OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
OF THE

RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Alexandria, Louisiana

    March 7, 2017

 

                          The Rapides Parish School Board of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, met in regular public session at 5:00 o’clock p.m. on Tuesday, March 7, 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

                                                                

                                                                 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 Alexandria Senior High School JROTC. The Invocation was pronounced by Rev. Darrell Ingram of Journey Church after which Mr. Gerald Crooks led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

(COPY OF OFFICIAL CALL MAILED TO EACH MEMBER OF THE RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD AND POSTED IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE AT THE MEETING PLACE OF SAID BOARD ON FEBRUARY 22, 2017)

Alexandria, Louisiana

   February 22, 2017

Dear Sir/Madam:

                                                            

I, W. K. Breazeale, do hereby give notice that the Rapides Parish School Board will meet in regular public session at its domicile at 619 Sixth and Beauregard Streets in the City of Alexandria, Louisiana, at 5:00 p.m. on  

 

TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 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.      Recognize:


a.      the Board’s student guest from Buckeye High School – Mr. Gerald Crooks


b.  J.I. Barron Elementary School for the bulletin board display in the lobby of the School Board Office for the month of March 2017 – Mr. Clyde Washington

c.  Winners of the Rapides Parish School District Young Authors Writing Competition - Mrs. Kim Bennett

5.    Consent Agenda:  Motion to adopt in globo the items listed on the consent agenda (the consent agenda is established by the Board’s Executive Committee and any Board Member may request that any consent agenda item be considered separately - whether considered in globo or separately, board member and public comment shall be permitted on any item listed on the consent agenda; see pages 3, 4 and 5)

         
6.       Motion to request the authority to implement the Montessori Method at Mabel Brasher for the 2017-2018 school Year – Mr. Nason Authement

 

             * 7.       Motion to approve revising policy as recommended by Forethought Consulting, pending review by legal counsel – Dr. Vicki Younger Pages 1-6

 

a.      GBA – Contracts and Compensation

             * 8.       Motion to approve revising policies as recommended by Forethought Consulting, pending review by legal counsel – Mrs. Shelly Close Pages 7-24


                                       a.   JBC – School Admission

                                       b.   JBCC – Student Assignment

                                       c.   JGCD – Administration of Medication

 

             * 9.       Motion to discuss and appoint a committee to research Mentoring Programs – Mr. Keith Breazeale

 

             * 10.     Motion for Administration to report the effectiveness of Career Compass, impact of graduation rate, the number of students, enrollment in college, and FAFSA assistance – Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and Mrs. Sandra Franklin

             * 11.     Motion for Administration to report the Turn-Around-Team effectiveness for 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 – Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and Mrs. Sandra Franklin

 

             * 12.     Motion for Administration to report the number of students enrolled from zoned areas at the following schools: Phoenix Magnet, Peabody Montessori and Rosenthal Montessori for 2013-2016 – Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and Mrs. Sandra Franklin


   13.     Motion to hear an update on the Phoenix Magnet Expansion/RAAAVL Project to include all costs to date and projected overall cost – Dr. Stephen Chapman


   14.    Motion to award E-Rate Services purchase(s), contract(s) and/or agreement(s) per evaluation sheets for RFP 17-30 “E-Rate Services” which opened February 21, 2017, 11:00 a.m. and to authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection with said contract(s) or agreement(s) pending review by Board Counsel - Dr. Luke Purdy
                                                    Source of funding General Fund and Various Funds            Amount To be decided


    15.    Motion that pregnant students or students that have had children that are enrolled in the Rapides Parish School System be required to take a parenting course before graduating – Mr. John Allen

                16.     Motion that students enrolling in the Rapides Parish School System be required to have their eyes and ears screened by a medical provider – Mr. John Allen

                 17.    Motion authorizing the Administration to seek grants to be used to assist those parents that do not have medical insurance or the ability to pay for the screenings and necessary equipment needed to aid the students that failed the screening – Mr. John Allen

                 18.    Motion to approve revised contract amount form $32,508 to $32,896 regarding the Professional Services Contract with LSU from May 1, 2016 through September 30, 2017 for professional development – Mrs. Bethanie Herrick
Pages 25-34                                Source of funding MSP Project Math 6-8 RULES                   Amount $388.00 (additional)

                 19.    Motion to grant Rapides Parish School Board’s participation in Louisiana’s PK-12 Broadband Network Consortium and authorize the Board President to sign all documentation in connection therewith pending review by legal counsel – Dr. Luke Purdy
Pages 35-38

