OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Alexandria, Louisiana
July 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, July 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
Linda Burgess, Member
Stephen Chapman, Member
Mark Dryden, Member
Sandra Franklin, Member
Willard McCall, Member
Mr. Nason Authement, Secretary for the Board, was not present for the meeting.
____________________
Attorney James Downs was present for the meeting.
____________________
The Invocation was pronounced by Dr. Luke Purdy after which Mr. Steve Berry 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 JUNE 27, 2019)
Alexandria, Louisiana
June 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, JULY 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. Jose Lozada as the 2019 winner of the LACUE Technology Leadership Summit Award – Dr. Luke Purdy
b. J. I Barron Archery Team – 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 consider and take action with respect to adopting a Resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of General Obligation Refunding Bonds of Forest Hill School District Number 16 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana making application to the State Bond Commission for approval of said Bonds and providing for other matters in connection therewith – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 1-9
* 7. Motion to adopt a Resolution authorizing the Buckeye Panther Club, Incorporated to apply for a charitable gaming license – Ms. Liz Domite
Page 10
8. Motion to authorize the secretary to solicit formal quotes for “HVAC Upgrade at J. B. Lafargue” (RFQ 20-15) 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 170807) – Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding Parish Wide Maintenance Funds Amount $47,000.00
9. Motion to authorize the secretary to solicit formal quotes for “Replacement of Flooring at Tioga Jr. High Girl’s Gym” (RFQ 20-12) 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 170961) – Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding District 11 School Maintenance Funds Amount $27,000.00
10. Motion to approve the reimbursement rate for approved School Board Travel to $0.58 per mile effective July 1, 2019 as per State of Louisiana, Division of Administration Travel Policies and Procedures – Ms. Liz Domite
11. Motion to approve the recommended revisions to the RPSB Standard Behavioral Health Services Contract and authorize the Superintendent to sign said contract upon securing the required documents connected therewith - Mr. Clyde Washington
12. Motion to enter into a contract of lease between Rapides Parish School Board and Alfred Hempen and Frank Hempen, Jr. for the lease of premises to be used for parking and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith, contingent upon advising counsel’s legal review – Mr. Clyde Washington
13. Motion to have property owners to discuss the construction of a parking lot on the Huddle Elementary land space – Mrs. Sandra Franklin
14. Motion to receive a written report from the Director of Maintenance as it relates to the mold problem at Arthur F. Smith to include the names of persons or company inspecting the facility, a copy of the inspection report, the estimated cost and the scope of work – Ms. Linda Burgess
15. Motion to approve a two (2) day training for the new Algebra I Curriculum, Illustrative Math, to be delivered during the Back to School Professional Development and to authorize the Board President to sign all documents in connection therewith – Mrs. Kim Bennett
Page 11 Source of funding Title II Amount $9,000.00
16. Motion to approve adding the 2019-2020 State Raises to all Salary Schedules – Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding MFP Funds $3,249,399 General Fund & Grant Funds $37,156
Total Amount $3,286,555
Consent agenda: (Item 5)
A. Reports:
1. to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 12-42
B. Action – Minutes
1. to approve the minutes of the 6-4-19, 5-9-19 and 5-21-19 meetings of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 5-21-19 Personnel, Education, Finance Committee meetings, and the 5-28-19 Executive Committee meeting and the 5-9-19, 5-15-19 and 5-21-19 Superintendent Search Committee meetings
C. Action – Education
1. to approve renewing agreements for dual enrollment and authorize the Board President to sign any required documentation, pending review by Board Attorney – Mrs. Kim Bennett
Pages 43-62
a. Northwestern State University
b. Louisiana College (LC)
c. Louisiana State University at Alexandria (LSUA)
d. Louisiana State University at Eunice (LSUE)
e. Louisiana Tech University
f. Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC)
2. to inform the Board that RPSB will retain the locally approved Pupil Progression Plan for the 2019-2020 school year – Mrs. Kim Bennett
Pages 63-127
3. to approve an amendment to LearnZillion contracts (originally approved April 2018) for SRCL Middle and High Schools for professional development services and a personalized district LearnZillion website to support Guidebooks 2.0 and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Mrs. Kerri Nichols
Pages 128-133 Source of funding SRCL Grant Grades 6-8 $172,150
SRCL Grant Grades 9-12 $253,600
4. to approve a Resolution and Grant Agreement with The Rapides Foundation for the following:
Pages 134-136
· 2019-2020 Healthy Behavior District Partnership Grant Source of funding Rapides Foundation
Amount $65,000 (estimate based on last years awarded amount)
· 2019-2020 Effective Schools Initiative Grant Source of funding Rapides Foundation
Amount $518,000
· 2019-2020 Youth Volunteer School District Grant Source of funding Rapides Foundation
Amount $32,900 (estimate based on last years awarded amount)
5. to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement 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, pending legal review – Ms. LaRunda Hobbs Pierce
Pages 137-142 Source of funding Supplemental Course Allocation (SCA)
6. to renew a Memorandum of Understanding with Southern University and A & M 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 143-148 Source of funding Supplemental Course Allocation (SCA)
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 149-157
* 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 158-159
* 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 160-164
* 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 165-169
* 6. to authorize the secretary to solicit formal quotes for “Construction of Football Practice Field at Tioga High School” (RFQ 20-05) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive the quotes and a recommendation to be made to the Board (WOID 170787) and to enter into a standard AIA B 101-2007 Agreement with Pan American Engineers, LLC to provide adequate specifications for competing this project – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 170-171 Source of funding District 11 School Maintenance Funds Amount $66,000
* 7. to approve Interfund Loan for the General Fund to 1967 Sales Tax Fund (Fund 025) in the amount of $300,000 from June 4, 2019 until funds are sufficient to pay, August 1, 2019 - Ms. Liz Domite
Page 172 Source of funding General Fund Amount $300,000
* 8. to ratify and confirm bids received by the Central Office Staff and award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and contract document requirements and specifications – Ms. Liz Domite
a. “Baseball Field Improvements at Rapides High School” (Bid # 19-36) received on Wednesday, June 26 2019 at 2:00 p.m.
