2016-09-06

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
OF THE

RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Alexandria, Louisiana

September 6, 2016

The Rapides Parish School Board of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, met in regular public session at 5:00 o’clock p.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 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

John Allen, Member

Gerald Crooks, Member

Willard McCall, Member

Sandra Franklin, Member

Darrell Rodriguez, Member

Absent: Stephen Chapman, Member

Mr. Nason Authement, Secretary for the Board, was present for the meeting.

____________________

Attorney James Downs was present for the meeting.

____________________

The Invocation was pronounced by Rev. Gentry Mangun of the Pentecostals of Alexandria after which Mr. Wilbur McCall 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 AUGUST 31, 2016)

Alexandria, Louisiana

August 31, 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, SEPTEMBER 6, 2016 For the purpose of considering, acting upon, deciding, and if deemed advisable, submitting the following propositions, to wit:

Call to order

Invocation, Pledge

Roll call

Recognize:

the Board’s student guest from Peabody Magnet High School – Mr. Willard McCall

L. S. Rugg Elementary School for the Bulletin Board display in the lobby of the School Board Office for the month of September 2016 – Mr. Clyde Washington

recognize New Assistant Principals effective 2016 school year – Mr. Nason Authement

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 5, 6, 7 and 8)

* 6. Motion to adopt Resolution adopting the Operating Budgets of Revenues, Expenditures and Fund Balances for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2016 – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 1

* 7. Motion to approve the renewal of ACT Career Curriculum License in the amount of $12,200.00 to continue the implementation of ACT Career Ready 101 in the Journey to Careers Curriculum in the middle schools – Mrs. Kim Bennett and Ms. LaRunda Hobbs Pierce
Pages 2-5 Source of funding Carl Perkins Amount $12,200.00

8. Adopt Adjusted Millage Rate(s) – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 6-7

9. Set forth the Adjusted Millage Rates(s) and roll forward to millage rate(s) not exceeding the maximum authorized rate(s) – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 8-11

10. Adopt other authorized Millages or Taxes – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 12-14

11. Motion to approve the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury’s request to participate in a cooperative purchasing agreement with the Rapides Parish School Board for the purchase of educational materials (RPSB Bid # 15-28) – Ms. Liz Domite

12. Motion to review and approve changes to the job description for the Director of Technology – Mrs. Vicki Younger
Pages 15-16

13. Motion to approve the extension of the definition of certified in the Substitute Policy to include anyone who has held a valid teaching certificate – Mrs. Vickie Younger

14. Motion to approve Resolution and Grant Agreement with The Rapides Foundation 2016-2017 Healthy Behaviors School Partnership Grant Project and authorize the Board President to sign any required documents – Mrs. Barbara Odom
Pages 17-22 Source of funding The Rapides Foundation – Healthy Behaviors School Partnership Grant Project Amount $59,600.00

15. Motion to approve Travel Expense Reimbursement for Sandra Franklin and all RPSB members to attend the LSBA Conference in Marksville, LA on September 16 and 17, 2016 - Mrs. Sandra Franklin and Dr. Stephen Chapman

16. Motion to authorize the secretary to advertise for proposals for “Digital Copiers/Multi-function Devices” (RFP #17-06) 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

17. Motion to inform the Board of the development and implementation of the School Improvement/20 day Plan – Mrs. Kim Bennett

18. Motion to accept the modified contractual proposal from International Center for Leadership in Education, a division of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, for job-embedded leadership coaching and job-embedded teacher coaching as part of the SCALE UP Initiative and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith – Mrs. Kim Bennett
Pages 23-29 Source of funding Rapides Foundation Effective School Grant Amount $199,875.00

19. Motion that the Rapides Parish School Board abolish the administrative position of Deputy Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction – Mr. John Allen

20. Motion to go into Executive Session to receive a report and discuss litigations filed by and against Rapides Parish School Board as follows: - Mr. Roy Rachal

1. Citation No, 255,936–E (9^th JDC, Alexandria, LA) – Theresa Clark Versus Rapides Parish School Board,

                        2.   Citation No. 255,102–G (9^th JDC) - Tronderick & Carolyn Watson i/o/b/o Minor Versus RPSB,
                       3.   Citation No. 255,748-E (9^th JDC) – Amanda and Brad Tyson i/o/b/o Minor Versus RPSB
                       4.   Citation No. 255,244–A (9^th JDC) – Connie Whetstine Versus Berkley Insurance, ET Al,

