OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Alexandria, Louisiana

      April 2, 2019

 

                        The Rapides Parish School Board of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, met in regular public session at 5:00 o’clock p.m. on Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at the regular meeting place of said board in the Rapides Parish School Board Office, 619 Sixth and Beauregard Streets, in Alexandria, Louisiana.

 

                        President Wilton Barrios called the meeting to order and on roll call the following members were present: 

 

                                                            Wilton Barrios, President

 

                                                            Darrell Rodriguez, Vice President

 

                                                            Steve Berry, Member

 

                                                            Keith Breazeale, Member 

 

                                                            Willard McCall, Member

 

                                                            Mark Dryden, Member

 

                                                            Linda McMahon, Member                                           

 

                        Absent:                        Stephen Chapman, Member

 

                        Absent:                        Sandra Franklin, 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 Master Sergeant Roderick Jackson of New Life Outreach Church and ROTC Instructor at Pineville High School after which Mr. Mark Dryden led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

(COPY OF OFFICIAL CALL MAILED TO EACH MEMBER OF THE RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD AND POSTED IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE AT THE MEETING PLACE OF SAID BOARD ON MARCH 27, 2019)

Alexandria, Louisiana

    March 27, 2019

 

Dear Sir/Madam:

                                                       

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

 

TUESDAY, APRIL 2, 2019

 

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 Glenmora High School – Mr. Darrell Rodriguez

 

b.  Peabody Montessori Elementary School for the bulletin board display in the lobby of the School Board Office for the month of April 2019 – Mr. Clyde Washington

 

b.      Rapides Parish School Board Artists’ Spotlight – Mrs. Kim Bennett

 

c.      Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) student – Ms. LaRunda Hobbs Pierce

 

 

e.  Abena Berko from Bolton High School for winning the Rapides Parish American Legion Oratorical Contest - Mrs. Sarah Butler

 

f.   Student and Paraprofessional from Poland Jr. High for being honored by the Louisiana Council for Exceptional Children on February 24, 2019 – Mr. Nason Authement and Mr. Charles Stevens

 

g.  Bus drivers, Ashley Nunnally and Dexter Edwards, for going above and beyond their duties – Mr. Steve Berry

 

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 approve revised job descriptions: - Ms. Naomi Jones

 

                        a.         Chief Financial Officer

                        b.         Executive Assistant Superintendent of Administration

c.  Executive Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction

Pages 1-9

 

            *  7.      Motion to adopt a Resolution to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor for participation in the Volkswagen Mitigation Trust Settlement with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (Louisiana Government Contract No. 2000399192) and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith pending review and approval of advising counsel – Mr. Nason Authement and Mr. Roy Rachal

                        Pages 10-25           Source of funding General Fund     Amount $3,634,695.00 (over three year period – LDEQ match will be)     $1,211,565.00 (over the three year period)

 

               8.      Motion to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids for “Purchase of School Uniforms and Supplies” (Bid No. 19-510 and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids, a recommendation to be made to the Board and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation connected therewith – Ms. Liz Domite

                            Source of funding Homeless Grant and Title I Funds    Amount $50,000 (estimate)

 

               9.      Motion to approve the superintendent's proposed changes to the TAP model beginning with the 2019-2020 school year – Mr. Nason Authement

                        Pages 26-29

           

             10.      Motion to inform the Board on the financial impact of the MFP Mid-Year Adjustment for 2018-2019 Budget – Ms. Liz Domite

 

         *   11.      Motion to instruct the Superintendent and Finance Director to find the funds within the General Fund to grant all employees a 3% pay raise for the year beginning 2019-2020 – Mr. Wilton Barrios

                        Pages 30-41

 

            *  12.    Motion to get Administration to present various options and cost to address the situation at Arthur Smith, also, to include the estimate to convert current HVAC System as one of those options – Mr. Keith Breazeale

                        Pages 42-53

           

   13.    Motion to hear a report and recommendation from Superintendent and Transportation Director with regards to the installation of GPS devices on all buses under State of Louisiana Competitive contract #4400000952 and authorize the Board President to sign documentation in connection therewith – Ms. Liz Domite

                        Pages 54-58     Source of funding General Fund             Amount $60,000.00

 

