2016-10-04

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
OF THE

RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Alexandria, Louisiana

October 4, 2016

The Rapides Parish School Board of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, met in regular public session at 5:00 o’clock p.m. on Tuesday, October 4, 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

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. Frank Jackson of St. Matthew Baptist Church of Boyce after which Mr. Keith Breazeale 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 28, 2016)

Alexandria, Louisiana

September 28, 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, OCTOBER 4, 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. Recognize:

a. the Board’s student guest from Alexandria Senior High School – Mr. Keith Breazeale

b. Arthur F. Smith Middle Magnet School for the Bulletin Board display in the lobby of the School Board Office for the month of October 2016 – Mr. Clyde Washington

c. ASH Powerlifter, Lily Poisso, awarded the Silver Medal in dead lift and the Bronze Medal in bench and squat at the World Championship in Poland – Mr. Keith Breazeale

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 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 and Dr. Stephen Chapman
Page 1

* 7. Motion to review and approve changes to the job description for Computer Programmer/Analyst - Mrs. Vicki Younger

Pages 2-5

            *  8.      Motion to consider to enter into a contract with NextSTEP of Central Louisiana to provide services relating to dating violence and healthy issues to students in grades 7-12 as required by House Bill 46 (Act No. 321) of the Louisiana Legislature, pending review by Board Attorney - Mr. John Allen
Pages 6-17                               Source of funding General Fund
                                                Amount $24,000.00 (Estimate)

* 9. Motion to discuss incoming requests from outside entities for access to Board Facilities and Employees for Vaccination and Blood Donor Services and provide direction to the Administration on the Board’s pleasure on process and procedure – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 18-22

* 10. Motion to hear a report on Litigation fees (by vendor) for the past four years and the processes and procedures for engaging legal counsel for the various aspects of District and Board related actions presented at the October Finance Committee meeting - Mr. Keith Breazeale

11. Motion to discuss and establish a school based Mentoring Program for students enrolled in Grades 3-6 in the Rapides Parish School System - Mr. John Allen

12. Motion to review informal quotation for refurbishment of Central Office Building as per attached quotes and award to Durand Builders, LLC in the amount of $76,600 and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith – Mr. Roy Rachal

Pages 23-29 Source of funding Parish Maintenance Amount $76,600.00

Consent agenda: (Item 5)

A. 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 9-6-16 meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 8-16-16 Personnel, Education and Finance Committee meetings, the 8-25-16 Discipline Review Committee meeting, and the 8-29-16 Executive Committee meeting

C. Action – Education

* 1. to approve an Interagency Agreement with Cenla Chemical Dependency Council, Inc. and authorize the Board president to sign any and all documentation therewith, pending legal review – Mrs. Shelly Close

Pages 39-41

* 2. to approve an Interagency Agreement with Louisiana Rehabilitation Services (LRS) and to authorize Board President to sign any and all documentation therewith, pending legal review - Mrs. Shelly Close
Pages 42-45

* 3. to amend the approved Renaissance Learning Contract for $240,413.66 to include STAR Early Literacy for Hayden R. Lawrence in the amount of $1,603.05 - Mrs. Kim Bennett

Pages 46-47 Source of funding General Fund Amount $1,603.05

* 4. to approve MOU with Alliance for a Healthier Generation and to authorize the Board President to sign any required documentation pending review by the Board Attorney. This MOU provides the District and its participating schools access to the expertise, resources and support to create and sustain a healthier school environment – Mrs. Bethanie Herrick

Pages 48-49 Source of funding 2016-2017 Healthy Behaviors Initiative

(The Rapides Foundation)

Amount (No cost to the Board)

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

Pages 50-52

* 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 53-54

* 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 55-56

* 5. to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids for “Purchase of 23 Activity Buses and 13 Route Buses” - (Bid No. 17-23) 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 - (13) 71 passenger route buses; (10) 84 passenger activity buses and (13) 71 passenger activity buses - Ms. Liz Domite

Source of funding General Fund Surplus Amount $3,200,000.00
Source of funding District 27 Bond (Glenmora) Amount $90,000.00

* 6. to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids/proposals and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids/proposals and a recommendation to be made to the Board - Ms. Liz Domite

a. “Glenmora High School Renovation Project” – (Bid No. 17-20)
Source of funding District 27 Bond

                                                         Amount $3,855,000.00

                        b.        “PA/Intercom System for Oak Hill High” – (RFP No. 17-07)
                                                        Source of funding District 51 Maintenance
                                                        Amount $90,000.00

* 7. to approve an agreement between RPSB and Taylor Publishing Company dba Balfour for Balfour to be the official yearbook publisher for Buckeye High School for the 2016-2017 school year and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith – Ms. Liz Domite

