OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
OF THE

RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Alexandria, Louisiana

January 10, 2017

                          The Rapides Parish School Board of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, met in regular public session at 5:00 o’clock p.m. on Tuesday, January 10, 2017 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 

                                                                 Stephen Chapman, Member

                                                                 Gerald Crooks, Member

                                                                 Sandra Franklin, Member  

                                                                 Willard McCall, Member

                          Absent:                          Darrell Rodriguez, Member                                                         

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

____________________

Attorney James Downs was present for the meeting.

____________________

                                                                                                       
The Colors were presented by the Bolton High School JROTC. The Invocation was pronounced by Rev. Ed Cooper of First United Methodist Church of Pineville after which Mr. Steve Berry led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

(COPY OF OFFICIAL CALL MAILED TO EACH MEMBER OF THE RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD AND POSTED IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE AT THE MEETING PLACE OF SAID BOARD ON DECEMBER 20, 2016)

Alexandria, Louisiana

   December 20, 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, JANUARY 10, 2017

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.     Motion to elect Board President for a one-year term, beginning January 10, 2017 – Mr. Nason Authement

5.     Motion to elect Board Vice-President for a one-year term, beginning January 10, 2017 - Mr. Nason Authement

6.     Motion to elect members of the Executive Committee for 2017 – Mr. Nason Authement

7.     Motion to approve the President’s recommendation for Personnel, Education, and Finance Committees for 2017 – Mr. Nason Authement

8.     Recognize:

a.     the Board’s student guest from Pineville High School – Mr. Steve Berry

b.  Acadian Elementary School for the bulletin board display in the lobby of the School Board Office for the month of January 2017 – Mr. Clyde Washington

c.  Fast Forward Students – Mrs. Kim Bennett

9.    Consent Agenda:  Motion to adopt in globo the items listed on the consent agenda (the consent agenda is established by the Board’s Executive Committee and any Board Member may request that any consent agenda item be considered separately - whether considered in globo or separately, board member and public comment shall be permitted on any item listed on the consent agenda; see pages 4 and 5)

                10.     Motion to hear a presentation of options and recommendations for extending the Middle Academic Magnet Program through the 8^th grade – Mr. Nason Authement
Pages 1-4

                11.     Motion to inform the Board of Julius Patrick being selected as model school by Apple, Inc. – Mr. Nason Authement

                12.     Motion to approve out-of-state travel for Superintendent Authement to Pensacola, Florida on January 30 – February 1, 2017 – Mr. Nason Authement

                13.     Motion to review and adopt Superintendent’s Evaluation Instrument – Mr. Nason Authement

                14.     Motion to receive an update on E-Rate to include the years 2015-2016, 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 – Mr. Keith Breazeale

                15.     Motion to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids 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

a. “Purchase of Science Materials and Supplies” – (Bid No. 17-16) for the 2017-2018 school year

                          Source of funding General Fund              Amount $45,000.00 (estimate) 

                          b. “Purchase of Propane Gas” (Bid No. 17-10) for the 2017-2018 school year
                                                    Source of funding General Fund              Amount $35,000.00 (estimate)

                16.     Motion to ratify and confirm bids/proposals received by the Central Office Staff and award to the lowest responsive and responsible vendor contingent on low bid/proposal meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contracts and Document Requirements and Specifications – Ms. Liz Domite  

a.      “Intercom /P.A. System for Oak Hill High School” for (RFP 17-07) received on Monday, December 19, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. 

Source of funding District 51 Maintenance           Amount $90,000.00

                17.     Motion to approve an addendum to the existing contract with ProCare Therapy for Speech Therapy Services and authorize the Board President to sign – Mrs. Shelly Close
Pages 5-6                       Source of funding General Fund              Amount $36,450.00

                18.     Motion to approve a Professional Services Contract for Speech Therapy and to authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation therewith – Mrs. Shelly Close
Pages 7-10                     Source of funding General Fund              Amount $20,250.00

                19.     Motion to enter into an Inter-Agency Agreement with the Louisiana Public Health Institute (LPHI) to engage and survey students to assist in an initiative to evaluate and implement control initiatives that can reduce or prevent tobacco use in Louisiana and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith contingent upon legal review and editing – Mr. Roy Rachal
Pages 11-21                   Source of funding No cost to the Board

                20.     Motion to discuss sale of a three (3) acre tract of property located in Section 25, Township Two North, Range Three West, Rapides Parish, Louisiana (see 1932 survived by O. F. Reiszner) and direct staff to proceed or not with the process in accord with State Statute, order independent appraisal, advertise for sealed bid with recommendation of award to the Board – Mr. Darrell Rodriguez
Page 22                          Source of funding General Fund

                21.     Motion to discuss sale of five (5) acre tract of property located in Section Nine (9), Township Two (2) South, Range Two (2) West, Rapides Parish, Louisiana (see attached map, notarized August 2, l917 survey by W. E. Holiday and Argent Trust
recapitulation on March 21, 2014) and direct staff to proceed or not with the process in accord with State Statute, order independent appraisal, advertise for sealed bid with recommendation of award to the Board – Mr. Darrell Rodriguez

