for Mabel Brasher Elementary” (RFP No. 16-23) received on Friday, September 18, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.
Pages 97 Source of funding District 62 Maintenance Amount To be decided
* 9. to authorize the Board’s Insurance Consultant to negotiate renewal of Excess Workers’ Compensation Insurance coverage (expiring 12-31-2015). Should renewal rates exceed CPI, the Board authorizes the consultant to solicit competitive quotes and present the results of same and a recommendation of award to the Board at the December 1, 2015 Regular Meeting – Mr. Roy Rachal
Source of funding General Fund Amount $77,831.00
* 10. to approve Change Order #2 on “Paradise Elementary School Additions and Renovations” for (RPSB Bid #14-58) between the Rapides Parish School Board and Skip Converse, Inc. decreasing the contract sum of $569,595.00 by $730.00 and thereby decreasing the total contract amount to $568,865.00 and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith – Mr. Wilton Barrios and Mr. Roy Rachal
Pages 98-99 Source of funding Tioga Bond Fund Amount $(730.00)
* 11. to hear a proposal by Ms. Lyda Carol Hirchak with Mary’s Healthcare Ministries to provide medical specials administering “Vaccinations against Preventable Diseases” to RPSB students while in attendance at district schools where no healthcare center sites are housed and authorize the Board President to enter into an Interagency Agreement contingent upon legal counsel approval of same – Mr. Nason Authement and Mr. Roy Rachal
Pages 100-114
* 12. to approve an amended Inter-Agency Agreement (IAA) and Addendum “A” between the Rapides Parish School Board and Save the Children Head Start and authorize the Board President to sign said documents – Mrs. Cindy Rushing
Pages 115-120
* 13. to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids for “Bleachers for Phoenix Magnet” (Bid # 16-32) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids and a recommendation to be made to the Board –- Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding Maintenance
* 14. to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids for “Bleachers for Alexandria Middle Magnet” (Bid # 16-31) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids and a recommendation to be made to the Board – Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding Maintenance
* 15. to allocate $500,000 toward HVAC controls in our District 62 schools based on need determined by the Maintenance Department – Dr. Stephen Chapman
Pages 120-130
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. for the RPSB to discuss and take action on a proposed one-time supplement for all employees for December 2015 in a 14 pay check contingent upon completion of designated in-service to be named by the Administration at the November Board meeting and a recommended amount and funding source - Mr. Wilton Barrios
* 4. to present a recommendation from staff to Board regarding increasing salaries for all district employees – Mr. Nason Authement
* 5. to inform the Board of the temporary reassignment of Office Secretary II from Director of Secondary Schools to Director of Technology – Mr. Nason Authement and Mrs. Rebekah Beck
* 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 29th day of September 2015
/s/W. K. Breazeale
President
ATTEST:
/s/Nason Authement
Secretary
S E A L
Public comment was solicited prior to the vote on items during this meeting.
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Items 15 and 16 were deleted.
Items 6 and 14 were deferred to District 62
A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to add to the agenda to recognize ASH weightlifter, Ashley Mitchell, for her accomplishments – Reason to add: Time Sensitive. (Item 4-c)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add was as follows:
AYE: Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to add to the agenda to recommend Dolly Lundin, FNS Technician, to Acting Manager at J. I. Barron Elementary Cafeteria for an indefinite period of time effective 10-1-15 (Elaine Quinn is on leave) – Reason to add: Time Sensitive. (Item 18)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add was as follows:
AYE: Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, 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 add to the agenda to discuss and approve the submittal of an application for the National Clean Diesel Rebate Program for 2015 or Newer School Bus Replacement and authorize the purchase of up to 20 buses conditional on an approved application and authorize the Central Office to prepare and submit any and all documentation legally required – Reason to add: Information received on October 1, 2015 and deadline to submit application is October 30, 2015. (Item 19)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add was as follows:
AYE: Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
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Mr. Keith Breazeale introduced the Board’s student guest, Matthew Beck, a senior at Alexandria Senior High School, who was recognized for his academic and extracurricular achievements. Also recognized were Matthew’s family and Mr. Duane Urbina, principal at Peabody Magnet High School. (Item 4-a)
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The Board recognized Paradise Elementary School for the bulletin board display in lobby of the School Board Office for the month of October 2015. (Item 4-b)
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Mr. Keith Breazeale and Mr. Duane Urbina, principal of Alexandria Senior High, recognized ASH weightlifter, Ashley Mitchell, for her accomplishments. (Item 4-c)
Mr. Urbina presented Ashley’s accomplishments and recognized her family.
