2017-10-03

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
OF THE

RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Alexandria, Louisiana

October 3, 2017

The Rapides Parish School Board of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, met in regular public session at 5:00 o’clock p.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 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

John Allen, Member

Wilton Barrios, Members

Steve Berry, 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 arrived at the meeting at 5:12 p.m.

____________________

The Colors were presented by the Bolton High School JROTC. The Invocation was pronounced by Rev. Deborah Heathcock of St. James Episcopal Church after which Mr. Keith Breazeale led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

(COPY OF OFFICIAL CALL MAILED TO EACH MEMBER OF THE RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD AND POSTED IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE AT THE MEETING PLACE OF SAID BOARD ON SEPTEMBER 26, 2017)

Alexandria, Louisiana

September 26, 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, OCTOBER 3, 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. Board’s student guest from Alexandria Senior High – Mr. Keith Breazeale

b. Glenmora High School for the bulletin board display in the lobby of the School Board Office for the month of October 2017 – Mr. Clyde Washington

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, 5 and 6)

6. Motion to amend the resolution approving the PLASTIPAK industrial tax exemption adopted at the September 5, 2017 Board meeting to incorporate the remedies granted the Board in the event of the company’s default as provided by the similar resolution adopted by the Rapides Parish Police Jury on September 11, 2017 - Mr. Keith Breazeale

7. Motion to enter into an Interagency Agreement with the Food Bank of Central Louisiana to provide services under the Good Food Project in Rapides Parish Schools and authorize the Board President to sign all documents therewith contingent upon counsel review and Board approval – Mr. Clyde Washington, Mrs. Sandra Franklin, and Mr. Darrell Rodriguez
Pages 1-5

* 8. Motion for the Finance Director to evaluate the 2016 half-cent sales tax collection and plan for the distribution of excess funds to qualified employees of the Rapides Parish School Board as provided in the call. Said distribution to be made annually on the last working day in November prior to the Thanksgiving holidays – Mr. Gerald Crooks

9. Motion to reimburse travel expenses in the amount of $390.39 to Mr. John Allen and travel expenses in the amount of $415.49 to Mr. Willard McCall for attending the 2017 Louisiana Law Workshop held in Baton Rouge on September 14-15, 2017; and to approve the RPSB paying the registration fee of $475 each on behalf of Mr. John Allen and Mr. Willard McCall to attend the workshop – Mr. Keith Breazeale

10. Motion to engage Mr. John Guice to conduct a School Board Training on October 10, 2017 and to approve the cost of training in the amount not to exceed $1,500.00 – Mr. Keith Breazeale

11. Motion to authorize the Board’s Insurance Consultant to negotiate renewal of Excess Worker’s Compensation Insurance Coverage (expiring 12-31-17); should renewal rates exceed CPI, the Board authorizes the consultant to solicit competitive quotes and present the results of same with a recommendation of award to the Board at the December 5, 2017 regular meeting – Mr. Roy Rachal
Source of funding General Fund Amount $81,712.00

12. Motion to accept a donation in the amount of $16,000 from Glenmora High School PTO on behalf of Glenmora High School with said donation being deposited into District 27 Maintenance Fund and designated for purchase of digital sign for the school campus – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 6

13. Motion to enter into a Beverage Agreement between Alexandria Coca-Cola Bottling Company United and the RPSB on behalf of Glenmora High School and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith - Ms. Liz Domite

Pages 7-19

14. Motion to authorize the Secretary to solicit formal quotes for “Replacement of VCT Flooring at Carter C. Raymond Jr. High” (RFQ 18-24) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive the quotes and recommendation to be made to the Board – Ms. Liz Domite

Page 20 Source of funding Flood Insurance Proceeds Amount $15,000.00

15. Motion to reject bids received on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. for “Tioga High School Softball Complex” (Bid No. 17-31) for just cause (over designer’s estimate) and to reauthorize the secretary to advertise for bids for the “Tioga High School Softball Complex” (Bid No. 17-31A) and the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids, a recommendation to be made to the Board – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 21-22 Source of funding District 11 Maintenance

District 11 Bond

Tioga High School Funds

Amount $540,000 (Total)

                16.     Motion to approve Professional Services Contract with Maghan Ferguson, Melanie Stephenson, and Libby Tarver to conduct CLASS observations with lead teachers in local child care and Head Start Centers in accordance with Lead Agency responsibilities –
Mrs. Cindy Rushing
Pages 23-25                                Source of funding 2017-2018 ED Network Lead Agency
                                                                 Amount $20,250.00 (estimate - Ferguson)
                                                                             $15,600.00 (estimate – Stephenson)
                                                                             $ 9,600.00 (estimate - Tarver)