                          Pages 23-25                   Source of funding General Fund

                22.     Motion to enter into a contract agreement between Progressive Waste Solutions of LA. Inc. D/B/A WC of Louisiana and Rapides Parish School Board to provide non-hazardous solid waste collection, transportation and disposal services for each school building within the district and authorize the Board President to sign said agreement contingent upon legal review by Board’s advising counsel - Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 26-37                   Source of funding ½ Maintenance Funds - ½ Food Nutrition                 Amount $450,000.00

                23.     Motion to go into Executive Session to discuss Litigation filed against Rapides Parish School Board Namely; Patricia Powell versus Rapides Parish School Board citation No. 210,322-D, Ninth Judicial District Court, Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana –

                          Mr. Nason Authement and Mr. Roy Rachal

   24.     Motion to adopt a Resolution to honor deceased Alexandria Senior High Head Coach and Athletic Director, J. L. “Butch” Stoker, for 32 years of service to Alexandria Senior High and name the Football Stadium at Alexandria Senior High the “J. L. “Butch” Stoker Stadium” – Mr. Keith Breazeale  
             Page 38            

   25.     Motion to reject the bid received Thursday, December 15, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. for RPSB Bid #17-21 for just cause (over designer's estimate) and to re-authorize the Secretary to advertise for bids for the “Plainview High School Addition and Renovation” (Bid No. 17-21A); and the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office staff to receive bids, a recommendation to be made to the Board – Ms. Liz Domite 
Source of funding District 58 Bond                                       Amount $1,900,000.00

   26.     Motion to consider and take action with respect to adopting a Resolution ordering and calling Special Elections to be held in (i) Rigolette School District Number 11 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, (ii) Cotile School District Number 22A of Rapides Parish,  Louisiana, (iii) Big Island School District Number 50 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, and (iv) Fifth Ward School District Number 51 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana to authorize continuation of Special Taxes therein and (v) Ruby-Wise School District Number 56 of              Rapides Parish, Louisiana, to authorize the renewal of a Special tax therein; and providing for other matters in connection  therewith – Ms. Liz Domite

27.        Motion to consider the following: - Mr. Keith Breazeale
Pages 39-41

                          a.          Adopt the Local School Board Resolution declaring January as School Board Member Recognition month

                          b.          Adopt the updated LSBA Code of Conduct to accompany Policy BH in Board Policy Manuals

                          c.          Acknowledge receipt of the Governor’s Proclamation and display in the Board Meeting Room

                          d.          Provide the LSBA with a digital group photo with the Rapides Parish School Board and the Superintendent     

28.        Motion that the RPSB place in its 2017-18 budget and appropriate $750.00 to each of its employees that are eligible, a Christmas stipend. In order to be eligible to receive the stipend, the employees will be required to complete the professional development training as set forth by the administration and approved by the RPSB – Mr. John Allen, Mr. Willard McCall and Mr. Darrell Rodriguez 

                                                    Source of funding General Fund               Amount $3,049,191.00

Consent agenda: (Item 9)

A.    Reports:

1.   to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 42-52

B.   Action – Minutes

1.   to approve the minutes of the 12-6-16 meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 11-15-16 Personnel, Education and Finance Committee meetings, and the 11-28-16 Executive Committee meeting and the 11-29-16 In-Service

C.   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 53-54

                 3.  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
 

                 4.  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 57-62

            
D.    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

              E.    Action – Personnel

                     1.  receive reports as follows: - Dr. Vicki Younger

                          a.   new hires, pending a satisfactory drug screening and background check

b.   new hires in lieu of substitute

c.   promotions

d.   rescissions, waivers, etc.
e.   performance contract renewals
f.    resignations and retirements

g.  disclosure of new and renewed performance contracts

         2.  to approve leave requests – Dr. Vicki Younger

                     3.  to discuss any personnel complaints that may go before the full board for action - Dr. 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 20^th day of December 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. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to elect Board President for a one-year term, beginning January 10, 2017. (Item 4)
                         

                          Mr. Steve Berry nominated Mr. Keith Breazeale as Board President.        

                          Mrs. Sandra Franklin nominated Mr. John Allen as Board President.

                          Mr. John Allen declined the nomination for President.

                          A motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin to close the nominations for Board President.

                          On roll call the vote to elect Mr. Keith Breazeale as President for 2017 was as follows:

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

NAY:                  None

ABSENT:           Mr. Rodriguez

     MR. KEITH BREAZEALE WAS ELECTED AS BOARD PRESIDENT.

__________________

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

____________________

                          A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to elect Board Vice-President for a one-year term, beginning January 10, 2017. (Item 5)

Mr. Steve Berry nominated Mr. Gerald Crooks as Board Vice-President.

A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to close the nominations for Board Vice-President.

On roll call the vote to elect Mr. Gerald Crooks as Vice-President for 2017 was as follows:

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

NAY:                  None

ABSENT:           None

MR. GERALD CROOKS WAS ELECTED VICE-PRESIDENT.

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to elect members of the Executive Committee for 2017. (Item 6)

                          President Keith Breazeale made his recommendation to appoint the members and discussion ensued.

                          On roll call the vote to approve the President’s recommendation and elect was as follows:

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

NAY:                  None

ABSENT:           None

Executive Committee:
Stephen Chapman - Chair
Keith Breazeale
Gerald Crooks

 ____________________

                          A motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to approve the President’s recommendation for Personnel, Education, and Finance Committees for 2017. (Item 7)

Discussion ensued.

