MAY REGULAR BOARD MINUTES
OF THE RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Regular Board Meeting Agenda (Tuesday, May 2, 2023)
Generated by Nikki Lucas on Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Members present
Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Meeting called to order at 5:00 PM
Meeting Location: Rapides Parish School Board Meeting Room, 619 6th Street, Alexandria, LA
Standing Items
1. Call to Order
2. Invocation, Pledge
3. Roll Call
4. Recognize:
a. the Board's student guest is Madison Price from Buckeye High School
b. Job's for America's Graduates (JAG) student - Ms. LaRunda Hobbs Pierce
c. the 2023-2024 Elementary, Middle, and High School Support Employees of the Year - Mr. Clyde Washington
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 Steve Berry, second by Mark Dryden.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Item 6 - A. Consent Agenda - Reports
Action (Consent): 1. to receive reports on school construction projects - Mr. Clyde Washington
Motion by Steve Berry, second by Mark Dryden.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Item 6 - B. Consent Agenda - Action Minutes
Action (Consent): 1. to approve the minutes of the 4/11/23 and the 4/18/23 meetings of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 4/18/23 Personnel, Education, Finance, and District 62 Committee meetings, the 3/30/23 Discipline Review meeting, and the 3/27/23 Executive meeting
Motion by Steve Berry, second by Mark Dryden.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Item 6 - C. Consent Agenda - Action Education
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 Steve Berry, second by Mark Dryden.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Action (Consent): *2. Motion to approve/adopt any budget changes/amendments – Ms. Elizabeth Domite
Motion by Steve Berry, second by Mark Dryden.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
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 Steve Berry, second by Mark Dryden.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Action (Consent): *4. Motion to receive a budget update for General Fund as required by Statewide Agreed Upon Procedures by LA Legislative Auditor – Ms. Elizabeth Domite
Motion by Steve Berry, second by Mark Dryden.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
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 Steve Berry, second by Mark Dryden.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Action (Consent): *6. Motion to receive the quarterly report on the maintenance funds for the 3rd quarter of the Fiscal year 2022-2023 - Elizabeth Domite
Motion by Steve Berry, second by Mark Dryden.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Action (Consent): *7. Motion to ratify and confirm bids received on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 2:00 PM by the Central Office Staff for “Mary Goff Elementary School IAQ Enhancements” (Bid #100-32); 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 Steve Berry, second by Mark Dryden.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Action (Consent): *8. Motion to ratify and confirm bids received on Wednesday, April 19, 2023 at 2:00 PM by the Central Office Staff for “Paradise Elementary School IAQ Enhancements” (Bid #100-33); 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 Steve Berry, second by Mark Dryden.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Action (Consent): *9. Motion to ratify and confirm bids received on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 2:00 PM by the Central Office Staff for "H R Lawrence Upper Elementary School IAQ Enhancements" (Bid #100-24); 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 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, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Action (Consent): *10. Motion to ratify and confirm bids received on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 at 2:00 PM by the Central Office Staff for "Pineville Elementary School IAQ Enhancements” (Bid #100-36); 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 Steve Berry, second by Mark Dryden.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Action (Consent): *11. Motion to ratify and confirm bids received on Thursday, April 27, 2023 at 11:00 AM by the Central Office Staff for "Pineville Jr High South Building Renovations” (Bid #23-22); 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 Steve Berry, second by Mark Dryden.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Action: *12. Motion to ratify and confirm bids received on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 11:00 AM by the Central Office Staff for "Turnkey Purchase and Installation of LED Scoreboard at Tioga High School” (Bid #23-59); 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
Item 6D12. pulled from consent
SUBSTITUTE MOTION - Reject bids received on Tuesday, April 25, 2023 at 11:00 AM for RPSB Bid #23-59 “Turnkey Purchase & Installation of LED Scoreboard at Tioga High School” for just cause (Both bids deemed non responsive) and to re-authorize the Secretary to advertise for bids for “Turnkey Purchase & Installation of LED Scoreboard at Tioga High School” (RPSB Bid #23-59A); and the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids and a recommendation to be made to the Board – Elizabeth Domite
Motion by Mark Dryden, second by Willard McCall.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Action (Consent): *13. Motion to ratify and confirm quotes received on Monday, April 24, 2023 at 2:00 PM by the Central Office Staff for "Replacement of Stage Floor at Alexandria Senior High" (RFQ No. 23-61); 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
Motion by Steve Berry, second by Mark Dryden.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Action (Consent): *14. Motion to authorize the Secretary to advertise for bids for "Purchase of Track Equipment at Northwood High" (Bid No. 24-02) 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, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Action (Consent): *15. Motion to authorize the Secretary to advertise for bids for "Purchase of Bus Maintenance Supplies (Bid No. 24-07) 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, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Action (Consent): *16. Motion to authorize the Secretary to advertise for bids for "Purchase of Propane Gas" (Bid No. 24-10) 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, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Action (Consent): *17. Motion to approve the annual renewal agreement between Rapides Parish School Board food & nutrition services and Horizon Software for the 2023-2024 school year - Erma Davis (Effective July 1, 2023- June 30, 2024)