Page 57 Source of funding School Funds Amount $18,600.00

* 8. to renew the operating lease between ModSpace and Rapides Parish School Board for seven (7) modulars with a new lease start date of November 1, 2016 and end date of October 31, 2017 and authorize the Board President to sign any necessary documentation in connection therewith – Mr. Clyde Washington

Pages 58-60 Source of funding District 62 Amount $61,140.00

* 9. to approve and allow the Board President to sign all contracts and documentation for Arthur F. Smith Field Trip to travel to Denver, Colorado on April 16-20, 2017 – Mr. Jeff Powell

Pages 61-64 Source of funding Parents of students attending
Amount $11,660.50

* 10. to authorize the secretary to advertise for proposals for E-Rate Services for the 2017-2018 school year and applicable successive years (RFP No. 17-30) and the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office staff to receive proposals and a recommendation to be made to the Board – Dr. Luke Purdy

* 11. to authorize the Board’s Insurance Consultant to negotiate renewal of Excess Worker’s Compensation Insurance Coverage (Expiring 12-31-16); should renewal rates exceed CPI, the Board authorizes the consultant to solicit competitive quotes and present the results of same with a recommendation of award to the Board at the December 6, 2016 Regular Board Meeting – Mr. Roy Rachal

Source of funding General Fund Amount $79,573.00 (Estimate)

* 12. to approve and allow the Board President to sign all contracts and documentation for Pineville High School Field Trip to Orlando, Florida to attend Disney’s Candlelight Processional on December 9-12, 2016 – Mr. Jonathan Garrett

Pages 65-75 Source of funding School Funds Amount $32,000.00

* 13. to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Monday, October 3, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Sale of Surplus Equipment” (Bid No. 17-01) and award bid to the highest responsive and responsible bidder(s) contingent on bidder(s) meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirement and Specifications – Ms. Liz Domite

* 14. to authorize the secretary to exercise the option to renew the contract under the same terms and conditions for the 2016-2017 school year for “Fire Alarm Testing and Inspecting” (RFP No. 15-54) with written mutual agreement of the vendor (Simpson Security) and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation connected therewith, if such signatures are required (Renewal RFP # 17-54) - Ms. Liz Domite

Source of funding Various Maintenance Amount $34,000.00

* 15. to authorize the secretary to advertise for proposals for “HVAC Filter Service” (RFP # 17-29) 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 and Mr. Roy Rachal

Source of funding Various Maintenance
Amount $250,000.00 (estimate)

* 16. to authorize the Board President to execute an Act of Cash Sale on behalf of the Rapides Parish School Board purchasing a tract containing 1.968 acres more or less as described on Exhibit 1 by Thomas C. David, Jr. for the appraised value of $47,000.00 subject to an opinion of title merchantability and the conditions in the offer of purchase dated January 25, 2016 from the Board President – Mr. Wilton Barrios

Pages 76-80 Source of funding District 11 Maintenance

Amount $47,000.00

* 17. to direct the Administration to assess the present and future needs of repairing each School located in District 62; this assessment shall have a cost figure of each school in need of repair (from District 62 Meeting) – Mr. John Allen

* 18. to complete renovation at Peabody Magnet High School Locker Room (from District 62 meeting) – Mr. Willard McCall
Pages 81-85 Source of funding District 62

Amount $7,000.00 (Estimate)

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 28^th day of September 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. Keith Breazeale introduced the Board’s student guest, Carrie Boswell, a senior at

Alexandria Senior High, who was recognized for her academic and extracurricular achievements. Also recognized were Carrie’s parents and Mr. Duane Urbina, principal at Alexandria High School. (Item 4-a)

____________________

The Board recognized Arthur F. Smith Middle Magnet School for the bulletin board

display in lobby of the School Board Office for the month of October 2016. (Item 4-b)

____________________

The Board and Superintendent recognized ASH Powerlifter, Lily Poisso, who was awarded the Silver Medal in dead lift and the Bronze Medal in bench and squat at the World Championship in Poland. (Item 4-c)

____________________

Let the record reflect that Mr. Darrell Rodriguez 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 Change Order #1 on “Tioga Jr. High Roof Systems Repair and Replacement” for RPSB Bid # 16-45 between the RPSB and John Gibbs Roof Systems, Inc. increasing the contract sum of $579,271.00 by $69,888.00 – Bid Alternate #1 and thereby increasing the total contract amount to $649,159.00 and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith – Reason to add: Time Sensitive. (Item 13)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote to add 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. Darrell Rodriguez returned to the meeting at this time.

