OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Alexandria, Louisiana
August 1, 2017
The Rapides Parish School Board of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, met in regular public session at 5:00 o’clock p.m. on Tuesday, August 1, 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
Gerald Crooks, Vice President
Wilton Barrios, Members
Steve Berry, Member
John Allen, Member
Stephen Chapman, 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 Invocation was pronounced by Mrs. Sandra Franklin after which Mr. Keith Breazeale led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
(COPY OF OFFICIAL CALL MAILED TO EACH MEMBER OF THE RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD AND POSTED IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE AT THE MEETING PLACE OF SAID BOARD ON JULY 27, 2017)
Alexandria, Louisiana
July 27, 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, AUGUST 1, 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. Laurie Kessler, RPSB Speech Therapist, for being voted Best Speech Therapist in the 2017 Health Care Heroes through the Town Talk – Mrs. Shelly Close
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 change Policy BBC (Executive Committee) and replace it with LA RS 17:55 (laid over from July Board meeting) - Mr. Keith Breazeale
Pages 1-5
* 7. Motion to receive the report and recommendation from the Mentoring Task Force Committee – Mr. Darrell Rodriguez
Pages 6-8
* 8. Motion to receive a report from staff regarding the condition of major building components in District 62 – Mr. Willard McCall
* 9. Motion to discuss the sale of the three (3) acre tract of property located in Section 25, Township Two North, Range Three West, Rapides Parish, Louisiana – Mr. Darrell Rodriguez
* 10. Motion to discuss the sale of the five (5) acre tract of property located in Section Nine (9), Township Two (2) South, Range Two (2) West, Rapides Parish, Louisiana – Mr. Darrell Rodriguez
* 11. 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, and (ii) Fifth Ward School District No. 51 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana to authorize the continuation of special taxes therein; making an application to the State Bond Commission in connection therewith and providing for other matters in connection therewith – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 9-15
12. Motion to inform the Board of the Superintendent’s membership into the Alexandria Rotary Club – Mr. Nason Authement
13. Motion to change the date of the Personnel, Education and Finance Committee meetings from August 15, 2017 to August 22, 2017 – Mr. Keith Breazeale
14. Motion to enter into a utilities “Right of Way” agreement with Beauregard Electric Cooperative, Inc. for entry onto the board’s “Plainview High School Campus” for placing, rerouting, constructing, repairing, maintaining, etc., electric distribution line or system in
accordance with statute and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith contingent upon advising counsel’s legal review and approval - Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and Mr. Roy Rachal
Pages 16-18
Consent agenda: (Item 5)
A. Reports:
1. to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 19-30
B. Action – Minutes
1. to approve the minutes of the 7-5-17 meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 6-20-17 Personnel, Education and Finance Committee meetings, and the 6-26-17 Executive Committee meeting
C. Action – Education
* 1. to receive the report on requiring high school American History to study for one to two weeks in the course to teach the uniqueness of America. Included would be founding fathers, Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and personal incentive and freedom to achieve – Mr. Wilton Barrios
D. Action – Finance
* 1. to approve personal services contracts, leases, and other such agreements; authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to sign any and all documentation in connection with said contracts; and approve bills paid for the previous month - Ms. Liz Domite
* 2. to approve/adopt any budget changes/amendments – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 31-40
* 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 41
* 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. Kerri Nichols
Pages 42-46
* 5. to receive quarterly report on Maintenance Funds – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 47
* 6. to ratify and confirm written quotes received for “Replacement of Gym Floor at Carter C. Raymond Elementary” RFQ 17-27 and award project to the lowest responsive and responsible contractor and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in
connection therewith according to policy DJED – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 48 Source of funding Flood Insurance Proceeds Amount $50,000.00
* 7. to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Replacement of Gym Floor at Glenmora High” (Bid # 18-02) and award bid to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and contract document requirements and specifications – Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding District 27 Bond Amount $135,000.00
* 8. to authorize staff to publish notice and advertise the Public Hearing on the Proposed Budgets for 2017-2018 – Ms. Liz Domite
* 9. to approve Interfund Loan from the General Fund to Sales Tax #1 Fund in the amount of $1,800,000 from June 29, 2017 until funds are sufficient to pay, August 1, 2017 – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 49 Source of funding General Fund Amount $1,800,000
* 10. to approve Interfund Loan from the General Fund to Sales Tax #2 Fund in the amount of $1,900,000 from June 29, 2017 until funds are sufficient to pay, August 1, 2017 – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 50 Source of funding General Fund Amount $1,900,000
