OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
OF THE

RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Alexandria, Louisiana

     April 4, 2017

 

                        The Rapides Parish School Board of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, met in regular public session at 5:00 o’clock p.m. on Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at the regular meeting place of said board in the Rapides Parish School Board Office, 619 Sixth and Beauregard Streets, in Alexandria, Louisiana.

 

                        Vice-President Gerald Crooks called the meeting to order and on roll call the following members were present:                                         

                                                            Gerald Crooks, Vice President

                                                            Wilton Barrios, Member                                                                                                        

 

                                                            Steve Berry, Member

                                                            John Allen, Member   

                                                            Stephen Chapman, Member                                  

                                                           

                                                            Sandra Franklin, Member  

                                                           

                                                            Willard McCall, Member

                                                           

                                                            Darrell Rodriguez, Member

 

                        Absent:                        Keith Breazeale, President                                                            


                       
 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 Pineville High School JROTC. The Invocation was pronounced by Dr. Troy Williams of Bethel A.M.E. Church after which Mr. Darrell Rodriguez 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 MARCH 30, 2017)

Alexandria, Louisiana

    March 30, 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, APRIL 4, 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 Glenmora High School – Mr. Darrell Rodriguez

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

c.  Peabody Magnet High Boys’ Basketball Team winning State Championship –
Mr. Willard McCall

d.  Peabody Magnet High Boys’ Power Lifting Team winning State Championship –
Mr. Willard McCall

e.  Rapides Parish Elementary students who placed first at the State Beta Convention –
Mrs. Kim Bennett

f.   Tioga High School for being named Louisiana ACT College and Career Transition Exemplar for 2016-2017 – 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 approve revising Policy JBCC (Student Assignment) as recommended by Forethought Consulting and RPSB Staff, reviewed by legal counsel – Mrs. Shelly Close
Pages 1-3

               7.      Motion to receive a report from Administration on Apple Schools – Mr. Willard McCall

               8.      Motion 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 – Dr. Stephen Chapman
Pages 4-5

               9.      Motion to authorize the RPSB Administration to move forward and implement the Montessori Method at Carter C. Raymond Elementary for the 2017-2018 school year and present a project cost and a budget and funding source for this project – Mr. John Allen

             10.      Motion to go into Executive Session to discuss job performance of employees –
Dr. Vicki Younger         

 11.      Motion to approve and authorize the Board President to sign all contracts and documentation for Alexandria Middle Magnet School to go to New York City, New York on May 30 – June 2, 2017 – Dr. Dana Nolan
Pages 6-26                   Source of funding Student/Parent Funds
                                    Amount $38,250.00

 12.      Motion to enter into a Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with the City of Alexandria for vehicle purchases pursuant to the City of Alexandria’s Bid Proposal #2075 valid from 5-17-16 through 5-17-17 – Ms. Liz Domite

 13.      Motion to reimburse any Rapides Parish School Board Member for related cost to attend  the 2017 Capitol Conference on May 16-17, 2017 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana – Mrs. Sandra Franklin

             14.      Motion to hear, discuss and possibly take action on a proposal by RPSB member, John Allen, concerning the utilization of the district’s assets and the raising of the SPS of the “failing schools” within the school district – Mr. John Allen
         Pages 27-28

 15.      Motion that the RPSB require all students enrolling in schools of the district be required to have their eyes and ears screened by a medical provider prior to the ending of the first thirty days of the 2017-2018 school year - Mr. John Allen

 

 16.      Motion to review RPSB Policy BCB (Board Meeting Procedures) – Dr. Stephen Chapman

            Page 29

 

 

            Consent agenda: (Item 5)

A.    Reports:

1.   to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 30-40

 

B.   Action – Minutes

1.   to approve the minutes of the 3-7-17 meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 2-14-17 Personnel, Education and Finance Committee meetings, the 2-23-17 Discipline Review Committee meeting and the 2-20-17 Executive Committee meeting

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 41-46

* 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 47-50

*
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 51-54


         *  5.  to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids and authorize 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
 

a.     “Sanitary Maintenance” - Bid No. 17-24

Source of funding Maintenance  Amount $200,000.00 (estimate)

b.     “Walk-In Coolers for Various Schools” – Bid No. 17-19”