                                                    Total   $45,450.00 (estimate)

17. Motion that RAPPS be authorized to pilot a mentoring program for the district and this program will consist of goals, objectives, activities, and a viable form of evaluation – Mr. John Allen

18. Motion to terminate an employee for job abandonment – Dr. Vicki Younger

Consent agenda: (Item 5)

A. Reports:

1. to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington

Pages 26-39

B. Action – Minutes

1. to approve the minutes of the 9-5-17 meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 8-22-17 Personnel, Education and Finance Committee meetings, the 9-5-17 Discipline Review Committee meeting, and the 8-28-17 Executive Committee meeting

C. Action – Education

* 1. for the Board to consider executing a license agreement and MOU between the RPSB and NextSTEP of Central Louisiana for the access and use of the licensed materials for the sole purpose of education and training all students enrolled in Health Education on dating violence – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 40-46

* 2. to continue the Interagency Agreement with C.O.P.E. for the 2017-2018 school year per attached letter to the Superintendent to aid in the academic advancement of students in the Rapides Parish School District – Mr. Clyde Washington

Pages 47-48

D. Action – Finance

* 1. to approve personal services contracts, leases, and other such agreements; authorize the Board President 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 49-56

* 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 57

*      4.  to receive an update/report on grants, approve grants included therein, and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Mrs. Kerri Nichols
           Pages 58-62

*      5.  to approve the request of Sabine 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
          Page 63

* 6. to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Sale of Surplus Equipment” (Bid No. 18-23) and award bid to the highest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on high bidder meeting all
LA Public Bid Law and Contract document requirements and specifications – Ms. Liz Domite

* 7. to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Pest Control Service” (Bid No. 17-17); and award 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 Various Maintenance Funds Amount $43,200

Food Service Amount $22,800

*      8.    to declare items listed on Exhibit #1 as surplus inventory and to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids (as is/where is) for the “Sale of Surplus Inventory” (Bid No. 18-23A) and the Executive Committee and/or Superintendent and Central Office Staff to
               receive bids, a recommendation to be made to the Board – Ms. Liz Domite
               Pages 64-65

* 9. to approve the hiring of an interim Secretary for the Food Service Administrative Office (present secretary will be on approved leave effective September 11, 2017 – December 22, 2017) – Mrs. Erma Davis

Source of funding Food and Nutrition Services Amount $4,786.00

* 10. to approve and allow the Board President to sign all contracts and documentation for Arthur Smith Middle School to take a trip to Washington D. C. and New York on April 1-6, 2018 – Dr. Dana Nolan
Pages 66-75 Source of funding Parents Amount $15,134.25

* 11. to approve and allow the Board President to sign all contracts and documentation for Buckeye High School Choir to attend a choir field trip to Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida on April 1-5, 2018 – Dr. Dana Nolan

Pages 76-93 Source of funding School Funds Amount $23,000.00

* 12. to approve the annual Renewal Agreement and upgrade for PC Hotline (iBoss) and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation with regards to said renewal – Dr. Luke Purdy

Page 94 Source of funding General Fund Amount $59,572.00

* 13. to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Thursday, September 28, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Polystyrene Serving Trays” (Bid No. 18-18) 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 Food and Nutrition Amount $250,000.00 (estimate)

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

Pages 95-96

             *   15.    to dedicate $65,000.00 to each school site of the RPSB as well as 2 buildings at J. B. Lafargue, the Central Office, the Media Center, and the Curriculum Center from the 2016-2017 General Fund Balance to be expended exclusively on infrastructure
              improvements limited to heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, communications, general building repairs, and playground equipment at each building with review and agreement of the Principal of the school in question, the Superintendent or his designee, the
              Supervisor of Physical Plant, the Director of Finance, and the School Board member in whose district the building is situated; improvements made to parish wide buildings will be approved by a committee made up of the Superintendent, the Supervisor of    Physical Plant, the Director of Finance and the President of the School Board; and to direct the Finance Department to transfer the money to the respective maintenance funds - Mr. Steve Berry

Source of Funding 2016 – 2017 General Fund Balance Amount $3,510,000.00

* 16. to transfer $600,000.00 to the RPSB Bus Capital Outlay Fund from the 2016-2017 General Fund Balance to the Capital Outlay Bus Fund – Mr. Steve Berry

