OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Alexandria, Louisiana
May 7, 2019
The Rapides Parish School Board of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, met in regular public session at 5:00 o’clock p.m. on Tuesday, May 7, 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 Burgess, Member
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.
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The Invocation was pronounced by Rev. Ryan Franklin of The Pentecostals of Alexandria after which Dr. Stephen Chapman 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 MAY 1, 2019)
Alexandria, Louisiana
May 1, 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, MAY 7, 2019
For the purpose of considering, acting upon, deciding, and if deemed advisable, submitting the following propositions, to wit:
Call to order
Invocation, Pledge
Roll Call
Recognize:
a. Board’s student guest from Northwood High School – Dr. Stephen Chapman
b. Phoenix Magnet Elementary School for the bulletin board display in the lobby of the School Board Office for the month of May 2019 – Mr. Clyde Washington
Rapides Parish School Board Artists’ Spotlight – Mrs. Kim Bennett
Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) student – Ms. LaRunda Hobbs Pierce
Mallory Byrd of Hayden R. Lawrence for being named 2019 Louisiana Elementary Student of the Year – Mr. Nason Authement
the 2018-2019 Outstanding Support Employee of the year – Mr. Clyde Washington
Elementary School – Raquel Iles, Paraprofessional – Ruby Wise Elementary
Junior High/Middle School – Ashton Washington, Custodian – Carter Raymond
High School – Heather Parker, Clerk – Northwood High School
Plainview Girls’ Basketball Team for winning “Class C” State Championship –Mr. Darrell Rodriguez
Plainview Girls’ Softball Team for winning “Class C” State Championship for three (3) consecutive years – Mr. Darrell Rodriguez
Peabody Girls’ Powerlifting Team for winning the 3A State Championship for three (3) years in a row – Mr. Willard McCall
5. Consent Agenda: Motion to adopt in globo the items listed on the consent agenda (the consent agenda is established by the Board’s Executive Committee and any board member may request that any consent agenda item be considered separately - whether considered in globo or separately, board member and public comment shall be permitted on any item listed on the consent agenda; see pages 3, 4 and 5)
*6. Motion to approve the PowerSchool Performance Matters Analytics subscription and authorize the Board President to sign documentation with regards to said purchase, pending legal review – Dr. Luke Purdy
Pages 1-2 Source of funding EEF (Education Excellence Fund) Amount $52,125.00 (1st year)
$44,419.00 (2nd year)
$45,752.00 (3rd year)
7. Motion to authorize distribution of Excess Sales Tax Revenues in a separate May 22, 2019 payroll check, said distribution to be made to employees on a ratio of two dollars for all positions requiring a degree and one dollar for all other positions - Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding 1967 Sales Tax Fund and 1987 Sales Tax Fund
8. Motion to ratify and confirm proposals received on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at2:00 p.m. by the Central Office Staff and award to the lowest responsive and responsible vendor contingent on low bid/proposal meeting all LA Public Bid Law and contract document requirements and specifications – Ms. Liz Domite
a. “Courtyard Paving and Drainage Improvements at Poland Jr. High” (RFP No. 19-53)
Source of funding District 55 Bond Funds Amount $65,000.00
9. Motion to accept the Superintendent’s resignation – Mr. Wilton Barrios
10. Motion to discuss and take action on conducting a search for a new Superintendent - Mr. Wilton Barrios
Pages 3-29
11. Motion to discuss and take action on hiring a Public Information Officer - Mr. Nason Authement
12. Motion to present and approve staffing numbers for the 2019-2020 school year –Ms. Naomi Jones
13. Motion to review and approve the Ellevation Subscription Agreement beginning May 1, 2019 and ending April 30, 2020 – Mr. Bill Higgins
Pages 30-35 Source of funding Title III Amount $14,350.00
14. Motion to enter into an Interagency Agreement with the Louisiana Department of Education for implementation of professional development services under the School System Planning Grant (formerly known as School Redesign Grant) – Mrs. Kerri Nichols
Pages 36-42 Source of funding School System Planning Grant–LDOE - IDEA Amount 41,239.00
15. Motion to approve job description for Social Emotional Coach – Mr. Nason Authement
Pages 43-44
16. Motion to approve the following positions: – Mr. Nason Authement
Seven (7) Social Emotional Coaches
Source of funding Title I Total Amount $295,561.00 (Average Annual Salary)
One (1) Behavior Strategist
Source of funding IDEA Amount $42,223.00 (Average Annual Salary)