Source of funding District 61 Maintenance Funds Amount $120,000 (estimate)
b. “Purchase of School Uniforms and Supplies” (Bid # 19-51A) received on Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 10:00 a.m.
Source of funding Homeless Grant and Title I Funds Amount $50,000 (Estimate)
* 9. to ratify and confirm bids received by the Central Office Staff and award to the highest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on highest bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and contract document requirements and specifications – Ms. Liz Domite
“Sale of Property” (Bid # 20-02) received on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at 2:00 p.m.
Source of funding General Fund Amount $358,000 (estimate)
* 10. to approve the request of the St. Tammany Parish School System to participate in a Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with Rapides Parish School Board for the renewal of Bid #15-28 which is the “Purchase of Educational Materials” (Renewal #19-28) and the renewal of Bid #17-16 which is the “Purchase of Science Materials and Supplies (Renewal #19-16) - Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 173-174
* 11. to approve revising Policy DJED (Bids and Quotations) – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 175-180
* 12. to approve Food and Nutrition Services’ Annual Maintenance Agreement with Horizon Software for the 2019-2020 school year (Front of House Software $20,683.59 and Back of House Software $18,783.86 and Application Scanning $2,415.68 and Online Applications $4,736.92) effective 7-1-19 through 6-30-20 – Mrs. Erma Davis
Pages 181-189 Source of funding Food Service Amount $46,620.05 (Total)
* 13. to approve Professional Services Contracts for provision of services to students – Mrs. Vickie Smith
a. Applied Behavior Analysis Consultants
b. Literacy Intervention Instruction/PD
Pages 190-191 Source of funding IDEA Amount $130,000.00
* 14. to approve Professional Services Contracts for provision of services to students – Mrs. Vickie Smith
a. Physical Therapy
b. Occupational Therapy
c. Speech Therapy
d. School Psychologist
e. Educational Diagnostician
Pages 192-198 Source of funding General Amount $435,300.00
* 15. to add a Medicaid Clerk to the Special Education Organizational Chart – Mrs. Vickie Smith
Source of funding Medicaid Amount Office Clerk Pay Scale
* 16. to enter into an Inter-Agency Agreement with Save the Children Head Start for facility use of the 2019-2020 school year at the Board’s Carter C. Raymond Junior High Campus, subject to final review of legal counsel and authorize the Board President to execute said document – Mr. Roy Rachal
Pages 199-206 Source of funding Any proceeds distributed in accord with Board Policy “KG”
* 17. to discuss entering into a “Survey Permit” with Port Arthur Pipeline, LLC specifically accessing a certain tract of land described as parcel number 1004153069001201 subject to final review of Legal Counsel and authorize the Board President to Execute said document – Mr. Roy Rachal
Pages 207-213
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 27th day of June 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.