   14.    Motion to hear a report, discuss and take action on the Bolton Auditorium Stage Rigging System (Project/Bid No. 18-52) - Mr. Roy Rachal

                        Pages 59-66          Source of funding District 62 School Maintenance and Fund Balance    Amount $498,000 (estimate)

 

   15.    Motion to go into Executive Session to discuss litigation filed by Rapides Parish School Board, Citation No. 254,644-F, in Ninth Judicial District Court, Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana Titled “Rapides Parish School Board versus Zurich American Insurance Co., ET AL” – Mr. Roy Rachal 

           

   16.    Motion to go into Executive Session to discuss Litigation, Citation No. 210,322, in Ninth Judicial District Court, Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana Titled ”Patricia Powell vs. Rapides Parish School Board” – Mr. Roy Rachal

 

   17.    Motion to have the Administration report the findings on Arthur F. Smith as it relates to an air quality assessment, health assessment and mold assessment - Mrs. Sandra Franklin

 

            Consent agenda: (Item 5)

 

A.     Reports:

 

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

Pages 67-93

 

B.     Action – Minutes

 

1.   to approve the minutes of the 3-6-19 and 2-19-19 meetings of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 2-19-19 Personnel, Education, Finance and District 62 Committee meetings, and the 2-25-19 Executive Committee meeting

 

C.     Action – Education

 

1.      to inform the Board of the district’s receipt of a charter school application – Mr. Nason Authement

 

2.      to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with SOWELA Technical Community College to offer instruction to eligible students of the Rapides Parish School Board for the simultaneous award of both college and high school credit – Ms. LaRunda Hobbs Pierce

Pages 94-98           Source of funding CTE Funds    Amount (As Per Invoiced)

 

3.      to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Edge Factor, Inc. pertaining strictly to Edge Factor creating marketing videos to highlight Rapides Parish Schools Career and Technical Education Programs and Jump Start Pathways offered within the school district – Ms. LaRunda Hobbs Pierce

Pages 99-102         Source of funding Career and Technical Education   Amount $23,825.00

 

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 103-112

                       

            *   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 113-114

 

            *     4.   to receive a budget update for General Fund and Food and Nutrition Fund as required by Statewide Agreed Upon Procedures by LA Legislative Auditors – Ms. Liz Domite

                       Pages 115-119

           

              *   5.   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 120-124

 

            *     6    to advertise for bids for the Board’s Fiscal Agents for the two (2) year period beginning July 1, 2019 with a recommendation to be made to the Board – Ms. Liz Domite

 

            *   7.    to approve Interfund Loan from the General Fund to District 11 Debt Retirement Fund in the amount of $440,000 from February 21, 2019 until funds are sufficient to pay, April 1, 2019 – Ms. Liz Domite

                       Page125       Source of funding General Fund           Amount $440,000.00

 

            *   8.   to ratify and confirm bids received on Friday, March 29, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Purchase of Cafeteria Equipment” (Bid # 19-45A) and award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and contract document requirement and specifications – Ms. Liz Domite

                      Source of funding School Food Service Funds             Amount $235,000

 

            *   9.   toapprove and allow the Board President to sign all contracts and documentation for Northwood High School Student Council to go to Pittsburgh, PA – Dr. Dana Nolan

                  Pages 126-131   Source of funding School Funds        Amount $800 - $1,000 (per student)

 

            * 10.   to inform the Board of the 2019 Summer Feeding Sites as follows: - Mrs. Erma Davis

           

June 3-28, 2019:  Cherokee Elementary, Forest Hill Jr. High, Martin Park Elementary, North Bayou Rapides, Tioga Elementary, Peabody Magnet High, Tioga High, Alexandria Sr. High and Rosenthal Montessori

July 29 -August 1, 2019   Plainview High, Alexandria Sr. High, Bolton High, Buckeye High, Glenmora High, Northwood High, Peabody Magnet High, Rapides High, and Tioga High

Source of funding Food Service

 

            * 11.   to authorize the secretary to exercise the option to renew the contract under the same terms and conditions for the 2019-2020 school year with written mutual agreement of vendors and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation connected therewith – Ms. Liz Domite