One (1) Elementary Counselor for Elementary schools with enrollment of 800 students or higher to address the social and emotional needs of all our elementary students
Source of funding General Fund Amount $42,223.00 (Average Annual Salary)
17. 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
18. Motion to postpone construction of parking lot at Huddle Elementary until property owners in that area are notified of the project - Dr. Stephen Chapman
Consent agenda: (Item 5)
Reports:
1. to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 45-73
B. Action – Minutes
1. to approve the minutes of the 4-2-19 meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 3-19-19 Personnel, Education, Finance Committee meetings, and the 3-25-19 Executive Committee meeting and the 3-27-19 Discipline Review Committee meeting
C. Action – Education
*1. to exchange Friday, July 26, 2019 for July 3, 2019, making July 3rd a non-workday and designating July 26th as a workday – Mr. Nason Authement
*2. to approve revising Policy JCDAA (Student Smoking/Use of Tobacco) as recommended by Forethought Consulting - Mr. Clyde Washington
Page 74
*3. to approve revising Policy KJ (Advertising in the Schools) – Mr. Steve Berry
Page 75
*4. to hear and take action on the request from Administration/WCHC (Winn Community Health Center) to expand the school-based health clinic sites to Pineville Elementary and Mabel Brasher under the current approved IAG – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 76-82
D. Action – Finance
*1. to approvepersonal 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
*3. to receive a report on donation(s) made to the Rapides Parish School Board on behalf of the RPSB schools, accept and approve donations included therein, and provide any necessary documentation related to the donation(s) – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 83
*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 84-88
*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 89-93
*6. to receive Quarterly Report on Maintenance Funds – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 94
*7. to approve and allow the Board President to sign all contracts and documentation for Glenmora High School students to travel to Washington, D.C. (9 students 6th - 8th grade) – Dr. Dana Nolan
Pages 95-100
*8. to approve and enter into a Maintenance and Support Agreement with IDEMIA (yearly support for fingerprinting system) and authorize the Board President to sign – Ms. Naomi Jones
Pages 101-103 Source of funding General Fund Amount $1,780.00
*9. to ratify and confirm bids received on Friday, April 26, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Purchase of Conservatory Supplies and Equipment” (Bid # 19-48) 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 Title IV Funds Amount $165,000.00
*10. to ratify and confirm bids received on Monday, May 6, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. by the Central Office Staff for “New Bus Parking Lot behind D. F. Huddle Elementary” (Bid #19-42); 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 Parish-wide Maintenance Funds Amount $225,000.00
*11. to authorize the secretary to solicit formal quotes for “Carpet Replacement at Tioga Elementary” (RFQ 19-56) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive quotes, a recommendation to be made to the Board (WOID 169016) – Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding District 11 School Maintenance Funds Amount $70,000.00
*12. to ratify and confirm bids received on Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Alexandria Senior High School Phase I – Renovations to existing Boys and Girls Restrooms” (Bid #19-44) and award bid to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on low bidder meeting all LA Public Law and Contract documents requirements and specifications – Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding District 62 Funds Amount $250,000.00
*13. to approve and appoint The Town Talk as the official journal for the Rapides Parish School Board for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019 and ending June 30, 2020 – Ms. Liz Domite
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
* 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 1ST day of May 2019
/s/Wilton Barrios
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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Dr. Stephen Chapman introduced the Board’s student guest, Olivia Owens by, a senior at Northwood High School, who was recognized for her academic and extracurricular achievements. Also recognized were Olivia’s family and Mrs. Kelli Welch, principal at Northwood High School. (Item 4-a)
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The Board recognized Phoenix Magnet Elementary School for the bulletin board display in the lobby of the School Board Office for the month of May 2019. (Item 4-b)
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Let the record reflect that Mrs. Sandra Franklin arrived at the meeting at this time.
