OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Alexandria, Louisiana

      June 2, 2020

 

                        The Rapides Parish School Board of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, met in regular public session at 5:00 o’clock p.m. on Tuesday, June 2, 2020 at the regular meeting place of said board in the Rapides Parish School Board Office, 619 Sixth and Beauregard Streets, in Alexandria, Louisiana.

 

                        Vice President Willard McCall called the meeting to order and on roll call the following members were present:                                              

                                                                                               

                                                            Willard McCall, Vice President

 

                                                            Wilton Barrios, Member

 

Steve Berry, Member

 

                                                            Keith Breazeale, Member

 

                                                            Linda Burgess, Member

                                                           

                                                            Mark Dryden, Member

                                                           

                                                            Sandra Franklin, Member  

 

                          Absent:                       Stephen Chapman, Member

                         

                        Absent:                                    Darrell Rodriguez, President

                                                           

                        Mr. Jeff Powell, Secretary for the Board, was present for the meeting.

____________________

 

Attorney James Downs was present for the meeting. 

____________________

                        The Invocation was pronounced by Mrs. Sandra Franklin after which Mr. Keith Breazeale led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

(COPY OF OFFICIAL CALL MAILED TO EACH MEMBER OF THE RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD AND POSTED IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE AT THE MEETING PLACE OF SAID BOARD ON MAY 28, 2020)

Alexandria, Louisiana

       May 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, JUNE 2, 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.   Consent Agenda: Motion to adopt in globo the items listed on the consent agenda

(the consent agenda is established by the Board’s Executive Committee and any board member may request that any consent agenda item be considered separately - whether considered in globo or separately, board member and public comment     shall be permitted on any item listed on the consent agenda; see pages 3, 4 and 5)

 

*  6.      Motion to discuss and take possible action on Annual Leave Accrual as per Policy GBRK with regards to the impact of the Coronavirus Covid-19 Pandemic – Ms. Liz Domite

                         Page 1

 

*  7.      Motion to hear a report from the Board’s Insurance Consultant relative to Renewal Negotiations for TPA Services, Property, Casualty and Fidelity Insurance for the 2020-2021 school year, act upon recommendation by awarding and authorize administration and the Board President to sign relevant documentation in connection therewith – Mr. Roy Rachal

Source of funding General Fund                              Amount $1,538,000 (previous $1,340,829)   

 

*  8.      Motion to hear a report from the Board’s Insurance Consultant relative to results of solicitations for Renewal or Quotation for Student Accident Insurance for the 2020-2021 school year, act upon recommendation by awarding and authorize administration and the Board President to sign relevant documentation in connection therewith – Mr. Roy Rachal

            Source of funding General Fund (20%)                  Balance per formula charge-back to schools (80%)                Amount $80,000.00 (estimated) $401,996 previously – 20% General Fund and 80% School SGR)

 

*   9.  Motion to discuss and approve contract with "ASM Global" and the Rapides Parish Coliseum for graduation ceremonies for the 2020 Graduating classes of Alexandria, Bolton, Buckeye, Glenmora, Northwood, Oak Hill, Peabody, Pineville, Rapides, and Tioga High Schools - Mr. Jeff Powell

                        Pages 2-18       Source of funding School Funds and CARES Act  Amount: $50,000.00

 

*  10.    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 the June Board meeting - Mr. Willard McCall

                        Pages 19-92

 

    11.    Motion to adopt a Resolution authorizing the Buckeye Panther Club, Incorporated to apply for a charitable gaming license – Ms. Liz Domite

                        Page 93

 

                12.    Motion to approve the request of the Ascension Parish School Board to participate in a Cooperative Purchase agreement with Rapides Parish School Board for Bid #20-28

                        which is the Purchase of Educational Materials and Bid #20-16 which is the Purchase of Science Materials – Ms. Liz Domite

            Page 94

 

    13.    Motion to approve Tier I Science Kits for 3rd - 5th grades with Amplify Science for the 2020-2021 school year and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Mr. Jonathan Garrett

                        Pages 95-99                             Source of funding EEF               Amount $130,000.00

 

    14.    Motion to approve the requests of the Jefferson Parish School Board to participate in a Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with Rapides Parish School Board for Bid #20-28 which is the Purchase of Educational Materials and Bid #20-16 which is the Purchase of Science Materials – Ms. Liz Domite

                        Page 100

 

    15.   Motion to discuss and take possible action relative to the Contractual Agreement  between Rapides Parish School Board and Meyer Engineers, LTD - Ms. Liz Domite

 

            Consent agenda: (Item 5)

 

A.     Reports:

 

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

 

B.   Action – Minutes

 

1.   to approve the minutes of the 5-5-20 meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and the 3-11-2020 District 62 Committee meeting.