 

a.                “Above Ground Grease Holding Tank Service” (Bid No. 10-25) renewal with Bonnette& Sons, LLC (Renewal Bid No. 19-38)

Source of funding School Food and Nutrition Funds                    Amount $6,000.00

 

b.                “Pest Control Management Services” (Bid No. 17-17) renewal with Bug, Blasters,  LLC (Renewal Bid No. 19-17)

Source of funding Various Maintenance, School Fund and Nutrition Funds            Amount $42,270.00

 

c.                “Professional Drug Testing Services” (RFQ No. 18-11) renewal with Louisiana Occupational Health Services” (Renewal RFQ No. 19-11)

Source of funding General Fund             Amount $70,000.00

           

d.                “Purchase of Art Materials and Supplies” (Bid No. 18-44) renewal with Blick Art Materials, LLC and S & S Worldwide (Renewal Bid No. 19-49)

Source of funding Various Funding         Amount Based on District Needs

 

e.         “Purchase of Educational Materials and Supplies” (Bid No. 15-28) renewal with Unity Education Resources, School Specialty, Inc., School Aids, Inc. and Lakeshore Learning Materials (Renewal Bid No. 19-28)

Source of funding Various Funds           Amount Based on Needs and Available Funding

 

f.          “Purchase of Propane Gas” (Bid No. 17-10A) renewal with Jim’s South Butane-Propane, Inc. (Renewal Bid No. 19-10)

Source of funding District 51 and District 58 Maintenance Fund  Amount $40,000.00

 

g.         “Purchase of Science Materials and Supplies” (Bid No. 17-16) renewal with Sargent Welch and Frey Scientific, LLC. (Renewal Bid No. 19-16)

Source of funding General Fund             Amount $40,000.00

 

            * 12.   to authorize the Board’s Insurance Consultant to initiate renewal negotiations for Student Accident Insurance for the 2019-2020 school year at same annual premium or minimally shall not increase to exceed the CPI; should increases exceed same in final negotiations, the Board directs consultant to solicit and receive bids with a recommendation to be made to the Board – Mr. Roy Rachal

                      Source of funding General Fund                   Amount $278,042.00 (estimate)

        

            * 13.   to authorize the Board’s Insurance Consultant to initiate renewal negotiations for TPA Services and Property and Casualty Insurance for the 2019-2020 school year at same terms, conditions, and annual premium or minimally shall not increase to exceed the CPI (as of March 2019); should increases exceed same in final negotiations, the Board directs consultant to solicit and receive quotes with a recommendation to be made to the Board at the June Regular Board Meeting – Mr. Roy Rachal

                     Source of funding General Fund      Amount $860,000.00 (estimate)

 

            * 14.   to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with Ward 10 Recreation District of Rapides Parish to located board owned small modular building upon the immovable property (adjacent to existing softball field used by RPSB) owned by Ward 10 to serve as dressing rooms and storage and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Mr. Wilton Barrios

                      Pages 132-135  Source of funding District 11 Maintenance Fund  Amount $25,000.00 (estimate)

 

            * 15.   to approve and allow the Board President to sign all contracts and documentation for Tioga High School Band to go to San Antonio, TX - Dr. Dana Nolan

                     Pages 136-155   Source of funding School Funds   Amount $10,560.00 ($200.00 per student)

 

            * 16.  to approve and allow the Board President to sign all contracts and document for Tioga Junior High to go on a trip to Dallas, TX to perform at Music in the Parks on May 10-12, 2019 - Mrs. Brandy Lawrence

                    Pages 156-162    Source of funding School Funds    Amount $9,500.00 ($320 per student)

 

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: - Ms. Naomi Jones

                        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 – Ms. Naomi Jones

 

              * 3. to discuss any personnel complaints that may go before the full board for action - Ms. Naomi Jones

 

              *4.  to revise job descriptions – Ms. Naomi Jones 

                    Pages 163-167

 

              * 5. to inform the Board of the potential of part time teachers for the 2019-2020 school year and beyond – Ms. Naomi Jones

                    Pages 168-169

 

              * 6.  to have Administration present a report to include the following: – Mr. Keith Breazeale

             a.         Number of teachers at each school identified by each school

             b.         Absenteeism of teachers at each school by number and days

c.        Dollar amount paid for substitutes by each school

Pages 170-181

 

 *           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 March 2019

                                                                                                                        /s/Wilton Barrios

                                                                                                                                 President         

     ATTEST:

      /s/Nason Authement

            Secretary

     S E A L

 

____________________

 

            Public comment was solicited prior to the vote on items during this meeting.

