OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Alexandria, Louisiana
December 5, 2017
The Rapides Parish School Board of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, met in regular public session at 5:00 o’clock p.m. on Tuesday, December 5, 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.
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The Colors were presented by the Alexandria Senior High School JROTC. The Invocation was pronounced by Rev. Stewart Holloway of First Baptist Church after which Mr. Wilton Barrios 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 NOVEMBER 29, 2017)
Alexandria, Louisiana
November 29, 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, DECEMBER 5, 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 Tioga High School – Mr. Wilton Barrios
b. Hadnot Hayes Elementary School for the bulletin board display in the lobby of the School Board Office for the month of December 2017 – Mr. Clyde Washington
c. student who received a perfect score of 36 on the ACT – Mrs. Sandra Franklin
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 receive an update and recommendation on staffing – Dr. Vicki Younger
Pages 1-4
* 7. Motion to approve the 2018-2019 School Calendar for the Rapides Parish School District – Mrs. Kim Bennett
Pages 5-11
* 8. Motion to enter into an Interagency Agreement with the Central Louisiana Area Health Education Center for Student Health Awareness and Occupational Opportunities in the Healthcare Field in the High Schools – Mr. Nason Authement and Mr. Roy Rachal
* 9. Motion to consider and take action with respect to adopting a Resolution providing for canvassing the returns and declaring the results of the Special Elections held in (i) Rigolette School District Number 11 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana and (ii) Fifth Ward School District No. 51 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana on Saturday, November 18, 2017 to authorize the continuation of Special Taxes therein – Ms. Liz Domite
10. Motion to consider and take action with respect to announcing that the Parish School Board of Rapides, State of Louisiana, plans to consider adopting a Resolution ordering and calling elections to be held in (i) Big Island School District Number 50 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, (ii) Ruby-Wise School District Number 56 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana and (iii) Lecompte-Lamourie-Woodworth School District No. 57 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana to authorize the issuance of General Obligation Bonds at its meeting on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. at the Parish School Board Office Building, 619 Sixth Street, Alexandria Louisiana – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 12
11. Motion to authorize the secretary to advertise for proposals for “CAT 1 Erate Services” (RFP No. 18-30) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive proposals, a recommendation to be made to the Board and sign any documentation connected therewith – Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding General Fund Amount $115,000
Erate Reimbursement $460,000
Total $575,000
12. Motion to hear a report and exercise the option to extend the “HVAC Air Filter Maintenance Contract” (RFP 17-29) for a six (6) month probationary period and authorize the Board President to sign any documents in connection therewith – Mr. Roy Rachal
Pages 13-20 Source of funding School & Parish Wide Maintenance Funds Amount $106,400.00
13. Motion to approve Change Order #2 on “Plainview High School Additions and Renovations” for (RPSB Bid # 17-21) between the RPSB and M. D. Descant, LLC increasing the contract sum of $2,052,795.00 by (adding BECI damages - $10,113 and other electrical upgrades - $12,198) and thereby increasing the total contract amount to $2,075,106 and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith – Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and Mr. Roy Rachal
Pages 21-22 Source of funding District 58 Bond Fund Amount $22,311.00 (less claim recovery due)
14. Motion that the RPSB request that the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education remove the Rapides Training Academy (RFT) from the accountability program – Reason being is that RTA is classified as a school – However approximately 100% of the enrollment consist of students with severe learning disabilities – Mr. John Allen and Mr. Willard McCall
15. Motion that the Administration develop strategies that will increase the enrollment of the Rapides Academy for Advanced Academics and Virtual Learning (RAAAVL) in such a manner that a minimum of 40% percent of its students will come from failing schools – Mr. John Allen and Mr. Willard McCall
Consent agenda: (Item 5)
A. Reports:
1. to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
B. Action – Minutes
1. to approve the minutes of the 11-7-17 and the 10-26-17 meetings of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 10-17-17 Personnel, Education and Finance Committee meetings, the 10-26-17 Discipline Review Committee meeting and the 10-30-17 Executive Committee meeting
C. Action – Education
