OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Alexandria, Louisiana
March 1, 2016
The Rapides Parish School Board of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, met in regular public session at 5:00 o’clock p.m. on Tuesday, March 1, 2016 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
John Allen, Member
Absent: Darrell Rodriguez, Member
Mr. Nason Authement, Secretary for the Board, was present for the meeting.
Attorney James Downs arrived at the meeting at 5:07 p.m.
The Colors were presented by the Peabody Magnet High School JROTC. The Invocation was pronounced by Rev. Thaddaeus Sands of Love Fellowship Church after which Mr. Gerald Crooks 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 FEBRUARY 24, 2016)
Alexandria, Louisiana February 24, 2016
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, MARCH 1, 2016
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. Recognition:
a. the Board’s student guest from Buckeye High School – Mr. Gerald Crooks
b. Pineville Junior High School for the bulletin board display in the lobby of the School Board Office for the month of March 2016 – Mr. Clyde Washington
c. the 2016 Rapides Parish Students of the Year: - Mrs. Kim Bennett
· 12th Grade – Pranshi Juneja – Bolton High School
· 8th Grade – Lauren Marie Gauthier – Northwood High School
· 5th Grade – Jack Joshua Thacker – Peabody Montessori Elementary
d. the winning entries from the Holocaust Trifold Competition - Mrs. Kim Bennett
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 consider and take action with respect to adopting a Resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of General Obligations School Refunding Bonds of Lecompte-Lamourie-Woodworth School District No. 57 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 DomitePages 1-5
7. Motion to award E-rate Services purchase(s), contract(s) and/or agreement(s) per evaluation sheets for RFP 16-30 "E-rate Services" opened February 16, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection with said contract(s) or agreement(s) (pending any necessary review by Board Counsel) – Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding General Fund and Various Funds Amount – To be decided
Consent agenda: (Item 5)
Reports:
1. to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 6-10
B. Action – Minutes
1. to approve the minutes of the 1-27-16 and 2-2-16 meetings of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 1-19-16 Personnel, Education and Finance Committee meetings, the 1-19-16 District 62
Committee meeting, and the 1-25-16 Executive Committee meeting
C. Action – Education
* 1. to approve revising policy IFAA (Textbook Selection and Adoption) as recommended by Forethought Consulting – Dr. Arthur Joffrion
Pages 11-17
* 2. to inform the Board of the mid-semester District Dashboard results - Mrs. Kim Bennett
Page 18
* 3. to approve the contract agreement between Offshore Energy Center and the Rapides Parish School Board on behalf of Pineville, Ruby-Wise, Acadian, Hadnot-Hayes, W. O. Hall, Julius Patrick, J. I. Barron Elementary Schools and H. R. Lawrence Upper Elementary School and accept a donation in the amount of $1,500 + Value per referenced school from LLOG Explorations, Hornbeck, Harvey Gulf Marine, Halliburton and Schlumberger and authorize the Board President to sign any necessary documentation with Board Counsel review and approval – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 19-25
* 4. to adopt the entity/state agreement between the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) and the Rapides Parish School Board relative to Rapides Parish Schools Safe Route to Schools State Project (No. H.009299.1) for Cherokee Elementary, Brame Middle and L. S. Rugg Elementary and authorize the Board President to sign any necessary documentation with Board Counsel review and approval – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 26-43
D. Action – Finance
* 1. to approvepersonal 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
Page 44
* 3. to receive an update/report on grants, approve grants included therein, and authorize the Superintendent to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Mrs. Bethanie Herrick
Page 45
* 4. to receive a report on donation(s) made to the Rapides Parish School Board on behalf of the RPSB schools, accept and approve donations included therein, and provide any necessary documentation related to the donation(s) – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 46-47
* 5. to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids for “Sanitary Maintenance” Bid No. 16-13 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 Amount $200,000.00 (est.)
* 6. to amend bid for "Turnkey Purchase of Serving Lines for Various Schools - Bid #16-43" Various Schools: Mary Goff Elementary, Hadnot-Hayes Elementary (previously approved at the 2-2-16 Board meeting) and to include A. F. Smith and advertise and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids and a recommendation to be made to the Board – Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding Food and Nutrition Service Amount $125,000.00 (est.)