____________________

 

            Mr. Darrell Rodriguez introduced the Board’s student guest, Benjamin Fonville, a senior at Glenmora High School, who was recognized for his academic and extracurricular achievements. Also recognized were Benjamin’s family and the principal at Glenmora High School. (Item 4-a)

____________________

 

            The Board recognized Peabody Montessori Elementary School for the bulletin board display in the lobby of the School Board Office for the month of April 2019. (Item 4-b)

____________________

           

            The Board recognized Rapides Parish School Board Artists’ Spotlight. (Item 4-c) 

 

                        Pineville High School

                        Martin Park Elementary School

____________________

 

            The Board recognized Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) student. (Item 4-d)

____________________

 

            The Board recognized Abeno Berko from Bolton High School for winning the Rapides Parish American Legion Oratorical Contest. (Item 4-e)

____________________

 

            The Board recognized Student and Paraprofessional from Poland Jr. High for being honored by the Louisiana Council for Exceptional Children on February 24, 2019 -  Baylor Dupuy and Crystal Blue. (Item 4-f)         

____________________

 

            The Board recognized Bus drivers, Ashley Nunnally and Dexter Edwards, for going above and beyond their duties. (Item 4-g)

____________________

 

            A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to add to the agenda to authorize the secretary to advertise for request for proposals for “Turnkey Purchase and Installation of Intercom and Bell System at Pineville Elementary” (RFP No. 19-47) 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 authorize the Board President to sign any documentation connected therewith – Reason to add: Time Sensitive to install this summer. (Item 18)

           

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        On roll call the vote to add to the agenda was as follows:

 

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

 

NAY:                None

 

ABSENT:          None

____________________

 

            A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to add to the agenda to modify the 2018-2019 School Calendar as follows: - May 20th to be the last day for students and May 21st to be a Professional Development Day for teachers and staff – Reason to add: Time sensitive. (Item 19)

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        On roll call the vote to add to the agenda was as follows:

 

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

 

NAY:                None

 

ABSENT:          None

____________________

 

            A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to add to the agenda to approve an agreement with the Rapides Parish School Board and the Rapides Parish Coliseum for high school graduations: Pineville High on May 10th, Peabody Magnet High on May 12th and Alexandria Senior High on May 13th – Reason to add: Time sensitive. (Item 20)

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        On roll call the vote to add to the agenda was as follows:

 

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

 

NAY:                None

 

ABSENT:          None

____________________

 

            A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to add to the agenda to approve an MOU with Rapides Parish Career and Technical Program and the Rapides Early Childhood Network and authorize the Rapides Parish Superintendent to sign any required documentation - Reason to add: Time sensitive. (Item 21)

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        On roll call the vote to add to the agenda was as follows:

 

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

 

NAY:                None

 

ABSENT:          None

_____________________

 

            A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to add to the agenda to approve and allow the Board President to sign all contracts and documentation for Buckeye High School 6th grade students to go to Houston, TX – Reason to add: Time sensitive. (Item 22)

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        On roll call the vote to add to the agenda was as follows:

 

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

 

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 a report and recommendation from Babcock Consulting Group regarding the Employee and Retiree Insurance Benefits Program; direct administration to conduct a vote of the active and retired participants of the Office of Group Benefits as a result of the recommendation and approve the engagement of legal counsel if necessary in connection therewith – Reason to add: Time Sensitive. (Item 23)

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        On roll call the vote to add to the agenda was as follows:

 

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

 

NAY:                None

 

ABSENT:          None

____________________

 

            Items 12 and 17 were discussed in globo.

 

            A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to get Administration to present various options and cost to address the situation at Arthur Smith, also, to include the estimate to convert current HVAC System as one of those options. (Item 12); and to have the Administration report the findings on Arthur F. Smith as it relates to an air quality assessment, health assessment and mold assessment. (Item 17)

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

            A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to adopt one of the three options as presented by Administration regarding Arthur Smith Middle Magnet School.