Source of funding FNS               Amount $50,000.00 (estimate) 

                                                                                                                     

c.     “Northwood High HVAC Replacement” - Bid No. 17-18

Source of funding District 22A           Amount $70,000.00 (estimate)

            *  6.  to advertise for bids for the Board’s Fiscal Agent for the two (2) year period beginning July 1, 2017, a recommendation to be made to the Board – Ms. Liz Domite

          

            * 7.   to receive appraisals on property located at 901 Crepe Myrtle Street, Pineville, La. and discuss the future ownership of the Property – Ms. Liz Domite

* 8.   to ratify and confirm bid(s) received by the Central Office Staff and award to the  responsive and responsible vendor contingent on bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and contract Document Requirements and Specifications – Ms. Liz Domite

a.     “Sales of Surplus Buses” – Bid No. 17-15 received Thursday, March 23, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. and award to the highest bidder

  Source of receipt General Fund                        

b.     “Purchase of Delivery Van” - Bid No. 17-13 received Thursday, March 23, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. and award to the lowest bidder

                                                  Source of funding General Fund
                                                  Amount $40,000.00 (estimate)

 

* 9.   to approve Professional Services Agreement with D & L Textile Services, LLC for the rental and maintenance of walk-off mats and treated dust mops – Ms. Liz Domite

Source of funding Various Maintenance & Food Service
Amount $45,000.00 (annual)

 

*   10.   to approve revising and recoding Policy DJAA (Authorize Signatures) as recommended by Forethought Consulting and RPSB Staff, pending legal review – Ms. Liz Domite

 Pages 55-56   

 *   11.     to adopt the proposal regarding preventive and repair maintenance of Board owned vehicles utilizing the automotive program already in place at Tioga High School – Mr. Clyde Washington

                         Pages 57-78                           Source of funding Parish Wide Maintenance                                                
Amount $6,885.00 (plus benefits)

 

*    12.  to enter into a “Water Line Servitude” agreement with the Water Works District No. 3 of Rapides Parish for entry onto the “Paradise Elementary School Campus” specifically to construct, lay, maintain, operate, alter, repair, remove, change the size of, and replace water pipelines in accordance with attached proposed agreement, physical description and survey identified as “Exhibit A” dated February 16, 2017 by Pan American Engineers, Inc. and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith, contingent upon advising counsel’s legal review - Mr. Wilton  Barrios and Mr. Roy Rachal

             Pages 79-82

        *   13.   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 (presented at March 21, 2017 Education and Finance Committee) - Dr. Stephen Chapman
Pages 83-84

 

      *     14.   to authorize the secretary to advertise for “Partition Walls for Media Center” –  Bid No. 17-25 and authorize the Executive Committee and/or Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids and a recommendation to be made to the Board –  Ms. Liz Domite                                                                                                             

                  Source of funding Parish Wide Maintenance
Amount $75,000.00 (estimate)

 

*   15.  to approve and enter into a maintenance and support agreement with Morpho Trak, Inc. (yearly support for fingerprinting system) and authorize the Board President to sign, pending review of Board Attorney – Dr. Vicki Younger

                         Pages 85-89                            Source of funding General Fund    Amount $4,547.00

 

        *   16.   to authorize the Board’s Insurance Consultant to initiate renewal negotiations of existing Third Party Claims Administration Services for Auto and General Liability Claims for the 2017-2018 school year at same annual fee or minimally shall not increase to exceed the CPI; should increases exceed same in final negotiations or services quality decline, the Board directs consultant to solicit and receive quotes with a recommendation to be made to the Board – Mr. Roy Rachal
                                               Source of funding General Fund

                                                                    Amount $98,535.30(w/2.5% anticipated)

 

      *    17. to authorize the Board’s Insurance Consultant to initiate renewal negotiations for  Student Accident Insurance for the 2017-2018 school year at same annual premium or  minimally shall not increase to exceed the CPI; should increases exceed same in final  negotiations, the Board directs consultant to solicit and receive bids with a  recommendation to be made to the Board – Mr. Roy Rachal   

 Source of funding Initial - General Fund (to be reimbursed by schools)
 Amount $223,564.00

 