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The Board recognized Rapides Parish School Board Artists’ Spotlight. (Item 4-c)
Mary Goff Elementary
W. O. Hall Sixth
Rapides High School
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The Board recognized Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) student. (Item 4-d)
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The Board recognized Mallory Byrd of Hayden Lawrence for being named 2019 Louisiana Elementary Student of the Year. (Item 4-e)
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The Board recognized the 2018-2019 Outstanding Support Employee of the year. (Item 4-f)
Elementary School – Raquel Iles, Paraprofessional – Ruby Wise Elementary
Junior High/Middle School – Ashton Washington, Custodian – Carter Raymond
High School – Heather Parker, Clerk – Northwood High School
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The Board recognized Plainview Girls’ Basketball Team for winning “Class C” State Championship. (Item 4-g)
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The Board recognized Plainview Girls’ Softball Team for winning “Class C” State Championship for three (3) consecutive years. (Item 4-h)
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The Board recognized Peabody Girls’ Powerlifting Team for winning the 3A State Championship for three (3) years in a row. (Item 4-i)
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Let the record reflect that Mr. Darrell Rodriguez left the meeting at this time.
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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to add to the agenda to approve an amendment to the MOU with the Louisiana Department of Education of Student Opportunities (originally approved May 1, 2018) to include new Jump Start Summer program (NCCER Core) – 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, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Rodriguez
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Let the record reflect that Mr. Darrell Rodriguez returned to the meeting at this time.
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A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to add to the agenda to advertise a notice of vacancy and request for applications for the position of Superintendent of Rapides Parish School Board – Reason to add: Time Sensitive. (Item 20)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add to the agenda was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
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A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to add to the agenda to set a deadline for receiving applications as Thursday, June 6, 2019 at 4:00 pm. – Reason to add: Time Sensitive. (Item 21)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add to the agenda was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
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A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to add to the agenda to set the minimum requirements to apply for the position of Superintendent and certified as Superintendent of schools in the State of Louisiana (or eligible for immediate certification as confirmed by the LDOE) – Reason to add: Time Sensitive. (Item 22)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add to the agenda was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
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A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to add to the agenda to advertise in the official journal, Alexandria -The Town Talk, The Monroe News-Star, Shreveport Times, Baton Rouge Advocate, Lafayette Daily Advertiser and Lake Charles American Press and also, post the advertisement on the LDOE website and the LSBA and LASS websites -Reason to add: Time Sensitive. (Item 23)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add to the agenda was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to add to the agenda to direct the Superintendent to attain a separate P.O. Box. All applications will be mailed to that P.O. Box, which shall be opened and all applications retrieved on Monday, June 10, 2019 – Reason to add: Time Sensitive. (Item 24)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add to the agenda was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to add to the agenda to approve a Superintendent search timeline beginning on May 8, 2019 with a selection of the Superintendent after June 21 and before June 27, 2019 – Reason to add: Time Sensitive. (Item 25)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add to the agenda was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
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A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to read the consent agenda. (Item 5)
The agenda was read into the record and discussion ensued.
Item 5D-10 was pulled from the consent agenda for discussion.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry 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. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
Consent agenda: (Item 5)
Reports:
1. to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 45-73
B. Action – Minutes
1. to approve the minutes of the 4-2-19 meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 3-19-19 Personnel, Education, Finance Committee meetings, and the 3-25-19 Executive Committee meeting and the 3-27-19 Discipline Review Committee meeting
C. Action – Education
*1. to exchange Friday, July 26, 2019 for July 3, 2019, making July 3rd a non-workday and designating July 26th as a workday – Mr. Nason Authement
*2. to approve revising Policy JCDAA (Student Smoking/Use of Tobacco) as recommended by Forethought Consulting - Mr. Clyde Washington
Page 74
*3. to approve revising Policy KJ (Advertising in the Schools) – Mr. Steve Berry
Page 75
*4. to approve the request from Administration/WCHC (Winn Community Health Center) to expand the school-based health clinic sites to Pineville Elementary and Mabel Brasher under the current approved IAG – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 76-82
D. Action – Finance
*1. to approvepersonal 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
*3. to receive a report on donation(s) made to the Rapides Parish School Board on behalf of the RPSB schools, accept and approve donations included therein, and provide any necessary documentation related to the donation(s) – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 83
*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 84-88
*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 89-93
*6. to receive Quarterly Report on Maintenance Funds – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 94
*7. to approve and allow the Board President to sign all contracts and documentation for Glenmora High School students to travel to Washington, D.C. (9 students 6th - 8th grade) – Dr. Dana Nolan
Pages 95-100
*8. to approve and enter into a Maintenance and Support Agreement with IDEMIA (yearly support for fingerprinting system) and authorize the Board President to sign – Ms. Naomi Jones
Pages 101-103 Source of funding General Fund Amount $1,780.00
*9. to ratify and confirm bids received on Friday, April 26, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Purchase of Conservatory Supplies and Equipment” (Bid # 19-48) 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 Red River Music for $154,352.38 – Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding Title IV Funds
* 10. pulled for the regular agenda.