5. Citation No. 255,129-F (9^th JDC) – Hollis and Pamela Stanley ET AL Versus RPSB ET AL,

6. Citation No. 255,103-G (9^th JDC) - Ronnie P. Smith ET AL Versus RPSB ET AL
7. Citation No. 255,140-A (9^th JDC) – Patricia Mertens ET AL Versus Jake Lawson ET AL

8. Citation No. 255,100-B (9^th JDC) – Vickie Stanley ET AL Versus RPSB ET AL

9. Citation No. 255,101-A (9^th JDC) – Teresa Maricle ET AL Versus RPSB ET AL

10. Citation No. 255,099-F (9^th JDC) – RPSB Versus Tommy Russell Enterprises LLC, Randy and Carolyn Thiels, Clifton Brister, XYZ Insurance Company and LA DOTD
11. Citation No. 254,928-G (9^th JDC) – Larry Sims ET AL Versus Donald Gene Parker, III ET AL

12. Citation No. 254,121-A (9^th JDC) – Chastity Fields i/o/b/o minor Versus RPSB

13. Citation No. 254,644-F (9^th JDC) – Rapides Parish School Board Versus Zurich American Insurance Co. ET AL

                        14. Citation No. 254,193-F (9^th JDC) – Jill Rogers Versus Rapides Parish School Board
                       15. Citation No. 254,139-G (9^th JDC) - Patrick Harding ET AL Versus RPSB ET AL
                       16. Citation No. 253,926-G (9^th JDC) - Nettie Scott ET AL Versus RPSB and Sharon Holt ET AL

                        17. Citation No. 253,736-B (9^th JDC) – Gannell Cammack ET AL Versus Pamela Babin ET AL
                       18. Citation No. 253,377-A (9^th JDC) – Tamekia Channel ET AL Versus RPSB ET AL
                       19. Citation No. 248,636-B (9^th JSC) – Gerald Colflesh, Jr. Versus State Farm ET AL
                       20. Citation No. 253,181-B (9^th JDC) – Wahib Abdelhadi i/o/b/o (3) minors Versus T. Gibbs, RPSB ET AL
                       21. Citation No. 131157 (Alexandria City Court) –Tamekia Channel & Demarcus Friels i/o/b/o minors Versus RPSB
                       22. Citation No. 252,556-B (9^th JDC) – Deletha Felton ET AL Versus RPSB ET AL
                       23. Citation No. 252,672-G (9^th JDC) – Theresa Tarleton ET AL Versus RPSB ET AL
                       24. Citation No. 252,223-G (9^th JDC) – Carolyn Maxey Versus RPSB ET AL
                       25. Citation No. 1:115-CV-00429-DDD-JDK – U.S. DC Western District of LA, Alexandria Division – Deborah Vailes Versus Rapides Parish School Board and Dana Nolan

26. Citation No. 251,999-F (9^th JDC) – Paula Walker ET UX Versus RPSB, Sharon Holt ET AL

27. Citation No. 252,093-F (9^th JDC)- RPSB Versus Anthony Phillips

                        28. Citation No. 1:12-CV-02855-DDD-JDK - U.S. DC Western District of LA, Alexandria Division – Amanda Ball Versus St. Mary Residential Training School ET AL
                       29. Citation No. 250,966-G (9^th JDC) – Shelley Frank i/o/b/o Minor (TF) Versus RPSB
                       30. Citation No. 249,939-G (9^th JDC) – Jeffrey and Phyllis Krebsbach  i/o/b/o Minor (KLK) Versus RPSB ET AL
                       31. Citation No. 249,633-B (9^th JDC) – Gregory Smith Versus Catlin Insurance Co. ET AL
                       32. Citation No. 249695-B (9^th JDC) – Laforest M. Johnson Versus Catlin Insurance Co. ET AL

                        33. Citation No. 248477-B (9^th JDC) - Alveldria Williams ET AL Versus RPSB and Anitra Simmons
                       34. Citation No. 247696-F (9^th JDC) – Allen Dewayne Phillips Versus RPSB and Beverly Lavaspere
                       35. Citation No. 247563-D (9^th JDC) – Billy Nichols Versus RPSB and Emily Weatherford
                       36. Citation No. 247445-C (9^th JDC) – Steven E. Crawford Versus RPSB ET AL
                       37. Citation No. 568286-C (1^st JDC, Caddo, LA) - Larry Jones Versus Andrew Rachal, RPSB & Catlin Insurance Company.
                       38. Citation No. 246942-C (9^th JDC) – Benjamin Clark Versus RPSB and Kenneth Perry
                       39. Citation No. 246853-D (9^th JDC) – Tina Saucier Versus RPSB and Lilly Thompson
                       40. Citation No. 245757-C (9^th JDC) – Sharon Williams Versus RPSB ET AL
                       41. Citation No. 123264-(Alexandria City Court) – Sherrall Booze i/o/b/o minor (KH) Versus Bruce Shorter ET AL