 

            A lengthy discussion ensued. Comments were made from the Board and from the audience. 

 

            A second substitute motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin to adopt Option #2 regarding Arthur Smith Middle Magnet School and to advertise for bids and engage an architect to be funded with District 62 funds as follows:

 

               Option #2 as follows: Direct Exchange HVAC System

                                                Delete current close-loop heat/cool system and install Direct Exchange (DX) units in all spaces

                                                Equipment & Labor       $350,000

                                                Detailed Remediation     $ 50,000

                                                14% A & E Fee             $ 49,000

                                                Total Cost                    $449,000

 

                        Discussion ensued.

           

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

 

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

 

NAY:                Mr. Breazeale

 

ABSENT:          None

 

THE SECOND SUBSTITUTE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.

____________________

            Let the record reflect that Dr. Stephen Chapman left the meeting at this time.

____________________

 

  A motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to read the consent agenda. (Item 5)

 

                        The agenda was read into the record and discussion ensued.

 

                        Item 5C-3 was pulled from the consent agenda for discussion.

 

            A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to approve the consent agenda omitting the pulled item.

 

            On roll call the vote on the substitute motion to approve the consent agenda was as follows:

 

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

 

NAY:                None

ABSENT:          Dr. Chapman

 

Consent agenda: (Item 5)

 

A.     Reports:

 

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

      Pages 67-93

 

B.     Action – Minutes

 

1.      to approve the minutes of the 3-6-19 and 2-19-19 meetings of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 2-19-19 Personnel, Education, Finance and District 62 Committee meetings, and the 2-25-19 Executive Committee meeting

 

C.     Action – Education

 

1.      to inform the Board of the district’s receipt of a charter school application – Mr. Nason Authement

 

2.      to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with SOWELA Technical Community College to offer instruction to eligible students of the Rapides Parish School Board for the simultaneous award of both college and high school credit – Ms. LaRunda Hobbs Pierce

                        Pages 94-98                 Source of funding CTE Funds    Amount (As Per Invoiced)

 

3.      pulled for the regular agenda.

 

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 103-112

                       

          *   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 113-114

 

            *     4.   to receive a budget update for General Fund and Food and Nutrition Fund as required by Statewide Agreed Upon Procedures by LA Legislative Auditors – Ms. Liz Domite

                       Pages 115-119

 

              *   5.   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 120-124

 

              *   6.    to advertise for bids for the Board’s Fiscal Agents for the two (2) year period beginning July 1, 2019 with a recommendation to be made to the Board – Ms. Liz Domite

 

            *   7.   to approve Interfund Loan from the General Fund to District 11 Debt Retirement Fund in the amount of $440,000 from February 21, 2019 until funds are sufficient to pay, April 1, 2019 – Ms. Liz Domite

                    Page 125                             Source of funding General Fund                Amount $440,000.00

 

              *   8.   to ratify and confirm bids received on Friday, March 29, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Purchase of Cafeteria Equipment” (Bid # 19-45A) and award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and contract document requirement and specifications and award to Douglas Equipment for $39,020.71, to Associated Food for $196,477.00 and to Lafayette Restaurant for $20,129.24

 

            *   9.    to approve and allow the Board President to sign all contracts and documentation for Northwood High School Student Council to go to Pittsburgh, PA – Dr. Dana Nolan

                   Pages 126-131    Source of funding School Funds    Amount $800 - $1,000 (per student)

 

            *  10.    to inform the Board of the 2019 Summer Feeding Sites as follows: - Mrs. Erma Davis

           

                        June 3-28, 2019:  Cherokee Elementary, Forest Hill Jr. High, Martin Park Elementary, North Bayou Rapides, Tioga Elementary, Peabody Magnet High, Tioga High, Alexandria Sr. High and Rosenthal Montessori

                       July 29-August 1, 2019:  Plainview High, Alexandria Sr. High, Bolton High, Buckeye High, Glenmora High, Northwood High, Peabody Magnet High, Rapides High, and Tioga High

                       Source of funding Food Service

 