* 7. to authorize the secretary to exercise the option to renew the contract under the same terms and conditions for the 2016-2017 school year with written mutual agreement of the vendor and authorize the secretary to sign any documentation connected therewith - Ms. Liz Domite
a. “Science Materials and Supplies” - Fisher Scientific and Frey Scientific – (Original Bid No. 14-16 and Renewal Bid No. 16-16)
Source of funding Maintenance Amount $40,000 (est.)
b. “Propane Purchases” - Jim’s South Butane Propane, Inc. – (Original Bid No. 14-10 and Renewal Bid No. 16-10)
Source of funding Maintenance (#51 and #58) Amount (Order as needed) ($22,000 est.)
c. “Professional Drug Testing Services” - Louisiana Occupational Health Services (Original Bid No.07-08A and Renewal Bid No. 16-11)
Source of funding Maintenance, General and Food and Nutrition Amount (Order as needed) ($75,000 est.)
d. “Pest Management Services” - Adams Pest Control – (Original Bid No. 13-17 and Renewal Bid No. 16-17)
Source of funding Maintenance Amount $32,000 (est.)
e. “Dust Control Services” – D & L Textile – (Original Bid No. 14-03 and Renewal Bid No. 16-03)
Source of funding Maintenance Amount $40,000 (est.)
8. to approve an agreement between RPSB and Jostens, Inc. for Jostens to be the official yearbook publisher for Tioga High School for the 2016-2017, 2017-2018 and the 2018-2019 school years and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 48 Source of funding Tioga High School Funds
9. to approve and allow the Board President to sign all contracts and documentation for Pineville Junior High School field trip to New Orleans for fifty (50) 8th grade students – Mr. Jeff Powell
Pages 49-64 Source of funding Parents of students attending Amount $8,500.00
10. to approve the Bossier Parish School District’s request to participate in a cooperative purchasing agreement with the RPSB for the purchase of Science Materials and supplies (RPSB Bid # 14-16, Renewal Bid #16-16 - Ms. Liz Domite
E. Action- Discipline (Motion to go into Executive Session for 1, 2 and 3)
* 1 . to uphold the Rapides Parish School Board Discipline 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
* 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 24th day of February 2016
/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.
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Gerald Crooks and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to add to the agenda to approve a Professional Services Contract and to authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation therewith for Speech Therapist ($50 per hour/28 hours per week plus mileage) Reason to add: Time sensitive. (Item 8)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Rodriguez
____________________
A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios to add to the agenda to reimburse Mrs. Sandra Franklin and Mr. Darrell Rodriguez for travel expenses for the February 2016 LSBA Conference – Reason to add: Time sensitive. (Item 9)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Rodriguez
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to add to the agenda to approve and allow the Board President to sign all contracts and documentation for Brame Middle School to travel to Ft. Worth/Arlington, TX for fifty (50) students – Reason to add: Information was just received and time sensitive. (Item 10)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Rodriguez
_____________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to add to the agenda to go into Executive Session to discuss possible termination of an employee for job abandonment – Reason to add: Time Sensitive. (Item 11)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Rodriguez
____________________
Mr. Gerald Crooks introduced the Board’s student guest, David Chase Jones, a senior at Buckeye High School, who was recognized for his academic and extracurricular achievements. Also recognized was David’s parents and Mr. Dewayne Vines, principal at Buckeye High School. (Item 4-a)
____________________
The Board recognized Pineville Junior High School for the bulletin board display in lobby of the School Board Office for the month of March 2016. (Item 4-b)
____________________
The 2016 Rapides Parish Students of the Year were recognized at this time. (Item 4-c)
· 12th Grade – Pranshi Juneja – Bolton High School
· 8th Grade – Lauren Marie Gauthier – Northwood High School
· 5th Grade – Jack Joshua Thacker – Peabody Montessori Elementary
____________________
The winning entries from the Holocaust Trifold Competition was recognized at this time. (Item 4-d)
The winners were presented with awards (Books-A-Million Gift Cards, 1st places-$60, 2nd places-$40, 3rd places-$20) and certificates by Rabbi Arnold Task and Rabbi Harley Karz-Wagman.
Elementary Division:
Emily Waits - Northwood - 5th grade
Hiwan Desta - Cherokee - 4th grade
Johnathan Tyrone, Clayton Jr. - Northwood - 5th grade
Middle School Division:
Ethan Sanford - Pineville Jr High - 7th grade
Elanor Vickers - Aiken Virtual - 8th grade
Zachary Steen - Aiken Virtual - 7th grade
High School Division:
Erika Jeansonne - Alexandria Sr. High - 10th grade
Emily Sanders - Alexandria Sr. High - 10th grade
Austin Salard - Alexandria Sr. High - 12th grade
___________________
Mr. Nason Authement recognized a visiting group of ministers at this time from the Community, Concerned Church Coalition.