 

C.   Action – Education

 

*     1.   to hear a plan from Rapides Parish Library regarding Mobile Hot Spots –Mr. Jeff Powell

Pages 101-103

 

*     2.   to discuss and approve expanding the Trinity School-Based Health Clinic sites to the following schools under the current approved IAA: Pineville High School, A. F. Smith, W. O. Hall, Brame, North Bayou, Alexandria Senior High, Nachman, L. S. Rugg and Acadian Elementary – Mr. Clyde F. Washington 

                        Pages 104-109

 

                  * 3.  to approve an agreement with Pear Deck for an online subscription license for all schools in Rapides Parish and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Mr. Jonathan Garrett

                        Pages 110-112              Source of funding General Fund             Amount $14,625.00

 

*     4.   to approve an agreement with DBQ Project for an online subscription license for junior high and high schools and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Mr. Jonathan Garrett

                        Page 113          Source of funding General Fund - $11,250 and SRCL Grant - $28,875                        Amount $40,125.00

 

      * 5.  to approve Studies Weekly Subscriptions for the 2020-2021 school year and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith– Mr. Jonathan Garrett

                        Page 114          Source of funding General Fund                         Amount $80,382.45

 

*   6.    to enter into an Interagency Agreement with the Louisiana Department of Education for implementation of professional development services under the Super App Competitive Funding (Redesign) – Ms. Kerry Nichols

            Pages 115-121         Source of funding Super App Competitive Funding – LDOE- IDEA                       Amount $75,582.00

 

D.   Action – Finance

 

*     1.   to approve personal services contracts, leases, and other such agreements; authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection with said contracts; and approve bills paid for the previous month – Ms. Liz Domite

           

            *   2.    to approve/adopt any budget changes/amendments – Ms. Liz Domite

                        Pages 122-134

 

*   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 135-137

 

  *     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 138-142

 

*    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 143-148

 

*    6.    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.   “Northwood High School HVAC Upgrades” (Bid No. 18-63) received on Thursday May 28, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.  

       Source of funding District 22A Maintenance Funds                      Amount $1,200,000

 

  b.  “Purchase of Cafeteria Equipment” (Bid No. 20-52) received on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.

    Source of funding Food Service Funds and District 11 School Maintenance Funds ($5,000)                      Amount $300,000.00

 

  c.   “Purchase and Turnkey Installation of Playground Equipment at Northwood High” (Bid No. 20-53) received on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at 11:00 a.m.

       Source of funding Title I Funds                                       Amount $75,000.00

           

         *   7.    to declare items listed on Exhibit #1 and #2 as Surplus Inventory and to authorize the Secretary to advertise for bids (as is/where is) for the “Sale of Surplus Inventory” (Bid No 20-55) and the Executive Committee and/or Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids, a recommendation to be made to the Board – Ms. Liz Domite

                     Pages 149-150                           Source of Funding General Fund

 

         * 8.    to approve Food and Nutrition’s Annual Renewal Agreement with Horizon Software for the 2020-2021 school year (Front of House Software $21,304.10 and Back of House Software $19,347.38 and Application Scanning $2,488.15 and Online Applications $4,879.03 effective 7-1-20 through 6-30-21) – Mrs. Erma Davis    

       Pages 151-158              Source of funding Food Service         Amount $48,018.66 (Total)

 

         *    9.    to approve the Professional Service Contract to transport and deliver U.S.D.A. commodities from Polar Bear Cold Storage to individual schools in Rapides Parish effective July 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 – Mrs. Erma Davis  

            Pages 159-160                          Source of funding FNS               Amount $24,575.00  