Source of Funding 2016-2017 General Fund Balance Amount $600,000.00

* 17. totransfer $700,000.00 to the RPSB Special Reserve Fund from the 2016-2017 General Fund Balance – Mr. Steve Berry

Source of Funding 2016-2017 General Fund Balance Amount: $700,000.00

* 18. to approve revising Policy KJ (Advertising in the Schools) – Mr. Steve Berry
Page 97

E. Action – Discipline (Motion to go into Executive Session for 1, 2 and 3)

* 1. to uphold the Rapides Parish School Board Discipline Review Committee’s recommendation - Mrs. Ruby Smith

2. to receive an update outlining the progress of each student attending the Rapides Alternative Positive Program for Students (RAPPS) - Mrs. Ruby Smith

3. to receive a report for students successfully completing the requirements for a performance contract – Mrs. Ruby Smith

F. Action – Personnel

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

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

b. new hires in lieu of substitute

c. promotions

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

g. disclosure of new and renewed performance contracts

* 2. to approve leave requests – Dr. Vicki Younger

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

* 4. to approve the addition of one (1) school nurse to the District Organizational Chart – Mrs. Shelly Close

                                                    Source of funding General Fund              Amount $65,000.00

*           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 26^th day of September 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. Keith Breazeale introduced the Board’s student guest, Natalie Daigle, a senior at Alexandria Senior High School, who was recognized for her academic and extracurricular achievements. Also recognized were Natalie’s family and Mr. Jonathan Garrett, principal at Alexandria Senior High School. (Item 4-a)

____________________

The Board recognized Glenmora High School for the bulletin board display in the lobby of the School Board Office for the month of October 2017. (Item 4-b)

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

The agenda was read into the record and discussion ensued.

                          Items 5D-15, 5D-16 and 5D-17 were pulled for discussion.

                          On roll call the vote on the consent agenda was as follows:

AYE: Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Crooks, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios, 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 26-39

E. Action – Education

Pages 27-28

F. Action – Finance

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

Pages 125-150

* 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 151-153

*      4.  to receive an update/report on grants, approve grants included therein, and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Mrs. Kerri Nichols
           Pages 154-157

* 5. to approve the request of Sabine 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
Page 63

* 7. to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Wednesday, September 27, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Pest Control Service” (Bid No. 17-17); and award 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 Bug Blaster for $3,522.46 – Ms. Liz Domite

Source of funding Various Maintenance Funds Amount $43,200

Food Service Amount $22,800

  *     8.    to declare items listed on Exhibit #1 as surplus inventory and to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids (as is/where is) for the “Sale of Surplus Inventory” (Bid No. 18-23A) and the Executive Committee and/or Superintendent and Central Office Staff to
               receive bids, a recommendation to be made to the Board – Ms. Liz Domite
               Pages 64-65

Source of funding Food and Nutrition Services Amount $4,786.00

Pages 76-93 Source of funding School Funds Amount $23,000.00

* 12. to approve the annual Renewal Agreement and upgrade for PC Hotline (iBoss) and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation with regards to said renewal – Dr. Luke Purdy

Page 94 `Source of funding General Fund Amount $59,572.00

Source of funding Food and Nutrition Amount $250,000.00 (estimate)

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

Pages 95-96

* 15. pulled for the regular agenda.

* 16. pulled for the regular agenda.

* 17. pulled for the regular agenda.

* 18. to approve revising Policy KJ (Advertising in the Schools) – Mr. Steve Berry
Page 97

E. Action– Discipline (Motion to go into Executive Session for 1, 2 and 3)

* 1. to uphold the Rapides Parish School Board Discipline Review Committee’s recommendation - Mrs. Ruby Smith

Ø Motion that in lieu of expulsion, Kristin Porter be admitted to the Rapides Alternative Positive Program for Students (RAPPS) until the end of the first semester, December 21, 2017 with the following stipulations: Attend school daily, good grades, no behavior problems and the school provides counseling. 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, Jaedyn Sanders be admitted to the Rapides Alternative Positive Program for Students (RAPPS) for twenty (20) days excluding the 25 already served; all predicted upon good grades, excellent attendance and no behavior problems. 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

F. Action – Personnel

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

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

b. new hires in lieu of substitute

c. promotions

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

g. disclosure of new and renewed performance contracts

* 2. to approve leave requests – Dr. Vicki Younger

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

* 4. to approve the addition of one (1) school nurse to the District Organizational Chart – Mrs. Shelly Close