An amended motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to approve the President’s recommendation for Personnel, Education, and Finance Committees and District 62 for 2017.

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

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

NAY:                  None

ABSENT:           None

·        Personnel Committee:
Wilton Barrios – Chair
Keith Breazeale
Willard McCall

·        Education Committee:
Sandra Franklin – Chair
John Allen
Darrell Rodriguez

·        Finance Committee:
Steve Berry – Chair
Stephen Chapman
Gerald Crooks

·        District 62 Committee

Willard McCall - Chair

John Allen

Keith Breazeale
Stephen Chapman

Sandra Franklin

____________________

             Mr. Steve Berry introduced the Board’s student guest, Benjamin Kaplan, a senior at Pineville High School, who was recognized for his academic and extracurricular achievements. Also recognized were Benjamin’s family and Dr. Karl Carpenter, principal at Pineville High School.  (Item 8-a)

____________________

The Board recognized Acadian Elementary School for the bulletin board display in the lobby of the School Board Office for the month of January 2017. (Item 8-b)

____________________

                          Mrs. Kim Bennett and Mrs. Lydia Granger recognized Fast Forward Students at this time. (Item 8-c)

____________________

                          A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to add to the agenda to authorize the Board President to make an offer to purchase 2.297 acres of land together with all improvements thereon located at 1614 Seventh Avenue in Glenmora, LA 71433 in accord with State Statutes subject to clear title; said purchase shall not exceed independent appraised market value – Reason to add: Time Sensitive. (Item 29)

                          Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote to add was as follows:

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

NAY:                  Dr. Chapman

ABSENT:           None

UNANIMOUS VOTING IS REQUIRED TO ADD AN ITEM TO THE AGENDA, THEREFORE THIS ITEM WAS NOT ADDED.

 ____________________

Item 23 was deferred to the February Board Meeting.

____________________

             A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to  adopt a Resolution to honor deceased Alexandria Senior High Head Coach and Athletic Director, J. L. “Butch” Stoker, for 32 years of service to Alexandria Senior High and name the Football Stadium at Alexandria Senior High the “J. L. “Butch” Stoker Stadium”. (Item 24)

             Principal Duane Urbina presented information to the Board and the family, former principals, staff and the ASH football team were present.  

             Discussion ensued and Mr. Keith Breazeale read the Resolution.

             A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to adopt the Resolution to honor deceased Alexandria Senior High Head Coach and Athletic Director, J. L. “Butch” Stoker, for 32 years of service to Alexandria Senior High and name the Football Stadium at Alexandria Senior High the “J. L. “Butch” Stoker Stadium”.

             Discussion ensued.       

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

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

NAY:                  None

ABSENT:           None

State of Louisiana

Parish of Rapides

                                                    RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

                                                                     RESOLUTION

At the regular meeting of the Rapides Parish School Board held on January 10, 2017, the following resolution was introduced to the whole;

RESOLUTION to honor deceased Alexandria Senior High Head Coach and Athletic Director, J. L. “Butch” Stoker for 32 years of service to Rapides Parish School Board and name the Alexandria Senior High Football Stadium the J. L. “Butch” Stoker Stadium in commemoration thereof.

WHEREAS, the Rapides Parish School Board does hereby note the following;

WHEREAS, J. L. “Butch” Stoker served in the capacity of Head Football Coach at Alexandria Senior High for 32 years; and

WHEREAS, J. L. “Butch” Stoker served in the capacity of Athletic Director from 1977 to 2009; and

WHEREAS, The Rapides Parish School Board and Alexandria Senior High School desire to honor the memory of Coach Stoker by naming the Alexandria Senior High Football stadium the J. L. “Butch” Stoker Stadium and erecting signage at the entrance to his memory; and

 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Rapides Parish School Board that Alexandria Senior High School football stadium is hereby named the “J. L. “BUTCH” STOKER STADIUM in honor of the memories of Coach “Butch” Stoker; it is further

RESOLVED that appropriate signs and or plaques be installed at the facility to reflect the Board’s renaming of this facility in honor of this educator, athletic director and coach.

The foregoing RESOLUTION was duly introduced, seconded and adopted at the regular meeting of the Rapides Parish School Board held this 10^th day of January in the year 2017 at Alexandria, Rapides Parish, Louisiana.

___________________

President Keith Breazeale requested a short recess at this time and then the meeting

reconvened.

____________________

        A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to approve the consent agenda. (Item 9)
                         

                          The agenda was read into the record and discussion ensued.      

                          Items 9C-1 and 9C-4 were pulled from the consent agenda for discussion.

                          A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to approve the consent agenda without 9C-1 and 9C-4.

                          Discussion ensued.

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

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

NAY:                  None

ABSENT:           None

Consent agenda: (Item 9)

A.    Reports:

1.     to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 42-52

B.   Action – Minutes

1.   to approve the minutes of the 12-6-16 meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 11-15-16 Personnel, Education and Finance Committee meetings, and the 11-28-16 Executive Committee meeting and the 11-29-16 In-Service

C.   Action – Finance

                   1.   pulled for the regular agenda.                                                           

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

                       Pages 53-54

                  3.  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
 

                 4.  pulled for the regular agenda.

