2020-12-01

OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS

OF THE

RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Alexandria, Louisiana

December 1, 2020

The Rapides Parish School Board of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, met in regular public session at 5:00 o’clock p.m. on Tuesday, December 1, 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

Linda Burgess, Member

Stephen Chapman, Member

Mark Dryden, Member

Sandra Franklin, Member

Absent: Keith Breazeale, Member

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

____________________

Attorney James Downs was present for the meeting.

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The Colors were presented by the Alexandria Senior High JROTC. The Invocation was pronounced by Father Rick Gremillion of Immaculate Heart Church in Tioga, LA. after which Mr. Willard McCall 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 NOVEMBER 17, 2020)

Alexandria, Louisiana

November 17, 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, DECEMBER 1, 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. the Board’s student guest from Northwood High School and Peabody Magnet High School – Dr. Stephen Chapman and Mr. Willard McCall

b. Arthur Smith Middle Magnet for the bulletin board display in the lobby of the School Board Office for the month of December 2020 – Mr. Clyde Washington

c. KALB/Hixson Autoplex – Golden Apple Award for Teachers of Rapides Parish School District – Mr. Jeff Powell

Andrew Fisher – Caroline Dormon Jr. High and Lee Ann Fisher – Bolton High

d. Mr. Allen Nichols, former Superintendent of Rapides Parish School District from July 1, 1967 – June 30, 1994 and name the Board Room “The Allen Nichols Rapides Parish School Board Meeting Room” – Mr. Jeff Powell and Mr. Wilton Barrios

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 (* Denotes that these items have been through committee)

Regular Agenda

6. Motion to hear a report and recommendation from the Board's Insurance Consultant on negotiations for renewal of excess Worker's Compensation insurance coverage (Expiring 12/31/20) - Mr. Roy Rachal

7. Motion to authorize the Secretary to advertise for bids for "Purchase and Installation of Playground Equipment" (Bid 21-23) 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 - Elizabeth Domite

8. Motion to consider and take action with respect to adopting a resolution providing for the issuance of Taxable General Obligation School Refunding Bonds, Series 2020, of Pineville School District No. 52 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana; and providing for other matters in connection therewith - Elizabeth Domite

9. Motion to have the RPSB pay Student Insurance in full and alleviate the schools from paying the premium per school starting with the 2021-2022 school year - Mr. Keith Breazeale and Mr. Steve Berry

10. Motion to approve the six (6) month license renewal from CyberReef in order to provide Internet content filtering for Verizon hotspots – Dr. Luke Purdy

11. Motion to approve amendments to contracts with Coke for Plainview, Glenmora, and Pineville High Schools and authorize the superintendent to sign – Mr. Jeff Powell

12. Motion to approve new contracts with Coke for Bolton High School and Alexandria Senior High Schools pending legal review and authorize the superintendent to sign – Mr. Jeff Powell

13. Motion to approve Professional Services Contracts up to five (5) additional school nurses for provision of school health services – Mrs. Vickie Smith

Consent agenda: (Item 5) - (These items have gone through Committees)

A. Consent Agenda Reports

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

B. Consent Agenda Action Minutes

*1. to approve the minutes of the 11-4-20 and 10-20-20 meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 10-20-20 Personnel, Education, Finance Committee meetings, the 10-26-20 Executive Committee meeting

C. Consent Agenda – Action Education

* 1. to present curriculum and instruction updates - Mr. Jonathan Garrett

* 2. to authorize Central Office Staff to prepare a balanced school calendar and present at the January Board

D. Consent Agenda – 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

*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

*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

*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

*6. to approve Professional Services Contract for provision of services to students: Occupational Therapy - Mrs. Vickie Smith

*7. to ratify and confirm bids received on Friday, November 13, 2020 at 10:00 AM by the Central Office Staff for "Purchase of Welding Supplies" (Bid 21-24); and award bid to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on low bidder meeting all LA public bid law and contract document requirements and specifications - Elizabeth Domite

*8. to approve MOU with LDOE for the implementation of the ACT Assessment Series regarding ACT retests and WorkKeys Assessments and authorize the Board President to sign any required documentation pending review by the Board Attorney - Mrs. Becky Vines

*9. to amend the professional service contract of Latonya Charles to reflect advancement from a Licensed Masters Social Worker (rate of $40/hour) to a Licensed Clinical Social Worker ($80/hour), with an effective date December 1, 2020 upon receipt of licensure documentation and board approval - Mr. Clyde Washington and Mrs. Jamie Raborn

*10. to receive a report from administration regarding distribution of extra-curricular allotments - Mr. Keith Breazeale