*11. to authorize the secretary to solicit formal quotes for “Carpet Replacement at Tioga Elementary” (RFQ 19-56) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive quotes, a recommendation to be made to the Board (WOID 169016) – Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding District 11 School Maintenance Funds Amount $70,000.00
*12. to ratify and confirm bids received on Tuesday, May 7, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Alexandria Senior High School Phase I – Renovations to existing Boys and Girls Restrooms” (Bid #19-44) and award bid to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on low bidder meeting all LA Public Law and Contract documents requirements and specifications and award to Petron, LLC for $168,000 - Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding District 62 Funds
*13. to approve and appoint The Town Talk as the official journal for the Rapides Parish School Board for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2019 and ending June 30, 2020 – Ms. Liz Domite
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
Motion thatAustin Turner be admitted to the Rapides Alternative Positive Program for Students (RAPPS) effective May 8, 2019 for the remainder of the 2018-2019 school year.
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
* Denotes that these items have been through committee
__________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to authorize distribution of Excess Sales Tax Revenues in a separate May 22, 2019 payroll check, said distribution to be made to employees on a ratio of two dollars for all positions requiring a degree and one dollar for all other positions. (Item 7)
Ms. Liz Domite presented information and discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to authorize distribution of Excess Sales Tax Revenues in a separate May 22, 2019 payroll check, said distribution to be made to employees on a ratio of two dollars for all positions requiring a degree and one dollar for all other positions (amounts are $3,810 with degree and $1,905 without degree).
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to ratify and confirm bids received on Monday, May 6, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. by the Central Office Staff for “New Bus Parking Lot behind D. F. Huddle Elementary” (Bid #19-42); and award bid to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and contract document requirements and specifications. (Item 5D-10)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to ratify and confirm bids received on Monday, May 6, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. by the Central Office Staff for “New Bus Parking Lot behind D. F. Huddle Elementary” (Bid #19-42); 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 T. L. Construction for $210,000 and to postpone construction of the parking lot until property owners have been notified about the project within three (3) city blocks in all directions.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios
NAY: Mr. Dryden, Mr. Rodriguez
ABSENT: None
THE SUBSTITUTE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.
____________________
Let the record reflect that Mr. Willard McCall left the meeting at this time.
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A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to approve the PowerSchool Performance Matters Analytics subscription and authorize the Board President to sign documentation with regards to said purchase, pending legal review. (Item 6)
Dr. Luke Purdy presented information and discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. McCall
____________________
Let the record reflect that Mr. Willard McCall returned to the meeting at this time.
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to ratify and confirm proposals received on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. by the Central Office Staff and award to the lowest responsive and responsible vendor contingent on low bid/proposal meeting all LA Public Bid Law and contract document requirements and specifications. (Item 8)
a. “Courtyard Paving and Drainage Improvements at Poland Jr. High” (RFP No. 19-53)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to ratify and confirm proposals received on Wednesday, May 1, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. by the Central Office Staff and award to the lowest responsive and responsible vendor contingent on low bid/proposal meeting all LA Public Bid Law and contract document requirements and specifications and award to James Decker Builders for $49,840 for “Courtyard Paving and Drainage Improvements at Poland Jr. High” (RFP No. 19-53).
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to accept the Superintendent’s resignation. (Item 9)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to accept the Superintendent’s resignation due to retirement effective July 1, 2019.
Discussion ensued.
Mr. Authement made some remarks at this time and thanked the Board for their support and allowing him to serve this district. He presented some accomplishments that have been made during his time as Rapides Parish School Superintendent.
On the substitute motion made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Superintendent’s resignation due to retirement effective July 1, 2019.