 

         *   10. to authorize the secretary to advertise for “Cafeteria Fresh Produce” for the 2020-2021 school year No. FS10-20-21 and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office staff to receive bids, a recommendation to be made to the Board - Mrs. Erma Davis      

Source of funding School Food Service         Amount $1,499,000.00 (estimated)  

 

         *   11. to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. by the Central Office Staff and award to the lowest responsive/responsible bidder(s) for 2020-2021 school year and authorize staff to enter into purchase order contract(s) accordingly funded by School Food Service Funds – Mrs. Erma Davis        

            Pages 161-164

 

                         Cafeteria Paper Supplies - Bid No. FS30-20-21               $335,990.00 (estimate)

 Cafeteria Cleaning Supplies - Bid No. FS33-20-21           $165,990.00 (estimate)

Bread Products - Bid No. FS35-20-21                               $270,100.00 (estimate)

Cafeteria - Milk, Milk Products, Juices, Ice Cream Bid No. FS100-20-21 (#38, #40, #41, #42)    $1,213,310.00 (estimate)    

Source of funding School Food Service              Amount $1,985,390.00 (estimate)

 

         *  12.    to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. by the Central Office Staff and award to the lowest responsive/responsible bidder(s) for 2020-2021 school year and authorize staff to enter into purchase order contract(s) accordingly funded by School Food Service Funds – Mrs. Erma Davis        

                     Pages 165-167

 

Cafeteria Meat Bid - Bid No. FS15-20-21                         $629,908.00 (estimate)

Cafeteria Frozen Food - Bid No. FS20-20-21                   $861,000.00 (estimate)

Cafeteria Processed Food Bid - Bid No. FS25-20-21      $1,034,785.00 (estimate)

                                                         Total Amount      $2,525,693.00 (estimate)

 

         *  13.    to increase the current coaching allocations to schools based on the LHSAA classification (size) of the school and to add coaching allocations to Carter C. Raymond and Forest Hill Junior High School – Dr. Dana Nolan

                     Pages 168-174    Source of funding General Fund      Amount $106,504.00 (estimated)

 

            *  14.    to renew the annual license for PowerSchool Student Information System (SIS) and SIS hosting and to authorize the Board President to sign all documentation in connection therewith – Dr. Luke Purdy

                      Pages 175-176                Source of funding General Fund             Amount $190,178.48

 

         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 - Mr. Cottrell Wrenn

 

                    2.  to receive an update outlining the progress of each student attending the Rapides Alternative Positive Program for Students (RAPPS) - Mr. Cottrell Wrenn

 

                    3.  to receive a report for students successfully completing the requirements for a performance contract – Mr. Cottrell Wrenn

 

             F.    Action – Personnel

 

             *     1.  receive reports as follows: - Ms. Naomi Jones

                        a.   new hires, pending a satisfactory drug screening and background check

b.   new hires in lieu of substitute

c.   promotions

d.   rescissions, waivers, etc

e.   performance contract renewals

f.    resignations and retirements

g.  disclosure of new and renewed performance contracts

 


 *    2.  to approve leave requests – Ms. Naomi Jones

 

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

 

 *    4.   to name the Rapides Parish School Board Building the Allen Nichols Rapides Parish School Board Building – Mr. Wilton Barrios

 

 *  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 28th day of May 2020

 

                                                                                                                        /s/Darrell Rodriguez

                                                                                                                                President    

     ATTEST:

      /s/Jeff Powell

        Secretary

 

     S E A L

____________________

 

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

____________________

                                                           

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to add to the agenda for the Board to approve the subscription agreement between Ellevation Education and the Rapides Parish School Board beginning July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2021 – Reason to add: Time Sensitive. (Item 16)

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        On roll call the vote to add was as follows:

 

AYE:                Mr. Berry, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. McCall

 

NAY:                None

 

ABSENT:          Mr. Rodriguez, Dr. Chapman

 

____________________

 

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to add to the agenda to accept MOU’s between LSUA, LC and any other accredited University/College to support teacher preparation and recruitment. These MOU’s allow student to complete their residency with Rapides Parish Schools - Reason to add: Time Sensitive. (Item 17)