*11. to ratify and confirm bids received on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at 10:00 AM by the Central Office Staff for "Purchase of Food and Milk Products for Head Start Program" (Bid 21-14); and award bid to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on low bidder meeting all LA public bid law and contract document requirements and specifications - Elizabeth Domite

*12. to enter into an agreement with Tyler Technologies, Inc. for new Transportation software (Traversa) and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith, pending legal review and approval by council - Mr. Daniel Bryant

E. Consent Agenda –Discipline

*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. Consent Agenda –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 approve revisions to Policy JGC: Student Health Services reviewed by the RPSB attorney, Mr. James Downs - Ms. Naomi Jones

*5. to approve revisions to Policy GBRIB (Sick Leave) reviewed by legal - Ms.Naomi Jones

*6. to approve revisions to policies CBD: Employment of Superintendent; GBDA: Employment of Retired Personnel; GBRIC: Maternity and Adoptive Leave as recommended by Forethought and reviewed by legal council - Ms. Naomi Jones

* Denotes that these items have been through committee

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, Witness my official signature and the seal of the Rapides Parish School Board this 17^th day of November 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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Dr. Stephen Chapman introduced the Board’s student guest, Slaide Salard, a senior at Northwood High School, who was recognized for his academic and extracurricular achievements.

Mr. Willard McCall recognized Tyriq Miles, a senior at Peabody Magnet High, who was recognized for his academic and extracurricular achievements. (Item 4-a)

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The Board recognized Arthur Smith Middle Magnet for the bulletin board display in the lobby of the School Board Office for the month of December 2020. (Item 4-b)

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The Board recognized KALB/Hixson Autoplex – Golden Apple Award for Teachers of Rapides Parish School District. (Item 4-c)

Andrew Fisher – Caroline Dormon Jr. High

Lee Ann Fisher – Bolton High School

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The Board recognized Mr. Allen Nichols, former Superintendent of Rapides Parish School District from July 1, 1967 – June 30, 1994 and name the Board Room “The Allen Nichols Rapides Parish School Board Meeting Room”. (Item 4-d)

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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to hear a report and recommendation from the Board's Insurance Consultant on negotiations for renewal of excess Worker's Compensation insurance coverage (Expiring 12/31/20). (Item 6)

Mrs. Carmel Breaux presented information to the Board.

A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to accept the recommendation of the Board’s Insurance Consultant on Excess Worker’s Compensation Insurance Coverage (expiring 12-31-20) at the December 1, 2020 Regular Meeting and award to Wright and Percy – Alexandria – Star Insurance Co. in the amount of $99,023 and for the renewal of Third Party Claims Administration (TPA) Services for Workers’ Compensation and award to CAS for the same terms and conditions and authorize the Board President and staff to sign any documentation in connection therewith.

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

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

NAY: None

ABSENT: Mr. Breazeale

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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to have the RPSB pay Student Insurance in full and alleviate the schools from paying the premium per school starting with the 2021-2022 school year. (Item 9)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

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

NAY: None

ABSENT: Mr. Breazeale

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

Item 5-1 on Education and Item 5-7 on Finance and Item 5-9 on Finance was pulled from the consent agenda for discussion. Item 5-11 on Finance on consent was pulled and deleted.

The agenda was read into the record and discussion ensued.

A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to approve the consent agenda omitting the pulled items.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

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

NAY: None

ABSENT: Mr. Breazeale

A. Consent Agenda Reports

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

B. Consent Agenda Action Minutes

* 1. to approve the minutes of the 11-4-20 and 10-20-20 meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 10-20-20 Personnel, Education, Finance Committee meetings, the 10-26-20 Executive Committee meeting

C. Consent Agenda – Action Education

* 1. to present curriculum and instruction updates - Mr. Jonathan Garrett

* 2. Pulled for the regular agenda.

D. Consent Agenda – Action Finance

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

*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

*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

*6. to approve Professional Services Contract for provision of services to students: Occupational Therapy - Mrs. 1Vickie Smith

*7. Pulled for the regular agenda.

* 9. Pulled for the regular agenda.

* 10. to receive a report from administration regarding distribution of extra-curricular allotments - Mr. Keith Breazeale

* 11. Deleted.

* 12. to enter into an agreement with Tyler Technologies, Inc. for new Transportation software (Traversa) and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith, pending legal review and approval by council - Mr. Daniel Bryant

E. Consent Agenda –Discipline

*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. Consent Agenda –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 approve revisions to Policy JGC: Student Health Services reviewed by the RPSB attorney, Mr. James Downs - Ms. Naomi Jones

*5. to approve revisions to Policy GBRIB (Sick Leave) reviewed by legal - Ms.Naomi Jones

* Denotes that these items have been through committee

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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to authorize Central Office Staff to prepare a balanced school calendar and present at the January Board. (Item 5-1 on Education)

Discussion ensued.