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A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios to discuss and take action on conducting a search for a new Superintendent. (Item 10)
Discussion ensued and items 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 and 25 were included in this discussion.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to conduct a search for a new Superintendent and to appoint a Search Committee to work along with Ms. Naomi Jones to do the following: (Item 10)
Advertise and collect the applications
To keep the Board informed at each meeting
To get updates from the Search Committee at each Regular School Board meeting with a standing item on the agenda
Search Committee is
Mr. Darrell Rodriguez – Chairman
Mrs. Sandra Franklin – Co-Chair
Mr. Mark Dryden
Dr. Stephen Chapman
The Search Committee will conduct Public Forums for School Board Employees, Business Leaders, Community Leaders and the General Public to be held at Pineville High School, Peabody Magnet High School and Alexandria Senior High.
Also, approved were the following: (Items 20-25)
advertise a notice of vacancy and request for applications for the position of Superintendent of Rapides Parish School Board
to set a deadline for receiving application as Thursday, June 6, 2019 at 4:00 pm.
to set the minimum requirements to apply for the position of Superintendent and certified as Superintendent of schools in the State of Louisiana (or eligible for immediate certification as confirmed by the LDOE)
to advertise in the official journal, Alexandria -The Town Talk, The Monroe News-Star, Shreveport Times, Baton Rouge Advocate, Lafayette Daily Advertiser and Lake Charles American Press and also, post the advertisement on the LDOE website and the LSBA and LASS websites and Regional.
to direct the Superintendent to attain a separate P.O. Box. All applications will be mailed to that P.O. Box, which shall be opened and all applications retrieved on Monday, June 10, 2019
to approve a Superintendent search timeline beginning on May 8, 2019 with a selection of the Superintendent after June 21 and before June 27, 2019
Discussion ensued.
On the substitute motion made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez, the Board voted unanimously to conduct a search for a new Superintendent and to appoint a Search Committee to work along with Ms. Naomi Jones to do the following as listed above.
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Mark Dryden to discussand take action on hiring a Public Information Officer. (Item 11)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to allow the Superintendent to advertise for a Public Information Officer and to add to the job description under job goals – to serve as the communication specialist for the superintendent and the School Board.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman
NAY: Mr. Barrios, Mrs. Franklin
ABSENT: None
THE SUBSTITUTE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.
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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to present and approve staffing numbers for the 2019-2020 school year. (Item 12)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin to have a Special Board meeting after all the facts have been received regarding staffing.
Discussion ensued.
On the substitute motion made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin, the Board voted unanimously to have a Special Board meeting after all the facts have been received regarding staffing.
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A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall toreview and approve the Ellevation Subscription Agreement beginning May 1, 2019 and ending April 30, 2020. (Item 13)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
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A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to enter into an Interagency Agreement with the Louisiana Department of Education for implementation of professional development services under the School System Planning Grant (formerly known as School Redesign Grant). (Item 14)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
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Items 15 and 16 were discussed in globo.
A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to approve job description for Social Emotional Coach. (Item 15) and to approve the following positions: (Item 16)
Seven (7) Social Emotional Coaches
One (1) Behavior Strategist
One (1) Elementary Counselor for Elementary schools with enrollment of 800 students or higher to address the social and emotional needs of all our elementary students
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to defer items 15 and 16 to the May Personnel Committee.
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman, the Board voted unanimously to defer items 15 and 16 to the May Personnel Committee.
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Item 18 was deleted.
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A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to approve an amendment to the MOU with the Louisiana Department of Education of Student Opportunities (originally approved May 1, 2018) to include new Jump Start Summer program (NCCER Core). (Item 19)
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman, the Board voted unanimously to approve an amendment to the MOU with the Louisiana Department of Education of Student Opportunities (originally approved May 1, 2018) to include new Jump Start Summer program (NCCER Core).
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A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez 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 17)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
THE BOARD WENT INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.
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On motion by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry, the Board voted unanimously to reconvene in Open Session.
THE BOARD RECONVENED IN OPEN SESSION.
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Let the record reflect that Mr. Darrell Rodriguez left the meeting at this time.
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A motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to add to the agenda to adopt settlement of the “Patricia Powell vs. Rapides Parish School Board” No. 210,322, in the amount not to exceed $1,348,870.46 plus cost of court. (Item 26)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Rodriguez
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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to adopt settlement of the “Patricia Powell vs. Rapides Parish School Board” No. 210,322, in the amount not to exceed $1,348,870.46 plus cost of court.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Rodriguez
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Pursuant to motion duly carried, the Rapides Parish School Board adjourned.
/s/Wilton Barrios
President
ATTEST:
/s/Nason Authement
Secretary
S E A L