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to approve the consent agenda. (Item 5)
Discussion ensued and items 5C-5, 5F-3, 5F-4, 5D-11 and 5D-12 were pulled for the regular agenda. More discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, 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 38-40
B. Action – Minutes
1. to approve the minutes of the 9-1-15 and 8-18-15 meetings of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 8-18-15 Personnel, Education and Finance Committee meetings, and the 8-24-15 Executive Committee meeting
C. Action – Education
* 1. to approve revising Policy EDD (School Bus Scheduling and Routing) as recommended by Forethought Consulting – Dr. Arthur Joffrion
Pages 41-42
* 2. to approve revising Policy JCDB (Student Dress Code) as recommended by Forethought Consulting – Dr. Arthur Joffrion
Pages 43-46
* 3. to approve revising Policies as recommended by Forethought Consulting – Dr. Arthur Joffrion
Pages 47-57
a. JDD (Suspension)
b. JDE (Expulsion)
* 4. to receive an updated report on AdvancEd – Ms. Teresa Arratia
Pages 58-66
* 5. pulled for the regular agenda.
* 6. to enter into a contractual agreement with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt - The Leadership & Learning Center for professional services related to professional development for Tier III Schools, Tier II Schools and Tier I (non-turnaround schools) and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Dr. Arthur Joffrion
Pages 77-83 Source of funding Rapides Foundation Effective Schools Amount $168,000.00
D. Action – Finance
* 1. to approve personal services contracts, leases, and other such agreements; authorize the Board President 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 Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Mrs. Bethanie Herrick
Pages 84-85
* 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 86
* 5. to approve a transfer out of funds from General Fund to Special Reserve in the amount of $807,863 – Ms. Liz Domite
* 6. to approve an agreement between RPSB and Taylor Publishing DBA Balfour for Balfour to be the official yearbook publisher for the 2015-2016 school year and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 87-90
a. Northwood High - School Funds - $9,000.00
b. Phoenix Magnet – School Funds - $11,000.00
c. Pineville High School – School Funds - $28,000.00
d. Buckeye High - School Funds - $18,300.00
* 7. to authorize the Board President to sign an agreement between Tri-City Charter, Inc. and Rapides Parish School Board for one Commercial Charter Bus for Arthur F. Smith Middle Magnet School Grades 6-8 field trip to St. Louis, MO and Memphis, TN –Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 91-94 Source of funding School Funds Amount $9,085.10
* 8. to ratify and confirm bids/quotes/proposals received by the Central Office Staff and award to the lowest responsive and responsible vendor contingent on low bid/quote/proposal meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements and Specifications – Ms. Liz Domite
a. “Replace Gym Floor at Paradise Elementary” (RFQ #16-15A) received on Friday, September 18, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. and award to Floors Unlimited for $59,072.32
Page 95 Source of funding Maintenance - District 11 Amount $55,000.00
b. “Turnkey Purchase of Steamers for Various Schools” (Bid No, 16-24) received on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. (Pineville High, Peabody Magnet and Nachman) and award to Associated Food Equipment and Supplies, Inc. for $62,818.58
Page 96 Source of funding Food Service Amount $120,000.00
c. “Intercom System for Mabel Brasher Elementary” (RFP No. 16-23) received on Friday, September 18, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. and award to Executone for $23,158.30
Pages 97 Source of funding District 62 Maintenance Amount To be decided
* 9. to authorize the Board’s Insurance Consultant to negotiate renewal of Excess Workers’ Compensation Insurance coverage (expiring 12-31-2015). Should renewal rates exceed CPI, the Board authorizes the consultant to solicit competitive quotes and present the results of same and a recommendation of award to the Board at the December 1, 2015 Regular Meeting – Mr. Roy Rachal
Source of funding General Fund Amount $77,831.00
* 10. to approve Change Order #2 on “Paradise Elementary School Additions and Renovations” for (RPSB Bid #14-58) between the Rapides Parish School Board and Skip Converse, Inc. decreasing the contract sum of $569,595.00 by $730.00 and thereby decreasing the total contract amount to $568,865.00 and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith – Mr. Wilton Barrios and Mr. Roy Rachal
Pages 98-99 Source of funding Tioga Bond Fund Amount $(730.00)
* 11. pulled for regular agenda.