____________________
The Board and Dr. Luke Purdy recognized Jose’ Lozada as the 2019 winner of the LACUE Technology Leadership Summit Award. (Item 4-a)
____________________
The Board recognized the J. I Barron Archery Team for their accomplishments. (Item 4-b)
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to consider and take action with respect to adopting a Resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of General Obligation Refunding Bonds of Forest Hill School District Number 16 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana making application to the State Bond Commission for approval of said Bonds and providing for other matters in connection therewith.(Item 6)
Mr. Grant Schlueter of Foley and Judell presented information and discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to adopt a Resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of General Obligation Refunding Bonds of Forest Hill School District Number 16 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana making application to the State Bond Commission for approval of said Bonds and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTION
A resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of not to exceed Two Million Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,200,000) of General Obligation School Refunding Bonds of Forest Hill School District Number 16 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana; making application to the State Bond Commission for approval of said Bonds; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
WHEREAS, pursuant to the provisions of Article VI, Section 33 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, Sub-Part A, Part III, Chapter 4, of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority, Forest Hill School District Number 16 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the "Issuer") has heretofore issued $3,120,000 of General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2010 (the "Series 2010 Bonds"); and
WHEREAS, in order to provide debt service savings to the Issuer, the Issuer desires to refund all or any portion of the Issuer’s outstanding Series 2010 Bonds pursuant to the provisions of Part II of Chapter 4 of Subtitle II of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority (the "Act"), through the issuance of its refunding bonds; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Act, and subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission, the Issuer desires to accomplish the refunding by authorizing the issuance of not exceeding Two Million Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,200,000) of its General Obligation School Refunding Bonds (the "Bonds"), to be payable from unlimited ad valorem taxes; and
WHEREAS, the Issuer desires to make formal application to the State Bond Commission for approval of the issuance of the Bonds;
NOW, THEREFORE, 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 Forest Hill School District Number 16 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, that:
SECTION 1. Preliminary Approval of the Bonds. Preliminary approval is given to the issuance of not exceeding Two Million Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,200,000) of General Obligation School Refunding Bonds (the "Bonds"), of the Issuer, to be issued for the purpose of refunding all or any portion of the Issuer’s outstanding General Obligation School Bonds, Series 2010, and paying the costs of issuance of the Bonds, said Bonds to be payable from and secured by unlimited ad valorem taxes now being levied and collected annually in excess of all other taxes on all the property subject to taxation within the territorial limits of the Issuer. The Bonds shall bear interest at a rate or rates not to exceed four percent (4%) per annum, to be determined by subsequent resolution of this Governing Authority at the time of the sale of the Bonds, and shall mature no later than March 1, 2030. The Bonds shall be issued in fully registered form, shall be sold to the purchaser thereof at a price of not less than 97% of par, plus accrued interest, and shall have such additional terms and provisions as may be determined by this Governing Authority.
.
SECTION 2. Employment of Bond Counsel. This Governing Authority finds and determines that a real necessity exists for the employment of special counsel in connection with the issuance of the Bonds, and accordingly, Foley & Judell, L.L.P., of New Orleans, Louisiana, as Bond Counsel, is hereby employed to do and perform work of a traditional legal nature as bond counsel with respect to the issuance and sale of said Bonds. Said Bond Counsel shall prepare and submit to this Governing Authority for adoption all of the proceedings incidental to the authorization, issuance, sale and delivery of such Bonds, shall counsel and advise this Governing Authority as to the issuance and sale thereof and shall furnish its opinions covering the legality of the issuance of the Bonds. The fee of Bond Counsel for each series of bonds shall be fixed at a sum not exceeding the fee allowed by the Attorney General’s fee guidelines for such bond counsel work in connection with the issuance of revenue bonds and based on the amount of said Bonds actually issued, sold, delivered and paid for, plus Aout-of-pocket@ expenses, said fees to be contingent upon the issuance, sale and delivery of said Bonds. The Chief Financial Officer is hereby authorized and directed to execute, and this Governing Authority hereby agrees to and accepts the terms of, the engagement letter of Bond Counsel appended hereto. A certified copy of this resolution shall be submitted to the Attorney General of the State of Louisiana for his written approval of said employment and of the fees herein designated, and the Chief Financial Officer is hereby empowered and directed to provide for payment of the work herein specified upon completion thereof and under the conditions herein enumerated without further approval of this Governing Authority.
SECTION 3. State Bond Commission. Application is hereby made to the State Bond Commission, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for approval of the issuance and sale of the Bonds and for consent and authority to proceed with the issuance and sale of the Bonds as provided above, and Bond Counsel is directed to make application to the State Bond Commission in accordance with the foregoing on behalf of the Governing Authority.
By virtue of applicant/issuer’s application for, acceptance and utilization of the benefits of the Louisiana State Bond Commission’s approval(s) resolved and set forth herein, it resolves that it understands and agrees that such approval(s) are expressly conditioned upon, and
it further resolves that it understands, agrees and binds itself, its successors and assigns to, full and continuing compliance with the "State Bond Commission Policy on Approval of Proposed Use of Swaps, or other forms of Derivative Products Hedges, Etc.", adopted by the Commission on July 20, 2006, as to the borrowing(s) and other matter(s) subject to the approval(s), including subsequent application and approval under said Policy of the implementation or use of any swap(s) or other product(s) or enhancement(s) covered thereby.