                 20.    Motion to declare salvage buses per the attached list surplus and to authorize the Secretary to advertise for bids for the “Sale of Surplus Buses” (Bid No. 17-15) and 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
Page 39

                 21.    Motion to approve contract Change Order #1 on “Glenmora High School Renovations and Additions Project” (RPSB Bid No. 17-20) between the RPSB and Tudor, Inc. INCREASING the contract amount of $3,558,000 by $258,800 and thereby INCREASING the total contract amount to $3,816,800 and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith – Mr. Roy Rachal
Pages 40-42                                Source of funding District 27 Bond                                         Amount $258,800.00

                 22.    Motion to go into Executive Session to discuss allegations of unethical actions/behavior by a RPSB member – Dr. Stephen Chapman

 

                 23.    Motion for the RPSB to set a date and call a Special meeting of the Executive Committee. The purpose of the meeting is to hear and discuss a presentation/proposal from the Superintendent related to the failing schools in the district, and further to make a recommendation to the RPSB for consideration and possible action at a TBD Special Meeting of the RPSB.  In that the Executive Committee can take no action, the purpose of this meeting is to receive, collect and publicize information – Dr. Stephen Chapman


             Consent agenda: (Item 5)

A.     Reports:

1.   to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
(No updates this month)

 

B.   Action – Minutes

1.   to approve the minutes of the 2-7-17 meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 1-24-17 Personnel, Education and Finance Committee meetings, and 1-26-17 Retreat and 1-30-17 Executive Committee meeting

 

C.     Action – Education

*     1.   to approve revising policies as recommended by Forethought Consulting, pending review by legal counsel – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 43-44


a.      EBBH – Use of Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

b.      JCDAC – Dangerous Weapons


*     2.   to approve revising policy as recommended by Forethought Consulting, pending review by legal counsel – Mrs. Ruby Smith
Page 45

 

a.      JQE - Pregnant Students

 


*     3.   to correct Policy BCBI (Public Participation in School Board Meetings). There is a typographical error in the second to last paragraph with reference to Policy BCBC. The correct reference should be to Policy BCBD (legal counsel has reviewed this policy) – Mrs. Kim Bennet 

Pages 46-47

 

             D.   Action – Finance


             *    1. to approve personal services contracts, leases, and other such agreements; authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to sign any and all documentation in connection with said contracts; and approve bills paid for the previous month - Ms. Liz Domite                                                                                              

           

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

             
*      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

             Page 48

 

*      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
Pages 49-52

 

          *      5.  to approve the Alio Maintenance Renewal (Weidenhammer) for Financial Accounting, Human Resources, LA State Reporting Federal ACA Reporting and Oracle Database and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation with regards to said renewal – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 53                          Source of funding General Fund        Amount $127,801.52

 

        *      6.   to authorize the secretary to advertise for the 2017-2018 school year and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids, a recommendation to be made to the Board - Mrs. Erma Davis
 

                     Cafeteria Meat Bid – Bid No. FS15-17-18                      $429,708.00 (estimate)   

                     Cafeteria Frozen Food Bid – Bid No. FS20 -17-18          $760,000.00 (estimate)
                     Cafeteria Processed Food Bid – Bid No. FS25-17-18      $933,785.00 (estimate)

                                                             Source of funding School Food Service  

 

          *     7.   to authorize the secretary to advertise for the 2017-2018 school year and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office staff to receive bids, a recommendation to be made to the Board - Mrs. Erma Davis  

 

Cafeteria Paper Supplies - Bid No. FS30-17-18               $329,950.00 (estimate)

Cafeteria Cleaning Supplies - Bid No. FS33-17-18           $159,900.00 (estimate)

Bread Products - Bid No. FS35-17-18                            $112,800.00 (estimate)

Milk, Milk Products, Juices and Ice Cream -Bid No. FS100-17-18 (#38, #40, #41 & #42)

             Milk $970,165; Other $85,000; Juices $570,000; Ice Cream $28,000 = $1,653,165.00  

                                               Source of funding School Food Service  

 

          *     8.    to authorize the secretary to exercise the option to renew the contract under the same terms and conditions for the 2017-2018 school year for Purchase of Education Materials (Bid No. 15-28) with written mutual agreement of the vendors (Unity Educate, School Specialty, School Aids, Lakeshore Learning) and authorize the secretary to sign any documentation connected therewith (Renewal Bid #17-28) – Ms. Liz Domite

