MARCH REGULAR BOARD MINUTES
OF THE RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Regular Board Meeting Agenda (Tuesday, March 7, 2023)
Generated by Nikki Lucas on Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Members present
Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Meeting called to order at 5:00 PM
Meeting Location: Rapides Parish School Board Meeting Room, 619 6th Street, Alexandria, LA
ADD ON
Motion by Mark Dryden and second by Steve Berry to add item 13
With a unanimous vote item 13 was added
13. Motion to approve amending the time period for the COVID ARP C-6 grant with remaining available funds in the amount of $637,775 by extending the grant period end date from March 31, 2023 to March 31, 2024 - time sensitive - Head Start notified administration on February 28, 2023 that Board approval is required to extend time period - Elizabeth Domite
Motion by Mark Dryden, second by Willard McCall
Final Resolution: Motions Carries
Yea: Linda Burgess, Sandra Franklin, Steve Berry, Wally Fall, George Johnson, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Stephen Chapman
Nay: Wilton Barrios
Standing Items
1. Call to Order
2. Invocation, Pledge
3. Roll Call
4. Recognize:
a. the Board's student guest is from Pineville High School
b. Job's for America's Graduates (JAG) student - Ms. LaRunda Hobbs Pierce
5. Superintendent's Report
Action (Consent): 6. 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)
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Item 6 - A. Consent Agenda - Reports
Action (Consent): 1. to receive reports on school construction projects - Mr. Clyde Washington
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Item 6 - B. Consent Agenda - Action Minutes
Action (Consent): 1. to approve the minutes of the 2/7/23 meeting of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 2/22/23 Personnel, Education, Finance, and District 62 Committee meetings, and the 1/30/23 Executive meeting
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Item 6 - C. Consent Agenda - Action Education
Action (Consent): *1. Motion to approve Affordable Connectivity Program Trough (Public Wireless) initiative and authorized the Board President to sign all associated documents - Jeff Powell and Matt Thompson
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Action (Consent): *2. Motion to discuss and approve the coliseum rental contract for graduation - Mr. Jeff Powell
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Action (Consent): *3. Motion to direct the administration to survey the community as to whether or not Rapides Parish School Board should continue its school uniform policy next year and present the results to the Board by March Committee meetings - Ms. Linda Burgess
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Item 6 - D. Consent Agenda - Action Finance
Action (Consent): *1. 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. Elizabeth Domite
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Action (Consent): *2. Motion to approve/adopt any budget changes/amendments – Ms. Elizabeth Domite
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Action (Consent): *3. 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. Elizabeth Domite
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Action (Consent): *4. 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. Elizabeth Domite
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Action (Consent), Reports: *5. 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 - Kerri Nichols
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Action (Consent): *6. Motion to authorize the Secretary to advertise for bids for "Installation of Covered Pavilion at Tioga Elementary" (Bid No. 23-60) 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 in connection therewith - Elizabeth Domite
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Action (Consent): *7. Motion to authorize the Secretary to advertise for bids for "Annual Purchase of Sanitary Maintenance Supplies" (Bid No. 24-13) 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 in connection therewith - Elizabeth Domite
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Action (Consent): *8. Motion to authorize the Secretary to solicit formal quotes for "Replacement of Stage Floor at Alexandria Sr. High" (RFQ No. 23-61) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive quotes and a recommendation to be made to the Board - Elizabeth Domite
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Action (Consent): *9. Motion to ratify and confirm bids received on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 2:00 PM by the Central Office Staff for “Martin Park Elementary School IAQ Enhancements” (Bid #100-31); and award bid to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and contract document requirements and specifications and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith – Elizabeth Domite
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Action (Consent): *10. Motion to ratify and confirm bids received on Tuesday, February 28, 2023 at 11:00 AM by the Central Office Staff for “Purchase of Band Uniforms at Tioga High School” (Bid #23-53); and award bid to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and contract document requirements and specifications and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith – Elizabeth Domite
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Action (Consent): *11. Motion to hear a report and proposal from Georgia-Pacific (GP) and Economical Janitorial Supply to provide and install hand towel dispensers/cabinets across the District, in all facilities (approximately 2,200), at no charge to the Board with an agreement to purchase (via bid, quote or off approved state contract, if available) and refill said dispensers/cabinets with GP's proprietary branded paper refill products for a three-year period and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith - Mr. Roy F. Rachal
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Action (Consent): *12. Motion to file legal action in connection with pursuing claims for damages incurred by the Board associated with Electronic Cigarette (E-Cigarette) litigation, engage Franz Law Group, APLC as legal counsel of record, approve their attorney-client fee contract and authorize the Superintendent to sign any documentation in connection therewith; subject to review and approval of the Board's advising counsel - Mr. Roy F. Rachal
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Action (Consent): *13. Motion to file legal action in connection with pursuing claims for damages incurred by the Board associated with social media companies and their platforms, engage Frantz Law Group, APLC as legal counsel of record, approve their attorney-client fee contract and authorize the Superintendent to sign any documentation in connection therewith; subject to review and approval of the Board's advising counsel - Mr. Roy F. Rachal
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Action (Consent): *14. Motion to approve the renewal of School Messenger Complete ($42,279.90), 12-Month Unlimited Notification Service, and authorize the Board President to sign any and all documents in connection therewith - Mr. Matt Thompson