SECTION 4. Appointment of Municipal Advisor. The Issuer hereby retains Argent Advisors, Inc., of Ruston, Louisiana, to act as its Municipal Advisor ("MA") pursuant to the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the rules promulgated thereunder by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Issuer hereby acknowledges that it is represented by the MA and will rely upon the advice of the MA with respect to the Bonds. The fee to be paid the MA shall be payable solely from the proceeds of the Bonds when and if issued, and the amount thereof shall be subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission. The Secretary and/or Chief Financial Officer are hereby authorized and directed, to execute any contract the MA may require with respect to the engagement.
SECTION 5. Sale of Bonds. The Bonds are hereby authorized to be sold to a purchaser, and the Secretary, President and/or Chief Financial Officer are hereby authorized to execute a Commitment Letter, in form and substance satisfactory to Bond Counsel to the Issuer, provided the sale of the Bonds produces minimum net present value savings (after payment of all costs) in excess of the Minimum Present Value Savings to Refund guidelines of the State Bond Commission.
EXHIBIT A
July 2, 2019
Ms. Elizabeth A. Domite, Chief Financial Officer
Rapides Parish School Board
Alexandria, Louisiana
Re: Proposed General Obligation Refunding Bonds of Forest Hill School District Number 16 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana
Dear Liz:
The purpose of this engagement letter is to set forth certain matters concerning the role we will serve and the legal services we will provide as bond counsel to Forest Hill School District Number 16 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the "Issuer") in connection with the issuance of the captioned bonds (the "Bonds"). We understand that the Bonds will be issued for the purpose described in the resolution adopted by the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana (the "Governing Authority"), acting as the governing authority of the Issuer, on July 2, 2019.
As bond counsel, we will prepare and submit to the Governing Authority for adoption all of the legal proceedings required for the authorization, issuance, sale and delivery of the Bonds and provide advice of a traditional legal nature as to the issuance and sale of the Bonds. Our job is principally to render certain opinions to the Issuer regarding (i) the validity of the Bonds under applicable Louisiana law, (ii) the exemption of interest paid on the bonds from federal and/or state taxes, and (iii) other matters as may be applicable. The bond opinion will be based on facts and law existing as of its date. In rendering such opinion, we will rely upon the certified proceedings and other certifications of public officials and other persons furnished to our firm without undertaking to verify the same by independent investigation, and we will assume continuing compliance by the Issuer with applicable laws and other resolutions relating to the Bonds. During the course of this engagement, we will rely upon the staff of the Issuer and the members of the Governing Authority to provide us with complete and timely information on all developments pertaining to any aspect of the Bonds.
In our engagement as bond counsel, we will:
1. Confer with members of the working group, including you and other officials of the Issuer, relating to the Bonds and review legal issues relating to the structure of the Bond issue;
2. Prepare the Issuing Bond Resolution and all related financing documents (collectively, the "Bond Documents");
3. Attend meetings of the Governing Authority at which the Bond Documents are adopted;
4. Prepare the application for approval of the issuance of the Bonds by the State Bond Commission and attend the State Bond Commission meeting at which such approval will be considered;
5. Prepare the closing index and various closing certificates, including the Tax Compliance Certificate, and supervise the execution of certain closing documents by the various parties thereto;
6. Prepare and file Internal Revenue Service Form 8038-G, as required by Federal law;
7. Prepare the Bonds and supervise their execution and authentication;
8. Prepare complete transcripts of record covering the issuance of the Bonds and furnishing the transcripts to various parties in connection therewith; and
9. Submit applicable post-closing reports to the State Bond Commission.
Our fee as bond counsel is based upon the terms, structure, size and schedule of the financing, the services provided, and the responsibilities assumed; however, our fee will not exceed that permitted by guidelines set forth by the Attorney General of the State of Louisiana and is subject to his approval. Our fee as bond counsel is a “Contingent fee”, meaning you are required to pay for our legal services only in the event the Bonds are actually sold and delivered. Other vendors or members of the working group may charge additional fees or costs for their services.
We will continue to serve as bond counsel until the delivery of the Bonds; however, the Issuer and our firm each have the right to terminate this engagement at any time after providing reasonable advanced written notice, subject to the applicable rules of professional responsibility. Upon conclusion or termination of our representation of the Issuer, papers and property furnished by the Issuer will be returned promptly upon request.
Please note that we are not municipal advisors, and we do not render financial advice or other financial services to the Issuer; however, in the course of providing traditional legal services, we may provide factual information to the Issuer that is not specifically tailored to the Bonds or that does not rise to the level of a recommendation concerning a course of action. We will, however, analyze and advise the Issuer regarding the legal ramifications of the structure, timing, terms and other provisions of the Bonds, as these functions are essential to developing a plan of finance.
