OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
OF THE
RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Alexandria, Louisiana
May 5, 2020
The Rapides Parish School Board of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, met in regular public session at 5:00 o’clock p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 at the regular meeting place of said board in the Rapides Parish School Board Office, 619 Sixth and Beauregard Streets, in Alexandria, Louisiana.
President Darrell Rodriguez called the meeting to order and on roll call the following members were present:
Darrell Rodriguez, President
Willard McCall, Vice President
Wilton Barrios, Member
Steve Berry, Member
Keith Breazeale, Member
Linda Burgess, Member
Stephen Chapman, Member
Mark Dryden, Member
Sandra Franklin, Member
Mr. Jeff Powell, Secretary for the Board, was present for the meeting.
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Attorney James Downs was present for the meeting.
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The Invocation was pronounced by Mrs. Sandra Franklin after which Mr. Willard McCall 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 APRIL 28, 2020)
Alexandria, Louisiana
April 28, 2020
Dear Sir/Madam:
I, Darrell Rodriguez, 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 5, 2020
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. None this month
5. Motion to defer to May Board meeting and approve the Reorganization Structure for Child Welfare and Attendance – Food and Nutrition, and Physical Plant for further discussion and have a Special Board meeting in April to finalize it - Mr. Willard McCall
Pages 1-22
6. Motion to adopt the goals of the 5-year Strategic Plan and come back to the May Board Meeting to review the action components of the 5-year Strategic Plan which would include the changes to the Re-organizational Chart – Dr. Stephen Chapman
Pages 23-135
7. Motion directing the Superintendent to present a plan re-establishing Community School Zones 1, 2 and 3 to their original structure per the 2017-2018 school year at May Board meeting - Mr. Willard McCall
Pages 136-199
8. Motion to give an update on summer planning – Mr. Jonathan Garrett
9. Motion 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
10. Motion to approve/adopt any budget changes/amendments – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 200-256
11. Motion 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 257-258
12. Motion to receive a budget update for General Fund and Food and Nutrition Fund as required by Statewide Agreed Upon Procedures by LA Legislative Auditor – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 259-263
13. Motion 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 264-268
14. Motion to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids for the “Purchase of Large Cafeteria Equipment” (Bid No. 20-52) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office staff to receive bids, a recommendation to be made to the Board and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation connected therewith – Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding Food Service Amount $300,000 (est.)
15. Motion to authorize the secretary to exercise the option to renew the contract under the same terms and conditions for the 2020-2021 school year and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation connected therewith – Ms. Liz Domite
a. “Above Ground Grease Holding Tank Service” (Bid No. 10-25) with written mutual agreement of vendors, Bonnette and Sons, LLC (Renewal Bid No. 20-38)
Source of funding School Food and Nutrition Amount $6,000.00
b. “Dust Control Maintenance” (Bid No. 17-03) with written mutual agreement of vendors, D & L Textile Services (Renewal Bid No. 20-03)
Source of funding Various Maintenance Funds Amount $60,000 (est.)
c. “Pest Control Services” (Bid No. 17-17) with written mutual agreement of vendors, Bug Blasters, LLC (Renewal Bid No. 20-17)
Source of funding Various Maintenance Funds and Food Service Amount $42,000 (est.)