                                                              Source of funding Various Funds        Amount Based on available funds

  

          *     9.     to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. by the Central Office staff for “Poland Jr. High School Renovation Project” (Bid #17-22) and award bid to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements and Specification – Ms. Liz Domite
                                         Source of funding District 55 Bond       Amount $2,800,000.00
            

          *    10.   to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. by the Central Office staff for “Plainview High School Addition and Renovation Project” (Bid #17-21A) and award bid to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements and Specification - Ms. Liz Domite

                                                             Source of funding District 58 Bond        Amount $1,900,000.00

         *     11.   to approve and allow the Board President to sign all contracts and documentation for Alexandria Senior High School Powerlifting Team to compete in the USAPL National Competition in Scranton, PA on March 29 – April 1, 2017 – Mr. Jonathan Garrett

                       Pages 54-65                  Source of funding School Funds             Amount $10,500.00

         *     12. to modify attendance zones in District A and District B - Mr. Wilton Barrios and Mr. Steve Berry

                       Pages 66-78    

 

             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: - 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

*      4.  to revise the Voluntary Transfer Section of the Personnel Transfer Policy (GBM) (this has been reviewed by legal counsel) – Mrs. Vicki Younger

             Pages 79-80


*   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 22nd day of February 2017

                                                                                                                                  /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. Gerald Crooks introduced the Board’s student guest, Carl Willis, III, a senior at Buckeye High School, who was recognized for his academic and extracurricular achievements. Also recognized were Carl’s family and Mr. Dewayne Vines, principal at Buckeye High School.
(Item 4-a)

____________________


The Board recognized J. I. Barron Elementary School for the bulletin board display in the lobby of the School Board Office for the month of March 2017. (Item 4-b)

___________________

                                      

                          Winners of the Rapides Parish School District Young Authors Writing Competition were recognized at this time. (Item 8-c)

____________________


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

                          The agenda was read into the record and discussion ensued.

     

                          Items 5D-2, 5D-12, 5F-1a and 5F-4 were pulled from the consent agenda for discussion.
                         
                          On roll call the vote on the consent agenda was as follows:

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

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          None

 

Consent agenda: (Item 5)

 

A.     Reports:


1.      to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
(No updates this month)

 

B.   Action – Minutes

1.   to approve the minutes of the 2-7-17 meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 1-24-17 Personnel, Education and Finance Committee meetings, and 1-26-17 Retreat and 1-30-17 Executive Committee meeting


C.   Action – Education

*     1.   to approve revising policies as recommended by Forethought Consulting, pending review by legal counsel – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 43-44

 

c.      EBBH – Use of Automated External Defibrillator (AED)

d.      JCDAC – Dangerous Weapons


*     2.   to approve revising policy as recommended by Forethought Consulting, pending review by legal counsel – Mrs. Ruby Smith
Page 45

 

b.      JQE - Pregnant Students

 


*     3.   to correct Policy BCBI (Public Participation in School Board Meetings). There is a typographical error in the second to last paragraph with reference to Policy BCBC. The correct reference should be to Policy BCBD (legal counsel has reviewed this policy) – Mrs. Kim Bennet 

      Pages 46-47


               D.    Action – Finance

             *    1. to approve personal services contracts, leases, and other such agreements; authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to sign any and all documentation in connection with said contracts; and approve bills paid for the previous month - Ms. Liz Domite                                                                                              

           

             *     2.  pulled for the regular agenda.

             
*      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

             Page 48

 


*      
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
      Pages 49-52

 

          *      5.  to approve the Alio Maintenance Renewal (Weidenhammer) for Financial Accounting, Human Resources, LA State Reporting Federal ACA Reporting and Oracle Database and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation with regards to said renewal – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 53                          Source of funding General Fund        Amount $127,801.52

 

        *      6.  to authorize the secretary to advertise for the 2017-2018 school year and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids – Mrs. Erma Davis
 

                     Cafeteria Meat Bid – Bid No. FS15-17-18                      $429,708.00 (estimate)   

                     Cafeteria Frozen Food Bid – Bid No. FS20 -17-18          $760,000.00 (estimate)
                     Cafeteria Processed Food Bid – Bid No. FS25-17-18      $933,785.00 (estimate)

                                                             Source of funding School Food Service  

 

      *      7.  to authorize the secretary to advertise for the 2017-2018 school year and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office staff to receive bids - Mrs. Erma Davis  