* 1. to approve a Professional Services Contract with Achieve3000 for professional development services ($46,200.00) and implementation resources for teachers and students ($2,100.00) for the period of December 6, 2017 through June 30, 2018 and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Mrs. Kim Bennett
Pages 23-25 Source of funding Title II Amount $48,300.00
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 26-39
* 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 40-41
* 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 42-45
* 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. “Purchase of Food Service Equipment” - Bid No. 18-27
Source of funding Food and Nutrition Services Amount $775,000 (estimate)
b. “Poland Jr. High Bus Barn” – Bid No. 18-26
Source of funding District 55 Bond Amount $60,000.00 (estimate)
* 6. to ratify and confirm written quotes received for “Replacement of VCT Flooring at Carter C. Raymond Jr. High” RFQ #18-24 on Thursday, November 30, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. by the Central Office Staff and award project to the lowest responsive and responsible contractor and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith - Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding Insurance Proceeds Amount $15,000.00 (estimate)
* 7. to ratify and confirm bids(s) received on Thursday, November 30, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Band Uniforms for Buckeye High School” (Bid No. 18-19) 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 50 Maintenance Fund Amount $35,000.00 (estimated)
* 8. to approve the Professional Service Contract to transport and deliver U.S.D.A. commodities from Polar Bear Cold Storage to individual schools in Rapides Parish effective January 8, 2018 through June 30, 2018 – Mrs. Erma Davis
Pages 46-47 Source of funding Food Nutrition Amount $22,450.00
` * 9. to require the Finance Department to provide each Board Member an estimate at the August Board meeting of the General Funds Surplus or Deficit - Mr. Wilton Barrios
* 10. to require the Superintendent to order a review of the Maintenance Department to determine work order load, backlog and/or need for additional employees and bring to the February 2018 Board meeting - Mr. Wilton Barrios
* 11. to renew the Operating Lease between ModSpace and the Rapides Parish School Board from November 1, 2017 to October 31, 2018 accordingly to attached documentation and authorize the Board President to sign any necessary documentation in connection therewith – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 48-54 Source of funding District 62 Amount $ 5,095(month) $61,140 (year)
* 12. to approve the annual renewal agreement for Guide K12 and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation with regards to said renewal – Dr. Luke Purdy
Page 55 Source of funding General Fund Amount $32,870.60
E. Action – Discipline (Motion to go into Executive Session for 1, 2 and 3)
* 1. to uphold the Rapides Parish School Board Discipline Review Committee’s recommendation - Mrs. Ruby Smith
2. to receive an update outlining the progress of each student attending the Rapides Alternative Positive Program for Students (RAPPS) - Mrs. Ruby Smith
3. to receive a report for students successfully completing the requirements for a performance contract – Mrs. Ruby Smith
F. Action – Personnel
* 1. receive reports as follows: - Dr. Vicki Younger
a. new hires, pending a satisfactory drug screening and background check
b. new hires in lieu of substitute
c. promotions
d. rescissions, waivers, etc.
e. performance contract renewals
f. resignations and retirements
g. disclosure of new and renewed performance contracts
* 2. to approve leave requests – Dr. Vicki Younger
* 3. to discuss any personnel complaints that may go before the full board for action - Dr. Vicki Younger
* 4. to revise all job descriptions on the current organizational chart to reflect exempt/non-exempt status in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of the U. S. Department of Labor – Dr. Vicki Younger
Pages 56-57
* 5. to approve revisions to the ESL Facilitator Job Description – Dr. Vicki Younger and Mr. Bill Higgins
Pages 58-60
* 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 29th day of November 2017
/s/W. K. Breazeale
President
ATTEST:
/s/Nason Authement
Secretary
S E A L
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Public comment was solicited prior to the vote on items during this meeting.
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Mr. Wilton Barrios introduced the Board’s student guest, Maya Shelby, a senior at Tioga High School, who was recognized for her academic and extracurricular achievements. Also recognized were Maya’s family and Mr. Alan LaCombe, principal at Tioga High School. (Item 4-a)
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The Board recognized Hadnot Hayes Elementary School for the bulletin board display in the lobby of the School Board Office for the month of December 2017. (Item 4-b)
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Mrs. Sandra Franklin introduced Tess Brown, a senior at Bolton High School, who received a perfect score of 36 on the ACT.