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to approve the consent agenda. (Item 5)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Rodriguez
Consent agenda: (Item 5)
A. Reports:
1. to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 6-10
B. Action – Minutes
1. to approve the minutes of the 1-27-16 and 2-2-16 meetings of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 1-19-16 Personnel, Education and Finance Committee meetings, the 1-19-16 District 62 Committee meeting, and the 1-25-16 Executive Committee meeting
* 1. to approve revising policy IFAA (Textbook Selection and Adoption) as recommended by Forethought Consulting – Dr. Arthur Joffrion
Pages 11-17
* 2. to inform the Board of the mid-semester District Dashboard results - Mrs. Kim Bennett
Page 18
* 3. to approve the contract agreement between Offshore Energy Center and the Rapides Parish School Board on behalf of Pineville, Ruby-Wise, Acadian, Hadnot-Hayes, W. O. Hall, Julius Patrick, J. I. Barron Elementary Schools and H. R. Lawrence Upper Elementary School and accept a donation in the amount of $1,500 + Value per referenced school from LLOG Explorations, Hornbeck, Harvey Gulf Marine, Halliburton and Schlumberger and authorize the Board President to sign any necessary documentation with Board Counsel review and approval – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 19-25
* 4. to adopt the entity/state agreement between the Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) and the Rapides Parish School Board relative to Rapides Parish Schools Safe Route to Schools State Project (No. H.009299.1) for Cherokee Elementary, Brame Middle and L. S. Rugg Elementary and authorize the Board President to sign any necessary documentation with Board Counsel review and approval – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 26-43
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
Page 44
* 3. to receive an update/report on grants, approve grants included therein, and authorize the Superintendent to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Mrs. Bethanie Herrick
Page 45
* 4. to receive a report on donation(s) made to the Rapides Parish School Board on behalf of the RPSB schools, accept and approve donations included therein, and provide any necessary documentation related to the donation(s) – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 46-47
* 5. to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids for “Sanitary Maintenance” Bid No. 16-13 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 Amount $200,000.00 (est.)
* 6. to amend bid for "Turnkey Purchase of Serving Lines for Various Schools - Bid #16-43" Various Schools: Mary Goff Elementary, Hadnot-Hayes Elementary (previously approved at the 2-2-16 Board meeting) and to include A. F. Smith and advertise and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids and a recommendation to be made to the Board – Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding Food and Nutrition Service Amount $125,000.00 (est.)
* 7. to authorize the secretary to exercise the option to renew the contract under the same terms and conditions for the 2016-2017 school year with written mutual agreement of the vendor and authorize the secretary to sign any documentation connected therewith - Ms. Liz Domite
a. “Science Materials and Supplies” - Fisher Scientific and Frey Scientific – (Original Bid No. 14-16 and Renewal Bid No. 16-16)
Source of funding Maintenance Amount $40,000 (est.)
b. “Propane Purchases” - Jim’s South Butane Propane, Inc. – (Original Bid No. 14-10 and Renewal Bid No. 16-10)
Source of funding Maintenance (#51 and #58) Amount (Order as needed) ($22,000 est.)
c. “Professional Drug Testing Services” - Louisiana Occupational Health Services (Original Bid No.07-08A and Renewal Bid No. 16-11)
Source of funding Maintenance, General and Food and Nutrition Amount (Order as needed) ($75,000 est.)
d. “Pest Management Services” - Adams Pest Control – (Original Bid No. 13-17 and Renewal Bid No. 16-17)
Source of funding Maintenance Amount $32,000 (est.)
f. “Dust Control Services” – D & L Textile – (Original Bid No. 14-03 and Renewal Bid No. 16-03)
Source of funding Maintenance Amount $40,000 (est.)
8. to approve an agreement between RPSB and Jostens, Inc. for Jostens to be the official yearbook publisher for Tioga High School for the 2016-2017, 2017-2018 and the 2018-2019 school years and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 48 Source of funding Tioga High School Funds
9. to approve and allow the Board President to sign all contracts and documentation for Pineville Junior High School field trip to New Orleans for fifty (50) 8th grade students – Mr. Jeff Powell
Pages 49-64 Source of funding Parents of students attending Amount $8,500.00
10. to approve the Bossier Parish School District’s request to participate in a cooperative purchasing agreement with the RPSB for the purchase of Science Materials and supplies (RPSB Bid # 14-16, Renewal Bid #16-16 - Ms. Liz Domite
E. Action- Discipline (Motion to go into Executive Session for 1, 2 and 3)
* 1. to uphold the Rapides Parish School Board Discipline 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
Ø Motion that Tony Martin be re-admitted to the zoned school effective March 2, 2016 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 in lieu of expulsion, Ethan Dunn be admitted to the zoned school effective March 2, 2016 with the following stipulations: A thorough evaluation be conducted by the Special Education staff located at the J. B. Lafargue Special Education Center – grades, behavior and attendance be monitored and a monthly report be provided to the Discipline Review Committee by Mrs. Ruby Smith 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.
Ø Motion that in lieu of expulsion, James Barrone be admitted to the Rapides Alternative Positive Program (RAPPS) effective March 2, 2016 for the remainder of the 2015-2016 school year and thereafter be re-admitted to the zoned school conditioned upon a probationary agreement to be executed by the student, parent and Superintendent within five (5) days otherwise the principal’s recommendation is upheld.