d. “Professional Drug Testing Services” (Bid No. 18-11) with written mutual agreement of vendors, Louisiana Occupational Health Services, (Renewal Bid No. 20-11)
Source of funding General Fund and Food and Nutrition Amount $70,000.00
e. “Purchase of Art Supplies” (Bid No. 18-44) with written mutual agreement of vendors, Blik Art Materials, LLC and S and S Worldwide, Inc. (Renewal Bid No. 20-48)
Source of funding General Fund and Various Grants Amount Based on Funding Available
f. “Service and Maintenance of RPSB Elevators” (RFP No. 18-49) with written mutual agreement of vendors, Southwest Elevator Company DBA Oracle Elevator (Renewal RFP No. 20-49)
Source of funding Various Maintenance Funds Amount $16,200.00
g. “Purchase of Montessori Educational Materials and Supplies” (RFP No. 19-43) with written mutual agreement of vendors, Bruins Montessori Int’l USA, Inc. and School Specialty (Renewal RFP No. 20-43)
Source of funding Various Grants Amount Based on Funding Available
16. Motion to approve Professional Services Contract for CAC Consulting Group for work with the Early Childhood Ready Start Network Pilot (Original contract was approved November 6, 2019. The state extended the budget from January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020. Amount of original contract is the same $42,250 funded by Ready Start Network Pilot Grant. The contract end date is changed from December 31, 2019 to June 30, 2020) – Mrs. Cindy Rushing
Pages 269-271
17. Motion to authorize the Board’s Insurance Consultant to initiate renewal negotiations for TPA Services and Property and Casualty Insurance for the 2020-2021 school year at same terms, conditions, and annual premium or minimally shall not increase to exceed the CPI (as of March 2020); should increases exceed same in final negotiations, the Board directs consultant to solicit and receive quotes with a recommendation to be made to the Board at the June Regular Board Meeting – Mr. Roy Rachal
Source of funding General Fund Amount $1,332,828.55 (estimate)
18. Motion to authorize the Board’s Insurance Consultant to initiate renewal negotiations for Student Accident Insurance for the 2020-2021 school year at same annual premium or minimally shall not increase to exceed the CPI; should increases exceed same in final negotiations, the Board directs consultant to solicit and receive bids with a recommendation to be made to the Board – Mr. Roy Rachal
Source of funding General Fund and Formula Distributed Balance by School Amount $401,996 (estimate)
19. Motion to give a report on TAP payouts – Mrs. Amy Campbell
Page 272
20. Motion to have the transportation department perform a complete analysis survey to determine if it would be more cost and time effective to outsource the oil and lubricants service on the parish buses. This would include all costs for materials and services used during regular maintenance. The independent service provider would travel to the bus location instead of having the bus driver come to the bus barn. This is to be presented at the May Board Meeting - Mr. Darrel Rodriguez
Pages 273-281
21. Motion to consider and take-action with respect to adopting a Resolution declaring the intention of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana, that certain expenditures made in connection with capital school projects be reimbursed with the proceeds of tax-exempt borrowing; and providing for other matters in connection therewith – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 282-289
22. Motion to adopt a Resolution in support of the increase funding in the 2020-2021 MFP - Ms. Liz Domite
Page 290
23. Motion to authorize the Superintendent to pay essential exempt support staff for work completed during the closure – Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding (To be presented at the Board meeting)
24. Motion to name the football field at Northwood High School the Tom O’Kelly Football Field - Mrs. Kelli Welch
25. Motion to hear a report from Board’s Consultant regarding District 62 Facilities on April 15, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. and move Meyer Engineers, LTD report to the June 2, 2020 Board meeting and to have the contract adjusted accordingly (from District 62 Committee) – Mr. Keith Breazeale
26. Motion to receive an update on school construction projects – Mr. Clyde Washington
Pages 291-316
27. Motion to approve the minutes of the 3-3-20 and the 3-23-20 meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 2-11-20 Personnel, Education, Finance Committee and District 62 Committee meetings, the 2-27-20 Discipline Review Committee and the 2-17-20 Executive Committee meeting
28. Motion to hear a report on the response from Rapides Parish School District regarding COVID-19 – Mr. Keith Breazeale
29. Motion to terminate a paraprofessional for employee conduct – Ms. Naomi Jones
30. Motion to 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
31. Motion to approve leave requests – Ms. Naomi Jones
32. Motion to discuss any personnel complaints that may go before the full board for action - Ms. Naomi Jones
33. Motion to approve the revised Personnel Transfer Policy (GBM) - Ms. Naomi Jones
Pages 317-318
34. Motion to present and approve staffing numbers for the 2020-2021 school year – Ms. Naomi Jones
35. Motion to reclassify all current and future Elementary Assistant Principal positions as ten (10) month starting with the 2020-2021 school year – Mr. Jeff Powell
Source of funding General Fund Amount $84,000.00
36. Motion to present and approve extra-curricular and co-curricular allotments for the 2020-20121 school year – Dr. Dana Nolan
Pages 319-325
37. Motion to approve an Interagency Agreement with the Louisiana Department of Education for the Early Childhood Guide Pilot Project and approve job description for the Early Childhood Guide Facilitator – Mrs. Cindy Rushing
Pages 326-336 Source of funding Early Childhood Guide Pilot Project Amount $159,600.00 (for Interagency Agreement)
38. Motion to receive an update with the Rapides Parish School Board Head Start and Early Head Start Grant Application – Mrs. Cindy Rushing
Source of funding Head Start/Early Head Start Grant Amount $11,510,420.00
39. Motion to authorize the Superintendent and/or Administration to reimburse outstanding student lunch balances in the amount $11,750.40 to Food and Nutrition Services - Mrs. Erma Davis and Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 337-338 Source of funding General Fund Amount $11,750.40
40. Motion to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids for "Purchase and Installation of Playground Equipment at Northwood High School” (Bid # 20-53) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids, a recommendation to be made to the Board and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation connected therewith - Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding Title I Amount $75,000 (estimate)
41. Motion to ratify and confirm bids/proposals received by the Central Office Staff and award bid 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. “Purchase of Propane Gas” (Bid No. 20-10) received on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at 10:00 a.m.