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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to consider and take action with respect to adopting a Resolution providing for canvassing the returns and declaring the results of the Special Elections held in (i) Rigolette School District Number 11 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana and (ii) Fifth Ward School District No. 51 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana on Saturday, November 18, 2017 to authorize the continuation of Special Taxes therein. (Item 9)
Mr. Grant Schlueter presented information to the Board and discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to adopt a Resolution providing for canvassing the returns and declaring the results of the Special Elections held in (i) Rigolette School District Number 11 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana and (ii) Fifth Ward School District No. 51 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana on Saturday, November 18, 2017 to authorize the continuation of Special Taxes therein.
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, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTION
A resolution providing for canvassing the returns and declaring the results of the special elections held in (i) Rigolette School District Number 11 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana and (ii) Fifth Ward School District No. 51 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, on Saturday November 18, 2017 to authorize the continuation of special taxes therein.
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, that:
SECTION 1. Canvass. This Governing Authority does now proceed in open and public session to examine the official tabulations of votes cast at the special elections 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, on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2017, and said Governing Authority does further proceed to examine and canvass the returns and declare the results of the special elections.
SECTION 2. Procès Verbal. A Procès Verbal of the canvass of the returns of said elections shall be made and a certified copy thereof shall be forwarded to the Secretary of State, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who shall record the same in his office; another certified copy thereof shall be forwarded to the Clerk of Court and Ex-Officio Recorder of Mortgages in and for the Parish of Rapides, who shall record the same in the Mortgage Records of said Parish; and another copy thereof shall be retained in the archives of this Governing Authority.
SECTION 3. Promulgation of Election Results. The results of said elections shall be promulgated by publication in the manner provided by law.
PROCÈS VERBAL AND PROCLAMATION OF THE CANVASS OF THE VOTES CAST AT THE SPECIAL ELECTIONS HELD IN (I) RIGOLETTE SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER 11 OF RAPIDES PARISH, LOUISIANA AND (II) FIFTH WARD SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 51 OF RAPIDES PARISH, LOUISIANA, ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2017.
BE IT KNOWN AND REMEMBERED that on Tuesday, December 5, 2017, at five o'clock (5:00) p.m., at its regular meeting place, the Parish School Board Office Building, 619 Sixth Street, Alexandria, Louisiana, 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 (the "Districts"), and being the authority ordering the special election held therein on Saturday, November 18, 2017, with the following members present:
Wilton Barrios, Jr., Steve Berry, Gerald Crooks, Willard McCall, Dr. Stephen Chapman, John E. Allen, Jr., Keith Breazeale, Darrell Rodriguez and Sandra Franklin;
There being absent: None;
did, in open and public session, examine the official certified tabulations of votes cast at the said elections, and did examine and canvass the returns of the said elections, there having been submitted at said elections 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?
There was found by said count and canvass that:
(i) there was a total of 615 votes cast IN FAVOR OF Rigolette School District Number 11 Proposition No. 1 and a total of 484 votes cast AGAINST Rigolette School District Number 11 Proposition No. 1, as hereinabove set forth, and it was further found and determined that there was a majority of 131 votes cast IN FAVOR OF Rigolette School District Number 11 Proposition No. 1 as hereinabove set forth;
(ii) there was a total of 628 votes cast IN FAVOR OF Rigolette School District Number 11 Proposition No. 2 and a total of 462 votes cast AGAINST Rigolette School District Number 11 Proposition No. 2, as hereinabove set forth, and it was further found and determined that there was a majority of 166 votes cast IN FAVOR OF Rigolette School District Number 11 Proposition No. 2 as hereinabove set forth; and
(iii) there was a total of 203 votes cast IN FAVOR OF Fifth Ward School District No. 51 Proposition and a total of 232 votes cast AGAINST Fifth Ward School District No. 51 Proposition, as hereinabove set forth, and it was further found and determined that there was a majority of 29 votes cast AGAINST Fifth Ward School District No. 51 Proposition as hereinabove set forth.