            
D.     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, Devin Stevenson be admitted to the Rapides Alternative Positive Program for Students (RAPPS) until January 13, 2017. On January 17, 2017, student shall be re-admitted to the zoned school providing there are no discipline problems, attendance is good and grades are improved 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 that in lieu of expulsion, Jakobe Brock be admitted to the Rapides Alternative Positive Program for Students (RAPPS) until January 13, 2017. On January 17, 2017, student shall be re-admitted to the zoned school providing there are no discipline problems, attendance is good and grades are improved 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

              E.    Action – Personnel

                     1.  receive reports as follows: - Dr. Vicki Younger

                          a.   new hires, pending a satisfactory drug screening and background check

b.   new hires in lieu of substitute

c.   promotions

d.   rescissions, waivers, etc.
e.   performance contract renewals
f.    resignations and retirements

g.  disclosure of new and renewed performance contracts

         2.  to approve leave requests – Dr. Vicki Younger

                     3.  to discuss any personnel complaints that may go before the full board for action - Dr. Vicki Younger

*    Denotes that these items have been through committee

____________________

                          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. John Allen 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. (Item 9C-1)

                          Discussion ensued.

                          On roll call the vote was as follows:

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

NAY:                  None

ABSENT:           Mr. Rodriguez

____________________

                    A motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to receive an update/report on grants, approve grants included therein, and authorize the Superintendent to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith. (Item 9C-4)

Discussion ensued.

                          On roll call the vote was as follows:

            
AYE:                  Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Mr. Allen, Mrs. Franklin, Dr. Chapman, 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. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios to hear a presentation of options and recommendations for extending the Middle Academic Magnet Program through the 8^th grade. (Item 10)

                          Mr. Authement presented information to the Board and discussion ensued.

The audience made comments at this time.

A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to adopt Option #1 for Phoenix 6^th – 8^th as presented and to change the name to Rapides Academy for Advanced Academics and Virtual Learning.

Discussion ensued.

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

            
AYE:                  Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks, Mr. McCall, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Breazeale
  

NAY:                  Mr. Allen, Mrs. Franklin, Dr. Stephen Chapman

ABSENT:           None

THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to inform the Board of Julius Patrick being selected as model school by Apple, Inc. (Item 11)

Cari Nicholson gave a Power Point Presentation at this time and discussion ensued.

No action was taken.     

____________________
                         

                          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 out-of-state travel for Superintendent Authement to Pensacola, Florida on January 30 – February 1, 2017. (Item 12)

Discussion ensued.

                          On roll call the vote was as follows:

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

NAY:                  None

ABSENT:           Mr. McCall

ABSTAIN:          Mr. Allen

                                                                 ____________________

                          A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to review and adopt Superintendent’s Evaluation Instrument. (Item 13)

                          Mr. Authement 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 Rapides Parish School Board adopt the Superintendent’s Evaluation Instrument as presented and that all Evaluation Instruments be presented to the Executive Committee on or before the Executive Committee on January 30, 2017 and present the findings of the Superintendent’s Evaluation at the February 7, 2017 Board meeting.

                          Discussion ensued.

                          On motion by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry, the Board voted unanimously that the Rapides Parish School Board adopt the Superintendent’s Evaluation Instrument as presented and that all Evaluation Instruments be presented to the Executive Committee on or before the Executive Committee on January 30, 2017 and present the findings of the Superintendent’s Evaluation at the February 7, 2017 Board meeting.

____________________

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

____________________

                          A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and Mr. Keith Breazeale to receive an update on E-Rate to include the years 2015-2016, 2016-2017 and 2017-2018. (Item 14)

                          Dr. Luke Purdy presented information to the Board and discussion ensued.

                          On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and Mr. Keith Breazeale, the Board voted unanimously to receive an update on E-Rate to include the years 2015-2016, 2016-2017 and 2017-2018.

____________________

                          A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids 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. (Item 15)

                          a. “Purchase of Science Materials and Supplies” – (Bid No. 17-16) for the 2017-2018 school year.

                          b. “Purchase of Propane Gas” (Bid No. 17-10) for the 2017-2018 school year

                          Liz Domite presented information to the Board and discussion ensued.

                          A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids as follows:

                          a. “Purchase of Science Materials and Supplies” – (Bid No. 17-16) for the 2017-2018 school year

                          b. “Purchase of Propane Gas” (Bid No. 17-10) for the 2017-2018 school year) and change funding to District 51 Maintenance and District 58 Maintenance

                          Discussion ensued.

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

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

NAY:                  None

ABSENT:           None

____________________

                          A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to ratify and confirm bids/proposals received by the Central Office Staff and award to the lowest responsive and responsible vendor contingent on low bid/proposal meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contracts and Document Requirements and Specifications. (Item 16)  

a.      “Intercom/P.A. System for Oak Hill High School” for (RFP 17-07) received on  Monday, December 19, 2016 at 10:00 a.m.

                          Discussion ensued.

                          A substitute motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to ratify and confirm bids/proposals received by the Central Office Staff and award to the lowest responsive and responsible vendor contingent on low bid/proposal meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contracts and Document Requirements and Specifications.   

a.     “Intercom/P.A. System for Oak Hill High School” for (RFP 17-07) received on Monday, December 19, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. and award to United Automation for $55,344.00

Discussion ensued.