On behalf of the Issuer, you have represented to us that in connection with the issuance of the Bonds the Issuer is represented by, and with respect to financial matters will rely on the advice of, Argent Advisors, Inc., a registered municipal advisor under the rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission. By obtaining such representation from you, our firm is not a municipal advisor and is not subject to the fiduciary duty established in Section 15B(c)(1) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
Applicable ethical rules in Louisiana prohibit us from undertaking this representation if we represent another party that is directly adverse to the Issuer or if there is a significant risk that other considerations will materially limit our representation of the Issuer. As you are aware, our firm represents the State of Louisiana and many other political subdivisions, including others in Rapides Parish. At this time, we do not believe any other current or past engagement of our firm adversely affects our ability to represent the Issuer as provided in this letter; however, we invite you to discuss any concerns you have with us.
In the interest of facilitating our services to you, we may (i) send documents, information or data electronically or via the Internet or (ii) store electronic documents or data via computer software applications hosted remotely or utilize cloud-based storage. Confidential electronic documents or data of the Issuer may be transmitted or stored using these methods. We may use third party service providers to store or transmit these documents or data. In using these electronic communication and storage methods, we employ reasonable efforts to keep such communications, documents and data secure in accordance with our obligations under applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards; however, the Issuer recognizes and accepts that we have no control over the unauthorized interception or breach of any communications, documents or data once it has been transmitted or if it has been subject to unauthorized access while stored, notwithstanding all reasonable security measures employed by us or by our third party service providers. By acceptance of this letter, the Issuer consents to our use of these electronic devices and applications and submission of confidential client information to or through third party service providers during this engagement.
If this letter is acceptable to the Issuer, please so indicate by executing below and returning a copy to us, retaining an original for your files. We appreciate the opportunity to serve the Issuer and look forward to working with you.
Foley & Judell, L.L.P.
By: _______________________________
C. Grant Schlueter, Partner
Accepted and Approved:
Forest Hill School District Number 16
of Rapides Parish, Louisiana
By: _____________________________
Name: Elizabeth A. Domite
Title: Chief Financial Officer
Dated: July 2, 2019
cc: Argent Advisors, Inc.
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to add to the agenda toauthorize the secretary to solicit formal quotes for “Peabody Montessori Auditorium Wall” (RFQ 20-18) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive the quotes and a recommendation to be made to the Board – Reason to add: Time Sensitive. (Item 17)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
____________________
A motion was made by Ms. Linda Burgess and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to add to the agenda toauthorize the secretary to solicit formal quotes for “Chiller Replacement at RAAAVL” (RFQ 20-20) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive the quotes and a recommendation to be made to the Board (WOID #172180) – Reason to add: Time Sensitive. (Item 18)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, 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 toauthorize the secretary to solicit formal quotes for “Construction of Portable Building for Tioga High Softball” (RFQ 20-19) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive the quotes and a recommendation to be made to the Board (WOID #169677) – Reason to add: Time Sensitive – Specifications just received – needs to be completed). (Item 19)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
____________________
A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry toadd to the agenda for the RPSB Superintendent Search Committee to present and consider for adoption a contract of employment for Jeff Powell as Superintendent of the Rapides Parish School System. (Item 20)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to add was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Mark Dryden and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to approve the consent agenda. (Item 5)
The agenda was read into the record and discussion ensued.
Items 5C-2, 5C-3, 5D-11, 5D-14, 5D-8a and 5F-1a were pulled from the consent agenda for discussion.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote to approve the consent agenda omitting the pulled items was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
Consent agenda: (Item 5)
A. Reports:
1. to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 12-42
B. Action – Minutes
1. to approve the minutes of the 6-4-19, 5-9-19 and 5-21-19 meetings of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 5-21-19 Personnel, Education, Finance Committee meetings, and the 5-28-19 Executive Committee meeting and the 5-9-19, 5-15-19 and 5-21-19 Superintendent Search Committee meetings
C. Action – Education
1. to approve renewing agreements for dual enrollment and authorize the Board President to sign any required documentation, pending review by Board Attorney – Mrs. Kim Bennett
Pages 43-62
a. Northwestern State University
b. Louisiana College (LC)
c. Louisiana State University at Alexandria (LSUA)
d. Louisiana State University at Eunice (LSUE)
e. Louisiana Tech University
f. Central Louisiana Technical Community College (CLTCC)
2. pulled for the regular agenda.
3. pulled for the regular agenda.
4. to approve a Resolution and Grant Agreement with The Rapides Foundation for the following:
Pages 134-136
· 2019-2020 Healthy Behavior District Partnership Grant
Source of funding Rapides Foundation Amount $65,000 (estimate based on last years awarded amount)
HEALTHY BEHAVIORS INITIATIVE BOARD RESOLUTION
On the 2nd day of July, 2019 at a meeting of the Rapides Parish School Board held in Alexandria, Louisiana a quorum of the Board present, the following business was conducted:
It was duly moved and seconded that the following resolution be adopted:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Rapides Parish School Board does hereby authorize Jeffrey Powell, Superintendent, on the terms and conditions that she/he may deem advisable, to negotiate and execute grant agreements on behalf of the Board, and further we do hereby give he/she the power and authority to do all things necessary to implement, maintain, amend or renew said documents with The Rapides Foundation.