* 12. pulled for the regular agenda.
* 13. to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids for “Bleachers for Phoenix Magnet” (Bid # 16-32) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids and a recommendation to be made to the Board –-Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding Maintenance
* 14. to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids for “Bleachers for Alexandria Middle Magnet” (Bid # 16-31) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids – Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding Maintenance
* 15. to allocate $500,000 toward HVAC controls in our District 62 schools based on need determined by the Maintenance Department – Dr. Stephen Chapman
Pages 120-130
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
Motion that in in lieu of expulsion that Jorion Henderson be admitted to the Rapides Alternative Positive Program for Students (RAPPS) and Aiken Virtual Program effective October 7, 2015 until the end of the first semester. Upon completion of the time at RAPPS, the student shall be eligible to be admitted to the zoned school at the beginning of the second semester, January 4, 2016 all conditioned upon a probationary agreement to be executed by the student, parent and Superintendent within five (5) days otherwise the principal’s recommendation is upheld.
2. to receive an update outlining the progress of each student attending the Rapides Alternative Positive Program for Students (RAPPS) - Mrs. Ruby Smith
3. to receive a report for students successfully completing the requirements for a performance contract – Mrs. Ruby Smith
F. Action – Personnel
* 1. receive reports as follows: - Mrs. Vicki Younger
a. new hires, pending a satisfactory drug screening and background check
b. new hires in lieu of substitute
c. promotions
d. leave requests, rescissions, waivers, etc.
e. performance contract renewals
f. resignations and retirements
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. pulled for the regular agenda.
* 4. pulled for the regular agenda.
* 5. to inform the Board of the temporary reassignment of Office Secretary II from Director of Secondary Schools to Director of Technology – Mr. Nason Authement and Mrs. Rebekah Beck
* Denotes that these items have been through committee
____________________
A motion was made by Mrs. Sandra Franklin and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to approve a Memorandum of Understanding between Save the Children Head Start and RPSB for the identification of and provision of services to students with disabilities enrolled in Head Start Centers and to authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation therewith, pending legal approval. (Item 5C-5)
Discussion ensued and Mr. Downs explained to the Board that this is not a MOU, it is an Interagency Agreement.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to approve an Interagency Agreement or amend the existing Interagency Agreement between the Rapides Parish School Board and Save the Children Head Start for the identification of and provision of services to students with disabilities enrolled in Head Start centers and to authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation therewith, upon approval of Board Counsel.
Discussion ensued.
A second substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to defer action on this item until the complete agreement is completed.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the second substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Dr. Chapman
NAY: Mr. Barrios, Mr. McCall, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Breazeale
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
ABSTAIN: Mrs. Franklin
THE SECOND SUBSTITUTE MOTION FAILED.