42. Citation No. 243699-C (9^th JDC) – David Daily ET AL Versus RPSB
43. Citation No. 120179-(Alexandria City Court )- Christopher Gatlin Versus David Daily ET AL

                        44. Citation No. 244775-F (9^th JDC) – Fontenot Distributors, Inc., Versus RPSB and John Doe
                       45. Citation No 244620-D (9^th JDC) – Greg Whittington i/o/b/o minor Versus RPSB
                       46. Citation No. 243720-F (9^th JDC) – Cynthia Brumely Versus Caitlin Ins. Co., Judith Packer and RPSB
                       47. Citation No. 242790-G (9^th JDC) – Ritchie Johnson Versus RPSB and Gary Jones
                       48. Citation No. 241328-C (9^th JDC) – Catherine and David Shackleford i/o/b/o minor Versus RPSB and Patricia Williams
                       49. Citation No.  239648-F (9^th JDC) – Londrakes Dixon ET AL Versus RPSB, Wesley Lotts ET AL
                       50. Citation No. 243385-G (9^th JDC) – Pamela S. Aymond Versus RPSB and David Delaney
                       51. Citation No. 239148-G (9^th JDC) – Shebber Isaac i/o/b/o minor (MI) Versus RPSB
                       52. Citation No. 238209-G (9^th JDC) – Pinkston Hollar Construction Inc. Versus RPSB

53. Citation No. 232855-F (9^th JDC) – Gloria Jones ET AL Versus Allstate Insurance Co. ET AL

54. Citation No. 231729-F (9^th JDC) - Alveldia Williams i/o/b/o minor (DW) Versus RPSB and William Albritton

55. Citation No. 231237-C (9^th JDC) – Maggie Davis i/o/b/o minor (MH) Versus Coregis Insurance Company

56. Citation No. 230029-F (9^th JDC) – Kenneth Ashworth ET AL Versus RPSB

57. Citation No. 226326-G (9^th JDC) – Terry Carter and David Campo Versus RPSB
58. Citation No. 107026 (Alexandria City Court) Terry Carter Versus RPSB

59. Citation No. 22829-G (9^th JDC) – David and Lucille Campo Versus RPSB

60. Citation No. 222568-E (9^th JDC) - Alvin Lyons, Sr. ET AL Versus RPSB ET AL

61. Citation No. 220066-D (9^th JDC) - Johnnie Johnson ET AL Versus RPSB
62. Citation No. 213277-D (9^th JDC) – Gregory L. Jones Versus Columbus Goodman and RPSB

63. Citation No. 210322-D (9^th JDC) – Patricia Powell Versus RPSB

64. Citation No. 205692-F (9^th JDC) – RPSB Versus C & C Fontenot Construction Co.

65. Citation No. 179351-B (9^th JDC) – Zwireck Scott Versus RPSB

66. Citation No. 207829-D (9^TH JDC) – Homer Wallace Hicks Versus Anco Insulation, Inc. ET AL

Consent agenda: (Item 5)

Reports:

1. to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 30-38

B. Action – Minutes

1. to approve the minutes of the 7-12-16 and 8-2-16 meetings of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 7-19-16 Personnel, Education and Finance and District 62 Committee meetings, and the 7-25-16 Executive Committee meeting

C. Action – Education

* 1. to approve and accept a donation of two (2) Dave Ramsey Foundations in Personal Finance High School Curriculum for Bolton High School and Peabody Magnet High School from Thomas C. McBride, LLC d/b/a McBride Law Firm in the amount of $1,429.98 – Mrs. Kim Bennett and Ms. LaRunda Hobbs Pierce

Pages 39-40

* 2. to approve MOU with Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC) for dual enrollment and authorize the Board President to sign any required documentation pending review by Board Attorney – Mr. Jonathan Garrett

Pages 41-44

* 3. to approve MOU with Louisiana College (LC) for dual enrollment and authorize the Board President to sign any required documentation pending review by the Board Attorney – Mr. Jonathan Garrett