* 11. to approve Interfund Loan from the General Fund to Sales Tax #3 Fund in the amount of $1,100,000 from June 29, 2017 until funds are sufficient to pay, August 1, 2017 – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 51 Source of funding General Fund Amount $1,100,000
* 12. to approve the renewal of Advance Education Accreditation for all Schools and District Office of the Rapides Parish School Board and authorize the administration to pay all fees associated with the 2017-2018 Accreditation – Mrs. Shannon Alford
Pages 52-55 Source of funding General Fund Amount $43,200.00
* 13. to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. by the Central Office staff to the lowest responsive/responsible bidder(s) for 2017-2018 school year and authorize staff to enter into purchase order contract(s) accordingly – Mrs. Erma Davis
Cafeteria Fresh Produce – RPSB Bid No. FS10-17-18
Source of funding School Food Service Amount $998,500.00 (estimated)
* 14. to approve the request of Calcasieu Parish School Board, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury and St. Bernard Parish School Board to participate in a Cooperative Purchase Agreement with the Rapides Parish School Board for the Renewal of Bid # 15-28 which is for the purchase of Educational Materials (Renewal #17-28) – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 56-58
* 15. to enter into an Inter-Agency Agreement with Lagniappe Media of Louisiana for Broadcast Services of Pineville High School Rebel Football Games for the 2017 Season and authorize the Board President to sign said Inter-Agency Agreement (IAA) contingent upon legal counsel review - Mr. Steve Berry
Pages 59-67 Source of funding School Maintenance Amount $2,000.00
* 16. to authorize Superintendent and staff to prepare and submit a proposal to Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality seeking 50/50 match funding (from VW settlement) for future purchases of school buses targeting replacement of older diesel buses for buses with more stringent emission standards, thus reducing “NOx” - Mr. Nason Authement and Mr. Roy Rachal
Pages 68-72 Source of funding N/A Amount 50% of total purchase costs
* 17. to amend the previously approved agreement for Follett, adding the Rapides Academy for Advanced Academics and Virtual Learning (RAAAVL) for Destiny District Textbook License and Software Service for one year (Original approved at May 2017 Meeting) – Mrs. Kim Bennett
Pages 73-77 Source of funding General Fund Amount $3,377.48
* 18. to approve a Professional Services Contract for Speech Therapy - Mrs. Shelly Close
Pages 78-81 Source of funding General Fund Amount $69,000.00
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
* 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 27th day of July 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.
____________________
The Board recognized Laurie Kessler, RPSB Speech Therapist, for being voted Best Speech Therapist in the 2017 Health Care Heroes through the Town Talk. (Item 4-a)
____________________
A motion was made by Mrs. Sandra Franklin and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry 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, and (ii) Fifth Ward School District No. 51 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana to authorize the continuation of special taxes therein; making an application to the State Bond Commission in connection therewith and providing for other matters in connection therewith. (Item 11).
Mr. Grant Schlueter presented information to the Board and discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to adopt a Resolution ordering and calling special elections to be held in (i) Rigolette School District Number 11 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, and (ii) Fifth Ward School District No. 51 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana to authorize the continuation of special taxes therein; making an application to the State Bond Commission in connection therewith and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Crooks, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, 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 and (ii) Fifth Ward School District No. 51 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, to authorize the continuation of special taxes 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 and (ii) Fifth Ward School District No. 51 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, 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, NOVEMBER 18, 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?
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 March 8, 2008?
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.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to the publication of the Notice of Election, the President is authorized and directed to make any amendments to the foregoing propositions that may be required to comply with any state or federal regulatory agencies.
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, DECEMBER 5, 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 for the precincts 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 therefore 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, December 5, 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.
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 1st day of August, 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 Schol 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 and (ii) Fifth Ward School District No. 51 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the "Districts"), on August 1, 2017, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that special elections will be held within the Districts on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 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?
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 March 8, 2008?