I certify that the above and foregoing constitutes a true and correct copy of a part of the minutes of a meeting of the Rapides Parish School Board.
· 2019-2020 Effective Schools Initiative Grant
Source of funding Rapides Foundation Amount $518,000
EFFECTIVE SCHOOLS BOARD RESOLUTION
On the 2nd day of July, 2019 at a meeting of the Rapides Parish School Board held in Alexandria, Louisiana a quorum of the Board present, the following business was conducted:
It was duly moved and seconded that the following resolution be adopted:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Rapides Parish School Board does hereby authorize Jeffrey Powell, Superintendent, on the terms and conditions that she/he may deem advisable, to negotiate and execute grant agreements on behalf of the Board, and further we do hereby give he/she the power and authority to do all things necessary to implement, maintain, amend or renew said documents with The Rapides Foundation.
I certify that the above and foregoing constitutes a true and correct copy of a part of the minutes of a meeting of the Rapides Parish School Board.
· 2019-2020 Youth Volunteer School District Grant
Source of funding Rapides Foundation Amount $32,900 (estimate based on last years awarded amount)
MY CIVIC LIFE BOARD RESOLUTION
On the 2nd day of July, 2019 at a meeting of the Rapides Parish School Board held in Alexandria, Louisiana a quorum of the Board present, the following business was conducted:
It was duly moved and seconded that the following resolution be adopted:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Rapides Parish School Board does hereby authorize Jeffrey Powell, Superintendent, on the terms and conditions that she/he may deem advisable, to negotiate and execute grant agreements on behalf of the Board, and further we do hereby give he/she the power and authority to do all things necessary to implement, maintain, amend or renew said documents with The Rapides Foundation.
I certify that the above and foregoing constitutes a true and correct copy of a part of the minutes of a meeting of the Rapides Parish School Board.
5. to enter into a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement 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, pending legal review – Ms. LaRunda Hobbs Pierce
Pages 137-142 Source of funding Supplemental Course Allocation (SCA)
6. to renew a Memorandum of Understanding with Southern University and A & M 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 143-148 Source of funding Supplemental Course Allocation (SCA)
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 149-157
* 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 158-159
* 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 160-164
* 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 165-169
* 6. to authorize the secretary to solicit formal quotes for “Construction of Football Practice Field at Tioga High School” (RFQ 20-05) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive the quotes and a recommendation to be made to the Board (WOID 170787) and to enter into a standard AIA B 101-2007 Agreement with Pan American Engineers, LLC to provide adequate specifications for competing this project – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 170-171 Source of funding District 11 School Maintenance Funds Amount $66,000
* 7. to approve Interfund Loan for the General Fund to 1967 Sales Tax Fund (Fund 025) in the amount of $300,000 from June 4, 2019 until funds are sufficient to pay, August 1, 2019 - Ms. Liz Domite
Page 172 Source of funding General Fund Amount $300,000
* 8. to ratify and confirm bids received by the Central Office Staff and award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and contract document requirements and specifications – Ms. Liz Domite
a. pulled for the regular agenda.
b. “Purchase of School Uniforms and Supplies” (Bid # 19-51A) received on Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. and award to Longstreet for $21,460.00
Source of funding Homeless Grant and Title I Funds Amount $50,000 (Estimate)
* 9. to ratify and confirm bids received by the Central Office Staff and award to the highest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on highest bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and contract document requirements and specifications – Ms. Liz Domite
“Sale of Property” (Bid # 20-02) received on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. and award to McFarland Cascade Holdings, Inc. for $905,000.00
Source of funding General Fund
* 10. to approve the request of the St. Tammany Parish School System to participate in a Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with Rapides Parish School Board for the renewal of Bid #15-28 which is the “Purchase of Educational Materials” (Renewal #19-28) and the renewal of Bid #17-16 which is the “Purchase of Science Materials and Supplies (Renewal #19-16) - Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 173-174
* 11. pulled for the regular agenda.
* 12. to approve Food and Nutrition Services’ Annual Maintenance Agreement with Horizon Software for the 2019-2020 school year (Front of House Software $20,683.59 and Back of House Software $18,783.86 and Application Scanning $2,415.68 and Online Applications $4,736.92) effective 7-1-19 through 6-30-20 – Mrs. Erma Davis
Pages 181-189 Source of funding Food Service Amount $46,620.05 (Total)
* 13. to approve Professional Services Contracts for provision of services to students – Mrs. Vickie Smith
a. Applied Behavior Analysis Consultants
b. Literacy Intervention Instruction/PD
Pages 190-191 Source of funding IDEA Amount $130,000.00
* 14. pulled for the regular agenda.