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

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

NAY:                  None

ABSENT:           None

____________________

            
A motion was made Mr. Steve Berry and seconded and seconded by Mr. John Allen to approve an addendum to the existing contract with ProCare Therapy for Speech Therapy Services and authorize the Board President to sign. (Item 17)

                          Mrs. Shelly Close presented information and discussion ensued.

                          On roll call the vote was as follows:

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

NAY:                  None

ABSENT:           None

____________________

                          A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to approve a Professional Services Contract for Speech Therapy and to authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation therewith. (Item 18)

                          Mrs. Shelly Close presented information and discussion ensued.

                          On roll call the vote was as follows:

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

NAY:                  None

ABSENT:           None

____________________

                          A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to enter into an Inter-Agency Agreement with the Louisiana Public Health Institute (LPHI) to engage and survey students to assist in an initiative to evaluate and implement control initiatives that can reduce or prevent tobacco use in Louisiana and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith contingent upon legal review and editing. (Item 19)

Information was presented to the Board and discussion ensued.

                          On roll call the vote was as follows:

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

NAY:                  None

ABSENT:           None

ABSTAIN:          Mrs. Franklin

____________________

                          A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to discuss sale of a three (3) acre tract of property located in Section 25, Township Two North, Range Three West, Rapides Parish, Louisiana (see 1932 survived by O. F. Reiszner) and direct staff to proceed or not with the process in accord with State Statute, order independent appraisal, advertise for sealed bid with recommendation of award to the Board. (Item 20)

                          Discussion ensued.

                          A substitute motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. John Allen

to defer item 20 to the January Finance Committee.

                          Discussion ensued.

                          On motion by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. John Allen, the Board voted unanimously to defer item 20 to the January Finance Committee. 

____________________

                          A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to to discuss sale of five (5) acre tract of property located in Section Nine (9), Township Two (2) South, Range Two (2) West, Rapides Parish, Louisiana (see attached map, notarized August 2, l917 survey by W. E. Holiday and Argent Trust recapitulation on March 21, 2014) and direct staff to proceed or not with the process in accord with State Statute, order independent appraisal, advertise for sealed bid with recommendation of award to the Board. (Item 21)

                          Discussion ensued.

                          A substitute motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin to defer item 21 to the January Finance Committee.

Discussion ensued.

On motion by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin, the Board voted unanimously to defer item 21 to the January Finance Committee. 

____________________

                          A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to enter into a contract agreement between Progressive Waste Solutions of LA. Inc. D/B/A WC of Louisiana and Rapides Parish School Board to provide non-hazardous solid waste collection, transportation and disposal services for each school building within the district and authorize the Board President to sign said agreement contingent upon legal review by Board’s advising counsel. (Item 22)

                          Discussion ensued.

                          A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. John Allen to enter into a contract agreement between Progressive Waste Solutions of LA. Inc. D/B/A WC of Louisiana and Rapides Parish School Board to provide non-hazardous solid waste collection, transportation and disposal services for each school building within the district and authorize the Board President to sign said agreement contingent upon legal review by Board’s advising counsel and change the funding to ½ Various Maintenance Funds and ½ Food Nutrition Fund.

                          Discussion ensued.

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

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

NAY:                  None

ABSENT:           None

____________________

                          A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin to reject the bid received Thursday, December 15, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. for RPSB Bid #17-21 for just cause (over designer's estimate) and to re-authorize the Secretary to advertise for bids for the “Plainview High School Addition and Renovation” (Bid No. 17-21A); and the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office staff to receive bids, a recommendation to be made to the Board. (Item 25)

                          Discussion ensued.

                          On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin, the Board voted unanimously to reject the bid received Thursday, December 15, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. for RPSB Bid #17-21 for just cause (over designer's estimate) and to re-authorize the Secretary to advertise for bids for the “Plainview High School Addition and Renovation” (Bid No. 17-21A); and the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office staff to receive bids.

____________________

                          A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks toconsider and take action with respect to adopting a Resolution ordering and calling Special Elections to be held in (i) Rigolette School District Number 11 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, (ii) Cotile School District Number 22A of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, (iii) Big Island School District Number 50 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, and (iv) Fifth Ward School District Number 51 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana to authorize continuation of Special Taxes therein and (v) Ruby-Wise School District Number 56 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, to authorize the renewal of a Special tax therein; and providing for other matters in connection therewith. (Item 26)

                          Discussion ensued.

                         A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to adopt a Resolution ordering and calling Special Elections to be held in (i) Rigolette School District Number 11 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, (ii) Cotile School District Number 22A of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, (iii) Big Island School District Number 50 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, and (iv) Fifth Ward School District Number 51 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana to authorize continuation of Special Taxes therein and (v) Ruby-Wise School District Number 56 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, to authorize the renewal of a Special tax therein; and providing for other matters in connection  therewith. (Item 26)

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

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

NAY:                  None

ABSENT:           None

RESOLUTION

A resolution ordering and calling special elections to be held in (i) Rigolette School District Number 11 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, (ii) Cotile School District Number 22A of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, (iii) Big Island School District Number 50 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, (iv) Fifth Ward School District No. 51 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, to authorize the continuation of special taxes therein and (v) Ruby-Wise School District Number 56 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, to authorize the renewal of a special tax therein; making application to the State Bond Commission in connection therewith; and provid­ing for other matters in connection there­with.