         *  11.    toauthorize the secretary to exercise the option to renew the contract under the same terms and conditions for the 2019-2020 school year with written mutual agreement of vendors and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation connected therewith – Ms. Liz Domite

 

a.      “Above Ground Grease Holding Tank Service” (Bid No. 10-25) renewal with Bonnette& Sons, LLC (Renewal Bid No. 19-38)

Source of funding School Food and Nutrition Funds              Amount $6,000.00

 

b.      “Pest Control Management Services” (Bid No. 17-17) renewal with Bug, Blasters, LLC (Renewal Bid No. 19-17)

                              Source of funding Various Maintenance, School Fund and Nutrition Funds

                              Amount $42,270.00

 

c.      “Professional Drug Testing Services” (RFQ No. 18-11) renewal with Louisiana Occupational Health Services” (Renewal RFQ No. 19-11)

Source of funding General Fund                               Amount $70,000.00

     

d.      “Purchase of Art Materials and Supplies” (Bid No. 18-44) renewal with Blick Art Materials, LLC and S & S Worldwide (Renewal Bid No. 19-49)

Source of funding Various Funding               Amount Based on District Needs

 

e.      “Purchase of Educational Materials and Supplies” (Bid No. 15-28) renewal with Unity Education Resources, School Specialty, Inc., School Aids, Inc. and Lakeshore Learning Materials (Renewal Bid No. 19-28)

Source of funding Various Funds     Amount Based on Needs and Available Funding

 

f.       “Purchase of Propane Gas” (Bid No. 17-10A) renewal with Jim’s South Butane-Propane, Inc. (Renewal Bid No. 19-10)

Source of funding District 51 and District 58Maintenance Funds   Amount $40,000.00

 

g.     “Purchase of Science Materials and Supplies” (Bid No. 17-16) renewal with Sargent Welch and Frey Scientific, LLC. (Renewal Bid No. 19-16)

Source of funding General Fund                                           Amount $40,000.00

 

             *  12.   to authorize the Board’s Insurance Consultant to initiate renewal negotiations for Student Accident Insurance for the 2019-2020 school year at same annual premium or minimally shall not increase to exceed the CPI; should increases exceed same in final negotiations, the Board directs consultant to solicit and receive bids with a recommendation to be made to the Board – Mr. Roy Rachal

                       Source of funding General Fund    Amount $278,042.00 (estimate)

        

            *  13.    to authorize the Board’s Insurance Consultant to initiate renewal negotiations for TPA Services and Property and Casualty Insurance for the 2019-2020 school year at same terms, conditions, and annual premium or minimally shall not increase to exceed the CPI (as of March 2019); should increases exceed same in final negotiations, the Board directs consultant to solicit and receive quotes with a recommendation to be made to the Board at the June Regular Board Meeting – Mr. Roy Rachal

                        Source of funding General Fund              Amount $860,000.00 (estimate)

 

         *  14.   to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with Ward 10 Recreation District of Rapides Parish to located board owned small modular building upon the immovable property (adjacent to existing softball field used by RPSB) owned by Ward 10 to serve as dressing rooms and storage and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Mr. Wilton Barrios

                        Pages 132-135              Source of funding District 11 Maintenance Fund

                        Amount $25,000.00 (estimate)

 

            *  15.    to approve and allow the Board President to sign all contracts and documentation for Tioga High School Band to go to San Antonio, TX - Dr. Dana Nolan

                        Pages 136-155                          Source of funding School Funds

                                   

            *  16.    to approve and allow the Board President to sign all contracts and document for Tioga Junior High to go on a trip to Dallas, TX to perform at Music in the Parks on May 10-12, 2019 - Mrs. Brandy Lawrence

                        Pages 156-162  Source of funding School Funds     Amount $9,500.00 ($320 per student)

 

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, Jeanine Holmes be admitted to the Rapides Alternative Positive Program for Students (RAPPS) for the remainder of the 2018-2019 school year and thereafter be admitted to the zoned school on August 12, 2019 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  No action taken on Austin Turner

 

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: - Ms. Naomi Jones

                        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 – Ms. Naomi Jones

 

* 3.  to discuss any personnel complaints that may go before the full board for action - Ms. Naomi Jones

 

*4.    to revise job descriptions – Ms. Naomi Jones 

        Pages 163-167

 

* 5.   to inform the Board of the potential of part time teachers for the 2019-2020 school year and beyond – Ms. Naomi Jones

      Pages 168-169

 

* 6.  to have Administration present a report to include the following: – Mr. Keith Breazeale

 

             a.         Number of teachers at each school identified by each school

             b.         Absenteeism of teachers at each school by number and days

            c.         Dollar amount paid for substitutes by each school

                        Pages 170-181

 

*   Denotes that these items have been through committee

__________________

 

                        Let the record reflect that Dr. Stephen Chapman returned to the meeting at this time.