                                               

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        On roll call the vote to add was as follows:

 

AYE:                Mr. Berry, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. McCall

 

NAY:                None

 

ABSENT:          Mr. Rodriguez, Dr. Chapman

____________________

 

                        A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to add to the agenda to terminate a custodian for job abandonment - Reason to add: Time Sensitive.(Item 18)

                                               

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        On roll call the vote to add was as follows:

 

AYE:                Mr. Berry, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr.  McCall

 

NAY:                None

 

ABSENT:          Mr. Rodriguez, Dr. Chapman

____________________

 

       A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios to read the consent agenda. (Item 5)

      

                        The agenda was read into the record and discussion ensued.

 

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

 

                        Item 5F-4 was pulled for discussion (Motion to name the Rapides Parish School Board Building the Allen Nichols Rapides Parish School Board Building)

 

                        A substitute motion was made on item 5F-4 by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to name the Rapides Parish School Board Meeting Room and the adjacent hallway as the “Allen Nichols Rapides Parish School Board Meeting Room” and to ask the Legislature to adopt the said motion naming the building the Allen Nichols Building.

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        A second substitute motion was made by Ms. Linda Burgess and seconded by Mr. Wilton Barrios to approve the consent agenda including to name the Rapides Parish School Board Meeting Room and the adjacent hallway as the “Allen Nichols Rapides Parish School Board Meeting Room” and to ask the Legislature to adopt the said motion naming the building the Allen Nichols Building.

                       

                        Discussion ensued.


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

 

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

 

NAY:                Dr. Chapman

 

ABSENT:          Mr. Rodriguez

____________________

 

Consent agenda: (Item 5)

 

A.         Reports:

 

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

       

B.   Action – Minutes

 

1.   to approve the minutes of the 5-5-20 meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and the 3-11-2020 District 62 Committee meeting.

 

C.   Action – Education

 

* 1. to hear a plan from Rapides Parish Library regarding Mobile Hot Spots – Mr. Jeff Powell

Pages 101-103

 

*     2.   to discuss and approve expanding the Trinity School-Based Health Clinic sites to the following schools under the current approved IAA: Pineville High School, A. F. Smith, W. O. Hall, Brame, North Bayou, Alexandria Senior High, Nachman, L. S. Rugg and Acadian Elementary – Mr. Clyde F. Washington 

                        Pages 104-109

 

                  * 3.  to approve an agreement with Pear Deck for an online subscription license for all schools in Rapides Parish and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Mr. Jonathan Garrett

                        Pages 110-112              Source of funding General Fund             Amount $14,625.00

 

*     4.   to approve an agreement with DBQ Project for an online subscription license for junior high and high schools and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Mr. Jonathan Garrett

                        Page 113          Source of funding General Fund - $11,250 and SRCL Grant - $28,875                        Amount $40,125.00

 

                  * 5.  to approve Studies Weekly Subscriptions for the 2020-2021 school year and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith – Mr. Jonathan Garrett

                        Page 114                      Source of funding General Fund             Amount $80,382.45

 

*   6.   to enter into an Interagency Agreement with the Louisiana Department of Education for implementation of professional development services under the Super App Competitive Funding (Redesign) – Ms. Kerry Nichols

            Pages 115-121         Source of funding Super App Competitive Funding – LDOE- IDEA Amount $75,582.00

 

D.   Action – Finance

 

*     1.   to approve personal services contracts, leases, and other such agreements; authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection with said contracts; and approve bills paid for the previous month – Ms. Liz Domite

           

            *   2.    to approve/adopt any budget changes/amendments – Ms. Liz Domite

                        Pages 122-134

           

   *    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 135-137

 

   *     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 138-142

 

*    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 143-148

 

*    6.    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.   “Northwood High School HVAC Upgrades” (Bid No. 18-63) received on Thursday May 28, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. and award to Air Plus in the amount $984,000.00

 

 b.  “Purchase of Cafeteria Equipment” (Bid No. 20-52) received on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. and award to and award to Hotel and Restaurant Supply for $31,631.00 and to Associated Food Supply for $211,594.58 and to Lafayette Restaurant Supply for $28,750.00