Pages 45-48

* 4. to approve MOU with Louisiana Tech University for dual enrollment and authorize the Board President to sign any required documentation pending review by the Board Attorney – Mr. Jonathan Garrett

Pages 49-51

* 5. to approve MOU with Louisiana State University at Alexandria (LSUA) for dual enrollment and authorize the Board President to sign any required documentation pending review by the Board Attorney – Mr. Jonathan Garrett

Pages 52-54

* 6. to approve MOU with Northwestern State University (NSU) for dual enrollment and authorize the Board President to sign any required documentation pending review by the Board Attorney – Mr. Jonathan Garrett

Pages 55-56

* 7. 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 – Ms. Teresa Arratia
Pages 57-65 Source of funding General Fund Amount $32,103.00

* 8. to renew the Interagency Agreement and to enter into a new Interagency Agreement in order to provide needed support for the children of the Rapides Parish School System and authorize the Board President to sign any necessary documentation in connection therewith – Mr. Clyde Washington

Pages 66-148

Renew:

Bayou Mental Health Services, Inc. - C.O.P.E. Inc. - Eckerd Youth Alternatives, Inc.
Journey Rehab - Life Changing Solutions - Project Success - Phoenix Family Life Center Provision Rehab - Rehab Services of Cenla (inclusive of the Oakdale Office) – Sylvan Learning Center

New:

Destiny Now, Inc. - Potter’s House - We Care Behavioral Health

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 149-162

* 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 163-164

* 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 165-168

* 5. to approve Interfund Loan from the General Fund to Sales Tax #3 (2016) in the amount of $130,000.00 from July 27, 2016 until funds are sufficient to repay October 1, 2016 – Ms. Liz Domite

Page 169 Source of funding General Fund Amount $130,000.00

* 6. to approve Interfund Loan from the General Fund to Special Programs in the amount of $2,000,000.00 from July 26, 2016 until funds are sufficient to repay October 1, 2016 - Ms. Liz Domite
Page 170 Source of funding General Fund Amount $2,000,000.00

* 7. to approve Interfund Loan from the General Fund to Sales Tax #2 (1987) in the amount of $12,000.00 from July 26, 2016 until funds are sufficient to repay October 1, 2016 – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 171 Source of funding General Fund Amount $12,000.00

* 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 Contracts and Document Requirements and Specifications – Ms. Liz Domite

“Ball Elementary School Storage and Renovation” (Bid No.14-56) received on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.

Source of funding District 11 Bond Amount $335,000.00

“Turnkey Purchase of Athletic Lockers for Peabody Magnet High” (Bid No. 16-42) received on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. and award to Insight, Inc. for $40,900.00

Page 172 Source of funding District 62 Maintenance Amount $60,000.00

* 9. to ratify and confirm bid(s) received Thursday, September 1, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Replacement of Intercom/PA System at Alma Redwine” (RFP #17-02) and award to the recommended responsive vendor contingent on

recommended vendor meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contracts and Document Requirements and Specifications – Ms. Liz Domite

Source of funding District 62 Maintenance Amount $40,000.00

* 10. to transfer $4,397.85 from General Fund to District 50 Maintenance Funds for lease of 435 acres of land located in District 50 – Mr. Gerald Crooks

* 11. to approve Professional Services Contract with Maghan Ferguson to conduct local Pre-K and Toddler CLASS observations; provide appropriate feedback to teachers and upload observation data to LDOE Early Childhood Portal, September 7, 2016 – May 19, 2017 and authorize the Board President to sign document – Mrs. Cindy Rushing

Page 173 Source of funding Early Childhood Community Network Lead Agency Amount $35,000.00

* 12. to enter into a contract agreement with Ricoh USA, Inc. for the purposes of securing Child Welfare and Attendance Student and Public Records and authorize the Board President to sign any necessary documentation in connection therewith (contract reviewed by legal counsel) – Mr. Clyde Washington

Pages 174-192 Source of funding General Fund Amount $27,331.13

* 13. to approve the renewal quote for PC Hotline (Boss) and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation with regards to said renewal – Dr. Luke Purdy

Page 193 Source of funding General Fund Amount $36,996.00

* 14. to send to the Administration and Staff and come back to the September Finance Committee meeting with a recommendation on the following: (review and interpret RPSB Policy, Section D, Fiscal Management, and for the RPSB to give the district staff clarity and direction as to complying with Section D (note: Does a Purchasing Guidelines Handbook exist?) – Dr. Stephen Chapman