            *   18.  to authorize the Board’s Insurance Consultant to initiate renewal negotiations for Property and Casualty Insurance for the 2017-2018 school year at same terms, conditions and annual premium or minimally shall not increase to exceed the CPI (January 2017 – 2.5%); should increases exceed same in final negotiations, the Board directs consultant to solicit and receive quotes with a recommendation to be made to the Board – Mr. Roy Rachal

Source of funding General Fund    
Amount $753,250.00
 (w/2% anticipated)

 

     *    19. to approve the annual renewal agreement for PowerSchool EMS and authorize the Board  President to sign any documentation with regards to said renewal – Dr. Luke Purdy

           Pages 90-92                           Source of funding General Funds                                                                                    

                                                                Amount $10,750.00

     *    20.   to declare property located at 901 Crepe Myrtle Street, Pineville, La. surplus and further  to authorize the secretary to advertise for sealed bids and authorize the Executive  Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive sealed bids, a  recommendation to be made to the Board – Dr. Stephen Chapman
 Pages 93-102

 

            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

*       4.  to receive a presentation on recruitment events of the Rapides Parish School District –

                        Dr. Vicki Younger 

            Pages 103-104

*         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 30th day of March 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. Darrel Rodriguez introduced the Board’s student guest, Derrick Welch, a senior at

Glenmora High School, who was recognized for his academic and extracurricular achievements. Also recognized were Derrick’s family and Mrs. Carrol Babb, principal at Glenmora High School.
(Item 4-a)

____________________

The Board recognized Cherokee Elementary School for the bulletin board display in the lobby of the School Board Office for the month of April 2017. (Item 4-b)

____________________

                       

                        Peabody Magnet High Boys’ Basketball Team winning State Championship was recognized at this time. (Item 4-c)

____________________

 

     Peabody Magnet High Boys’ Power Lifting Team winning State Championship was recognized at this time. (Item 4-d)

____________________

                        Rapides Parish Elementary students who placed first at the State Beta Convention were recognized at this time. (Item 4-e)

____________________

            Tioga High School for being named Louisiana ACT College and Career Transition Exemplar for 2016-2017 was recognized at this time. (Item 4-f)

____________________

                        A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to add to the agenda to approve authorization for a temporary work easement on Board owned property at 5103 Morgan Street, Alexandria, LA and authorize the Board President to execute the Indemnification-Easement Agreement with Barron Builders of Pineville. (Item 17)

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

On roll call the vote to add was as follows:


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

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          Mr. Breazeale

                                                            ____________________

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

                        The agenda was read into the record and discussion ensued.                       

                        Items 5C-2, 5C-7, 5C-8a, 5C-13, 5C-20 and 5E-1 were pulled from the consent agenda for discussion.

 

                        A substitute motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to approve the consent agenda without 5C-2, 5C-7, 5C-8a, 5C-13, 5C-20 and 5E-1.

                        Discussion ensued.

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

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

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          Mr. Breazeale

 

Consent agenda: (Item 5)

 

A.    Reports:

1.     to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 30-40

 

B.   Action – Minutes

1.   to approve the minutes of the 3-7-17 meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 2-14-17 Personnel, Education and Finance Committee meetings, the 2-23-17 Discipline Review Committee meeting and the 2-20-17 Executive Committee meeting

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.   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

            Pages 47-50

*
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 51-54


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

a.     “Sanitary Maintenance” - Bid No. 17-24

Source of funding Maintenance  Amount $200,000.00 (estimate)

b.     “Walk-In Coolers for Various Schools” – Bid No. 17-19”

Source of funding FNS               Amount $50,000.00 (estimate) 

                                                                                                                     

c.     “Northwood High HVAC Replacement” - Bid No. 17-18

Source of funding District 22A           Amount $70,000.00 (estimate)

            *      6. to advertise for bids for the Board’s Fiscal Agent for the two (2) year period beginning July 1, 2017 – Ms. Liz Domite

          

            * 7.   pulled for the regular agenda.
                   