                    BE IT RESOLVED by the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana (the "Governing Authority"), acting as the governing authority of (i) Rigolette School District Number 11 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, (ii) Cotile School District Number 22A of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, (iii) Big Island School District Number 50 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, (iv) Fifth Ward School District No. 51 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana and (v) Ruby-Wise School District Number 56 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the "Districts"), that:

                    SECTION 1.      Election Call.  Subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission, and under the authority conferred by Article VI, Sections 30 and 32 and Article VIII, Section 13(C) of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, the applicable provisions of Chapter 5 and Chapter 6-A of the Louisiana Election Code, and other constitutional and statutory authority, special elections are hereby called and ordered to be held in the Districts on SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 2017, between the hours of seven o'clock (7:00) a.m., and eight o'clock (8:00) p.m., in accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 18:541, and at the said elections there shall be submitted to all registered voters qualified and entitled to vote at the said elections under the Constitution and laws of this State and the Constitution of the United States, the following propositions, to-wit:

RIGOLETTE SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER 11

PROPOSITION NO. 1

(MILLAGE CONTINUATION)

Shall Rigolette School District Number 11 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the “District”), levy a special tax of two and ten hundredths (2.10) mills on all property subject to taxation in the District for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2018 and ending with the year 2027 (an estimated $260,790 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year) for the purpose of constructing, maintaining and operating school buildings and equipment and otherwise improving school facilities and premises, said millage to represent a six hundredths of a mill (.06) increase (due to reappraisal) over the 2.04 mills tax authorized to be levied through the year 2017 pursuant to an election held on October 20, 2007?

PROPOSITION NO. 2

(MILLAGE CONTINUATION)

Shall Rigolette School District Number 11 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the “District”), continue to levy a special tax of five and sixteen hundredths (5.16) mills on all property subject to taxation in the District for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2019 and ending with the year 2028 (an estimated $640,800 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year) for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, maintaining and operating school buildings and equipment, including technology equipment, software and enhancements, and otherwise improving school facilities and premises, said millage to represent a fourteen hundredths mills (.14) increase (due to reappraisal) over the 5.02 mills tax authorized to be levied through the year 2018 pursuant to an election held on March 8, 2008?

COTILE SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER 22A

PROPOSITION

(MILLAGE CONTINUATION)

Shall Cotile School District Number 22A of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the “District), levy a special tax of eleven and three hundredths (11.03) mills on all property subject to taxation in the District (an estimated $445,844 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2019 and ending with the year 2028, for the purpose of technology equipment, programs and enhancements, including, but not limited to, computer hardware and software and audio and video equipment and programs and acquiring, constructing, repairing, improving, maintaining and/or operating schools and school related facilities, equipment and programs for the District, said millage to represent a one and three hundredths mills (1.03) increase (due to reappraisal) over the 10 mills tax authorized to be levied through the year 2018 pursuant to an election held on April 4, 2009?

BIG ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER 50

PROPOSITION NO. 1

(MILLAGE CONTINUATION)

Shall Big Island School District Number 50 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the “District”), levy a special tax of ten and fifteen hundredths (10.15) mills on all property subject to taxation in the District for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2018 and ending with the year 2027 (an estimated $283,124 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year) for the purpose of constructing, improving, maintaining and/or operating the public schools and public school system in the District, said millage to represent a ten hundredths mills (.10) increase (due to reappraisal) over the 10.05 mills tax authorized to be levied through the year 2017 pursuant to an election held on October 20, 2007?

PROPOSITION NO. 2

(MILLAGE CONTINUATION)

Shall Big Island School District Number 50 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the “District”), levy a special tax of four and twenty-one hundredths (4.21) mills on all property subject to taxation in the District for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2018 and ending with the year 2027 (an estimated $117,434 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year) for the purpose of constructing, maintaining and operating schools in the District and recreational facilities and programs in connection therewith, including the payment of salaries therefor, said millage to represent a four hundredths of a mill (.04) increase (due to reappraisal) over the 4.17 mills tax authorized to be levied through the year 2017 pursuant to an election held on October 20, 2007?

FIFTH WARD SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 51

PROPOSITION

(MILLAGE CONTINUATION)

Shall Fifth Ward School District No. 51 of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana (the “District”), levy a special tax of seven and twenty-nine hundredths (7.29) mills on all property subject to taxation in the District for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2018 and ending with the year 2027 (an estimated $74,854 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year) for the purpose of providing additional support for acquiring, constructing, repairing, improving, maintaining and/or operating schools and school related facilities and programs in the District, said millage to represent a twenty-nine hundredths mills (.29) increase (due to reappraisal) over the 7 mills tax authorized to be levied through the year 2017 pursuant to an election held on October 20, 2007?

RUBY-WISE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 56

PROPOSITION

(MILLAGE RENEWAL)

Shall Ruby-Wise School District No. 56 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the “District”), levy a special tax of two and two hundredths (2.02) mills on all property subject to taxation in the District for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2018 and ending with the year 2027 (an estimated $12,720 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year) for the purpose of constructing, maintaining and operating schools in the District and recreational facilities and programs in connection therewith, including the payments of salaries therefor?