                                                    Source of funding General Fund              Amount $65,000.00

*            Denotes that these items have been through committee

____________________

A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. John Allen to dedicate $65,000.00 to each school site of the RPSB as well as 2 buildings at J. B. Lafargue, the Central Office, the Media Center, and the Curriculum Center from the 2016-2017 General Fund Balance to be expended exclusively on infrastructure improvements limited to heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, communications, general building repairs, and playground equipment at each building with review and agreement of the Principal of the school in question, the Superintendent or his designee, the Supervisor of Physical Plant, the Director of Finance, and the School Board member in whose district the building is situated; improvements made to parish wide buildings will be approved by a committee made up of the Superintendent, the Supervisor of Physical Plant, the Director of Finance and the President of the School Board; and to direct the Finance Department to transfer the money to the respective maintenance funds. (Item 5D-15)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

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

NAY: None

ABSENT: None

____________________

A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to transfer $600,000.00 to the RPSB Bus Capital Outlay Fund from the 2016-2017 General Fund Balance to the Capital Outlay Bus Fund. (Item 5D-16)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

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

NAY: None

ABSENT: None

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Gerald Crooks and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to transfer $700,000.00 to the RPSB Special Reserve Fund from the 2016-2017 General Fund Balance. (Item 5D-17)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

AYE: Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Crooks, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios, 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 name the gymnasium at Buckeye High School the Stella Sasser Gymnasium and adopt the Resolution – Reason to add: Time sensitive. (Item 19)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote to add was as follows:

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

NAY: None

ABSENT: None

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to review the current policies, procedures and protocols for safe schools and other RPSB facilities, at the October meeting of the RPSB Finance Committee – Reason to add: Time Sensitive. (Item 20)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote to add was as follows:

AYE: Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Crooks, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios, 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 have the RPSB Administrative Staff present a procedure for notifying RPSB members of emergencies, school lock-downs and any other exigent issues - Reason to add: Time Sensitive. (Item 21)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote to add was as follows:

AYE: Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall

NAY: None

ABSENT: None

ABSTAIN: Mr. Allen

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

___________________

A motion was made by Mr. Gerald Crooks and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to amend the resolution approving the PLASTIPAK industrial tax exemption adopted at the September 5, 2017 Board meeting to incorporate the remedies granted the Board in the event of the company’s default as provided by the similar resolution adopted by the Rapides Parish Police Jury on September 11, 2017. (Item 6)

Discussion ensued.

This motion was delayed until later in the meeting.

____________________

A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to enter into an Interagency Agreement with the Food Bank of Central Louisiana to provide services under the Good Food Project in Rapides Parish Schools and authorize the Board President to sign all documents therewith contingent upon counsel review and Board approval. (Item 7)

Discussion ensued.

On motion by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez, the Board voted unanimously to enter into an Interagency Agreement with the Food Bank of Central Louisiana to provide services under the Good Food Project in Rapides Parish Schools and authorize the Board President to sign all documents therewith contingent upon counsel review and Board approval.

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman for the Finance Director to evaluate the 2016 half-cent sales tax collection and plan for the distribution of excess funds to qualified employees of the Rapides Parish School Board as provided in the call. Said distribution to be made annually on the last working day in November prior to the Thanksgiving holidays. (Item 8)

Discussion ensued.

A substitute motion was made by Mr. Gerald Crooks and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry that $1,000,000 be declared surplus from the 2016 sales tax collection. Said surplus to be evenly distributed among all qualified employees at a rate of $250/employee plus all qualified benefits on that amount. Employees are to be paid on November 17, 2017.

Discussion ensued.

A second substitute motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to distribute the total amount of the 2016 Sales Tax collected to qualified employees to be paid November 17, 2017.

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

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

NAY: None

ABSENT: None

____________________

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

____________________

A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to reimburse travel expenses in the amount of $390.39 to Mr. John Allen and travel expenses in the amount of $415.49 to Mr. Willard McCall for attending the 2017 Louisiana Law Workshop held in Baton Rouge on September 14-15, 2017; and to approve the RPSB paying the registration fee of $475 each on behalf of Mr. John Allen and Mr. Willard McCall to attend the workshop. (Item 9)

Discussion ensued.

An amended motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to reimburse travel expenses in the amount of $390.39 to Mr. John Allen and travel expenses in the amount of $172.23 to Mr. Willard McCall for attending the 2017 Louisiana Law Workshop held in Baton Rouge on September 14-15, 2017; and to approve the RPSB paying the registration fee of $475 each on behalf of Mr. John Allen and Mr. Willard McCall to attend the workshop and $239.90 on behalf of Mr. Willard McCall for hotel expenses to attend the conference.