*           8.    to ratify and confirm bid(s) received by the Central Office Staff and award to the responsive and responsible vendor contingent on bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and contract Document Requirements and Specifications – Ms. Liz Domite

a.     pulled for the regular agenda.                     

b.     “Purchase of Delivery Van” - Bid No. 17-13 received Thursday, March 23, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. and award to the lowest bidder and award to Hixson Autoplex for $36,628.00    

 

* 9.   to approve Professional Services Agreement with D & L Textile Services, LLC for the rental and maintenance of walk-off mats and treated dust mops – Ms. Liz Domite

Source of funding Various Maintenance & Food Service
Amount $45,000.00 (annual)

        *   10.   to approve revising and recoding Policy DJAA (Authorize Signatures) as recommended by Forethought Consulting and RPSB Staff, pending legal review – Ms. Liz Domite

 Pages 55-56   

          

            * 11.     to adopt the proposal regarding preventive and repair maintenance of Board owned vehicles utilizing the automotive program already in place at Tioga High School – Mr. Clyde Washington

                         Pages 57-78                           Source of funding Parish Wide Maintenance                                                
Amount $6,885.00 (plus benefits)

 

*    12.  to enter into a “Water Line Servitude” agreement with the Water Works District No. 3 of Rapides Parish for entry onto the “Paradise Elementary School Campus” specifically to construct, lay, maintain, operate, alter, repair, remove, change the size of, and replace water pipelines in accordance with attached proposed agreement, physical description and survey identified as “Exhibit A” dated February 16, 2017 by Pan American Engineers, Inc. and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith, contingent upon advising counsel’s legal review - Mr. Wilton  Barrios and Mr. Roy Rachal

             Pages 79-82

        *   13.   pulled for the regular agenda.

      *     14.   to authorize the secretary to advertise for “Partition Walls for Media Center” –  Bid No. 17-25 and authorize the Executive Committee and/or Superintendent and  Central Office Staff to receive bids – Ms. Liz Domite 

                   Source of funding Parish Wide Maintenance
Amount $75,000.00 (estimate)

 

            *   15.  to approve and enter into a maintenance and support agreement with Morpho Trak, Inc. (yearly support for fingerprinting system) and authorize the Board President to sign, pending review of Board Attorney – Dr. Vicki Younger

                         Pages 85-89                            Source of funding General Fund    Amount $4,547.00

 

        *   16.   to authorize the Board’s Insurance Consultant to initiate renewal negotiations of existing Third Party Claims Administration Services for Auto and General Liability Claims for the 2017-2018 school year at same annual fee or minimally shall not increase to exceed the CPI; should increases exceed same in final negotiations or services quality decline, the Board directs consultant to solicit and receive quotes – Mr. Roy Rachal
                                               Source of funding General Fund

                                                                    Amount $98,535.30(w/2.5% anticipated)

 

      *    17. to authorize the Board’s Insurance Consultant to initiate renewal negotiations for  Student Accident Insurance for the 2017-2018 school year at same annual premium or  minimally shall not increase to exceed the CPI; should increases exceed same in final  negotiations, the Board directs consultant to solicit and receive bids – Mr. Roy Rachal   

 Source of funding Initial - General Fund (to be reimbursed by schools)
 Amount $223,564.00

 

            *   18.  to authorize the Board’s Insurance Consultant to initiate renewal negotiations for Property and Casualty Insurance for the 2017-2018 school year at same terms, conditions and annual premium or minimally shall not increase to exceed the CPI (January 2017 – 2.5%); should increases exceed same in final negotiations, the Board directs consultant to solicit and receive quotes – Mr. Roy Rachal

Source of funding General Fund    
Amount $753,250.00
 (w/2% anticipated)

*   19.  to approve the annual renewal agreement for PowerSchool EMS and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation with regards to said renewal – Dr. Luke Purdy
       Pages 90-92                           Source of funding General Funds                                                                                          

                                                                Amount $10,750.00

     *    20.   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 Chasity Lotts be readmitted to the zoned school effective Monday, April 24, 2017. Student shall receive no additional disciplinary sanctions for the remainder of the 2016-2017 school year; 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 Briley Vitz be admitted to the zoned school effective April 5, 2017 conditioned upon a probationary agreement to be executed by the student, parent and Superintendent within five (5) days otherwise the principal’s recommendation is upheld.