* 15. to take action on the purchase of thirteen (13) new 71 passenger school buses for route service replacing 13 buses currently in service but aged out or beyond economical use and ten (10) 84 passenger school buses configured with air conditioning and under body storage to be added to the activity bus fleet and twelve (12) 71 passenger school buses configured with air conditioning and under body storage to be added to the activity bus fleet. Current activity buses that are serviceable will be added to the route fleet. Additionally, new buses designated for the activity bus fleet will be moved to the route fleet at the end of five years of service – Mr. Steve Berry

Page 194 Source of funding General Fund Surplus Amount $3,200,000.00 (approximately)

* 16. to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids for “Plainview High School Addition and Renovation Project” (Bid # 17-21) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive proposals and a recommendation to be made to the Board – Ms. Liz Domite

Source of funding District 58 Bond Amount $2,100,000.00

* 17. to authorize the Board President to sign the HIPAA Business Associate Agreement between State of Louisiana Office of Group Benefits and Rapides Parish School Board with regards to employee and retiree health insurance (Board Attorney has reviewed) – Ms. Liz Domite

Pages 195-201

* 18. to approve an agreement between RPSB and Taylor Publishing Company DBA Balfour for Balfour to be the official yearbook publisher for Phoenix Magnet for the 2016-2017 school year and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 202-205 Source of funding School Funds Amount $10,500.00

* 19. to designate enough money from the general fund surplus of FY 2015-2016 to purchase (10) each 84 passenger school buses with air conditioning and under body storage, (12) each 71 passenger school buses configured with air conditioning and under body storage, and (13) each 71 passenger school buses. Additionally, from the balance remaining, designate $600,000 to a Capital Outlay Fund for the purpose of purchasing new buses and the balance remaining from that to be added to the Special Reserve Fund – Mr. Steve Berry

Source of funding General Fund Surplus

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

* 3. to approve revisions to Policy GBA (Contracts and Compensation) (Mr. Downs has reviewed changes) – Mrs. Vicki Younger

Pages 206-211

* 4. to approve revising policies as recommended by Forethought Consulting (Board Attorney has reviewed policies) – Mrs. Vicki Younger

Pages 212-218

GBD (Employment of Personnel)

GBI (Evaluation)

GBL (Tenure)

* 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 31^st day of August 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.

____________________

Mr. Willard McCall introduced the Board’s student guest, Jamar Washington, a senior at Peabody Magnet High School, who was recognized for his academic and extracurricular achievements. Also recognized were Jamar’s parents and Mrs. Jamie Henagan, principal at Peabody Magnet High School. (Item 4-a)

____________________

Let the record reflect that Dr. Stephen Chapman arrived at the meeting at this time.

____________________

The Board recognized L. S. Rugg Elementary School for the bulletin board display in lobby of the School Board Office for the month of September 2016. (Item 4-b)

____________________

Superintendent Authement recognized New Assistant Principals effective 2016 school year. (Item 4-c)

____________________

Let the record reflect that Mr. John Allen and Mr. Willard McCall left the meeting at this time.

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to add to the agenda to approve Professional Services Contract with Melanie Stephenson to conduct approximately 120 local Pre-K and Toddler CLASS observations with appropriate feedback to teachers and data uploaded to LDOE secure website on September 14, 2016 – May 12, 2017; $100 per observation; 50 fall semester; 70 spring semester – Reason to add: Time sensitive. (Item 21)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote to add was as follows:

AYE: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale

NAY: None

ABSENT: Mr. Allen, Mr. McCall

____________________

Let the record reflect that Mr. John Allen and Mr. Willard McCall returned to the meeting at this time.

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to add to the agenda to approve the annual renewal agreement for Sophos EndUser Protection Web, Mail and Encryption Subscription license and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation with regards to said renewal – Reason to add: Time sensitive. (Item 22)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote to add was as follows:

AYE: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale

NAY: None

ABSENT: None

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to add to the agenda to go into Executive Session to discuss termination of an employee for job abandonment – Reason to add: Time Sensitive. (Item 23)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote to add was as follows:

AYE: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale

NAY: None

ABSENT: None

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to approve the consent agenda. (Item 5)

Discussion ensued. Items 5D-8a, 5D-8b, 5D-11, 5D-19 and 4F-4a were pulled from the consent agenda.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

AYE: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale

NAY: None

ABSENT: None

Consent agenda: (Item 5)