Ø Motion that in lieu of expulsion, Bailey Faraldo be admitted to the Rapides Alternative Positive Program (RAPPS) effective March 2, 2016 for the remainder of the 2015-2016 school year and thereafter be re-admitted to the zoned school conditioned upon a probationary agreement to be executed by the student, parent and Superintendent within five (5) days otherwise the principal’s recommendation is upheld.
Ø Motion that in lieu of expulsion, David Christmas be admitted to the Rapides Alternative Positive Program (RAPPS) effective March 2, 2016 for the remainder of the 2015-2016 school year and thereafter be re-admitted to the zoned school conditioned upon a probationary agreement to be executed by the student, parent and Superintendent within five (5) days otherwise the principal’s recommendation is upheld.
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. pulled for the regular agenda.
* Denotes that these items have been through committee
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin to discuss any personnel complaints that may go before the full board for action, (Item 5F-2)
Discussion ensued.
No action was taken.
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to consider and take action with respect to adopting a Resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of General Obligations School Refunding Bonds of Lecompte-Lamourie-Woodworth School District No. 57 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 6)
Mr. Grant Schlueter with Foley and Judell presented information to the Board and discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry that the RPSB adopt a Resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of not to exceed Six Million Dollars ($6,000,000) of General Obligation School Refunding Bonds of Lecompte-Lamourie-Woodworth School District No. 57 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana; making application to the State Bond Commission for approval of said Bonds and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Rodriguez
RESOLUTION
A resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of not to exceed Six Million Dollars ($6,000,000) of General Obligation School Refunding Bonds of Lecompte‑Lamourie‑Woodworth School District No. 57 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, Lecompte‑Lamourie‑Woodworth School District No. 57 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the "Issuer") has heretofore issued $8,000,000 of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2009 (the "Series 2009 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 2009 Bonds pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 14-A of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority (the "Act"), through the issuance of its refunding bonds; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Act, and subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission, the Issuer desires to accomplish the refunding by authorizing the issuance of not exceeding Six Million Dollars ($6,000,000) of its General Obligation School Refunding Bonds (the "Bonds"), to be payable from unlimited ad valorem taxes; and
WHEREAS, the Issuer desires to make formal application to the State Bond Commission for approval of the issuance of the Bonds;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana (the "School Board"), acting as the governing authority of Lecompte-Lamourie-Woodworth School District No. 57 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the "Issuer"), that:
SECTION 1. Preliminary Approval of the Bonds. Preliminary approval is given to the issuance of not exceeding Six Million Dollars ($6,000,000) of General Obligation School Refunding Bonds (the "Refunding Bonds"), of the Issuer, to be issued for the purpose of refunding all or any portion of the Issuer’s outstanding General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2009 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 five percent (5%) 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, 2029. 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 Finance Director 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 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 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/issue’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 1st day of March, 2016.
/s/ Nason “Tony” Authement /s/ Keith Breazeale
Secretary President
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Gerald Crooks and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to award E-rate Services purchase(s), contract(s) and/or agreement(s) per evaluation sheets for RFP 16-30 "E-rate Services" opened February 16, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection with said contract(s) or agreement(s) (pending any necessary review by Board Counsel). (Item 7)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to defer item 7 to the March Finance Committee.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Rodriguez
____________________
Let the record reflect that Mr. Wilton Barrios left the meeting at this.
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A motion was made by Mr. Gerald Crooks and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to approve a Professional Services Contract and to authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation therewith for Speech Therapist ($50 per hour/28 hours per week plus mileage). (Item 8)
Mrs. Shelly Close presented information to the Board and discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios
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A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry toreimburse Mrs. Sandra Franklin and Mr. Darrell Rodriguez for travel expenses for the February 2016 LSBA Conference. (Item 9)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios
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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to approve and allow the Board President to sign all contracts and documentation for Brame Middle School to travel to Ft. Worth/Arlington, TX for fifty (50) students. (Item 10)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios
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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to go into Executive Session to discuss possible termination of an employee for job abandonment. (Item 11)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios
THE BOARD WENT INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.
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On motion by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry, the Board voted unanimously to reconvene in Open Session.
THE BOARD RECONVENED IN OPEN SESSON.
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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to go into Executive Session to discuss possible termination of an employee for job abandonment. (Item 11)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to uphold the Superintendent’s recommendation to terminate Adrian Hurts for job abandonment effective today, 3-1-16.
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry, the Board voted unanimously to uphold the Superintendent’s recommendation to terminate Adrian Hurts for job abandonment effective today, 3-1-16.
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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