Source of funding District 51 Maintenance and District 58 Maintenance Amount $45,000.00
b. “Purchase of Educational Materials and Supplies” (Bid No. 20-28) received on Friday, April 17, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.
Source of funding Various Funds Amount Based on available funding and needs
c. “Purchase of School Uniforms and Supplies” (Bid No. 20-27) received on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.
Source of funding Homeless Grant and Title I Amount $50,000.00
d. “Purchase of Science Materials and Supplies” (Bid No. 20-16) received on Friday, April 24, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.
Source of funding General Fund Amount $40,000.00
e. “Construction of Driveway and Parking Lot at Pineville Junior High” (Bid No. 20-44) received on Thursday, April 30, 2020 at 2:00 p.m.
Source of funding Proceeds of Sale from Taking of Property Amount $275,000.00
f. “Purchase of Sanitary Maintenance Supplies” (Bid No. 20-13) received on Friday, May 1, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.
Source of funding Various Maintenance Funds Amount $250,000.00
g. “HVAC Air Filter Maintenance Service” (RFP No. 20-25) received on Wednesday April 29, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.
Source of funding Various Maintenance Funds Amount $212,500.00
42. Motion to authorize distribution of Excess Sales Tax Revenues in a separate May 21, 2020 paycheck, said distribution to be made to all permanent contracted employees on a ratio of two dollars for all positions requiring a College Degree or Valid State Teaching Certification and one dollar for all other positions - Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding 1967 Sales Tax Fund and 1987 Sales Tax Fund
43. Motion to ratify and confirm informal quotes received on Thursday, April 23, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Water System Improvements at Northwood High School” and award quote to the lowest responsive and responsible contractor and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith accordingly to Board Policy DJED (#169649) – Ms. Liz Domite
Pages 339-340 Source of funding District 22A Maintenance Fund Amount $34,346.79
44. Motion to adopt LSBA recommended Resolution in support of minimum qualifications for the selection of the State Superintendent of Education – Mr. Jeff Powell
Pages 341-343
45. Motion to approve the Professional Services Contract with Ready Math for professional development related to the purchase and implementation of the Tier 1 Math Curriculum for K-8 and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith - Mr. Jonathan Garrett
Pages 344-368 Source of funding Effective Schools Grant Amount $166,500.00
46. Motion to approve Professional Services Contract between Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College on behalf of its Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LASARD Project) and Rapides Parish School Board with the Early Childhood Inclusion Pilot – Mrs. Cindy Rushing
Pages 369-374 Source of funding LDOE Early Childhood Inclusion Project Amount $20,000.00
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, Witness my official signature and the seal of the Rapides Parish
School Board this 28th day of April 2020
/s/Darrell Rodriguez
President
ATTEST:
/s/Jeff Powell
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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A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin to hear a report on the response from Rapides Parish School District regarding COVID-19. (Item 28)
Mr. Jeff Powell presented information on item 28 and discussion ensued.
No action was taken.
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A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to defer to May Board meeting and approve the Reorganization Structure for Child Welfare and Attendance– Food and Nutrition, and Physical Plant for further discussion and have a Special Board meeting to finalize it. (Item 5)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Mark Dryden to approve the Reorganization Structure for Child Welfare and Attendance – Food and Nutrition, and Physical Plant.
Discussion ensued.
On the substitute motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Mark Dryden, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Reorganization Structure for Child Welfare and Attendance – Food and Nutrition, and Physical Plant.
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A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to adopt the goals of the 5-year Strategic Plan and come back to the May Board Meeting to review the action components of the 5-year Strategic Plan which would include the changes to the Re-organizational Chart. (Item 6)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Ms. Linda Burgess to approve the 5-year Strategic Plan with the exception of the Special Education Re-Organization Chart until the Board hears from the Special Education Personnel and the Superintendent and send to the May Education Committee.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Mr. Barrios, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin
NAY: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Dryden, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. Rodriguez
ABSENT: None
THE SUBSTITUTE MOTION FAILED.
A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry on the original motion to adopt the goals of the 5-year Strategic Plan to include the changes to the Re-Organizational Chart.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the original motion was as follows:
AYE: Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Dryden, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. Rodriguez
NAY: Mr. McCall, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin
ABSENT: None
THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.