 

c.   “Purchase and Turnkey Installation of Playground Equipment at Northwood High” (Bid No. 20-53) received on Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. and award to to Hahn Enterprise for $82,172.00

           

         *   7.    to declare items listed on Exhibit #1 and #2 as Surplus Inventory and to authorize the Secretary to advertise for bids (as is/where is) for the “Sale of Surplus Inventory” (Bid No 20-55) and the Executive Committee and/or Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids, a recommendation to be made to the Board – Ms. Liz Domite

                     Pages 149-150                           Source of Funding General Fund

 

         * 8.    to approve Food and Nutrition’s Annual Renewal Agreement with Horizon Software for the 2020-2021 school year (Front of House Software $21,304.10 and Back of House Software $19,347.38 and Application Scanning $2,488.15 and Online Applications $4,879.03 effective 7-1-20 through 6-30-21) – Mrs. Erma Davis    

       Pages 151-158              Source of funding Food Service  Amount $48,018.66 (Total)  

 

         *    9.    to approve the Professional Service Contract to transport and deliver U.S.D.A. commodities from Polar Bear Cold Storage to individual schools in Rapides Parish effective July 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 – Mrs. Erma Davis  

            Pages 159-160                          Source of funding FNS               Amount $24,575.00  

 

         *   10.    to authorize the secretary to advertise for “Cafeteria Fresh Produce” for the 2020-2021 school year No. FS10-20-21 and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office staff to receive bids, a recommendation to be made to the Board - Mrs. Erma Davis      

Source of funding School Food Service         Amount $1,499,000.00 (estimated)  

 

         *   11.   to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. by the Central Office Staff and award to the lowest responsive/responsible bidder(s) for 2020-2021 school year and authorize staff to enter into purchase order contract(s) accordingly funded by School Food Service Funds – Mrs. Erma Davis        

            Pages 161-164 

                                    

                        Cafeteria Paper Supplies - Bid No. FS30-20-21 and award to Economical Janitorial for $335,999.00

 

                        Cafeteria Cleaning Supplies - Bid No. FS33-20-21 and award to Economical Janitorial for $165,990.00

 

                        Bread Products - Bid No. FS35-20-21 and award to Flowers Baking Company of B. R. for $270,100.00

 

                        Cafeteria - Milk, Milk Products, Juices, Ice Cream Bid No. FS100-20-21 (#38, #40, #41, #42) and award to Mid-State Marketing for $1,213,310.00

 

         *  12.    to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Wednesday, April 22, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. by the Central Office Staff and award to the lowest responsive/responsible bidder(s) for 2020-2021 school year and authorize staff to enter into purchase order contract(s) accordingly funded by School Food Service Funds – Mrs. Erma Davis        

                     Pages 165-167

 

Cafeteria Meat Bid - Bid No. FS15-20-21and award to LAMM Food Service for $629,908.00

                        

Cafeteria Frozen Food - Bid No. FS20-20-21 and award to LAMM Food Service for $861,000.00

 

Cafeteria Processed Food Bid - Bid No. FS25-20-21 and award to LAMM Food Service for $1,034,785.00

 

         *  13.    toincrease the current coaching allocations to schools based on the LHSAA classification (size) of the school and to add coaching allocations to Carter C. Raymond and Forest Hill Junior High School – Dr. Dana Nolan

                     Pages 168-174             Source of funding General Fund                Amount $106,504.00 (estimated)

 

            *  14.    to renew the annual license for PowerSchool Student Information System (SIS) and SIS hosting and to authorize the Board President to sign all documentation in connection therewith – Dr. Luke Purdy

                      Pages 175-176    Source of funding General Fund                         Amount $190,178.48

 

         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 - Mr. Cottrell Wrenn

 

                  2.  to receive an update outlining the progress of each student attending the Rapides Alternative Positive Program for Students (RAPPS) - Mr. Cottrell Wrenn

 

                    3.  to receive a report for students successfully completing the requirements for a performance contract – Mr. Cottrell Wrenn

 

             F.    Action – Personnel

 

             *     1.  receive reports as follows: - Ms. Naomi Jones

                        a.   new hires, pending a satisfactory drug screening and background check

b.   new hires in lieu of substitute

c.   promotions

d.   rescissions, waivers, etc.

e.   performance contract renewals

f.    resignations and retirements

g.  disclosure of new and renewed performance contracts

 

 *    2.  to approve leave requests – Ms. Naomi Jones

 

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

 

 *    4.   pulled for discussion.