____________________

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

Discussion ensued. Items 5D-17 and 5D-18 were pulled from the consent agenda.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

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

NAY: None

ABSENT: None

Consent agenda: (Item 5)

A. Reports:

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

B. Action – Minutes

D. Action – Education

Pages 39-41

* 3. to amend the approved Renaissance Learning Contract for $240,413.66 to include STAR Early Literacy for Hayden R. Lawrence in the amount of $1,603.05 - Mrs. Kim Bennett

Pages 46-47 Source of funding General Fund Amount $1,603.05

Pages 48-49 Source of funding 2016-2017 Healthy Behaviors Initiative

(The Rapides Foundation)

Amount (No cost to the Board)

D. Action – Finance

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

Pages 50-52

* 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 53-54

* 5. to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids for “Purchase of 23 Activity Buses and 13 Route Buses” - (Bid No. 17-23) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids (13) 71 passenger route buses; (10) 84 passenger activity buses and (13) 71 passenger activity buses - Ms. Liz Domite

Source of funding General Fund Surplus Amount $3,200,000.00
Source of funding District 27 Bond (Glenmora) Amount $90,000.00

* 6. to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids/proposals and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids/proposals - Ms. Liz Domite

a. “Glenmora High School Renovation Project” – (Bid No. 17-20)
Source of funding District 27 Bond

                                                Amount $3,855,000.00

                         b         “PA/Intercom System for Oak Hill High” – (RFP No. 17-07)
                                     Source of funding District 51 Maintenance
                                                Amount $90,000.00

Page 57 Source of funding School Funds Amount $18,600.00

Pages 58-60 Source of funding District 62 Amount $61,140.00

* 9. to approve and allow the Board President to sign all contracts and documentation for Arthur F. Smith Field Trip to travel to Denver, Colorado on April 16-20, 2017 – Mr. Jeff Powell

Pages 61-64 Source of funding Parents of students attending
Amount $11,660.50

Source of funding General Fund Amount $79,573.00 (Estimate)

Pages 65-75 Source of funding School Funds Amount $32,000.00

* 14. to authorize the secretary to exercise the option to renew the contract under the same terms and conditions for the 2016-2017 school year for “Fire Alarm Testing and Inspecting” (RFP No. 15-54) with written mutual agreement of the vendor (Simpson Security) and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation therewith, if such signatures are required (Renewal RFP # 17-54) - Ms. Liz Domite

Source of funding Various Maintenance Amount $34,000.00

Source of funding Various Maintenance
Amount $250,000.00 (estimate)

Amount $47,000.00

* 17. pulled for the regular agenda.

* 18. 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

Ø Motion that in lieu of expulsion, Alek Cashi be admitted to the Rapides Parish Alternative Positive Program for Students (RAPPS) for the duration of the assigned time based upon the following: good attendance, improved grades and no discipline problems 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 Quason Muhammad be admitted to the Rapides Alternative Positive Program for Students (RAPPS) for the duration of the assigned time based upon the following: good attendance, improved grades, no discipline problems and periodic drug testing 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, Elijah Dolejsi be admitted to the Rapides Alternative Positive Program for Students (RAPPS) for the duration of the assigned time based upon the following: good attendance, improved grades, no discipline problems and periodic drug testing 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

* Denotes that these items have been through committee

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. John Allen to direct the Administration to assess the present and future needs of repairing each School located in District 62; this assessment shall have a cost figure of each school in need of repair (from District 62 Meeting). (Item 5D-17)

Discussion ensued.

A substitute motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to direct the Administration to assess the present and future needs of repairing all schools located in Rapides Parish School.

Discussion ensued.

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

After further discussion, Mr. Willard McCall and Mr. Keith Breazeale withdrew the substitute motion.

Discussion continued on the original motion.

An amended motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to direct the Administration to assess the present and future needs of repairing each School located in District 62 and the scope of this request is limited to the report that Mr. Roy Rachal is currently

working on regarding needs assessment.

Discussion ensued.

On the amended motion by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall, the Board voted unanimously to direct the Administration to assess the present and future needs of repairing each School located in District 62 and the scope of this request is limited to the report that Mr. Roy Rachal is currently working on regarding needs assessment.

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. John Allen to complete renovation at Peabody Magnet High School Locker Room (from District 62 meeting). (Item 5D-18)

Discussion ensued.

A substitute motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to complete renovation at Peabody Magnet High School Locker Room and source of funding is Peabody Maintenance Fund for an estimated amount of $7,000.00.

Discussion ensued.

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

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

NAY: Mrs. Franklin

ABSENT: Mr. Rodriguez

ABSTAIN: Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry

THE SUBSTITUTE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.

____________________

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

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Gerald Crooks and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to approve the extension of the definition of certified in the Substitute Policy to include anyone who has held a valid teaching certificate. (Item 6)

A lengthy discussion ensued.

An amended motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale to clarify Substitute Teacher Pay policy for degreed substitute teachers with a teaching certificate or has a Master’s Degree or a Doctorate Degree ($125 per day) and under the Letter (B) – Substitute Teacher (Certified, or Master’s Degree or Doctorate Degree) - ($125 per day).