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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman directing the Superintendent to present a plan re-establishing Community School Zones 1, 2 and 3 to their original structure per the 2017-2018 school year at May Board meeting. (Item 7)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Ms. Linda Burgess to defer to the May Education meeting directing the Superintendent to present a plan re-establishing Community School Zones 1, 2 and 3 to their original structure per the 2017-2018 school year.
Discussion ensued.
On the substitute motion made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Ms. Linda Burgess, the Board voted unanimously to defer to the May Education meeting directing the Superintendent to present a plan re-establishing Community School Zones 1, 2 and 3 to their original structure per the 2017-2018 school year.
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Items 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 21, 22, 23, 39, 40, 41, 42, and 43 were discussed in globo.
A motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin to discuss the following items in globo: Motion 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 (Item 9); to approve/adopt any budget changes/amendments (Item 10); 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) (Item 11); to receive a budget update for General Fund and Food and Nutrition Fund as required by Statewide Agreed Upon Procedures by LA Legislative Auditor (Item 12); to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids for the “Purchase of Large Cafeteria Equipment” (Bid No. 20-52) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office staff to receive bids, a recommendation to be made to the Board and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation connected therewith (Item 14); to authorize the secretary to exercise the option to renew the contract under the same terms and conditions for the 2020-2021 school year and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation connected therewith (Item 15)
a. “Above Ground Grease Holding Tank Service” (Bid No. 10-25) with written mutual agreement of vendors, Bonnette and Sons, LLC (Renewal Bid No. 20-38)
b. “Dust Control Maintenance” (Bid No. 17-03) with written mutual agreement of vendors, D & L Textile Services (Renewal Bid No. 20-03)
c. “Pest Control Services” (Bid No. 17-17) with written mutual agreement of vendors, Bug Blasters, LLC (Renewal Bid No. 20-17)
d. “Professional Drug Testing Services” (Bid No. 18-11) with written mutual agreement of vendors, Louisiana Occupational Health Services, (Renewal Bid No. 20-11)
e. “Purchase of Art Supplies” (Bid No. 18-44) with written mutual agreement of vendors, Blik Art Materials, LLC and S and S Worldwide, Inc. (Renewal Bid No. 20-48)
f. “Service and Maintenance of RPSB Elevators” (RFP No. 18-49) with written mutual agreement of vendors, Southwest Elevator Company DBA Oracle Elevator (Renewal RFP No. 20-49)
g. “Purchase of Montessori Educational Materials and Supplies” (RFP No. 19-43) with written mutual agreement of vendors, Bruins Montessori Int’l USA, Inc. and School Specialty (Renewal RFP No. 20-43)
and to consider and take-action with respect to adopting a Resolution declaring the intention of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana, that certain expenditures made in connection with capital school projects be reimbursed with the proceeds of tax-exempt borrowing; and providing for other matters in connection therewith (Item 21); to adopt a Resolution in support of the increase funding in the 2020-2021 MFP (Item 22); to authorize the Superintendent to pay essential exempt support staff for work completed during the closure (Item 23); to authorize the Superintendent and/or Administration to reimburse outstanding student lunch balances in the amount $11,750.40 to Food and Nutrition Services (Item 39); to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids for "Purchase and Installation of Playground Equipment at Northwood High School” (Bid # 20-53) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation connected therewith (Item 40); to ratify and confirm bids/proposals received by the Central Office Staff and award bid 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 41)
a. “Purchase of Propane Gas” (Bid No. 20-10) received on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. and award to Jim’s South Butane Propane, Inc. as per tab sheet
b. “Purchase of Educational Materials and Supplies” (Bid No. 20-28) received on Friday, April 17, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. and award to Lakeshore Learning, Kaplan Early Learning, School Specialty and HiTouch Business based on as needed and available funds
c. “Purchase of School Uniforms and Supplies” (Bid No. 20-27) received on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. and award to Premium Imports for uniforms in the amount of $30,511.08 and to Backpack Gear for backpacks and supplies for $20,282.40
d. “Purchase of Science Materials and Supplies” (Bid No. 20-16) received on Friday, April 24, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. and award to School Specialty (Frey) for Primary and to VWR- Sargent Welch for Secondary paid with Homeless Grant and Title I Funds
e. “Construction of Driveway and Parking Lot at Pineville Junior High” (Bid No. 20-44) received on Thursday, April 30, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. and award to Pat Williams Construction with Base bid for $221,900 and Alternate #1 for $41,600 with a total of $263,500.00
f. “Purchase of Sanitary Maintenance Supplies” (Bid No. 20-13) received on Friday, May 1, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. and award to Long’s Products for $20,668.88 and to Economical Janitorial for $101,955.17
g. “HVAC Air Filter Maintenance Service” (RFP No. 20-25) received on Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. and award to Air Nu for the amount of $210,240.00
to authorize distribution of Excess Sales Tax Revenues in a separate May 21, 2020 paycheck, said distribution to be made to all permanent contracted employees on a ratio of two dollars for all positions requiring a College Degree or Valid State Teaching Certification and one dollar for all other positions (Item 42); and to ratify and confirm informal quotes received on Thursday, April 23, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. by the Central Office Staff for “Water System Improvements at Northwood High School” and award quote to the lowest responsive and responsible contractor and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith accordingly to Board Policy DJED (#169649). (Item 43)
Discussion ensued on all the above items.