 

 *           Denotes that these items have been through committee

                                                ____________________           

 

                        A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to hear a report from the Board’s Insurance Consultant relative to Renewal Negotiations for TPA Services, Property, Casualty and Fidelity Insurance for the 2020-2021 school year, act upon recommendation by awarding and authorize administration and the Board President to sign relevant documentation in connection therewith. (Item 7)  

 

                        Mrs. Carmel Breaux presented information and discussion ensued.

 

                        A substitute motion was made Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to award the following insurances for the 2020-2021school year in accord with Insurance Consultant Breaux’s recommendation and spreadsheet as follows:

 

Property Renewal - Building and Contents with Risk Services of Louisiana for $810,269; Equipment with Risk Services (Liberty Mutual for $12,634 with a Total for Annual Premium is $822,903 (Column 4)

 

General Liability, Auto Liability, Auto Physical Damage and Violent Malicious Acts insurance coverages to Wright & Percy/Berkley Ins. Co. including Terrorism ($2,400); Package Annual Premium Total $517,500; and Crime/Fidelity Insurance to Brown & Brown, Inc./Travelers C & S: Package Premium Total $8,080; and Third-Party Administration of Claims to Employers Risk Management Services (ERMS) for annual fee of $96,132. For a Total award of $636,915  Column 4)

 

 Cyber Liability Insurance with Wright & Percy/Lloyd’s of London and accept the limit for $5 Million for Annual Premium of $42,062.

 

                        On roll call the vote was as follows:

 

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

 

NAY:                None

 

ABSENT:          Mr. Rodriguez

 

                        A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to add to the agenda to reject the uninsured motorists and authorize the Board President to sign documentation, on behalf of the Board, in connection therewith. (Item 19)

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

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

 

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

 

NAY:                None

 

ABSENT:          Mr. Rodriguez

 

                        A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to reject the uninsured motorists and authorize the Board President to sign documentation, on behalf of the Board, in connection therewith.

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman, the Board voted unanimously to reject the uninsured motorists and authorize the Board President to sign documentation, on behalf of the Board, in connection therewith.

____________________

 

                        A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Mark Dryden to hear a report from the Board’s Insurance Consultant relative to results of solicitations for Renewal or Quotation for Student Accident Insurance for the 2020-2021 school year, act upon recommendation by awarding and authorize administration and the Board President to sign relevant documentation in connection therewith. (Item 8)

 

                        Mrs. Carmel Breaux presented information and discussion ensued.        

 

                        A substitute motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Mark Dryden to accept the insurance consultant recommendation for Student Accident Insurance for the 2020-2021 school year and award to Risk Services of LA – Minnesota Ameritas Life in Column #4 for a total of $382,851 and authorize administration and the Board President to sign relevant documentation in connection therewith.     

 

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

 

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

 

NAY:                None

 

ABSENT:          Mr. Rodriguez

____________________

 

                     A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Mark Dryden to discuss and take possible action on Annual Leave Accrual as per Policy GBRK with regards to the impact of the Coronavirus Covid-19 Pandemic.(Item 6)

 

                     Discussion ensued.

 

                     A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin to leave the Policy as is with no amendments.

 

                         Discussion ensued.

 

                         A second substitute motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Ms. Linda Burgess to allow employees to carry-over their days not used for this year only and use by August 31, 2020.

 

                         Discussion ensued.

 

                         A third substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to pay employees for their days not used due to COVID-19.

 

                         Discussion ensued.

 

                          On roll call the vote on the third substitute motion was as follow:

 

AYE:                  None

 

NAY:                Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Dryden, Ms. Burgess, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. McCall

 

ABSENT:           Mr. Rodriguez

 

THE THIRD SUBSTITUTE MOTION FAILED.

 

                         The second substitute motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Ms. Linda Burgess to allow employees to carry-over their days not used for this year only and use by August 31, 2020.