An amended motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Ms. Linda Burgess to authorize Central Office Staff to prepare a balanced school calendar and present at the February Board.

Discussion ensued.

On the amended motion made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Ms. Linda Burgess, the Board voted unanimously to authorize Central Office Staff to prepare a balanced school calendar and present at the February Board.

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A motion was made Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to ratify and confirm bids received on Friday, November 13, 2020 at 10:00 AM by the Central Office Staff for "Purchase of Welding Supplies" (Bid 21-24); and award bid to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on low bidder meeting all LA public bid law and contract document requirements and specifications. (Item 5-7 on Finance)

Discussion ensued.

A substitute motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall toreject bids received on Friday at 10:00 A.M. for RPSB Bid #21-24 “Purchase of Welding Supplies” for just cause (over budget) and to re-authorize the Secretary to advertise for bids for the “Purchase of Welding Supplies” (Bid #21-24A) ; and the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids, a recommendation to be made to the Board.

Discussion ensued.

On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall, the Board voted unanimously to reject bids received on Friday at 10:00 A.M. for RPSB Bid #21-24 “Purchase of Welding Supplies” for just cause (over budget) and to re-authorize the Secretary to advertise for bids for the “Purchase of Welding Supplies” (Bid #21-24A) ; and the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids, a recommendation to be made to the Board.

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A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Mark Dryden to amend the professional service contract of Latonya Charles to reflect advancement from a Licensed Masters Social Worker (rate of $40/hour) to a Licensed Clinical Social Worker ($80/hour), with an effective date December 1, 2020 upon receipt of licensure documentation and board approval. (Item 5-9 on Finance)

Mr. Clyde Washington presented information and discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

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

NAY: Dr. Chapman

ABSENT: Mr. Breazeale

THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.

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A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Mr. Mark Dryden to authorize the Secretary to advertise for bids for "Purchase and Installation of Playground Equipment" (Bid 21-23) 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 7)

Discussion ensued.

On motion by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Mr. Mark Dryden, the Board voted unanimously to authorize the Secretary to advertise for bids for "Purchase and Installation of Playground Equipment" (Bid 21-23) 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 8 was deleted.

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A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Mr. Mark Dryden to approve the six (6) month license renewal from CyberReef in order to provide Internet content filtering for Verizon hotspots. (Item 10)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

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

NAY: None

ABSENT: Mr. Breazeale

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A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to approve amendments to contracts with Coke for Plainview, Glenmora, and Pineville High Schools and authorize the superintendent to sign. (Item 11)

Discussion ensued.

An amended motion was made by Mr. Darrell Rodriguez and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to approve amendments to contracts with Coke for Plainview, Glenmora, Pineville High, Buckeye High and Peabody Magnet High School and authorize the superintendent to sign.

Discussion ensued.

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

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

NAY: None

ABSENT: Mr. Breazeale

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to approve new contracts with Coke for Bolton High School and Alexandria Senior High Schools pending legal review and authorize the superintendent to sign. (Item 12)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

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

NAY: None

ABSENT: Mr. Breazeale

____________________

A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Mark Dryden to approve Professional Services Contracts up to five (5) additional school nurses for provision of school health services. (Item 13)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote was as follows:

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

NAY: None

ABSENT: Mr. Breazeale

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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Sandra Franklin to add to the agenda to develop a parish wide policy for wearing mask during the current health problem – Reason to Add: Time Sensitive. (Item 14)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote to add was as follows:

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

NAY: None

ABSENT: Mr. Breazeale

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A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by Mr. Steve Berry to develop a parish wide policy for wearing mask during the current health problem. (Item 14)

After a lengthy discussion, Mr. Barrios and Mr. McCall withdrew this motion.

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A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to add to the agenda to accept the Discipline Policy Review Committee’s recommended 2020-2021 Supplemental Virtual Student Conduct Expectations, pending review by legal counsel – Reason to Add: Time Sensitive. (Item 15)

Discussion ensued.

On roll call the vote to add was as follows:

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

NAY: None

ABSENT: Mr. Breazeale

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A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall to accept the Discipline Policy Review Committee’s recommended 2020-2021 Supplemental Virtual Student Conduct Expectations, pending review by legal counsel. (Item 15)

Discussion ensued.

On motion by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Willard McCall, the Board voted unanimously to accept the Discipline Policy Review Committee’s recommended 2020-2021 Supplemental Virtual Student Conduct Expectations, pending review by legal counsel. (Item 15)

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

/s/Darrell Rodriguez

President

ATTEST:

/s/Jeff Powell

Secretary

S E A L