             SECTION 2.      Publication of Notice of Elections.  A Notice of Special Elections shall be published in the Alexandria Daily Town Talk, a newspaper of general circulation within the Districts, published in Alexandria, Louisiana, and being the official journal of the Districts, once a week for four consecutive weeks, with the first publication to be made not less than forty-five (45) days nor more than
ninety (90) days prior to the date of the elections, which Notice shall be substantially in the form attached hereto as "Exhibit A" and incorporated herein by reference the same as if it were set forth herein in full.

                    SECTION 3.      Canvass.  This Governing Authority shall meet at its regular meeting place, the Parish School Board Office Building, 619 Sixth Street, Alexandria, Louisiana, on TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 2017, at FIVE O'CLOCK (5:00) P.M., and shall then and there in open and public session proceed to examine and canvass the returns and declare the results of the said special elections.

                    SECTION 4.      Polling Places.  The polling places set forth in the aforesaid Notice of Special Elections are hereby designated as the polling places at which to hold the said elections, and the Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners, respectively, will be the same persons as those designated in accordance with law.

                    SECTION 5.      Election Commissioners; Voting Machines.  The officers designated to serve as Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners pursuant to Section 4 hereof, or such substitutes therefor as may be selected and designated in accordance with La. R.S. 18:1287, shall hold the said special elections as herein provided, and shall make due returns of said elections for the meeting of the Governing Authority to be held on Tuesday, June 6, 2017, as provided in Section 3 hereof.  All registered voters in the Districts will be entitled to vote at the special elections, and voting machines shall be used.

                    SECTION 6.      Authorization of Officers.  The Secretary of the Governing Authority is hereby empowered, authorized and directed to arrange for and to furnish to said election officers in ample time for the holding of said elections, the necessary equipment, forms and other paraphernalia essential to the proper holding of said elections and the President and/or Secretary of the Governing Authority are further authorized, empowered and directed to take any and all further action required by State and/or Federal law to arrange for the elections.

                    SECTION 7.      Furnishing Election Call to Election Officials.  Certified copies of this resolution shall be forwarded to the Secretary of State, the Clerk of Court and Ex-Officio Parish Custodian of Voting Machines of Rapides Parish and the Registrar of Voters of Rapides Parish, as notification of the special elections, in order that each may prepare for said elections and perform their respective functions as required by law.

                    SECTION 8.      Application to State Bond Commission.  Application is made to the State Bond Commission for consent and authority to hold the special elections as herein provided, and in the event said elections carry for further consent and authority to continue to levy and collect the special taxes provided for therein.  A certified copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to the State Bond Commission on behalf of this Governing Authority, together with a letter requesting the prompt consideration and approval of this application.

                    SECTION 9.      Additional Notice Requirement. This Governing Authority made the announcement with respect to the adoption of this resolution required by La. R.S. 42:19.1, at its public meeting on Tuesday, December 6, 2016 and published said announcement in the Official Journal on Friday, December 9, 2016.

                    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 10^th day of January, 2017.

                 /s/ Nason “Tony” Authement                                                     /s/ W. K. Breazeale   

                               Secretary                                                                            President

                                                                                                                                EXHIBIT "A"

NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTIONS

                    Pursuant to the provisions of a resolution adopted by the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana (the "Governing Authority"), acting as the governing authority of (i) Rigolette School District Number 11 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, (ii) Cotile School District Number 22A of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, (iii) Big Island School District Number 50 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, (iv) Fifth Ward School District No. 51 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana and (v) Ruby-Wise School District Number 56 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the "Districts"), on January 10, 2017, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that special elections will be held within the Districts on SATURDAY, APRIL 29, 2017, and that at the said elections there will be submitted to all registered voters in the Districts qualified and entitled to vote at the said elections under the Constitution and Laws of the State of Louisiana and the Constitution of the United States, the following propositions, to-wit:

RIGOLETTE SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER 11

PROPOSITION NO. 1

(MILLAGE CONTINUATION)

Shall Rigolette School District Number 11 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the “District”), levy a special tax of two and ten hundredths (2.10) mills on all property subject to taxation in the District for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2018 and ending with the year 2027 (an estimated $260,790 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year) for the purpose of constructing, maintaining and operating school buildings and equipment and otherwise improving school facilities and premises, said millage to represent a six hundredths of a mill (.06) increase (due to reappraisal) over the 2.04 mills tax authorized to be levied through the year 2017 pursuant to an election held on October 20, 2007?

PROPOSITION NO. 2

(MILLAGE CONTINUATION)

Shall Rigolette School District Number 11 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the “District”), continue to levy a special tax of five and sixteen hundredths (5.16) mills on all property subject to taxation in the District for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2019 and ending with the year 2028 (an estimated $640,800 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year) for the purpose of acquiring, constructing, maintaining and operating school buildings and equipment, including technology equipment, software and enhancements, and otherwise improving school facilities and premises, said millage to represent a fourteen hundredths mills (.14) increase (due to reappraisal) over the 5.02 mills tax authorized to be levied through the year 2018 pursuant to an election held on March 8, 2008?