Reports:

to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 30-38

B. Action – Minutes

C. Action – Education

Pages 39-40

Pages 41-44

* 3. to approve MOU with Louisiana College (LC) for dual enrollment and authorize the Board President to sign any required documentation pending review by the Board Attorney – Mr. Jonathan Garrett

Pages 45-48

Pages 49-51

Pages 52-54

Pages 55-56

Pages 66-148

Renew:

New:

Destiny Now, Inc. - Potter’s House - We Care Behavioral Health

D. Action – Finance

* 2. to approve/adopt any budget changes/amendments – Ms. Liz Domite

Pages 163-164

* 5. to approve Interfund Loan from the General Fund to Sales Tax #3 (2016) in the amount of $130,000.00 from July 27, 2016 until funds are sufficient to repay October 1, 2016 – Ms. Liz Domite

Page 169 Source of funding General Fund Amount $130,000.00

* 8. pulled for the regular agenda.

recommended vendor meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contracts and Document Requirements and Specifications and award to Executone on Proposal 1 for $30,223.07 – Ms. Liz Domite

Source of funding District 62 Maintenance Amount $40,000.00

* 10. to transfer $4,397.85 from General Fund to District 50 Maintenance Funds for lease of 435 acres of land located in District 50 – Mr. Gerald Crooks

* 11. pulled for the regular agenda.

Pages 174-192 Source of funding General Fund Amount $27,331.13

* 13. to approve the renewal quote for PC Hotline (Boss) and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation with regards to said renewal – Dr. Luke Purdy

Page 193 Source of funding General Fund Amount $36,996.00

Page 194 Source of funding General Fund Surplus Amount $3,200,000.00 (approximately)

Source of funding District 58 Bond Amount $2,100,000.00

Pages 195-201

* 19. pulled for the regular agenda.

E. Action - Discipline (Motion to go into Executive Session for 1, 2 and 3)

* 1. to uphold the Rapides Parish School Board Discipline Review Committee’s recommendation - Mrs. Ruby Smith

No action was taken on Ahmad Beck.

Motion that David L. Smith be re-admitted to the zoned school on September 7, 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. to approve revisions to Policy GBA (Contracts and Compensation) (Mr. Downs has reviewed changes) – Mrs. Vicki Younger

Pages 206-211

* 4. to approve revising policies as recommended by Forethought Consulting (Board Attorney has reviewed policies) – Mrs. Vicki Younger

Pages 212-218

a. pulled for the regular agenda.

b. GBI (Evaluation)

c. GBL (Tenure)

* Denotes that these items have been through committee

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry 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 Contracts and Document Requirements and Specifications. (Item 5D-8a)

“Ball Elementary School Storage and Renovation” (Bid No.14-56) received on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at 2:00 p.m.

Ms. Liz Domite presented information to the Board and discussion ensued.

A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to ratify and confirm “Ball Elementary School Storage and Renovation” (Bid No.14-56) received on Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. and award to Petron, LLC for Base Bid for $287,154 and Alternate No. 1 for $141,165 and Alternate No. 2 for $6,500 with a total of $434,819 and pay $335,000 with District 11 Bond Funds and $99,819 with District 11 Maintenance Funds.

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:

AYE: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale

NAY: None

ABSENT: None

____________________

A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks 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 Contracts and Document Requirements and Specifications. (Item 5D-8b)

“Turnkey Purchase of Athletic Lockers for Peabody Magnet High” (Bid No. 16-42) received on Thursday, August 18, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. and award to Insight, Inc. for $40,900.00

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

AYE: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale

NAY: None

ABSENT: None

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to approve Professional Services Contract with Maghan Ferguson to conduct local Pre-K and Toddler CLASS observations; provide appropriate feedback to teachers and upload observation data to LDOE Early Childhood Portal, September 7, 2016 – May 19, 2017 and authorize the Board President to sign Document. (Item 5D-11)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

AYE: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale

NAY: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: Mrs. Franklin

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Gerald Crooks and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to designate enough money from the general fund surplus of FY 2015-2016 to purchase (10) each 84 passenger school buses with air conditioning and under body storage, (12) each 71 passenger school buses configured with air conditioning and under body storage, and (13) each 71 passenger school buses. Additionally, from the balance remaining, designate $600,000 to a Capital Outlay Fund for the purpose of purchasing new buses and the balance remaining from that to be added to the Special Reserve Fund. (Item 5D-19)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