Ø  Motion that in lieu of expulsion, Dae’ Rieon Latchie be admitted to the Rapides Alternative Positive Program for Students (RAPPS) until the end of the 2016-2017 school year and thereafter be re-admitted to the zoned school conditioned upon a probationary agreement to be executed by the student, parent and Superintendent within five (5) days otherwise the principal’s recommendation is upheld.

Ø  Motion that in lieu of expulsion, Markaylon Slaughter be admitted to the Rapides Alternative Positive Program for Students (RAPPS) until the end of the 2016-2017 school year and thereafter be re-admitted to the zoned school conditioned upon a probationary agreement to be executed by the student, parent and Superintendent within five (5) days otherwise the principal’s recommendation is upheld.            

 

                    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.  pulled for the regular agenda.


*      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 receive a presentation on recruitment events of the Rapides Parish School District –
Dr. Vicki Younger 
            Pages 103-104

*           Denotes that these items have been through committee

____________________

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

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        On roll call the vote was as follows:

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

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          Mr. Breazeale  

____________________


                        A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to receive appraisals on property located at 901 Crepe Myrtle Street, Pineville, La. and discuss the future ownership of the Property. (Item 5C-7)

                        Discussion ensued.

                        On roll call the vote was as follows:

 

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

 

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

 

ABSENT:          Mr. Breazeale

 

THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.

____________________

 
                        Item 5C-8a was deleted.

____________________


                        A motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall 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. (Item 5C-13)

 

                        Discussion ensued.

                       
                        On roll call the vote was as follows:

 

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

 

NAY:                Mr. McCall, Mr. Franklin

 

ABSENT:          Mr. Breazeale

ABSTAIN:         Mr. Allen

 

THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.

____________________


                        A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to declare property located at 901 Crepe Myrtle Street, Pineville, La. surplus and further to authorize the secretary to advertise for sealed bids and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive sealed bids, recommendation to be made to the Board. (Item 5C-20)

Discussion ensued.

 

A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to defer item 5C-20 to the April Finance Committee.

Discussion ensued.

 

On the substitute motion made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall, the Board voted unanimously to defer item 5C-20 to the April Finance 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 Dr. Stephen Chapman to receive reports as follows. (Item 5E-1)

           

                        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

Discussion ensued.

                        On roll call the vote was as follows:

 

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

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez

                                                            ____________________

                        A motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to approve revising Policy JBCC (Student Assignment) as recommended by Forethought Consulting and RPSB Staff, reviewed by legal counsel. (Item 6)

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        A substitute motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin to defer item 6 to April Committees.

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        Mr. John Allen withdrew his motion.

                       
The original motion was voted on at this time.

 

On motion by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall, the Board voted unanimously to approve revising Policy JBCC (Student Assignment) as recommended by Forethought Consulting and RPSB Staff, reviewed by legal counsel.

____________________

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

____________________


                        A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin to
receive a report from Administration on Apple Schools. (Item 7)

 

                        Mrs. Bethanie Herrick presented a Power Point at this time.

                        No action was taken.

____________________


Item 8 was deleted.

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                        A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to authorize the RPSB Administration to move forward and implement the Montessori Method at Carter C. Raymond Elementary for the 2017-2018 school year and present a project cost and a budget and funding source for this project. (Item 9)

 

                        Discussion ensued and comments were made from the audience.

                        On roll call the vote was as follow:

 

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

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

ABSENT:          Mr. Breazeale

 

THE MOTION FAILED.
____________________

 

                         A motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to approve and authorize the Board President to sign all contracts and documentation for Alexandria Middle Magnet School to go to New York City, New York on May 30 – June 2, 2017. (Item 11)

Discussion ensued.

                        On roll call the vote was as follows:

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

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          Mr. Breazeale  

____________________

                       

                        A motion was made Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to enter into a Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with the City of Alexandria for vehicle purchases pursuant to the City of Alexandria’s Bid Proposal #2075 valid from 5-17-16 through 5-17-17. (Item 12)

                        Discussion ensued.

                        On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez, the Board voted unanimously to enter into a Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with the City of Alexandria for vehicle purchases pursuant to the City of Alexandria’s Bid Proposal #2075 valid from 5-17-16 through 5-17-17.