                                COTILE SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER 22A

PROPOSITION

(MILLAGE CONTINUATION)

Shall Cotile School District Number 22A of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the “District), levy a special tax of eleven and three hundredths (11.03) mills on all property subject to taxation in the District (an estimated $445,844 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2019 and ending with the year 2028, for the purpose of technology equipment, programs and enhancements, including, but not limited to, computer hardware and software and audio and video equipment and programs and acquiring, constructing, repairing, improving, maintaining and/or operating schools and school related facilities, equipment and programs for the District, said millage to represent a one and three hundredths mills (1.03) increase (due to reappraisal) over the 10 mills tax authorized to be levied through the year 2018 pursuant to an election held on April 4, 2009?

BIG ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER 50

PROPOSITION NO. 1

(MILLAGE CONTINUATION)

Shall Big Island School District Number 50 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the “District”), levy a special tax of ten and fifteen hundredths (10.15) mills on all property subject to taxation in the District for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2018 and ending with the year 2027 (an estimated $283,124 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year) for the purpose of constructing, improving, maintaining and/or operating the public schools and public school system in the District, said millage to represent a ten hundredths mills (.10) increase (due to reappraisal) over the 10.05 mills tax authorized to be levied through the year 2017 pursuant to an election held on October 20, 2007?

PROPOSITION NO. 2

(MILLAGE CONTINUATION)

Shall Big Island School District Number 50 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the “District”), levy a special tax of four and twenty-one hundredths (4.21) mills on all property subject to taxation in the District for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2018 and ending with the year 2027 (an estimated $117,434 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year) for the purpose of constructing, maintaining and operating schools in the District and recreational facilities and programs in connection therewith, including the payment of salaries therefor, said millage to represent a four hundredths of a mill (.04) increase (due to reappraisal) over the 4.17 mills tax authorized to be levied through the year 2017 pursuant to an election held on October 20, 2007?

                                FIFTH WARD SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 51

PROPOSITION

(MILLAGE CONTINUATION)

Shall Fifth Ward School District No. 51 of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana (the “District”), levy a special tax of seven and twenty-nine hundredths (7.29) mills on all property subject to taxation in the District for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2018 and ending with the year 2027 (an estimated $74,854 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year) for the purpose of providing additional support for acquiring, constructing, repairing, improving, maintaining and/or operating schools and school related facilities and programs in the District, said millage to represent a twenty-nine hundredths mills (.29) increase (due to reappraisal) over the 7 mills tax authorized to be levied through the year 2017 pursuant to an election held on October 20, 2007?

RUBY-WISE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 56

PROPOSITION

(MILLAGE RENEWAL)

Shall Ruby-Wise School District No. 56 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the “District”), levy a special tax of two and two hundredths (2.02) mills on all property subject to taxation in the District for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2018 and ending with the year 2027 (an estimated $12,720 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year) for the purpose of constructing, maintaining and operating schools in the District and recreational facilities and programs in connection therewith, including the payments of salaries therefor?

                    The said special elections will be held at the following polling places situated within the Districts, which polls will open at seven o'clock (7:00) a.m., and close at eight o'clock (8:00) p.m., in accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 18:541, to-wit:

                    The polling places set forth above are hereby designated as the polling places at which to hold the said elections, and the Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners, respectively, shall be those persons designated according to law.

                    Notice is further given that a portion of the monies collected from the taxes described in the Propositions shall be remitted to certain state and statewide retirement systems in the manner required by law.

                    The said special elections will be held in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 5 and Chapter 6-A of Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority, and the officers appointed to hold the said elections, as provided in this Notice of Special Elections, or such substitutes therefor as may be selected and designated in accordance with La. R.S. 18:1287, will make due returns thereof to said Governing Authority, and NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Governing Authority will meet at its regular meeting place, the Parish School Board Office Building, 619 Sixth Street, Alexandria, Louisiana, on TUESDAY, JUNE 6, 2017, at FIVE O'CLOCK (5:00) P.M., and shall then and there in open and public session proceed to examine and canvass the returns and declare the results of the said special elections.  All registered voters of the Districts are entitled to vote at said special elections and voting machines will be used.

                    THUS DONE AND SIGNED at Alexandria, Louisiana, on this, the 10^th day of January, 2017.

ATTEST:                                                                                                    /s/ W. K. Breazeale   

                                                                                                                          President

                 /s/ Nason “Tony” Authement               

                               Secretary

____________________

            
                          A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin to consider the following:  (Item 27)

                          a.          Adopt the Local School Board Resolution declaring January as School Board Member Recognition month

                          b.          Adopt the updated LSBA Code of Conduct to accompany Policy BH in Board Policy Manuals

                          c.          Acknowledge receipt of the Governor’s Proclamation and display in the Board Meeting Room

                          d.          Provide the LSBA with a digital group photo with the Rapides Parish School Board and the Superintendent

                          Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

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

NAY:                  Dr. Chapman

ABSENT:           None

THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.

____________________

                          A motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez that the RPSB place in its 2017-18 budget and appropriate $750.00 to each of its employees that are eligible, a Christmas stipend. In order to be eligible to receive the stipend, the employees will be required to complete the professional development training as set forth by the administration and approved by the RPSB. (Item 28)

                          Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

            
AYE:                  Mr. McCall, Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez
  

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

ABSENT:           None

THE MOTION FAILED.

____________________
                                                    
             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