* 15. to add a Medicaid Clerk to the Special Education Organizational Chart – Mrs. Vickie Smith
Source of funding Medicaid Amount Office Clerk Pay Scale
* 16. to enter into an Inter-Agency Agreement with Save the Children Head Start for facility use of the 2019-2020 school year at the Board’s Carter C. Raymond Junior High Campus, subject to final review of legal counsel and authorize the Board President to execute said document – Mr. Roy Rachal
Pages 199-206 Source of funding Any proceeds distributed in accord with Board Policy “KG”
* 17. to discuss entering into a “Survey Permit” with Port Arthur Pipeline, LLC specifically accessing a certain tract of land described as parcel number 1004153069001201 subject to final review of Legal Counsel and authorize the Board President to Execute said document – Mr. Roy Rachal
Pages 207-213
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. pulled for the regular agenda.
* 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. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to adopt a Resolution authorizing the Buckeye Panther Club, Incorporated to apply for a charitable gaming license. (Item 7)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
RESOLUTION OF THE RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
WHEREAS, a non-profit booster club has existed for a number of years to enhance athletic and other programs at Buckeye High School, said club being the Buckeye Panther Club Incorporated; and
WHEREAS, the club has been in previous years authorized to seek a charitable gaming license from the State of Louisiana in order to conduct BINGO games and other like activities, the net revenue being paid to Buckeye High School pursuant to R.S. 4:701 et seq and thereafter deposited in the school fund in accordance with applicable laws; and
WHEREAS, in prior years the written authorization of the principal of a high school is sufficient to authorize a booster club to seek charitable gaming licensing authority from the state; and
WHEREAS, as of May 15, 2019 the procedures are altered to require not only the principal’s authorization but a designation by the parish school board of the booster club to collect funds in the name of the particular school all is more fully shown by the Office Procedure Revision letter attached hereto.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by the Rapides Parish School Board that the Buckeye Panther Club Incorporated be and it hereby is designated to collect funds through participation in the charitable gaming activities for the use and benefit of Buckeye High School provided that the principal of the said Buckeye High School concurs in that designation and if so provides a letter of authorization to the booster club to enable it to seek the appropriate license to conduct charitable gaming operations in accordance with law and further provided that the booster club may use the Buckeye school name in its fund-raising and charitable gaming activities provided that the net funds generated by those activities as provided by R.S. 4:701 et seq are tendered to Buckeye High School and deposited in the Buckeye school fund.
The foregoing Resolution was duly offered, seconded and adopted by a majority of the Rapides Parish School Board in legal session duly convened on this the ________ day of ________, 2019.
____________________________________
Superintendent/Secretary
Rapides Parish School Board
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to authorize the secretary to solicit formal quotes for “Replacement of Flooring at Tioga Jr. High Girl’s Gym” (RFQ 20-12) 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 170961). (Item 9)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Mark Dryden and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to authorize the secretary to solicit formal quotes for “HVAC Upgrade at J. B. Lafargue” (RFQ 20-15) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive quotes (WOID 170807). (Item 8)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to approve the reimbursement rate for approved School Board Travel to $0.58 per mile effective July 1, 2019 as per State of Louisiana, Division of Administration Travel Policies and Procedures. (Item 10)
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Mr. Steve Berry seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez, the Board voted unanimously to approve the reimbursement rate for approved School Board Travel to $0.58 per mile effective July 1, 2019 as per State of Louisiana, Division of Administration Travel Policies and Procedures.
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to approve the recommended revisions to the RPSB Standard Behavioral Health Services Contract and authorize the Superintendent to sign said contract upon securing the required documents connected therewith. (Item 11)
Discussion ensued.
On motion made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall, the Board voted unanimously to approve the recommended revisions to the RPSB Standard Behavioral Health Services Contract and authorize the Superintendent to sign said contract upon securing the required documents connected therewith.
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to enter into a contract of lease between Rapides Parish School Board and Alfred Hempen and Frank Hempen, Jr. for the lease of premises to be used for parking and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith, contingent upon advising counsel’s legal review. (Item 12)
Discussion ensued.
Let the record reflect that Mr. Mark Dryden left the meeting at this time.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Mr. Rodriguez, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios
NAY: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry
ABSENT: Mr. Dryden
THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED MY MAJORITY VOTE.
____________________
Item 13 was deleted.
____________________
Let the record reflect that Mr. Mark Dryden returned to the meeting at this time.
____________________
A motion was made by Ms. Linda Burgess and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to receive a written report from the Director of Maintenance as it relates to the mold problem at Arthur F. Smith to include the names of persons or company inspecting the facility, a copy of the inspection report, the estimated cost and the scope of work. (Item 14)
Discussion ensued.