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

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

NAY: None

ABSENT: Mr. Rodriguez

ABSTAIN: Mr. Allen

____________________

A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to engage Mr. John Guice to conduct a School Board Training on October 10, 2017 and to approve the cost of training in the amount not to exceed $1,500.00. (Item 10)

Discussion ensued.

A substitute motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to engage a representative of a law firm to conduct School Board Training each year in October and to approve the cost of training in the amount not to exceed $1,500.00.

Discussion ensued.

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

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

NAY: None

ABSENT: Mr. Rodriguez

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to authorize the Board’s Insurance Consultant to negotiate renewal of Excess Worker’s Compensation Insurance Coverage (expiring 12-31-17); should renewal rates exceed CPI, the Board authorizes the consultant to solicit competitive quotes and present the results of same with a recommendation of award to the Board at the December 5, 2017 regular meeting. (Item 11)

Discussion ensued.

On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman, the Board voted unanimously to authorize the Board’s Insurance Consultant to negotiate renewal of Excess Worker’s Compensation Insurance Coverage (expiring 12-31-17); should renewal rates exceed CPI, the Board authorizes the consultant to solicit competitive quotes and present the results of same with a recommendation of award to the Board at the December 5, 2017 regular meeting.

____________________

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

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

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to accept a donation in the amount of $16,000 from Glenmora High School PTO on behalf of Glenmora High School with said donation being deposited into District 27 Maintenance Fund and designated for purchase of digital sign for the school campus. (Item 12)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

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

NAY: None

ABSENT: Mr. Allen, Mr. McCall

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to enter into a Beverage Agreement between Alexandria Coca-Cola Bottling Company United and the RPSB on behalf of Glenmora High School and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith. (Item 13)

Discussion ensued.

On motion by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale, the Board voted unanimously to enter into a Beverage Agreement between Alexandria Coca-Cola Bottling Company United and the RPSB on behalf of Glenmora High School and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith.

____________________

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

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to authorize the Secretary to solicit formal quotes for “Replacement of VCT Flooring at Carter C. Raymond Jr. High” (RFQ 18-24) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive the quotes and recommendation to be made to the Board. (Item 14)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

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

NAY: None

ABSENT: Mr. Allen

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to reject bids received on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. for “Tioga High School Softball Complex” (Bid No. 17-31) for just cause (over designer’s estimate) and to reauthorize the secretary to advertise for bids for the “Tioga High School Softball Complex” (Bid No. 17-31A) and the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids, a recommendation to be made to the Board. (Item 15)

Discussion ensued.

On motion by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman, the Board voted unanimously to reject bids received on Thursday, August 31, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. for “Tioga High School Softball Complex” (Bid No. 17-31) for just cause (over designer’s estimate) and to reauthorize the secretary to advertise for bids for the “Tioga High School Softball Complex” (Bid No. 17-31A) and the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids, a recommendation to be made to the Board.

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A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to approve Professional Services Contract with Maghan Ferguson, Melanie Stephenson, and Libby Tarver to conduct CLASS observations with lead teachers in local child care and Head Start Centers in accordance with Lead Agency responsibilities. (Item 16)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

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

NAY: None

ABSENT: Mr. Allen

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A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale that RAPPS be authorized to pilot a mentoring program for the district and this program will consist of goals, objectives, activities, and a viable form of evaluation. (Item 17)

Discussion ensued.

A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to defer this item to the October Education Committee.

Discussion ensued.

On the substitute motion by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale, the Board voted unanimously to defer this item to the October Education Committee.

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A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to name the gymnasium at Buckeye High School the Stella Sasser Gymnasium and adopt the Resolution. (Item 19)

Discussion ensued

On motion by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crook, the Board voted unanimously to name the gymnasium at Buckeye High School the Stella Sasser Gymnasium and adopt the Resolution.

State of Louisiana

Parish of Rapides

RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

RESOLUTION

At the regular meeting of the Rapides Parish School Board held on October 3, 2017, the following resolution was introduced to the whole;

RESOLUTION to honor former Buckeye High School Head Girls’ Basketball Coach Stella Sasser for 32 years of service to Rapides Parish School Board and name the Buckeye High School Gymnasium the Stella Sasser Gymnasium in commemoration thereof.