Therefore, the Governing Authority did declare and proclaim and does hereby declare and proclaim in open and public session that (i) Rigolette School District Number 11 Proposition No. 1 and Proposition No. 2 as hereinabove set forth were duly CARRIED, and (ii) Fifth Ward School District No. 51 Proposition as hereinabove set forth was duly DEFEATED by a majority of the votes cast by the qualified electors voting at the said special elections held in the respective Districts on Saturday, November 18, 2017.
Results by precinct are available by contacting the Secretary of this Governing Authority during regular business hours or via the Louisiana Secretary of State’s website (voterportal.sos.la.gov).
Exhibit "A" attached hereto and made a part of this Procès Verbal is a copy of the Notice of Special Elections and proof of publication thereof.
THUS DONE AND SIGNED at Alexandria, Louisiana, on this, the 5th day of December, 2017.
ATTEST: /s/ W. K. Beazeale
President
/s/ Nason “Tony” Authement
Secretary
EXHIBIT "A"
NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTIONS
Pursuant to the provisions of a resolution adopted by the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana (the "Governing Authority"), acting as the governing authority of (i) Rigolette School District Number 11 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana 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 therefor as may be selected and designated in accordance with La. R.S. 18:1287, will make due returns thereof to said Governing Authority, and NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Governing Authority will meet at its regular meeting place, the Parish School Board Office Building, 619 Sixth Street, Alexandria, Louisiana, on TUESDAY, 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
PROCLAMATION
I, the undersigned President of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana, 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"), do hereby declare, proclaim and announce that Rigolette School District Number 11 Proposition No. 1 and Proposition No. 2 submitted at the special election held in Rigolette School District Number 11 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana were CARRIED and that the Proposition submitted at the special election held in Fifth Ward School District No. 51 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana was DEFEATED by a majority of the votes cast at the said special elections held in the respective Districts on Saturday, November 18, 2017, all as described and set out in the above Procès Verbal.
THUS DONE AND SIGNED at Alexandria, Louisiana, on this, the 5th day of December, 2017.
/s/ W. K. Breazeale
President
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF RAPIDES
I, the undersigned Secretary of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana (the "Governing Authority"), 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"), do hereby certify that the foregoing pages constitute a true and correct copy of the proceedings and Procès Verbal made by said Governing Authority on Tuesday, December 5, 2017, providing for canvassing the returns and declaring the results of the special elections held in the Districts on Saturday, November 18, 2017, to authorize the continuation of special taxes therein.
IN FAITH WHEREOF, witness my official signature at Alexandria, Louisiana, on this, the 5th day of December, 2017.
____________________
A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to consider and take action with respect to announcing that the Parish School Board of Rapides, State of Louisiana, plans to consider adopting a Resolution ordering and calling elections to be held in (i) Big Island School District Number 50 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, (ii) Ruby-Wise School District Number 56 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana and (iii) Lecompte-Lamourie-Woodworth School District No. 57 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana to authorize the issuance of General Obligation Bonds at its meeting on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. at the Parish School Board Office Building, 619 Sixth Street, Alexandria Louisiana. (Item 10)
Mr. Grant Schlueter presented information to the Board and discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to approve announcing that the Parish School Board of Rapides, State of Louisiana, plans to consider adopting a Resolution ordering and calling elections to be held in (i) Big Island School District Number 50 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, (ii) Ruby-Wise School District Number 56 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana and (iii) Lecompte-Lamourie-Woodworth School District No. 57 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana to authorize the issuance of General Obligation Bonds at its meeting on Tuesday, January 9, 2018 at 5:00 p.m. at the Parish School Board Office Building, 619 Sixth Street, Alexandria Louisiana.
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, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to approve the consent agenda. (Item 5)
The agenda was read into the record and discussion ensued.
Items 5F-4 and 5F-5 were pulled for discussion.