 

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

 

AYE:                  Mr. Barrios, Ms. Burgess, Mr. McCall

 

NAY:                 Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Dryden, Mrs. Franklin, Mr. Breazeale

 

ABSENT:           Mr. Rodriguez

 

THE SECOND SUBSTITUTE MOTION FAILED.

 

                         The first substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin to leave the Policy as is with no amendments.


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

 

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

 

NAY:                 Mr. Barrios, Ms. Burgess, Mr. McCall

 

ABSENT:           Mr. Rodriguez

 

THE FIRST SUBSTITUTE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.

____________________

           

                        A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Ms. Linda Burgess to discuss and approve contract with "ASM Global" and the Rapides Parish Coliseum for graduation ceremonies for the 2020 Graduating classes of Alexandria, Bolton, Buckeye, Glenmora, Northwood, Oak Hill, Peabody, Pineville, Rapides, and Tioga High Schools. (Item 9)

 

Discussion ensued.

 

                        On roll call the vote was as follows:

 

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

 

NAY:                None

 

ABSENT:          Mr. Rodriguez

____________________

 

                        A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Ms. Linda Burgess 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 the June Board meeting. (Item 10)

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        A substitute motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to continue Community Schools as is for the 2020-2021 school year.

 

                        Discussion ensued. 

 

                        A second substitute motion was made by Ms. Linda Burgess and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to set a time to form a committee and come up with a plan by November 2020.

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        Ms. Linda Burgess pulled her motion.

 

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

 

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

 

NAY:                None

 

ABSENT:          Mr. Rodriguez

____________________

 

                        A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to adopt a Resolution authorizing the Buckeye Panther Club, Incorporated to apply for a charitable gaming license. (Item 11)

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

 

                        On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall, the Board voted unanimously to adopt a Resolution authorizing the Buckeye Panther Club, Incorporated to apply for a charitable gaming license.

 

                                    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, a portion of which revenue goes to the Buckeye High School and is deposited in the school fund in accordance with law; 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.

 

            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 2ND day of JUNE, 2020.

 

                                                                                    Mr. Jeff Powell

                                                                                    Superintendent/Secretary

                                                                                    Rapides Parish School Board

 

____________________

 

                        A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Mark Dryden to approve the request of the Ascension Parish School Board to participate in a Cooperative Purchase agreement with Rapides Parish School Board for Bid #20-28 which is the Purchase of Educational Materials and Bid #20-16 which is the Purchase of Science Materials. (Item 12)

 

                        Discussion ensued.

                       

            On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Mark Dryden, the Board voted unanimously to approve the request of the Ascension Parish School Board to participate in a Cooperative Purchase agreement with Rapides Parish School Board for Bid #20-28 which is the Purchase of Educational Materials and Bid #20-16 which is the Purchase of Science Materials.

                                                            ____________________

 

                        A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to approve Tier I Science Kits for 3rd - 5th grades with Amplify Science for the 2020-2021 school year and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith. (Item 13)

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        An amended motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to approve Tier I Science Kits for 3rd - 5th grades with Amplify Science for the 2020-2021 school year and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith for $130,000.00 (EEF) and a Professional Services Contract for $31,600 (Title II).

 

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

 

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

 

NAY:                None

 

ABSENT:          Mr. Rodriguez

____________________

 

                        A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to approve the requests of the Jefferson Parish School Board to participate in a Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with Rapides Parish School Board for Bid #20-28 which is the Purchase of Educational Materials and Bid #20-16 which is the Purchase of Science Materials. (Item 14)

 

                        Discussion ensued.

 

                        On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman, the Board voted unanimously to approve the requests of the Jefferson Parish School Board to participate in a Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with Rapides Parish School Board for Bid #20-28 which is the Purchase of Educational Materials and Bid #20-16 which is the Purchase of Science Materials.

____________________

 

                        A motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to discuss and take possible action relative to the Contractual Agreement between Rapides Parish School Board and Meyer Engineers, LTD. (Item 15)

 

                        Discussion ensued.

                       

A substitute motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry toadopt Resolution to suspend the Contractual Agreement between Rapides Parish School Board and Meyer Engineers, LTD.