Cafeteria Paper Supplies - Bid No. FS30-17-18              $329,950.00 (estimate)
Cafeteria Cleaning Supplies - Bid No. FS33-17-18          $159,900.00 (estimate)
Bread Products - Bid No. FS35-17-18                           $112,800.00 (estimate)
Milk, Milk Products, Juices and Ice Cream -Bid No. FS100-17-18 (#38, #40, #41 & #42)

              Milk $970,165; Other $85,000; Juices $570,000; Ice Cream $28,000 = $1,653,165.00  

                                               Source of funding School Food Service

  

          *    8.    to authorize the secretary to exercise the option to renew the contract under the same terms and conditions for the 2017-2018 school year for Purchase of Education Materials (Bid No. 15-28) with written mutual agreement of the vendors (Unity Educate, School Specialty, School Aids, Lakeshore Learning) and authorize the secretary to sign any documentation connected therewith (Renewal Bid #17-28) – Ms. Liz Domite

                                                              Source of funding Various Funds        Amount Based on available funds

               

          *    9.    to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. by the Central Office staff for “Poland Jr. High School Renovation Project” (Bid #17-22) and award bid to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements and Specification and award to Pat Williams Construction for Base Bid plus Alternate #1 and #2 totaling $2,519,000.00
                                                                                          

          *    10.   to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. by the Central Office staff for “Plainview High School Addition and Renovation Project” (Bid #17-21A) and award bid to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and Contract Document Requirements and Specification and award to M. D. Descant, LLC for the Base Bid in the amount of $1,825,000.00


   *     11.   to approve and allow the Board President to sign all contracts and documentation for Alexandria Senior High School Powerlifting Team to compete in the USAPL National Competition in Scranton, PA on March 29 – April 1, 2017 – Mr. Jonathan Garrett

                       Pages 54-65                  Source of funding School Funds                    Amount $10,500.00


         *     12. 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 Jailah Maltie be readmitted to the zoned school effective March 8, 2017 with the following stipulations: There shall be no disciplinary problems. If any disciplinary problems occur, the student shall serve the duration of the original expulsion, 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 no action be taken on Brian Johnson, Jr.

 

                     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: - Dr. Vicki Younger

            

                          a.   pulled for the regular agenda

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

*      4. pulled for the regular agenda.

      
*   Denotes that these items have been through committee

____________________

 

                          A motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to approve/adopt any budget changes/amendments. (Item 5D-2)

 


                          Discussion ensued.

 

                          On roll call the vote was as follows:

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

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          None

____________________

                       A motion was made by Mrs. Sandra Franklin and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to modify attendance zones in District A and District B. (Item 5D-12)

 


Discussion ensued.

 

 

                          On roll call the vote was as follows:

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

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          None

____________________

 

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

____________________


                          A motion was made by Mrs. Sandra Franklin and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to receive reports as follows: (Item 5F-1a)

            

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


Discussion ensued.


                          On roll call the vote was as follows:

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

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          Mr. McCall

____________________

 

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

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to revise the Voluntary Transfer Section of the Personnel Transfer Policy (GBM) (this has been reviewed by legal counsel). (Item 5F-4)

 

                          Discussion ensued.

 

                          On roll call the vote was as follows:

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

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          None

____________________

 

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to request the authority to implement the Montessori Method at Mabel Brasher for the 2017-2018 school Year. (Item 6)

 

                          Mr. Authement presented information to the Board at this time and discussion ensued.

                          A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to authorize the RPSB Administration to move forward and implement the Montessori Method at Mabel Brasher Elementary for the 2017-2018 school year and present a project cost and a budget and funding source for this project at the Education and Finance Committee meeting on March 21, 2017.


                          Discussion ensued.       

            

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

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

NAY:                Mrs. Franklin, Mr. McCall

ABSENT:          None

THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.

____________________

 

                          A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to approve revising policy as recommended by Forethought Consulting, pending review by legal counsel, (Item 7)


a.      GBA – Contracts and Compensation

 

Discussion ensued.

 

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


A substitute motion was made by Mrs. Sandra Franklin and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to approve revising policy as recommended by Forethought Consulting, pending review by legal counsel and to notify employees of the change in this policy.

 

b.      GBA – Contracts and Compensation


                          Discussion ensued.


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

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

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          Mr. Crooks

ABSTAIN:        Mr. Barrios

THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.