On roll call the vote on the consent agenda was as follows:
AYE: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
Consent agenda: (Item 5)
A. Reports:
1. to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
B. Action – Minutes
1. to approve the minutes of the 11-7-17 and the 10-26-17 meetings of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 10-17-17 Personnel, Education and Finance Committee meetings, the 10-26-17 Discipline Review Committee meeting and the 10-30-17 Executive Committee meeting
C. Action – Education
* 1. to approve a Professional Services Contract with Achieve3000 for professional development services ($46,200.00) and implementation resources for teachers and students ($2,100.00) for the period of December 6, 2017 through June 30, 2018 and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Mrs. Kim Bennett
Pages 23-25 Source of funding Title II Amount $48,300.00
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 26-39
* 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 40-41
* 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 42-45
* 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. “Purchase of Food Service Equipment” - Bid No. 18-27 Source of funding Food and Nutrition Services Amount $775,000 (estimate)
b. “Poland Jr. High Bus Barn” – Bid No. 18-26 Source of funding District 55 Bond Amount $60,000.00 (estimate)
* 6. to ratify and confirm written quotes received for “Replacement of VCT Flooring at Carter C. Raymond Jr. High” RFQ #18-24 on Thursday, November 30, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. by the Central Office Staff and award project to the lowest responsive and responsible contractor and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith and award to Joseph’s Wallpaper and Paint in the amount of $29,959.14 - Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding Insurance Proceeds
* 7. to ratify and confirm bids(s) received on Thursday, November 30, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Band Uniforms for Buckeye High School” (Bid No. 18-19) 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 Stanbury Uniforms, Inc. in the amount of $35,030.00 – Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding District 50 Maintenance Fund
* 8. to approve the Professional Service Contract to transport and deliver U.S.D.A. commodities from Polar Bear Cold Storage to individual schools in Rapides Parish effective January 8, 2018 through June 30, 2018 – Mrs. Erma Davis
Pages 46-47 Source of funding Food Nutrition Amount $22,450.00
` * 9. to require the Finance Department to provide each Board Member an estimate at the August Board meeting of the General Funds Surplus or Deficit - Mr. Wilton Barrios
* 10. to require the Superintendent to order a review of the Maintenance Department to determine work order load, backlog and/or need for additional employees and bring to the February 2018 Board meeting - Mr. Wilton Barrios
* 11. to renew the Operating Lease between ModSpace and the Rapides Parish School Board from November 1, 2017 to October 31, 2018 accordingly to attached documentation and authorize the Board President to sign any necessary documentation in connection therewith – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 48-54 Source of funding District 62 Amount $ 5,095(month) $61,140 (year)
* 12. to approve the annual renewal agreement for Guide K12 and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation with regards to said renewal – Dr. Luke Purdy
Page 55 Source of funding General Fund Amount $32,870.60
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 thatin lieu of expulsion, Brendon Banks be admitted to the Rapides Alternative Positive Program for Students (RAPPS) until December 21, 2017 and thereafter be readmitted to the zoned school January 8, 2018 with the following stipulation: There shall be no disciplinary problems for the remainder of the 2017-2018 school year; otherwise the entire expulsion shall be served; 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 in lieu of expulsion, Zayne Randall be admitted to the Rapides Academy for Advanced Academics and Virtual Learning (RAAAVL) until December 21, 2017 and thereafter be readmitted to the zoned school January 8, 2018 with the following stipulations: The Superintendent and Principal shall monitor the student’s activities, do a monthly evaluation and present it to the Board; 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 in lieu of expulsion, Jordan Stampley be admitted to the Rapides Alternative Positive Program for Students (RAPPS) until December 21, 2017 and thereafter be admitted to the zoned school January 8, 2018 providing there is an improvement in grades and no disciplinary problems; all conditioned upon a probationary agreement to be executed by the student, parent and Superintendent within five (5) days otherwise the principal’s recommendation is upheld.
2. to receive an update outlining the progress of each student attending the Rapides Alternative Positive Program for Students (RAPPS) - Mrs. Ruby Smith
3. to receive a report for students successfully completing the requirements for a performance contract – Mrs. Ruby Smith
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. pulled for regular agenda.
* 5. pulled for the regular agenda.
* Denotes that these items have been through committee
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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to revise all job descriptions on the current organizational chart to reflect exempt/non-exempt status in compliance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) of the U. S. Department of Labor. (Item 5F-4)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall
to defer this item to the January personnel Committee.
Discussion ensued.
On the substitute motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall, the Board voted unanimously to defer this item to the January personnel Committee.
____________________
A motion was made by Mrs. Sandra Franklin and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to approve revisions to the ESL Facilitator Job Description. (Item 5F-5)
Discussion ensued.