 

                           Discussion ensued      

 

            On the substitute motion made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry, the Board voted unanimously to adopt Resolution to suspend the Contractual Agreement between Rapides Parish School Board and Meyer Engineers, LTD.

 

RESOLUTION OF THE RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

 

            The following resolution was duly introduced, seconded and adopted by the Rapides Parish School Board:

 

            WHEREAS, on the 13th day of December, 2019 the Rapides Parish School Board, in response to a request for proposals did enter into a contract with Meyer Engineers Limited for an engineering and architectural evaluation and assessment of twenty-three (23) schools in the District 62 taxing district with a recommendation to be submitted by the firm summarizing the overall condition of each facility and identifying critical items as needing renovation, additions, or new construction; the firm was additionally required to furnish other services should the Board elect to submit to District 62 voters, a financing proposal to support the needed repairs, construction or renovations; and

 

            WHEREAS, the cost of the services to be performed by the Meyer firm was to be payable monthly during the sixteen (16) month term of the contract; and

 

            WHEREAS, the Meyer firm has performed certain preliminary services under the contract in a satisfactory manner; and

 

            WHEREAS, in March of 2020 an unprecedented interruption in the operation of the Rapides Parish School System has occurred as a result of the spread of the Corona Virus throughout the state and nation; and

 

            WHEREAS, the economic and public safety effects of the pandemic have resulted in the School Board’s closure of all school operations and will likely require significant modifications of operation including budgetary adjustments; and

 

            WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the Board to suspend projects or agreements which are not immediately necessary for the anticipated possible resumption of the operations at schools in the commencement of the 2020-2021 school year.

 

            NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Superintendent and staff are directed to discuss with Meyer Engineers Limited the status of the contract mentioned above and to attempt to obtain a mutual agreement to suspend the said contract on grounds not related to the performance of the contract by Meyer and on a form approved by Board Counsel, with Meyer to retain as full compensation for services rendered under the contract the monthly contract installment payments made by the Board to Meyer; the suspension of the contract obligations by the parties may be terminated by their mutual written agreement and the remaining performance of the contract re-established as if the suspension contemplated herein had not occurred; it is further

 

            RESOLVED that should no mutual agreement to suspend the contract be promptly forthcoming the Board authorizes Board Counsel to institute a petition for declaratory judgment seeking a declaration of the validity of the contract and the extent of the Board’s obligation to the Meyer firm thereunder. 

 

            The foregoing Resolution was duly offered, seconded and adopted by affirmative vote of a majority of the Board members present on this the 2nd day of June, 2020 in legal session duly convened.

 

ATTEST:

 

Darrell Rodriguez, President – RPSB

 

            I hereby certify that the above and foregoing Resolution was duly introduced, seconded and adopted by the Rapides Parish School Board on the day and date indicated in legal session duly convened.

                                                                                   

                                                                                    Jeff Powell, Superintendent – RPSB

____________________

 

                        A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall for the Board to approve the subscription agreement between Ellevation Education and the Rapides Parish School Board beginning July 1, 2020 and ending June 30, 2021. (Item 16)

 

Discussion ensued.

 

                        On roll call the vote was as follows:

 

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

 

NAY:                None

 

ABSENT:          Mr. Rodriguez

____________________

 

                        A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to accept MOU’s between LSUA, LC and any other accredited University/College to support teacher preparation and recruitment. These MOU’s allow students to complete their residency with Rapides Parish Schools. (Item 17)

 

Discussion ensued.

 

                        On roll call the vote was as follows:

 

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

 

NAY:                None

 

ABSENT:          Mr. Rodriguez

____________________

 

                        A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to terminate a custodian for job abandonment. (Item 18)

 

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 Albert Lee, a custodian, for job abandonment effective today, June 2, 2020.

 

            Discussion ensued.

 

                        On the substitute motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale, the Board voted unanimously to uphold the Superintendent’s recommendation to terminate Albert Lee, a custodian, for job abandonment effective today, June 2, 2020.

____________________

 

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

                                                           

/s/Darrell Rodriguez

                                                                                                                    President

 

 ATTEST:

 

 /s/Jeff Powell

    Secretary

 

 S E A L