No action was taken.
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Ms. Linda Burgess to approve a two (2) day training for the new Algebra I Curriculum, Illustrative Math, to be delivered during the Back to School Professional Development and to authorize the Board President to sign all documents in connection therewith. (Item 15)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to approve adding the 2019-2020 State Raises to all Salary Schedules. (Item 16)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
____________________
Let the record reflect that Mr. Darrell Rodriguez left the meeting at this time.
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to authorize the secretary to solicit formal quotes for “Peabody Montessori Auditorium Wall” (RFQ 20-18) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive the quotes and a recommendation to be made to the Board. (Item 17)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Rodriguez
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to authorize the secretary to solicit formal quotes for “Chiller Replacement at RAAAVL” (RFQ 20-20) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive the quotes and a recommendation to be made to the Board (WOID #172180). (Item 18)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: Mr. Rodriguez
____________________
Let the record reflect that Mr. Darrell Rodriguez returned to the meeting at this time.
Let the record reflect that Ms. Linda Burgess left the meeting at this time.
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to authorize the secretary to solicit formal quotes for “Construction of Portable Building for Tioga High Softball” (RFQ 20-19) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive the quotes (WOID #169677). (Item 19)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: Ms. Burgess
____________________
Let the record reflect that Ms. Linda Burgess returned to the meeting at this time.
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman for the RPSB Superintendent Search Committee to present and consider for adoption a contract of employment for Jeff Powell as Superintendent of the Rapides Parish School System. (Item 20)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall that the RPSB accept the contract as presented and read with the minimum base salary set at $165,000 and to offer Mr. Jeff Powell a contract as Superintendent of Rapides Parish School System that was approved by Superintendent’s Search Committee and the Board effective July 2, 2019.
Discussion ensued.
A second substitute motion was made by Mrs. Sandra Franklin and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios that the RPSB accept the contract as presented and read with the minimum base salary set at $160,000 and to offer Mr. Jeff Powell a contract as Superintendent of Rapides Parish School System that was approved by Superintendent’s Search Committee and the Board effective July 2, 2019.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the second substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Barrios
NAY: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry
ABSENT: None
THE SECOND SUBSTITUTE MOTION FAILED FOR LACK OF MAJORITY VOTE.
The first substitute motion made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall that the RPSB accept the contract as presented and read with the minimum base salary set at $165,000 and to offer Mr. Jeff Powell a contract as Superintendent of Rapides Parish School System that was approved by Superintendent’s Search Committee and the Board effective July 2, 2019.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the first substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. Barrios
NAY: Mrs. Franklin
ABSENT: None
THE FIRST SUBSTITUTE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to offer Mr. Jeff Power a contract as recommended by the Board.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
____________________
A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to inform the Board that RPSB will retain the locally approved Pupil Progression Plan for the 2019-2020 school year. (Item 5C-2)
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry, the Board voted unanimously to inform the Board that RPSB will retain the locally approved Pupil Progression Plan for the 2019-2020 school year.
____________________
Let the record reflect that Mr. Willard McCall left the meeting at this time.
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to approve an amendment to LearnZillion contracts (originally approved April 2018) for SRCL Middle and High Schools for professional development services and a personalized district LearnZillion website to support Guidebooks 2.0 and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith. (Item 5C-3)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, 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 bids received by the Central Office Staff and award to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and contract document requirements and specifications. (Item 5D-8a)
a. “Baseball Field Improvements at Rapides High School” (Bid # 19-36) received on Wednesday, June 26 2019 at 2:00 p.m.
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to reject bids received on Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. for RPSB Bid #19-36 “Baseball Field Improvements at Rapides High School” for just cause (over designer’s estimate) and to re-authorize the secretary to advertise for bids for the “Baseball Field Improvements at Rapides High” (Bid #19-36a) and the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids, a recommendation to be made to the Board.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. Barrios
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to approve revising Policy DJED (Bids and Quotations). (Item 5D-11)
Discussion ensued and on Page 175 on No. 1 in the second sentence, to add back the wording at least.
On motion by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman, the Board voted unanimously to approve revising Policy DJED (Bids and Quotations) and add back the wording on Page 175.
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to approve Professional Services Contracts for provision of services to students. (Item 5D-14)
a. Physical Therapy
b. Occupational Therapy
c. Speech Therapy
d. School Psychologist
e. Educational Diagnostician
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry
NAY: Mr. Rodriguez, Mr. Barrios
ABSENT: None
THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.
____________________
A motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to receive reports as follows: (Item 5F-1)
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
Discussion ensued.
Reports were received, No action was needed.
____________________
Pursuant to motion duly carried, the Rapides Parish School Board adjourned.
/s/Wilton Barrios
President
ATTEST:
/s/Jeff Powell
Secretary
S E A L