An amended motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to authorize distribution of Excess Sales Tax Revenues in a separate May 21, 2020 paycheck, said distribution to be made to all permanent contracted employees on a ratio of two dollars for all positions requiring a College Degree or Valid State Teaching Certification and the amount is $3,700 and one dollar for all other positions and the amount is $1,850. (Item 42)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the above items was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. Rodriguez
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
ITEM 21 RESOLUTION
A resolution declaring the intention of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana, that certain expenditures made in connection with capital school projects be reimbursed with the proceeds of tax-exempt borrowings; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
WHEREAS, the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana (the "School Board"), acting as the governing authority of Consolidated School District Number 62 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the "District") is proposing to undertake various projects (collectively, the "Project") which consist of improvements to school facilities and other capital expenditures for school purposes; and
WHEREAS, the cost of the Project is anticipated to be funded by tax-exempt obligations of the District (the "Bonds"); and
WHEREAS, it is anticipated that the School Board may make certain expenditures in connection with the Project prior to the proceeds being available from the Bonds;
BE IT RESOLVED by the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana, acting as the governing authority of Consolidated School District Number 62 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, that:
SECTION 1. Declaration of Official Intent. Prior to the delivery of the Bonds, the Issuer anticipates that it may pay a portion of the costs of the Project (estimated not to exceed $250,000) from the General Fund. The Project consists of improvements to school facilities and other capital expenditures for school purposes and paying the costs incurred in connection with the issuance of Bonds therefor. Upon the issuance of the Bonds, the Issuer reasonably expects to reimburse any such expenditures of other available funds from a portion of the proceeds of the Bonds. Any such allocation of proceeds of the Bonds for reimbursement will be with respect to capital expenditures (as defined in Reg. 1.150-1(b)) and will be made upon the delivery of the Bonds and not later than eighteen months after the later of (i) the date such expenditure was paid or (ii) the date on which the Project was placed in service, but in no event more than three years after the expenditure was paid. This Section is intended to be a declaration of official intent within the meaning of Reg. 1.150-2.
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 general obligation bonds and based on the amount of said Bonds actually issued, sold, delivered and paid for, plus "out-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. Employment of Municipal Advisor. The Issuer hereby retains Argent Advisors, Inc., of Ruston, Louisiana, Registered Municipal Advisors, 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 Superintendent and/or Chief Financial Officer is hereby authorized and directed, in their discretion, to execute any contract the MA may require with respect to the engagement.
SECTION 4. Effective Date. This resolution shall be effective upon adoption. This resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:
MEMBERS:
YEAS: Wilton Barrios, Jr., Steve Berry, Mark Dryden, Willard B. McCall, Dr. Stephen Chapman, Linda Burgess, Keith Breazeale, Darrell Rodriguez, Mrs. Sandra Franklin
NAYS: None
ABSENT: None
And the resolution was declared adopted on this 5th day of May, 2020
EXHIBIT A
April 1, 2020
Ms. Elizabeth Domite, Chief Financial Officer Honorable Parish School Board Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana Alexandria, Louisiana
Re: General Obligation School Bonds of Consolidated School District Number 62 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana
Dear Ms. Domite:
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 Consolidated School District Number 62 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 in one or more series for the purpose (the "Project") 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 April 1, 2020.
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:
• Confer with members of the working group, including you and other officials of the Issuer, relating to the Project and review legal issues relating to the structure of the Bond issue;
• Prepare the Issuing Bond Resolution and all related financing documents (collectively, the "Bond Documents");
• Attend meetings of the Governing Authority at which the Bond Documents are adopted;
• 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;
• Review any insurance policy in the event the Issuer determines that the Bonds will have credit enhancement;
• 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;
• Prepare and file Internal Revenue Service Form 8038-G, as required by Federal law;
• Prepare the Bonds and supervise their execution and authentication;
• Prepare complete transcripts of record covering the issuance of the Bonds and furnishing the transcripts to various parties in connection therewith; and
• 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.