AYE: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale

NAY: None

ABSENT: None

____________________

A motion was made by Mrs. Sandra Franklin and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to approve revising policies as recommended by Forethought Consulting (Board Attorney has reviewed policies). (Item 5F-4a)

a. GBD (Employment of Personnel)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

AYE: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale

NAY: None

ABSENT: None

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Wilbur McCall to adopt Resolution adopting the Operating Budgets of Revenues, Expenditures and Fund Balances for the Fiscal Year beginning July 1, 2016. (Item 6)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

AYE: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale

NAY: None

ABSENT: None

RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Alexandria, Louisiana

BUDGET RESOLUTION

A Resolution adopting the Operating Budgets of Revenues and Expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2016, and ending June 30, 2017.

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD, IN general session convened that:

SECTION 1: Actual revenues, expenditures, and fund balances for the year ended June 30, 2016, are hereby adopted as the amended budgets for the year, in compliance with the requirements of state law.

SECTION 2: The following estimates of Revenues for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2016, and ending June 30, 2017, be and the same are hereby adopted to serve as Operating Budgets of Revenues for the District, during said period.

SECTION 3: The following estimates of Expenditures for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2016, and ending June 30, 2017, be and the same are hereby adopted to serve as Operating Budgets of Expenditures for the District during said period.

SECTION 4: The adoption of the Operating Budgets of Expenditures is and the same is hereby declared to operate as an appropriation of the amounts therein set forth within the terms of the budget classifications.

SECTION 5: The adopted budget shall form the framework from which the Superintendent and staff shall monitor revenues and control expenditures.

SECTION 6: The Rapides Parish School Board does hereby authorize the Superintendent, through the Director of Finance, to make changes within budget classifications. However, the Board retains the authority to adopt budget amendments when required by the Local Government Budget Act.

PASSED AND ADOPTED at Alexandria, Louisiana, on this the 6th day of September, 2016.

____________________

Let the record reflect that Mr. John Allen and Mr. Darrell Rodriguez left the meeting at this time.

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to approve the renewal of ACT Career Curriculum License in the amount of $12,200.00 to continue the implementation of ACT Career Ready 101 in the Journey to Careers Curriculum in the middle schools. (Item 7)

Discussion ensued.

A substitute motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to approve the renewal of ACT Career Curriculum License to continue the implementation of ACT Career Ready 101 in the Journey to Careers Curriculum in the middle schools for the revised amount of $12,890.00.

On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:

AYE: Dr. Chapman, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale

NAY: None

ABSENT: Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez

____________________

Let the record reflect that Mr. Darrell Rodriguez returned to the meeting at this time.

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to Adopt Adjusted Millage Rate(s). (Item 8)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

AYE: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale

NAY: None

ABSENT: Mr. Allen

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to Set forth the Adjusted Millage Rates(s) and roll forward to millage rate(s) not exceeding the maximum authorized rate(s). (Item 9)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

AYE: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale

NAY: None

ABSENT: Mr. Allen

____________________

Let the record reflect that Mr. John Allen returned to the meeting at this time.

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to Adopt other authorized Millages or Taxes. (Item 10)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

AYE: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale

NAY: None

ABSENT: None

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to approve the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury’s request to participate in a cooperative purchasing agreement with the Rapides Parish School Board for the purchase of educational materials (RPSB Bid # 15-28). (Item 11)

Discussion ensued.

On motion by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury’s request to participate in a cooperative purchasing agreement with the Rapides Parish School Board for the purchase of educational materials (RPSB Bid # 15-28).

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to review and approve changes to the job description for the Director of Technology. (Item 12)

Discussion ensued.

On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks, the Board voted unanimously to review and approve changes to the job description for the Director of Technology.
(Item 12)

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to approve the extension of the definition of certified in the Substitute Policy to include anyone who has held a valid teaching certificate. (Item 13)

Discussion ensued.

A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to defer item 13 to the September Personnel Committee.

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:

AYE: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Berry, Mr. Breazeale

NAY: Mr. Barrios, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall

ABSENT: None

THE SUBSTITUTE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to reconsider item 5D-19 to designate enough money from the general fund surplus of FY 2015-2016 to purchase (10) each 84 passenger school buses with air conditioning and under body storage, (12) each 71 passenger school buses configured with air conditioning and under body storage, and (13) each 71 passenger school buses. Additionally, from the balance remaining, designate $600,000 to a Capital Outlay Fund for the purpose of purchasing new buses and the balance remaining from that to be added to the Special Reserve Fund. (Item 5D-19)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote to reconsider was as follows:

AYE: Mr. Barrios, Mr. Crooks

NAY: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale

ABSENT: None

THE MOTION TO RECONSIDER FAILED.