The first substitute motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to approve an Interagency Agreement or amend the existing Interagency Agreement between the Rapides Parish School Board and Save the Children Head Start for the identification of and provision of services to students with disabilities enrolled in Head Start centers and to authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation therewith, upon approval of Board Counsel.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the first substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: Mr. Crooks, Dr. Chapman
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
ABSTAIN Mrs. Franklin
THE FIRST SUBSTITUTE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.
____________________
A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to hear a proposal by Ms. Lyda Carol Hirchak with Mary’s Healthcare Ministries to provide medical specials administering “Vaccinations against Preventable Diseases” to RPSB students while in attendance at district schools where no healthcare center sites are housed and authorize the Board President to enter into an Interagency Agreement contingent upon legal counsel approval of same. (Item 5D-11)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Rodriguez
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to approve an amended Inter-Agency Agreement (IAA) and Addendum “A” between the Rapides Parish School Board and Save the Children Head Start and authorize the Board President to sign said documents. (Item 5D-12)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and second by Mr. Steve Berry to defer action on this item and send to the November Board Meeting regarding the amended Inter-Agency Agreement (IAA) and Addendum “A” between the Rapides Parish School Board and Save the Children Head Start because information requested was never received.
Discussion ensued.
Dr. Stephen Chapman withdrew his motion.
On roll call the vote on the original motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
ABSTAIN: Mrs. Franklin
THE ORIGINAL MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall for the RPSB to discuss and take action on a proposed one-time supplement for all employees for December 2015 in a 14th pay check contingent upon completion of designated in-service to be name. (Item 5F-3)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin to discuss and take action on a proposed one-time pay supplement for all employees who successfully complete the required (delineated by the Superintendent) Safe-Schools on-line training, subscribed to herein and distribute said supplement in a 14th check on December 17, 2015.
Discussion ensued.
An amended motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin to discuss and take action on a proposed one-time pay supplement for all employees who successfully complete the required (delineated by the Superintendent) Safe-Schools on-line training, subscribed to herein and distribute said supplement in a 14th check on December 17, 2015 and to charge the Superintendent to come back at the November Board meeting with a plan to fund this possible supplemental pay in a one-time pay check.
Discussion ensued.
On the amended motion by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin, the Board voted unanimously to discuss and take action on a proposed one-time pay supplement for all employees who successfully complete the required (delineated by the Superintendent) Safe-Schools on-line training, subscribed to herein and distribute said supplement in a 14th check on December 17, 2015 and to charge the Superintendent to come back at the November Board meeting with a plan to fund this possible supplemental pay in a one-time pay check.
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to present a recommendation from staff to Board regarding increasing salaries for all district employees. (Item 5F-4)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to accept the recommendation presented by staff to increase salaries for all district employees with a new sales tax as the funding source and authorize the staff to begin necessary steps in calling for the election of the sales tax to fund salary increases.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Gerald Crooks and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to consider and take action with respect to adopting a Resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of General Obligation Bonds of Consolidated 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. (Item 11)
Mr. David Henderson, Foley and Judell, presented information to the Board and discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to adopt the Resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of General Obligation Bonds of Consolidated 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.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
RESOLUTION
A resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of not to exceed Six Million Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($6,200,000) 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 $7,320,000 of General Obligation School Refunding Bonds, Series 2006 (the "Series 2006 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 2006 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 Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($6,200,000) 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 Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($6,200,000) 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 2006 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 such 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 ______ ______
Gerald Crooks x _____ ______
Willard McCall x ______ ______
Dr. Stephen Chapman x ______ ______
John E. Allen, Jr. ______ x ______
Keith Breazeale x ______ ______
Darrell Rodriguez x ______ ______
Sandra Franklin x ______ ______
And the resolution was declared adopted on this, the 6th day of October, 2015.