In addition to our services provided as bond counsel, you have requested that we prepare an official statement with respect to the sale of each series of Bonds in coordination with the working group. The costs associated with the preparation of the official statement will be invoiced separately from our fee as bond counsel as approved by the State Bond Commission.
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 Richland 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: CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER 62 OF RAPIDES PARISH, LOUISIANA
BY: _____________________________ NAME: MS. ELIZABETH DOMITE TITLE: CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DATED: APRIL 1, 2020
cc: Argent Advisors, Inc.
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF RAPIDES
I, the undersigned Secretary of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana, do hereby certify that the foregoing pages constitute a true and correct copy of a resolution adopted by said Parish School Board on April 1, 2020, declaring the intention of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana, that certain expenditures made in connection with capital school projects be reimbursed with the proceeds of tax-exempt borrowings; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
IN FAITH WHEREOF, witness my official signature on this the 1st day of April,
2020.
DRAFT 02/19/20
F&J:CGS
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
FOR
MARCH 20, 2021 ELECTION
RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
(School Board meets 1st Tuesday of each month @ 5:00 p.m.)
09/01/20 5:00 p.m. School Board announces and notifies State Senators and Representatives of intent to call election.
09/09/20 Publish notice in official journal of intent to call election.
(Deadline to submit publication in the official journal - Fri. 09/04 by Noon)
10/06/20 5:00 p.m. School Board calls election
11/16/20 File application with the State Bond Commission and notify election officials
12/17/20 State Bond Commission approves election
12/23/20 Secretary of State deadline
12/30/20 Publish Notice of Special Election in official journal 01/06/21 Publish Notice of Special Election in official journal 01/13/21 Publish Notice of Special Election in official journal 01/20/21 Publish Notice of Special Election in official journal
(Deadline to submit publication in the official journal - Wed. 12/23 by Noon)
03/20/21 Election
05/05/21 5:00 p.m. School Board canvasses returns of election results with Post-Election filings being made by Foley & Judell.
FOLEY & JUDELL, LLP
Attorneys & Counsellors at Law
One Canal Place, Suite 2600
New Orleans, Louisiana 70130-1138
Tel: (504) 568-1249 – Fax: (504) 565-3900
********************
ITEM 22 RESOLUTION
INCREASE IN THE 2020-21 MFP
WHEREAS, the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) establishes the state funding component of the K12 public education system in Louisiana and the Legislature is required to fully fund the formula;
WHEREAS, there was no increase in the base per pupil for the school years of 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13 and 2013-14;
WHEREAS, in the 2014 Regular Session the MFP base per pupil increased from $3,855 to $3,961 for the 2014-15 school year;
WHEREAS, in the 2019 Regular Session the MFP base per pupil increased from $3,961 to $4, I 05 for the 20I 9-20 school year;
WHEREAS, had the MFP base per pupil been increased each year, since 2008 by the anticipated 2.75%, the 2020-21 MFP would be $5, I 95;
WHEREAS, the Governor's Executive Budget anticipates and seeks to fund a 1.375 % increase in the base per pupil of 2020-21, raising the base per pupil from $4,015 to $4,070;
WHEREAS, this would be the first time in over a decade that the base per pupil in the MFP was increased in two consecutive years;
WHEREAS, the Rapides School Board has been absorbing ever increasing operational costs, from health insurance, to curriculum to align with new state standards, to increasing demands of the state accountability system, to technology, to security of students, and more recently to protection from cyber attacks on student and employee data, without consistently increasing state funding;
WHEREAS, the potential increase in the MFP will benefit local school districts in every parish, as well as every public charter school in the state, as well as afford school districts with the ability to continue to strive toward higher teacher and support worker compensation;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rapides School Board supports the proposal to increase the base per pupil funding in the MFP by not less than I .375%;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Rapides School Board urges BESE to incorporate an increase in the base per pupil of not less than 1.375% in the MFP it recommends to the Legislature;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Rapides School Board urges the Legislature, and in particular the INSERT Parish Legislative· Delegation, to approve an MFP with an increase in the base per pupil of not less than I.375%;
FINALLY, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Rapides School Board directs the Superintendent to forward a copy of this Resolution to each member of the Rapides Parish Legislative delegation, to Chairman/Senator Cleo Fields, Chairman/Representative Ray Garofalo, and Governor John Bel Edwards.