____________________

Let the record reflect that Mr. Wilton Barrios left the meeting at this time.

____________________

A motion was made Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. John Allen to approve Resolution and Grant Agreement with The Rapides Foundation 2016-2017 Healthy Behaviors School Partnership Grant Project and authorize the Board President to sign any required documents. (Item 14)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

AYE: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale

NAY: None

ABSENT: Mr. Barrios

RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE RAPIDES FOUNDATION

2016-2017 HEALTHY BEHAVIORS SCHOOL GRANT

To endorse our continued support for the 2016-2017 Rapides Foundation’s Healthy Behaviors Initiative, the Rapides Parish School Board has adopted procedures for continuation of the initiative.

Approved by the Rapides Parish School Board on September 6, 2016.

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to approve Travel Expense Reimbursement for Sandra Franklin and all RPSB members to attend the LSBA Conference in Marksville, LA on September 16 and 17, 2016. (Item 15)

Discussion ensued.

A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. John Allen to approve Travel Expense Reimbursement for all RPSB members to attend the LSBA Conference in Marksville, LA on September 16 and 17, 2016 and/or other LSBA Trailblazer Conferences scheduled for 2016.

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:

AYE: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale

NAY: None

ABSENT: Mr. Barrios

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to authorize the secretary to advertise for proposals for “Digital Copiers/Multi-function Devices” (RFP #17-06) 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. (Item 16)

Discussion ensued.

On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall, the Board voted unanimously to authorize the secretary to advertise for proposals for “Digital Copiers/Multi-function Devices” (RFP #17-06) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive proposals.

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to inform the Board of the development and implementation of the School Improvement/20 day Plan. (Item 17)

Discussion ensued.

No action was taken.

____________________

A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to accept the modified contractual proposal from International Center for Leadership in Education, a division of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, for job-embedded leadership coaching and job-embedded teacher coaching as part of the SCALE UP Initiative and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith. (Item 18)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was follows:

AYE: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale

NAY: Mrs. Franklin

ABSENT: Mr. Barrios

THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry that the Rapides Parish School Board abolish the administrative position of Deputy Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. (Item 19)

Discussion ensued.

A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks that the RPSB take no action as to making changes to RPSB 2016-2017 staffing at this time; further that the RPSB request that Superintendent Authement leave the Deputy Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction position vacant until after the RPSB spring retreat of 2017. At that time, Superintendent Authement will present recommendations for staffing changes for the 2017-2018 school term.

Discussion ensued.

Let the record reflect that Mr. Gerald Crooks left the meeting at this time.

On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:

AYE: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Berry, Mr. Breazeale

NAY: Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. McCall

ABSENT: Mr. Barrios, Mr. Crooks

THE SUBSTITUTE MOTION FAILED DUE TO LACK OF MAJORITY VOTE.

The original motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry that the Rapides Parish School Board abolish the administrative position of Deputy Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction.

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote on the original motion was as follows:

AYE: Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale

NAY: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Berry

ABSENT: Mr. Barrios, Mr. Crooks

THE ORIGINAL MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.

____________________

Let the record reflect that Mr. Gerald Crooks returned to the meeting at this time.

Let the record reflect that Mr. Willard McCall left the meeting at this time.

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to approve Professional Services Contract with Melanie Stephenson to conduct approximately 120 local Pre-K and Toddler CLASS observations with appropriate feedback to teachers and data uploaded to LDOE secure website on September 14, 2016 – May 12, 2017; $100 per observation; 50 fall semester; 70 spring semester. (Item 21)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was follows:

AYE: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale

NAY: None

ABSENT: Mr. Barrios, Mr. McCall

ABSTAIN: Mrs. Franklin

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Gerald Crooks and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to approve the annual renewal agreement for Sophos EndUser Protection Web, Mail and Encryption Subscription license and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation with regards to said renewal. (Item 22)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

AYE: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale

NAY: None

ABSENT: Mr. Barrios, Mr. McCall

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to go into Executive Session to discuss termination of an employee for job abandonment (Item 23) and to go into Executive Session to receive a report and discuss litigations filed by and against Rapides Parish School Board as follows: (Item 20)