/s/ Nason “Tony” Authement /s/ Keith Breazeale
Secretary President
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A motion was made by Mrs. Sandra Franklin and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to renew the operating lease between ModSpace and RPSB for seven (7) modulars with a new lease start date of November 1, 2015 and end date of October 31, 2016 and authorize the Board President to sign any necessary documentation in connection therewith. (Item 7)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to enter into an Inter-Agency Agreement between RPSB and CLTCC supporting the college and career coaching of Rapides Students and authorizing the Board President to sign any necessary documents upon approval of Board Counsel. (Item 8)
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks, the Board voted unanimously to enter into an Inter-Agency Agreement between RPSB and CLTCC supporting the college and career coaching of Rapides Students and authorizing the Board President to sign any necessary documents upon approval of Board Counsel.
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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to enter into an Inter-Agency Agreement between RPSB and Career Compass of Louisiana supporting the college and career coaching of Rapides Students and authorizing the Board President to sign any necessary documents upon approval of Board Counsel. (Item 9)
Discussion ensued.
An amended motion was made by Mr. Gerald Crooks and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to enter into an Inter-Agency Agreement between RPSB and Career Compass of Louisiana supporting the college and career coaching of Rapides Students and authorizing the Board President to sign any necessary documents upon approval of Board Counsel and change the amount to $28,250.00.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the amended motion was as follows:
AYE: Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
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A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to enter into a Cooperative Agreement between the RPSB and LSU AgCenter supporting the 4H Youth Development for Rapides students and authorize the Board President to sign any necessary documents upon approval of the Board Counsel. (Item 10)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin tohear a proposal from C.O.P.E., Inc. as it relates to an Academic Enrichment Cooperative Endeavor Program, enter into an Inter-Agency Agreement and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith subject to changes, addenda and approval of advising counsel prior to execution. (Item 12)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion made by Mrs. Sandra Franklin and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to enter into a proposal from C.O.P.E., Inc. as it relates to an Academic Enrichment Cooperative Endeavor Program, enter into an Inter-Agency Agreement and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith subject to changes, addenda and approval of advising counsel prior to execution.
Discussion ensued.
On the substitute motion by Mrs. Sandra Franklin and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez, the Board voted unanimously to enter into a proposal from C.O.P.E., Inc. as it relates to an Academic Enrichment Cooperative Endeavor Program, enter into an Inter-Agency Agreement and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith subject to changes, addenda and approval of advising counsel prior to execution.
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Let the record reflect that Mr. Willard McCall left the meeting at this time.
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A motion was made Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to approve Change Order #3 on “Paradise Elementary School Additions and Renovations” for (RPSB Bid #14-58) between the RPSB and Skip Converse, Inc. with no change to the contract sum of $568,865.00 but increasing the total days of contract (7 days) due to inclement weather from a substantial completion date of October 17, 2015 to October 24, 2015 and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in
connection therewith. (Item 17)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Allen, Mr. McCall
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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 recommend Dolly Lundin, FNS Technician, to Acting Manager at J. I. Barron Elementary Cafeteria for an indefinite period of time effective 10-1-15 (Elaine Quinn is on leave). (Item 18)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
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A motion was made by Mr. Gerald Crooks and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to discuss and approve the submittal of an application for the National Clean Diesel Rebate Program for 2015 or Newer School Bus Replacement and authorize the purchase of up to 20 buses conditional on an approved application and authorize the Central Office to prepare and submit any and all documentation legally required. (Item 19)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall. Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: Mr. Barrios
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 for the RPSB to consider and take action on renewing the employment contract of Superintendent Nason Authement. (Item 13)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios to award Superintendent Authement a new contract for four (4) years at the expiration of existing contract with the same terms and at the current salary.
Discussion ensued.
A second substitute motion was made by Mr. Gerald Crooks and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to defer the original motion to the November Board meeting for the RPSB to consider and take action on renewing the employment contract of Superintendent Nason Authement.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the second substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Mr. Rodriguez
NAY: Mr. Barrios, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Breazeale
ABSENT: Mr. Allen
THE SECOND SUBSTITUTE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.
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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