_____________________
Items 17 and 18 were discussed in globo.
A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin to authorize the Board’s Insurance Consultant to initiate renewal negotiations for TPA Services and Property and Casualty Insurance for the 2020-2021 school year at same terms, conditions, and annual premium or minimally shall not increase to exceed the CPI (as of March 2020); should increases exceed same in final negotiations, the Board directs consultant to solicit and receive quotes with a recommendation to be made to the Board at the June Regular Board Meeting (Item 17); and to authorize the Board’s Insurance Consultant to initiate renewal negotiations for Student Accident Insurance for the 2020-2021 school year at same annual premium or minimally shall not increase to exceed the CPI; should increases exceed same in final negotiations, the Board directs consultant to solicit and receive bids with a recommendation to be made to the Board. (Item 18)
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin, the Board voted unanimously to authorize the Board’s Insurance Consultant to initiate renewal negotiations for TPA Services and Property and Casualty Insurance for the 2020-2021 school year at same terms, conditions, and annual premium or minimally shall not increase to exceed the CPI (as of March 2020); should increases exceed same in final negotiations, the Board directs consultant to solicit and receive quotes with a recommendation to be made to the Board at the June Regular Board Meeting (Item 17); and to authorize the Board’s Insurance Consultant to initiate renewal negotiations for Student Accident Insurance for the 2020-2021 school year at same annual premium or minimally shall not increase to exceed the CPI; should increases exceed same in final negotiations, the Board directs consultant to solicit and receive bids with a recommendation to be made to the Board. (Item 18)
____________________
Items 16, 37, 38 and 46 were discussed in globo.
A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin to approve Professional Services Contract for CAC Consulting Group for work with the Early Childhood Ready Start Network Pilot (Original contract was approved November 6, 2019. The state extended the budget from January 1, 2019 to June 30, 2020. Amount of original contract is the same $42,250 funded by Ready Start Network Pilot Grant. The contract end date is changed from December 31, 2019 to June 30, 2020) (Item 16); to approve an Interagency Agreement with the Louisiana Department of Education for the Early Childhood Guide Pilot Project and approve job description for the Early Childhood Guide Facilitator (Item 37); to receive an update with the Rapides Parish School Board Head Start and Early Head Start Grant Application (Item 38); and to approve Professional Services Contract between Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College on behalf of its Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LASARD Project) and Rapides Parish School Board with the Early Childhood Inclusion Pilot. (Item 46)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the above items was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. Rodriguez
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
_____________________
Items 8, 19, 34, 35 and 45 were discussed in globo.
A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to give an update on summer planning (Item 8); to give a report on TAP payouts (Item 19); to present and approve staffing numbers for the 2020-2021 school year (Item 34); to reclassify all current and future Elementary Assistant Principal positions as ten (10) month starting with the 2020-2021 school year (Item 35); to approve the Professional Services Contract with Ready Math for professional development related to the purchase and implementation of the Tier 1 Math Curriculum for K-8 and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith. (Item 45)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the above items was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. Rodriguez
NAY: Dr. Chapman
ABSENT: None
THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.
____________________
A motion was made by Ms. Linda Burgess and seconded by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez to terminate a paraprofessional for employee conduct (Item 29); to receive reports as follows: (Item 30)
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
and to approve leave requests (Item 31); to discuss any personnel complaints that may go before the full board for action (Item 32); and to approve the revised Personnel Transfer Policy (GBM). (Item 33)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to uphold the Superintendent’s recommendation to terminate a paraprofessional, Angela Staples, for employee conduct effective immediately May 5, 2020.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the above items was as follows:
AYE: Mr. McCall, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Rodriguez
NAY: None
ABSENT: None
____________________
Let the record reflect that Dr. Stephen Chapman left the meeting at this time.
____________________
Items 13, 20, 24, 25, 26, 27 and 44 were discussed in globo.