____________________

                       

                        A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin to reimburse any Rapides Parish School Board Member for related cost to attend the 2017 Capitol Conference on May 16-17, 2017 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Item 13)

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        On roll call the vote was as follows:


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

NAY:                Mr. Allen

ABSENT:          Mr. Breazeale  

THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.

____________________


                   A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. John Allen to hear, discuss and possibly take action on a proposal by RPSB member, John Allen, concerning the utilization of the district’s assets and the raising of the SPS of the “failing schools” within the school district. (Item 14)

                        Discussion ensued.  Comments were made from the audience.

 

                        On roll call the vote was as follows:

 

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

 

NAY:                Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Crooks

 

ABSENT:          Mr. Breazeale

                                               
THE MOTION FAILED.

____________________

 

                        A motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez that the RPSB require all students enrolling in schools of the district be required to have their eyes and ears screened by a medical provider prior to the ending of the first thirty days of the 2017-2018 school year.  (Item 15)

 

                        Discussion ensued.

                

                        On roll call the vote was as follows:

 

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

 

NAY:                Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. Crooks

 

ABSENT:          Mr. Breazeale

                                               
THE MOTION FAILED DUE TO A TIE VOTE.

                                                            ____________________

                        Item 16 was deleted.

____________________


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

____________________

 

                        A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to approve authorization for a temporary work easement on Board owned property at 5103 Morgan Street, Alexandria, LA and authorize the Board President to execute the Indemnification/Easement Agreement with Barron Builders of Pineville. (Item 17)

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        On motion by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry, the Board voted unanimously to approve authorization for a temporary work easement on Board owned property at 5103 Morgan Street, Alexandria, LA and authorize the Board President to execute the Indemnification -Easement Agreement with Barron Builders of Pineville.

____________________

                        A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to go into Executive Session to discuss job performance of employees. (Item 10)

                        Discussion ensued. Employees received their 24 hour notice and were asked at this time if they would like to be heard in Open Session or Executive Session.

 

                        Mr. Jason Gray requested Executive Session

                        Mrs. Karla Lara requested Executive Session
                        Mrs. Krystall Collins was not present

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        On roll call the vote to go into Executive Session was as follows:

                       

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

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          Mr. Breazeale, Mr. McCall

THE BOARD WENT INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.
____________________

 

Let the record reflect that Mr. Willard McCall returned to the meeting during Executive Session.

____________________

On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. John Allen, the Board voted unanimously to reconvene in Open Session.

 

THE BOARD RECONVENED IN OPEN SESSION.

____________________

                        A motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to uphold the Superintendent’s recommendation to terminate Krystall Collins effective immediately today, 4-4-17. (Item 10)

 

                        Discussion ensued.

                        On motion by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry, the Board voted unanimously to uphold the Superintendent’s recommendation to terminate Krystall Collins effective immediately today, 4-4-17. (Item 10)

____________________

                       
                        A motion was made by Mr. Gerald Crook and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to allow Karla Lara an opportunity to provide, at Board expense, a hair sample to be collected by LOHS for screening purposes on the accuracy of the drug screening. (Item 10)

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        A substitute motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios to direct Karla Lara, working through the Human Resource Director, to provide a hair follicle sample for drug screening tomorrow and if the test is positive for drugs or she refuses to take the test, the Board upholds the Superintendent’s recommendation to terminate Karla Lara effective immediately today, 4-4-17 but if the drug test is negative then she shall be reinstated with pay retro-active to the date of administrative leave.

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        On the substitute motion made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios, the Board voted unanimously to direct Karla Lara, working through the Human Resource Director, to provide a hair follicle sample for drug screening tomorrow and if the test is positive for drugs or she refuses to take the test, the Board upholds the Superintendent’s recommendation to terminate Karla Lara effective immediately today, 4-4-17 but if the drug test is negative then she shall be reinstated with pay retro-active to the date of administrative leave.                    

____________________

                        A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to uphold the Superintendent’s recommendation to terminate Jason Gray effective today, 4-4-17. (Item 10)

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        On motion by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry, the Board voted unanimously to uphold the Superintendent’s recommendation to terminate Jason Gray effective today, 4-4-17.

____________________
                                                
            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