Said special election will be held at the polling places for the following precincts:
RIGOLETTE SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER 11
N06
N07(PART)
N08AK(PART)
N08LZ(PART)
N10AK(PART)
N10LZ(PART)
N12(PART)
N13A
N13B
N14A
N14B
N15
N16
N17(PART)
N18AK
N18LZ
N19AK
N19LZ
N20AK
N20LZ
N21
N22(PART)
FIFTH WARD SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER 51
C23(PART)
C37AK(PART)
C37LZ(PART)
S07(PART)
S08(PART)
S09(PART)
S10AK(PART)
S10LZ(PART)
S11(PART)
S22(PART)
S27
S28(PART)
The polling places for the precincts 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 therefore 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, DECEMBER 5, 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 1st day of August, 2017.
ATTEST: /s/ W. K. Breazeale
President
/s/ Nason “Tony” Authement
Secretary
___________________
A motion was made was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to add to the agenda to ratify and confirm written quotes received for “Replacement of Chiller and Remote Condensers at J. B. Nachman Elementary” RFQ #18-00 and award project to the lowest responsive and responsible contractor and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith according to policy DJED - Reason to add: Time sensitive. (Item 15)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Crooks, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
___________________
A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to add to the agenda to approve Change Order #2 on “Glenmora High School Additions and Renovations” for (RPSB Bid # 17-20) between the RPSB and Tudor, Inc., increasing the current contract sum of $3,816,800.00 by $29,000.00 (Adding Bid Alternate #3 – Phase II) and thereby increasing the total contract amount to $3,845,800.00 and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith – Reason to add: Time Sensitive and extended time will increase cost. (Item 16)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Crooks, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, 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 hear an update on the TIF Grant, expenditures and encumbrances to date, anticipated spending for the 2017-2018 school year – Reason to add: Time sensitive. (Item 17)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Crooks, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
___________________
A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to add to the agenda to approve a Resolution with The Rapides Foundation for the 2017-2018 Effective Schools Grant and to authorize the Board President to sign any required documentation. (Item 18)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Crooks, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
___________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry 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-1, 5D-6, 5D-7, 5D-15, 5D-16 and 5D-18 were pulled from the consent agenda for discussion.
Item 5D-12 was deleted.
On roll call the vote on the consent agenda was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Crooks, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
Consent agenda: (Item 5)
A. Reports:
1. to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 19-30
B. Action – Minutes
1. to approve the minutes of the 7-5-17 meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 6-20-17 Personnel, Education and Finance Committee meetings, and the 6-26-17 Executive Committee meeting
C. Action – Education
* 1. pulled for the regular agenda.
D. Action – Finance
* 1. to approve personal services contracts, leases, and other such agreements; authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to sign any and all documentation in connection with said contracts; and approve bills paid for the previous month - Ms. Liz Domite
* 2. to approve/adopt any budget changes/amendments – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 31-40
* 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 41
* 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. Kerri Nichols
Pages 42-46
* 5. to receive quarterly report on Maintenance Funds – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 47
* 6. pulled for the regular agenda.
* 7. pulled for the regular agenda.
* 8. to authorize staff to publish notice and advertise the Public Hearing on the Proposed Budgets for 2017-2018 – Ms. Liz Domite
* 9. to approve Interfund Loan from the General Fund to Sales Tax #1 Fund in the amount of $1,800,000 from June 29, 2017 until funds are sufficient to pay, August 1, 2017 – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 49 Source of funding General Fund Amount $1,800,000
* 10. to approve Interfund Loan from the General Fund to Sales Tax #2 Fund in the amount of $1,900,000 from June 29, 2017 until funds are sufficient to pay, August 1, 2017 – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 50 Source of funding General Fund Amount $1,900,000
* 11. to approve Interfund Loan from the General Fund to Sales Tax #3 Fund in the amount of $1,100,000 from June 29, 2017 until funds are sufficient to pay, August 1, 2017 – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 51 Source of funding General Fund Amount $1,100,000
* 12. deleted.
* 13. to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Wednesday, June 21, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. by the Central Office staff to the lowest responsive/responsible bidder(s) for 2017-2018 school year and authorize staff to enter into purchase order contract(s) accordingly – Mrs. Erma Davis
Cafeteria Fresh Produce – RPSB Bid No. FS10-17-18 and award to Earl Roy Produce Co. for $99,165.15
* 14. to approve the request of Calcasieu Parish School Board, Calcasieu Parish Police Jury and St. Bernard Parish School Board to participate in a Cooperative Purchase Agreement with the Rapides Parish School Board for the Renewal of Bid # 15-28 which is for the purchase of Educational Materials (Renewal #17-28) – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 56-58
* 15. pulled for the regular agenda.