 

____________________

                          A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to approve revising policies as recommended by Forethought Consulting, pending review by legal counsel. (Item 8)

                                       a.   JBC – School Admission

                                       b.   JBCC – Student Assignment

                                       c.   JGCD – Administration of Medication


                          (b) was deleted and discussion ensued.

 

                          On motion by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez, the Board voted unanimously to approve revising policies as recommended by Forethought Consulting, pending review by legal counsel. (Item 8)


                                       a.   JBC – School Admission                                            

                                       c.   JGCD – Administration of Medication                      

____________________


                          A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to discuss and appoint a committee to research Mentoring Programs. (Item 9)

 

                          Discussion ensued.

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

 

                          A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin for a subcommittee to be formed to look at the mentoring program of the RPSB and make recommendations to the Board at the June committee meeting. The subcommittee will be appointed by the Board President and will be made up of members submitted by Board Members. Board Members will submit names to the President by Tuesday, March 21st. The subcommittee members will be announced to RPSB Board Members once all of the subcommittee members are confirmed to serve.

 

                          Discussion ensued.

 

                          On motion by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin, the Board voted unanimously for a subcommittee to be formed to look at the mentoring program of the RPSB and make recommendations to the Board at the June committee meeting. The subcommittee will be appointed by the Board President and will be made up of members submitted by Board Members. Board Members will submit names to the President by Tuesday, March 21st. The subcommittee members will be announced to RPSB Board Members once all of the subcommittee members are confirmed to serve.

____________________

 

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

 ____________________

 

                          A motion was made by Mrs. Sandra Franklin and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez for Administration to report the effectiveness of Career Compass, impact of graduation rate, the number of students, enrollment in college, and FAFSA assistance. (Item 10)

 

                          Mrs. Crystal Burch with Career Compass presented information at this time and discussion ensued.

 

                          No action was taken.

____________________

                          A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to approve contract Change Order #1 on “Glenmora High School Renovations and Additions Project” (RPSB Bid No. 17-20) between the RPSB and Tudor, Inc. INCREASING the contract amount of $3,558,000 by $258,800 and thereby INCREASING the total contract amount to $3,816,800 and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith. (Item 21)

 

                          Discussion ensued.

 

                          On roll call the vote was as follows:

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

NAY:                Dr. Chapman

ABSENT:          Mr. Allen

 

THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.

 

____________________

 

                          A motion was made by Mrs. Sandra Franklin and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez for Administration to report the Turn-Around-Team effectiveness for 2014-2015 and 2015-2016. (Item 11)

 

                          Mrs. Kim Bennett presented information and discussion ensued.

No action was taken.

____________________


A motion was made by Mrs. Sandra Franklin and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez for Administration to report the number of students enrolled from zoned areas at the following schools: Phoenix Magnet, Peabody Montessori and Rosenthal Montessori for 2013-2016. (Item 12)

 

                          Dr. Dana Nolan presented information and discussion ensued.

 

                          No action was taken.

____________________

 

                          A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to hear an update on the Phoenix Magnet Expansion/RAAAVL Project to include all costs to date and projected overall cost. (Item 13)

 

                          Dr. Dana Nolan and Mr. Roy Rachal presented information and discussion ensued.

 

                          No action was taken.

____________________

 

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

____________________

 

                          A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to award  E-Rate Services purchase(s), contract(s) and/or agreement(s) per evaluation sheets for RFP 17-30 “E-Rate Services” which opened February 21, 2017, 11:00 a.m. and to authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection with said contract(s) or agreement(s) pending review by Board Counsel and award to Suddenlink and ATT and others as presented. (Item 14)

                          Dr. Luke Purdy presented information and discussion ensued.

 

                          On roll call the vote was as follows:

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

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          None

____________________

                                                   

             Item 15, Item 16 and Item 17 were deferred to March Education Committee.

____________________

                          A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to approve revised contract amount form $32,508 to $32,896 regarding the Professional Services Contract with LSU from May 1, 2016 through September 30, 2017 for professional development. (Item 18)

 

                          Mrs. Bethanie Herrick presented information to the Board and discussion ensued.

 

                          A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to approve revised contract amount from $32,508 to $32,896 regarding the MSP Project Math 6-8 RULES - Continuation Grant, pending legal review (additional amount of $388.00 - LSU)

 

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

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

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          None

____________________

 

                          A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin to grant Rapides Parish School Board’s participation in Louisiana’s PK-12 Broadband Network Consortium and authorize the Board President to sign all documentation in connection therewith pending review by legal counsel. (Item 19)

 

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

 

                          On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin, the Board voted unanimously to grant Rapides Parish School Board’s participation in Louisiana’s PK-12 Broadband Network Consortium and authorize the Board President to sign all documentation in connection therewith pending review by legal counsel.