____________________

 

      A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios to hear a report and recommendation from Babcock Consulting Group regarding the Employee and Retiree Insurance Benefits Program; direct administration to conduct a vote of the active and retired participants of the Office of Group Benefits as a result of the recommendation and approve the engagement of legal counsel if necessary in connection therewith. (Item 23)

 

                     Discussion ensued.

 

      A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to direct Administration to conduct a vote of the active and retired participants of the Office of Group Benefits as a result of this recommendation and approve the engagement of legal counsel if necessary in connection therewith.

 

                     Discussion ensued.

 

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

 

AYE:                Mr. Dryden, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall  

 

NAY:                Mrs. Franklin

 

ABSENT:          None

 

ABSTAIN:         Mrs. McMahon, Mr. Breazeale, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios

 

THE SUBSTITUTE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.

____________________

                                                                           

      A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with Edge Factor, Inc. pertaining strictly to Edge Factor creating marketing videos to highlight Rapides Parish Schools Career and Technical Education Programs and Jump Start Pathways offered within the school district. (Item 5C-3)

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        On roll call the vote was as follows:

 

AYE:                Mr. Dryden, Mrs. McMahon, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. McCall, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios

 

NAY:                Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman

 

ABSENT:          None

 

THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.

____________________

 

               A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to approve revised job descriptions: (Item 6)

 

                        a.         Chief Financial Officer

                        b.         Executive Assistant Superintendent of Administration

                        c.         Executive Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        On roll call the vote was as follows:

 

AYE:                Mr. Dryden, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez

 

NAY:                Mrs. McMahon, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. McCall, Mr. Barrios

 

ABSENT:          None

 

THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.

____________________

 

        A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Mark Dryden to adopt a Resolution to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor for participation in the Volkswagen Mitigation Trust Settlement with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (Louisiana Government Contract No. 2000399192) and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith pending review and approval of advising counsel. (Item 7)

 

                        Discussion ensued.   

 

                        On roll call the vote was as follows:

 

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

 

NAY:                None

 

ABSENT:          None

 

____________________

 

      A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids for “Purchase of School Uniforms and Supplies” (Bid No. 19-51) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive Bids and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation connected therewith. (Item 8)

 

                        Discussion ensued.      

 

                        On roll call the vote was as follows:  

 

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

 

NAY:                None

 

ABSENT:          None

____________________

      A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to approve the superintendent's proposed changes to the TAP model beginning with the 2019-2020 school year. (Item 9)

 

                        Mr. Authement presented information to the Board and discussion ensued.

 

      On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez, the Board voted to approve the superintendent's proposed changes to the TAP model beginning with the 2019-2020 school year.

 

                        Let the record reflect that Mrs. Linda McMahon voted “NAY”

____________________

 

      A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to inform the Board on the financial impact of the MFP Mid-Year Adjustment for 2018-2019 Budget. (Item 10)

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        No action was taken.

                                                            ____________________

 

      A motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to instruct the Superintendent and Finance Director to find the funds within the General Fund to grant all employees a 3% pay raise for the year beginning 2019-2020. (Item 11)

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

      A substitute motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to defer this item to the May Finance Committee meeting.

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

      On the substitute motion by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez, the Board voted unanimously to defer this item to the May Finance Committee meeting.