* 16. pulled for the regular agenda.
* 17. to amend the previously approved agreement for Follett, adding the Rapides Academy for Advanced Academics and Virtual Learning (RAAAVL) for Destiny District Textbook License and Software Service for one year (Original approved at May 2017 Meeting) – Mrs. Kim Bennett
Pages 73-77 Source of funding General Fund Amount $3,377.48
* 18. pulled for the regular agenda.
E. Action – Discipline (Motion to go into Executive Session for 1, 2 and 3)
* 1. to uphold the Rapides Parish School Board Discipline Review Committee’s recommendation - Mrs. Ruby Smith
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
* Denotes that these items have been through committee
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to receive the report on requiring high school American History to study for one to two weeks in the course to teach the uniqueness of America. Included would be founding fathers, Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and personal incentive and freedom to achieve. (Item 5C-1)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to implement and teach two weeks in the Civics Course to study the uniqueness of America. Included would be founding fathers, Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and personal incentive and freedom to achieve.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Crooks, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
____________________
A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to ratify and confirm written quotes received for “Replacement of Gym Floor at Carter C. Raymond Elementary” RFQ 17-27 and award project to the lowest responsive and responsible contractor and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith according to policy DJED. (Item 5D-6)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to ratify and confirm written quotes received for “Replacement of Gym Floor at Carter C. Raymond Elementary” RFQ 17-27 and award project to the lowest responsive and responsible contractor and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith according to policy DJED and award to Gentry and Holder for $48,000.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Crooks, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall
NAY: Mr. Breazeale
ABSENT: None
THE SUBSTITUTE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Replacement of Gym Floor at Glenmora High” (Bid # 18-02) and award bid to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and contract document requirements and specifications. (Item 5D-7)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Replacement of Gym Floor at Glenmora High” (Bid # 18-02) and award bid to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and contract document requirements and specifications and award to Ceaser Construction for $78,900.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Crooks, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
____________________
A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to enter into an Inter-Agency Agreement with Lagniappe Media of Louisiana for Broadcast Services of Pineville High School Rebel Football Games for the 2017 Season and authorize the Board President to sign said Inter-Agency Agreement (IAA) contingent upon legal counsel review. (Item 5D-15)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to enter into an Inter-Agency Agreement with Lagniappe Media of Louisiana for Broadcast Services of Pineville High School Rebels, Alexandria Senior High Trojans and Tioga High School Indians Football Games for the 2017 Season and authorize the Board President to sign said Inter-Agency Agreement (IAA) contingent upon legal counsel review.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Crooks, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: Mr. Allen
ABSENT: None
THE SUBSTITUTE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to authorize Superintendent and staff to prepare and submit a proposal to Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality seeking 50/50 match funding (from VW settlement) for future purchases of school buses targeting replacement of older diesel buses for buses with more stringent emission standards, thus reducing “NOx”. (Item 5D-16)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to authorize Superintendent and staff to prepare and submit a proposal to Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality seeking 25/75 match funding (from VW settlement) for future purchases of school buses targeting replacement of older diesel buses for buses with more stringent emission standards, thus reducing “NOx” and amount will be 75% of total purchase cost.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Crooks, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
____________________
A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to approve a Professional Services Contract for Speech Therapy. (Item 5D-18)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to approve a Professional Services Contract for Speech Therapy, pending legal review.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Crooks, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to change Policy BBC (Executive Committee) and replace it with LA RS 17:55 (laid over from July Board meeting. (Item 6)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Crooks, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
____________________
A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. John Allen to receive the report and recommendation from the Mentoring Task Force Committee. (Item 7)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. John Allen to implement the recommendation of the Mentoring Task Force Committee on #1, #2 and #3.
Discussion ensued.
A second substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin to send the report and recommendation from the Mentoring Task Force Committee to the Education Committee with a proposal and come back to the Board to evaluate.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the second substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Crooks, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
____________________
Items 9 and 10 were discussed in globo.