A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Ms. Linda Burgess 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 (Item 13); to have the transportation department perform a complete analysis survey to determine if it would be more cost and time effective to outsource the oil and lubricants service on the parish buses. This would include all costs for materials and services used during regular maintenance. The independent service provider would travel to the bus location instead of having the bus driver come to the bus barn. This is to be presented at the May Board Meeting (Item 20); to name the football field at Northwood High School the Tom O’Kelly Football Field (Item 24); to hear a report from Board’s Consultant regarding District 62 Facilities on April 15, 2020 at 5:00 p.m. and move Meyer Engineers, LTD report to the June 2, 2020 Board meeting and to have the contract adjusted accordingly (Item 25); to receive an update on school construction projects (Item 26); to approve the minutes of the 3-3-20 and the 3-23-20 meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 2-11-20 Personnel, Education, Finance Committee e and District 62 Committee meetings, the 2-27-20 Discipline Review Committee and the2-17-20 Executive Committee meeting (Item 26); and to adopt LSBA recommended Resolution in support of minimum qualifications for the selection of the State Superintendent of Education. (Item 44)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the above items was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Barrios, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Berry, Mr. McCall, Mr. Rodriguez
NAY: None
ABSENT: Dr. Chapman
ITEM 44 RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE SELECTION OF THE
STATE SUPERINTENDENT FOR EDUCATION
WHEREAS, for the first time in almost decade, the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education will be electing a new State Superintendent of Education (BESE);
WHEREAS, the election of a State Superintendent is one of the three primary functions of BESE;
WHEREAS, making the best choice of a new State Superintendent is critically important to the approximately 700,000 public school children in Louisiana;
WHEREAS, LRS 17:21 provides that the State Superintendent, at a minimum, should possess the qualifications established by BESE for a local school superintendent;
WHEREAS, LAC 28:I.309 provides that the State Superintendent shall possess the following qualifications:
· Advanced degree in public administration, education or related area;
· Background in the formulation and implementation of public policy;
· Strong academic background; and
· Qualifications for the position of superintendent of a city, parish, or other local public school board;
And provides that a candidate should have the following experience:
· Proven record of success in administration;
· Demonstrated ability to achieve positive results
· Credibility in his/her current profession; and
· Proven record of team building.
WHEREAS, LAC 28:747 provides that the qualifications for a superintendent of a city, parish or other school superintendent:
· Valid Type A or Level 3 Louisiana teaching certificate
· 5 years of experience as a superintendent, asst. superintendent, supervisor of instruction, principal, or assistant principal, or equivalent experience.
· Master’s degree
· 48 hours of graduate credit, including at least 30 hours in education administration and supervision of instruction, along with specific requirements in various educational administration content areas.
WHEREAS, while BESE has the authority, by a two-thirds vote, to waive the requirements to be the State Superintendent of Education, those adopted qualifications are vitally important to ensuring that the leader of public education in Louisiana has the appropriate educational background and experience, and a waiver should only be considered in extraordinary circumstances, such as when there are no viable qualified applicants;
WHEREAS, BESE has established a process for vetting all applicants for State Superintendent;
WHEREAS, the first step in the process should be to separate the applicants into two categories, those that meet the established qualifications and those that do not;
WHEREAS, the next step in the process should be to review more closely the applicants that meet the established qualifications;
WHEREAS, the second step in the process should focus on those qualified candidates that have displayed the most student success in their prior experience in public school administration, with a focus on success that spans across diverse communities, rural, urban and suburban, and communities with diverse student populations that most closely mirror the student populations across Louisiana, and evidence of an understanding of the challenges of educating students in the varied public school districts across Louisiana;
WHEREAS, only upon a determination by BESE, acting in an open meeting, that none of the candidates that meet the qualifications are suitable to serve as the State Superintendent of Education, should BESE consider waiving the established minimum qualifications and further evaluating the non-qualified candidates.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rapides Parish School Board, urges BESE, in the process of selecting the next State Superintendent of Education, to uphold the establish minimum qualifications adopted by BESE and existing in current Louisiana law and regulation;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Rapides Parish School Board urges BESE to refuse to waive the minimum qualifications set forth in existing Louisiana law and regulation without a public determination, as a body, that none of the candidates meeting those qualifications is a suitable candidate for State Superintendent of Education;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Rapides Parish School Board urges BESE to select a new State Superintendent who:
· Meets the established minimum qualifications set forth in Louisiana law and regulation;
· Has displayed student success in public school administration in Louisiana;
· Has displayed student success in public school administration in both rural and suburban/urban communities;
· Has displayed student success in communities with diverse student populations;
· Has an understanding of the challenges of educating students in the varied public school districts across Louisiana;
FINALLY, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Rapides Parish School Board directs the Superintendent to forward a copy of this Resolution to the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education and to each BESE member whose district incorporates a portion of the Rapides Parish School District.
Mr. Jeff Powell, Board Secretary Mr. Darrell Rodriguez, Board President
Rapides Parish School Board Rapides Parish School Board
____________________
Item 36 was pulled and sent to May Finance Committee
____________________
Pursuant to motion duly carried, the Rapides Parish School Board adjourned.
/s/Darrell Rodriguez
President
ATTEST:
/s/Jeff Powell
Secretary
S E A L