On the substitute motion by Mrs. Sandra Franklin and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry, the Board voted unanimously to defer this item to the January personnel Committee
____________________
A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to receive an update and recommendation on staffing. (Item 6)
Dr. Vicki Younger presented information to the Board at this time.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks for the RPSB to accept the recommendation of the Administration on adding these (3) teaching positions and the (5) paraprofessional positions.
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, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to approve the 2018-2019 School Calendar for the Rapides Parish School District. (Item 7)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall for the RPSB to accept the recommendation of the Administration for the 2018-2019 School Calendar for Option #3.
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, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to enter into an Interagency Agreement with the Central Louisiana Area Health Education Center for Student Health Awareness and Occupational Opportunities in the Healthcare Field in the High Schools. (Item 8)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Mrs. Franklin
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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to authorize the secretary to advertise for proposals for “CAT 1 Erate Services” (RFP No. 18-30) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive proposals, a recommendation to be made to the Board and sign any documentation connected therewith. (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, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to hear a report and exercise the option to extend the “HVAC Air Filter Maintenance Contract” (RFP 17-29) for a six (6) month probationary period and authorize the Board President to sign any documents in connection therewith. (Item 12)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to extend the “HVAC Air Filter Maintenance Contract” (RFP 17-29) for a six (6) month probationary period and authorize the Board President to sign any documents in connection therewith.
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, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to approve Change Order #2 on “Plainview High School Additions and Renovations” for (RPSB Bid # 17-21) between the RPSB and M. D. Descant, LLC increasing the contract sum of $2,052,795.00 by (adding BECI damages - $10,113 and other electrical upgrades - $12,198) and thereby increasing the total contract amount to $2,075,106 and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith. (Item 13)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to approve Change Order #2 on “Plainview High School Additions and Renovations” for (RPSB Bid # 17-21) between the RPSB and M. D. Descant, LLC increasing the contract sum of $2,052,795.00 by $3,685.00 (adding BECI damages - $10,113 and other electrical adds and deducts) and thereby increasing the total contract amount to $2,056,480 and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith.
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, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall that the RPSB request that the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education remove the Rapides Training Academy (RFT) from the accountability program – Reason being is that RTA is classified as a school – However approximately 100% of the enrollment consist of students with severe learning disabilities. (Item 14)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall that the RPSB request that the Administration request that the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education remove the Rapides Training Academy (RFT) from the accountability program – Reason being is that RTA is classified as a school – However approximately 100% of the enrollment consist of students with severe learning disabilities.
Discussion ensued.
On the substitute motion made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall, the Board voted unanimously that the RPSB request that the Administration request that the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education remove the Rapides Training Academy (RFT) from the accountability program – Reason being is that RTA is classified as a school – However approximately 100% of the enrollment consist of students with severe learning disabilities.
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall that the Administration develop strategies that will increase the enrollment of the Rapides Academy for Advanced Academics and Virtual Learning (RAAAVL) in such a manner that a minimum of 40% percent of its students will come from failing schools. (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, Mr. Breazeale
ABSENT: None
THE MOTION FAILED.
____________________
A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to add to the agenda to authorize the secretary to solicit quotes for “Replacement of Chiller at Julius Patrick Elementary” (RFQ 18-31) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive the quotes - Reason to add: Time Sensitive - chiller is down. (Item 16)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add to the agenda was as follows:
AYE: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Crooks, Mr. Breazeale
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
____________________
A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks to authorize the secretary to solicit quotes for “Replacement of Chiller at Julius Patrick Elementary” (RFQ 18-31) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive the quotes. (Item 16)
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Gerald Crooks, the Board voted unanimously to authorize the secretary to solicit quotes for “Replacement of Chiller at Julius Patrick Elementary” (RFQ 18-31) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive the quotes.
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. John Allen and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to add to the agenda to give employees an additional $700.00 bonus for Christmas and source of funding is from the Special Reserve Fund in the amount of approximately $1,587,000.00 - Reason to add: Time sensitive. (Item 17)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add to the agenda was as follows:
AYE:
NAY: Dr. Chapman
ABSENT: None
THE MOTION WAS NOT ADDED DUE TO LACK OF UNANIMOUS VOTE.
____________________
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