____________________

 

      A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios to hear a report and recommendation from Superintendent and Transportation Director with regards to the installation of GPS devices on all buses under State of Louisiana Competitive contract #4400000952 and authorize the Board President to sign documentation in connection therewith. (Item 13)

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        On roll call the vote was as follows:

 

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

 

NAY:                None

 

ABSENT:          None

____________________

 

      A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios to hear a report, discuss and take action on the Bolton Auditorium Stage Rigging System (Project/Bid No. 18-52). (Item 14)

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

            A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to authorize staff to receive quotes on abatement and demolition regarding Bolton High School Rigging System (Project /Bid No. 18-52) for an estimated amount of $70,000.

 

                        Discussion ensued. 

 

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

 

AYE:                Mr. Dryden, Mrs. McMahon, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman

 

NAY:                Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios

 

ABSENT:          None

  

THE SUBSTITUTE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE

____________________

 

         Let the record reflect that Mr. Keith Breazeale and Dr. Stephen Chapman left the meeting at this time.

____________________

 

      A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to authorize the secretary to advertise for request for proposals for “Turnkey Purchase and Installation of Intercom and Bell System at Pineville Elementary” (RFP No. 19-47) 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 authorize the Board President to sign any documentation connected therewith. (Item 18)

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        On roll call the vote was as follows:

 

AYE:                Mr. Dryden, Mrs. McMahon, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios

 

NAY:                None

 

ABSENT:          Mr. Breazeale, Dr. Chapman

___________________

 

      A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to modify the 2018-2019 School Calendar as follows: - May 20th to be the last day for students and May 21st to be a Professional Development Day for teachers and staff. (Item 19)

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

      On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez, the Board voted unanimously to modify the 2018-2019 School Calendar as follows: - May 20th to be the last day for students and May 21st to be a Professional Development Day for teachers and staff.

____________________

           

                        Let the record reflect that Mr. Keith Breazeale and Dr. Stephen Chapman returned to the meeting at this time.


Let the record reflect that Mrs. Linda McMahon left the meeting at this time.

____________________

 

      A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez toapprove an agreement with the Rapides Parish School Board and the Rapides Parish Coliseum for high school graduations: Pineville High on May 10th, Peabody Magnet High on May 12th and Alexandria Senior High on May 13th.   (Item 20)

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        On roll call the vote was as follows:

 

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

 

NAY:                None

 

ABSENT:          Mrs. McMahon

____________________

 

                        Let the record reflect that Mrs. Linda McMahon returned to the meeting at this time.

____________________

 

      A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to approve an MOU with Rapides Parish Career and Technical Program and the Rapides Early Childhood Network and authorize the Rapides Parish Superintendent to sign any required documentation. (Item 21)

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

      On motion by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry, the Board voted unanimously to approve an MOU with Rapides Parish Career and Technical Program and the Rapides Early Childhood Network and authorize the Rapides Parish Superintendent to sign any required documentation.

____________________

 

      A motion was made by Mr. Willard Mc Call and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to approve and allow the Board President to sign all contracts and documentation for Buckeye High School 6th grade students to go to Houston, TX. (Item 22)

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        On roll call the vote was as follows:

 

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

 

NAY:                None

 

ABSENT:          None

____________________

 

                        Let the record reflect that Dr. Stephen Chapman and Mr. Willard McCall left the meeting at this time.

____________________

 

                        Items 15 and 16 were discussed in globo.

 

      A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to go into Executive Session to discuss litigation filed by Rapides Parish School Board, Citation No. 254,644-F, in Ninth Judicial District Court, Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana Titled “Rapides Parish School Board versus Zurich American Insurance Co., ET AL” (Item 15); and to go into Executive Session to discuss Litigation, Citation No. 210,322, in Ninth Judicial District Court, Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana Titled “Patricia Powell vs. Rapides Parish School Board”. (Item 16)

 

                        Discussion ensued.                  

 

                        On roll call the vote was as follows:

 

AYE:                Mr. Dryden, Mrs. McMahon, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios

 

NAY:                None

 

ABSENT:          Dr. Chapman, Mr. McCall

 

                                    THE BOARD WENT INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.

____________________

 

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

 

THE BOARD RECONVENED IN OPEN SESSION.

____________________

                                                           

                        Pursuant to motion duly carried, the Rapides Parish School Board adjourned.            

 

/s/Wilton Barrios

                                                                                                                    President

 

 ATTEST:

 

 /s/Nason Authement

    Secretary

 

 S E A L