No second was received.

A second amended motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to pay all substitutes with a degree $125.00 per day.

Discussion ensued.

A substitute motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks that under (A) Substitute Teacher without a four (4) year degree - $65.00 per day and under (B) Substitute Teacher with a four (4) year degree - $125.00 per day.

Discussion ensued.

A second substitute motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to defer this item to October Personnel Committee as follows: to approve the extension of the definition of certified in the Substitute Policy to include anyone who has held a valid teaching certificate and also to get a full report as to what the cost would be for the district (and to receive a report on the 9) nine employees of concern and if they have made an effort to take the Praxis up until the time of the Committee meeting).

Discussion ensued.

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

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

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

ABSENT: None

THE SECOND SUBSTITUTE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to review and approve changes to the job description for Computer Programmer/Analyst. (Item 7)

Discussion ensued.

A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin to defer this item to the October Personnel Committee to review and approve changes to the job description for Computer Programmer/Analyst and to evaluate a change in the job title and salary.

Discussion ensued.

On the substitute motion by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin, the Board voted unanimously to defer this item to the October Personnel Committee to review and approve changes to the job description for Computer Programmer/Analyst and to evaluate a change in the job title and salary.

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. John Allen to consider to enter into a contract with NextSTEP of Central Louisiana to provide services relating to dating violence and healthy issues to students in grades 7-12 as required by House Bill 46 (Act No. 321) of the Louisiana Legislature, pending review by Board Attorney. (Item 8)

Discussion ensued.

A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin to send this back to the October Education Committee to consider entering into a contract with NextSTEP of Central Louisiana to provide services relating to dating violence and healthy issues to students in grades 7-12 as required by House Bill 46 (Act No. 321) of the Louisiana Legislature, pending review by Board Attorney and to have the Administration bring back their recommendation on a program to meet the required new laws enacted by the Louisiana Legislature.

Discussion ensued.

On the substitute motion made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin, the Board voted to send this back to the October Education Committee to consider entering into a contract with NextSTEP of Central Louisiana to provide services relating to dating violence and healthy issues to students in grades 7-12 as required by House Bill 46 (Act No. 321) of the Louisiana Legislature, pending review by Board Attorney and to have the Administration bring back their recommendation on a program to meet the required new laws enacted by the Louisiana Legislature.

Let the record reflect that Dr. Stephen Chapman voted “NAY”.

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to discuss incoming requests from outside entities for access to Board Facilities and Employees for Vaccination and Blood Donor Services and provide direction to the Administration on the Board’s pleasure on process and procedure. (Item 9)

Discussion ensued.

No action was taken.

____________________

A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to hear a report on Litigation fees (by vendor) for the past four years and the processes and procedures for engaging legal counsel for the various aspects of District and Board related actions presented at the October Finance Committee meeting. (Item 10)

Discussion ensued.

An amended motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to hear a report on Litigation fees (by vendor) for the past four years and the processes and procedures for engaging legal counsel for the various aspects of District and Board related actions to be presented at the October Finance Committee meeting.

Discussion ensued.

On the amended motion by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry, the Board voted unanimously to hear a report on Litigation fees (by vendor) for the past four years and the processes and procedures for engaging legal counsel for the various aspects of District and Board related actions to be presented at the October Finance Committee meeting.

_____________________

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

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to discuss and establish a school based Mentoring Program for students enrolled in Grades 3-6 in the Rapides Parish School System. (Item 11)

Mr. Clyde Washington informed the Board that he was putting some information together at this time and discussion ensued.

A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodrigues to defer this to November Education Committee meeting that Administration will give an update on the mentoring program in the Rapides Parish School District.

Discussion ensued.

On the substitute motion made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodrigues, the Board voted to defer to November Education Committee meeting that Administration will give an update on the mentoring program in the Rapides Parish School District.

Let the record reflect that Dr. Stephen Chapman and Mr. Wilton Barrios voted “NAY”.

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Gerald Crooks and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to review informal quotation for refurbishment of Central Office Building as per attached quotes and award to Durand Builders, LLC in the amount of $76,600 and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith. (Item 12)

Mr. Roy Rachal informed the Board and 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. Breazeale

NAY: None

ABSENT: Mr. McCall

___________________

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios to approve Change Order #1 on “Tioga Jr. High Roof Systems Repair and Replacement” for RPSB Bid # 16-45 between the RPSB and John Gibbs Roof Systems, Inc. increasing the contract sum of $579,271.00 by $69,888.00 – Bid Alternate #1 and thereby increasing the total contract amount to $649,159.00 and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith. (Item 13)

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. Breazeale

NAY: None

ABSENT: Mr. McCall

____________________

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