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Item 6 - E. Consent Agenda - Discipline
Action (Consent): *1.to uphold the Rapides Parish School Board Discipline Review Committee’s recommendation - Ms. Carlessa White
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Reports: 2. to receive an update outlining the progress of each student attending the Rapides Alternative Positive Program for Students (RAPPS) - Ms. Carlessa White
Reports: 3. to receive a report for students successfully completing the requirements for a performance contract – Ms. Carlessa White
Item 6 - F. Consent Agenda - Personnel
Action (Consent), Reports: *1. Motion to receive reports as follows: - Mrs. Naomi Belvin
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Action (Consent), Reports: *2. Motion to approve leave requests – Mrs. Naomi Belvin
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Action (Consent), Reports: *3. Motion to discuss any personnel complaints that may go before the full board for action - Mrs. Naomi Belvin
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Item 6 - G. Consent Agenda - District 62
Action (Consent), Reports: *1. Motion to receive an update on the progress of the District 62 Bond - Mr. Jeff Powell
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Regular Agenda
Action: 7. Motion to adopt the amended 2022-2023 Rapides Pupil Progression Plan to reflect the addendum regarding literacy support standards for grades 3 and 4 - Mr. Jonathan Garrett
Motion by Steve Berry, second by Willard McCall.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Action: 8. Motion to authorize the Secretary to advertise for bids for "Purchase of Cafeteria Equipment" (Bid No. 23-62) 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 in connection therewith - Elizabeth Domite
Motion by Steve Berry, second by Mark Dryden.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Action: 9. Motion to ratify and confirm quotes received on Thursday, February 23, 2023 at 10:00 AM by the Central Office Staff for "Renovations of Lobby Area at Alexandria Sr. High" (RFQ No. 23-35); and award quote to the lowest responsive an responsible vendor contingent on low quote meeting all LA Public Bid Law and contract document requirements and specifications and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith - Elizabeth Domite - amend funding source to District 62 bath fund
Motion by Steve Berry, second by Willard McCall.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Action: 10. Motion to discuss and approve purchase of metal/weapon detectors for all schools using TIPS contract - Mr. Jeff Powell
Motion by Steve Berry, second by Willard McCall.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Linda Burgess
Nay: Sandra Franklin
Action: 11. Motion to discuss and take possible action on the EPA grant to fund up to 25 electric buses for the Rapides Parish School System - Jeff Powell
Motion by Steve Berry, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Mark Dryden, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Linda Burgess
Nay: Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin
Action: 12. Motion to present and approve "Better Facilities" strategic plan as outlined below: - Dr. Chapman, Ms. Burgess, Mr. Barrios, Mr. Dryden, Mr. Berry. Mr. McCall, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Fall, and RPSB Administration
Motion by Steve Berry, second by Mark Dryden.
Substitute motion - Establish the Better Facilities Strategic Plan Advisory Council, and suspend any actions until review of council - Mrs. Sandra Franklin
Motion by Sandra Franklin, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Substitute motion - to adopt the "Better Facilities" strategic plan concept for converting Bolton to a K-12 academic magnet school, relocating Phoenix and Rapides Academy to the Bolton facility for the 2025-2026 school year
Adopt the "Better Facilities" strategic plan concept to repurpose Alma Redwine School once the expansions at Acadian and Martin Park are completed
Adopt the "Better Facilities" strategic plan concept to combine Horseshoe Drive Elementary School with Martin Park and Cherokee, once the expansions of Martin Park and Cherokee are completed
Further, charge the Superintendent and staff, with input from a Better Facilities Strategic Plan Advisory Council (appointed/approved by the RPSB) and made up of school administrators, school staff, parents, and stakeholders: to develop and execute a plan for facility changes, a proposed timeline for those changes, to develop and execute a plan for the implementation of these concepts
As relates to Bolton High School: to develop and execute a plan for the safety and security measures to be included, to develop and execute a plan as to the curriculum to be offered, to develop and execute a plan as to logistics, such a bell schedule, student traffic flow, coordination of class schedules, ect, to develop and execute a plan for co-curricular and extra-curricular offerings, including sports
Further, to share the "collaborative plan" at a public meeting
Leave current Bolton students in place through the end of 2024-2025 school year
Spring 2023 - form an advisory committee that includes Phoenix and RA administration, faculty, staff, and parents to help create a plan to modify Bolton to ensure it meets the needs of K-8 students and teachers, include Bolton stakeholders on the committee
2023-2024 - explore curriculum options, collect data to determine priorities, visit schools, and finalize the focus of the school (STEM,STEAM, Academic Magnet, Performing Arts, etc.) finalize the details regarding the requirements to enroll, finalize the school vision and mission, renovate Bolton after finalizing a strong renovation plan that includes input from current Phoenix and RA stakeholders, start promoting the new school
2024-2025 - continue PR campaign, take applications for enrollment, Phoenix and Rapides Academy students get priority for enrollment, finalize staffing, finish renovations
Summer 2025 - RA and Phoenix move to the updated facility a Bolton
2025-2026 - open an innovative new PreK-12 school that everyone will want to attend - Dr. Steven Chapman
Motion by Steve Berry, second by Mark Dryden.
Motion Fails
Aye: Steve Berry
Nay: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Substitute motion - "Better Facilities" take no action until the 2025-2026 school year, also no action on Horseshoe and Alma Redwine until advisory council reports back to the board in the year 2025-2026 - Mr. Willard McCall
Mr. Willard McCall called the question and Ms. Burgess second
Vote on calling question was unanimous
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Motion Fails
Aye: Willard McCall, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess
Nay: Stephen Chapman, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Steve Berry
EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
Action: Adjourn the meeting
RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
______________________________________
/s/Dr. Stephen Chapman
President
ATTEST:
/s/Jeff Powell
Secretary
S E A L