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

WHEREAS, Stella Sasser served in the capacity of a Junior High Coach for one year and Head Girls’ Basketball Coach at Buckeye High for 26 years; and

WHEREAS, The Rapides Parish School Board and Buckeye High School desire to honor Coach Stella Sasser by naming the Buckeye High Gymnasium the Stella Sasser Gymnasium and erecting signage at the entrance in her honor; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Rapides Parish School Board that Buckeye High School Gymnasium is hereby named the “STELLA SASSER GYMNASIUM” in honor of Coach Stella Sasser; it is further

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

The foregoing RESOLUTION was duly introduced, seconded and adopted at the regular meeting of the Rapides Parish School Board held this 3rd day of October in the year 2017 at Alexandria, Rapides Parish, Louisiana.

RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to review the current policies, procedures and protocols for safe schools and other RPSB facilities, at the October meeting of the RPSB Finance Committee. (Item 20)

Discussion ensued.

On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall, the Board voted unanimously to review the current policies, procedures and protocols for safe schools and other RPSB facilities, at the October meeting of the RPSB Finance Committee.

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The Board returned to item 6 for discussion at this time.

Discussion ensued.

A substitute motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to amend the Plastipak Resolution that was previously approved at the September 5, 2017 Board Meeting and adopt Motion #1 as presented.

Discussion ensued.

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

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

NAY: Mrs. Franklin

ABSENT: None

THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.

MOTION NO. 1

MOTION TO AMEND THE RAPIDES PARISH

SCHOOL BOARD MOTION APPROVING PLASTIPAK FOR

PARTICIPATION IN THE INDUSTRIAL TAX EXEMPTION

PROGRAM AT PARDUE ROAD IN PINEVILLE, LOUISIANA

ADOPTED SEPTEMBER 5, 2017

WHEREAS, the Rapides Parish School Board at its regular meeting on September 5, 2017 adopted a resolution approving the application of PLASTIPAK for an industrial tax exemption with respect to its manufacturing facility located in Pineville, Rapides Parish, Louisiana; and

WHEREAS, the Rapides Parish School Board wishes to amend the language of the said resolution relating to the remedies afforded the Board in the event of a default by PLASTIPAK,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that:

The third paragraph of the said resolution on Page 2 of the said resolution beginning with the language “In the event PLASTIPAK fails to complete…” it’s hereby amended the said amended paragraph to provide as follows:

“In the event PLASTIPAK fails to complete its project, or fails to timely meet its performance objectives and/or job creation requirements, including but not limited to the retention or creation of the number of jobs or the achieving or maintaining of the payroll amounts within the time and for the term agreed, as specified in its award agreement; if PLASTIPAK ceases its operation, reduces its employment numbers or payroll amounts to less than 90% of the required amounts; any one of those events or circumstances shall constitute a default under the award agreement, and the Rapides Parish School Board shall have at its option and sole discretion the right to recover from PLASTIPAK all previously exempted taxes that but for this agreement would have been due commencing with the earliest date of the event or circumstances constituting a default under this agreement, and/or to withdraw or modify the exemption for future years. If PLASTIPAK ceases operation at its Pineville, LA facility during the term of this agreement the Rapides Parish School Board shall have at its option and sole discretion the right to recover from PLASTIPAK all previously exempted taxes that but for this agreement would have been due during the period of this agreement.”

IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that by the Rapides Parish School Board that a copy of this amending resolution shall be forwarded to the BCI and the Louisiana Department of Economic Development which is authorized to include this amendment to the original resolution in Exhibit B to the ITE contract between BCI and PLASTIPAK.

THE FOREGOING AMENDING RESOLUTION WAS READ, AND AFTER AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PUBLIC DISCUSSION, ROLL WAS CALLED ON THE ADOPTION THEREOF AND THE VOTE THEREON WAS AS FOLLOWS:

THE SAID RESOLUTION WAS DECLARED:

ADOPTED _ XX______

DEFEATED ____________

On this the ___3rd_____ day of October, 2017.

Keith Breazeale, President

Rapides Parish School Board

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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to terminate an employee for job abandonment. (Item 18)

Discussion ensued.

A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. John Allen to go into Executive Session to discuss the termination of an employee.

Discussion ensued.

A second substitute motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios to uphold the Superintendent’s recommendation to terminate employee, Phillip Whittington, for job abandonment effective immediately October 3, 2017.

Discussion ensued.

On the second substitute motion made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios, the Board voted unanimously to uphold the Superintendent’s recommendation to terminate employee, Phillip Whittington, for job abandonment effective immediately October 3, 2017.

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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