A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to discuss the sale of the three (3) acre tract of property located in Section 25, Township Two North, Range Three West, Rapides Parish, Louisiana (Item 9)
and to discuss the sale of the five (5) acre tract of property located in Section Nine (9), Township Two (2) South, Range Two (2) West, Rapides Parish, Louisiana. (Item 10)
Discussion ensued.
An amended motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to declare as surplus the three (3) acre tract of property located in Section 25, Township Two North, Range Three West, Rapides Parish, Louisiana and authorize staff to start the process and engage an independent realtor/appraiser and bring a report back to the Board (Item 9) and to declare as surplus the five (5) acre tract of property located in Section Nine (9), Township Two (2) South, Range Two (2) West, Rapides Parish, Louisiana and authorize staff to start the process and engage an independent realtor/appraiser and bring a report back to the Board. (Item 10)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez that in lieu of declaring the property surplus and selling, that the Board through the General Fund allocate $75,000 to Darrell Rodriguez’ District and allow the Board to keep the property on the three (3) acre tract of property located in Section 25, Township Two North, Range Three West, Rapides Parish, Louisiana (Item 9) and the property on the five (5) acre tract of property located in Section Nine (9), Township Two (2) South, Range Two (2) West, Rapides Parish, Louisiana. (Item 10)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Crooks, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall
NAY: Mr. Barrios, Mr. Breazeale
ABSENT: None
THE SUBSTITUTE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.
____________________
A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to inform the Board of the Superintendent’s membership into the Alexandria Rotary Club. (Item 12)
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale, the Board voted unanimously to receive theinformation of the Superintendent’s membership into the Alexandria Rotary Club.
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to change the date of the Personnel, Education and Finance Committee meetings from August 15, 2017 to August 22, 2017. (Item 13)
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman, the Board voted unanimously to change the date of the Personnel, Education and Finance Committee meetings from August 15, 2017 to August 22, 2017.
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez toenter into a utilities “Right of Way” agreement with Beauregard Electric Cooperative, Inc. for entry onto the board’s “Plainview High School Campus” for placing, rerouting, constructing, repairing, maintaining, etc., electric distribution line or system in accordance with statute and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith contingent upon advising counsel’s legal review and approval. (Item 14)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Crooks, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
____________________
A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to ratify and confirm written quotes received for “Replacement of Chiller and Remote Condensers at J. B. Nachman Elementary” RFQ #18-00 and award project to the lowest responsive and responsible contractor and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith according to policy DJED. (Item 15)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded Mr. John Allen to ratify and confirm written quotes received for “Replacement of Chiller and Remote Condensers at J. B. Nachman Elementary” RFQ #18-00 and award project to the lowest responsive and responsible contractor and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith according to policy DJED and award to Sam’s Air Conditioning Maintenance for $96,000.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Crooks, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to approve Change Order #2 on “Glenmora High School Additions and Renovations” for (RPSB Bid # 17-20) between the RPSB and Tudor, Inc., increasing the current contract sum of $3,816,800.00 by $29,000.00 (Adding Bid Alternate #3 – Phase II) and thereby increasing the total contract amount to $3,845,800.00 and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith. (Item 16)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Dr. Chapman
____________________
A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to hear an update on the TIF Grant, expenditures and encumbrances to date, anticipated spending for the 2017-2018 school year. (Item 17)
Mr. Bill Higgins presented information and discussion ensued.
On motion by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry, the Board voted unanimously to receive an update on the TIF Grant, expenditures and encumbrances to date, anticipated spending for the 2017-2018 school year.
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to approve a Resolution with The Rapides Foundation for the 2017-2018 Effective Schools Grant and to authorize the Board President to sign any required documentation. (Item 18)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Crooks, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR THE RAPIDES FOUNDATION EFFECTIVE SCHOOLS GRANT 2017-2018
To endorse our continued support for the 2017-2018 Rapides Foundation’s Effective Schools Initiative, the Rapides Parish School Board has adopted procedures for continuation of the initiative.
Approved by the Rapides Parish School Board on 8-1-17.
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to receive a report from staff regarding the condition of major building components in District 62. (Item 8)
Mr. Roy Rachal presented information and discussion ensued.
On motion by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall, the Board voted unanimously to receive a report from staff regarding the condition of major building components in District 62.
____________________
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