____________________

                          A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to declare salvage buses per the attached list surplus and to authorize the Secretary to advertise for bids for the “Sale of Surplus Buses” (Bid No. 17-15) and the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office staff to receive bids and a recommendation to be made to the Board. (Item 20)

 

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

 

                          On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall, the Board voted unanimously to declare salvage buses per the attached list surplus and to authorize the Secretary to advertise for bids for the “Sale of Surplus Buses” (Bid No. 17-15) and the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office staff to receive bids.

____________________


                          A motion was made by Mrs. Sandra Franklin and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman for the RPSB to set a date and call a Special meeting of the Executive Committee. The purpose of the meeting is to hear and discuss a presentation/proposal from the Superintendent related to the failing schools in the district, and further to make a recommendation to the RPSB for consideration and possible action at a TBD Special Meeting of the RPSB.  In that the Executive Committee can take no action, the purpose of this meeting is to receive, collect and publicize information. (Item 23)

 

                          Discussion ensued.

 

                          A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin for the RPSB to call a Special meeting of the Executive Committee on March 14, 2017 at 5:30. The purpose of the meeting is to hear and discuss a presentation/proposal from the Superintendent related to the failing schools in the district.  In that the Executive Committee can take no action, the purpose of this meeting is to receive, collect and publicize information.

 

                          Discussion ensued.


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

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

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          None

____________________

 

 

                          A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to add to the agenda to authorize the Board President to execute an Interagency Agreement with the Rapides Foundation to allow the Superintendent to permit the Foundation and its associated entities to have access to student P.I.I. as necessary to administer the student aid and assistance programs under present and future agreements between the Board and the Rapides and Orchard Foundations and their related entities – Reason to add: final draft of IAA just developed; existing IAA with Rapides Foundation and Orchard Foundation need student P.I.I. to proceed). (Item 24)

 

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote to add was as follows:

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

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          None

____________________


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

____________________

 

                          A motion was made by Mrs. Sandra Franklin and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to authorize the Board President to execute an Interagency Agreement with the Rapides Foundation to allow the Superintendent to permit the Foundation and its associated entities to have access to student P.I.I. as necessary to administer the student aid and assistance programs under present and future agreements between the Board and the Rapides and Orchard Foundations and their related entities.

(Item 24)

 

                          Mr. James Downs presented information and discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

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

NAY:                Mr. Barrios, Dr. Chapman

ABSENT:          Mr. McCall

ABSTAIN:        Mrs. Franklin

 

THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.

____________________


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

____________________


A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to add to the agenda to accept donation of $34,000 (Check No. 1151) from PM Mustangs PTO specifically designated toward the construction (designed and formally quoted by Ashe, Broussard, and Weinzettle Architects) of a Walking Track at Peabody Montessori Elementary School and award said competed project per base bid to Decker Builders, Inc. as per attached tabulation and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Reason to add: Time sensitive. (Item 25)

 

                          Discussion ensued.

 

On roll call the vote to add was as follows:

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

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          None

____________________
                         

                          A motion was made by Mrs. Sandra Franklin and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to accept donation of $34,000 (Check No. 1151) from PM Mustangs PTO specifically designated toward the construction (designed and formally quoted by Ashe, Broussard, and Weinzettle Architects) of a Walking Track at Peabody Montessori Elementary School and award said competed project per base bid to Decker Builders, Inc.as per attached tabulation and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith. (Item 25)

 

                          Discussion ensued.

 

On roll call the vote was as follows:

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

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          None

____________________

 

                          A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to add to the agenda to go into Executive Session to discuss investigative proceedings regarding allegations of misconduct – Reason to add: Superintendent wishes to inform Board as soon as possible. (Item 26)

 

                          Discussion ensued.                                              

 

On roll call the vote to add was as follows:

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

 

NAY:                Mr. Allen

ABSENT:          None

THE MOTION WAS NOT ADDED DUE TO LACK OF UNANIMOUS VOTE.

____________________


                          A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to go into Executive Session to discuss allegations of unethical actions/behavior by a RPSB member. (Item 22)

 

Discussion ensued.

 

Mr. John Allen received a letter in the mail and requested to be heard in Open Session.  

 

After discussion, this item was pulled.

____________________

                                                    
             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