Motion by Steve Berry, second by Mark Dryden.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Action (Consent): *18. Motion to approve Change Order #1 (ADDITIVE CHANGE) on "Pineville High School IAQ Enhancements" (BID #100-12) contract between Rapides Parish School Board and Byrnes Mechanical Contractors, Inc.. Increasing the contract sum of $2,147,000 by $16,281 and thereby increasing the total contract amount to $2,163,281 and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith - Mr. Roy Rachal
Motion by Steve Berry, second by Mark Dryden.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Action (Consent): *19. Motion to authorize the Board's Insurance Consultant to initiate renewal negotiations for student accident insurance for the 2023-2024 school year at the same annual premium or minimally shall not increase to exceed the CPI; should increases exceed CPI in final negotiations, the board directs consultant to solicit and receive bids with a recommendation to be made to the Board - Mr. Roy F. Rachal (Estimate $420,000 - General Fund)
Motion by Steve Berry, second by Mark Dryden.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Action (Consent): *20. Motion to authorize the Board's Insurance Consultant to initiate renewal negotiations for TPA services & property, casualty and cyber insurance for the 2023-2024 school year at the same terms, conditions, and annual premium or minimally shall not increase to exceed the CPI (as of March 2023); should increases exceed CPI in final negotiations, the Board directs consultant to solicit and receive quotes with a recommendation to be made to the Boards at it's June regular board meeting - Mr. Roy Rachal (Estimate $2.3 million - General Fund)
Motion by Steve Berry, second by Mark Dryden.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Item 6 - E. Consent Agenda - Discipline
Action: *1. Motion to uphold the Rapides Parish School Board Discipline Review Committee’s recommendation - Ms. Carlessa White
Reports: *2. Motion to receive an update outlining the progress of each student attending the Rapides Alternative Positive Program for Students (RAPPS) - Ms. Carlessa White
Reports: *3. Motion 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 Steve Berry, second by Mark Dryden.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Action (Consent), Reports: *2. Motion to approve leave requests – Mrs. Naomi Belvin
Motion by Steve Berry, second by Mark Dryden.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Action (Consent), Reports: *3. Motion to discuss any personnel complaints that may go before the full board for action - Mrs. Naomi Belvin
Motion by Steve Berry, second by Mark Dryden.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Action (Consent): *4. Motion to revise policy GAE: Non-Title IX Complaints and Grievances and GBDA: Employment of Retired Personnel in accordance in recommendation from Forethought - Naomi Belvin
Motion by Steve Berry, second by Mark Dryden.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
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 Steve Berry, second by Mark Dryden.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Action (Consent): *2. Motion to authorize the Secretary to solicit formal quotes for "Mabel Brasher Elementary Room Divider Project" (RFQ No. 23-64) 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 Steve Berry, second by Mark Dryden.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Regular Agenda
Action: *7. Motion to authorize distribution of excess sales tax revenues in a separate May 23, 2023 paycheck, said distribution to be made to all permanent contracted employees on a ratio of two dollars for all positions requiring a college degree or valid teaching certification and one dollar for all other positions - Elizabeth Domite
Motion by Steve Berry, second by Willard McCall.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Action: 8. Motion to authorize an increase of $295,000 to the approved budget for RPSB Bid 23-26 for "Construction of Dressing Rooms, Concession Stand, and Restrooms at Rapides High"; hereby increasing budget from $780,000 to $1,075,000 - Elizabeth Domite
Motion by Steve Berry, second by Willard McCall.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Absent: Linda Burgess
Action: 9. Motion to authorize the Secretary to advertise for bids for "Purchase of Meat" (Bid No. FS 15-23-24), "Purchase of Frozen Foods" (Bid No. FS 20-23-24), and "Purchase of Processed Foods" (Bid No. FS 25-23-24) 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 Steve Berry.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Action: 10. Motion to authorize the Secretary to advertise for bids for "Purchase of Milk, Milk Products, Juices, Ice Cream" (Bid No. FS 100-23-24) 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
Items 10-12 in globo
Action: 11. Motion to authorize the Secretary to advertise for bids for "Purchase of Bread Products" (Bid No. FS 35-23-24) 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
Action: 12. Motion to authorize the Secretary to advertise for bids for "Purchase of Paper Supplies" (Bid No. FS 30-23-24) and "Purchase of Cleaning Supplies" (Bid No. 33-23-24) 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 Sandra Franklin.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Action: *13. Motion to revise policy GBN: Dismissal of Employee in accordance in recommendation from Forethought - Mrs. Naomi Belvin
Motion by Steve Berry, second by Willard McCall.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Action: *14. Motion to accept and approve the Discipline Policy Review Committee's recommended revisions to the following sections of the Rapides Parish School Board Policies Handbook and Student Code of Conduct, pending legal counsel review and approval-Mr. Clyde Washington
Substitute motion to remove students from having beards and any hair color on Student Dress Code policy - Mr. Wilton Barrios
Motion did not get a second and fails
Substitute motion to accept motion 14 as written, choosing option number two as it relates to discipline - Mrs. Sandra Franklin
Motion by Linda Burgess, second by Willard McCall.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Nay: Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios
Action: *15. Motion to discuss and take possible action regarding employee pay raises for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. - Mr. Jeff Powell
Substitute motion to accept option b as administration recommends - Mr. Barrios
Mr. Willard McCall calls a question and second by Mr. Berry, discussion ends, vote taken
Motion by Steve Berry, second by Mark Dryden.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Action: *16. Motion to discuss and consider taking action regarding extracurricular and co-curricular supplements for the 2023-2024 school year. - Mr. Jeff Powell and Mr. Alan Fontenot
Item 16 pulled from agenda
Motion by Steve Berry, second by Mark Dryden.
Action: 17. Motion to identify the appointed and selected members of the advisory panel for the creation of a pre-K to 12th grade academic and performing arts magnet school at Bolton High School - Mr. Jeff Powell
Motion by Steve Berry, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Stephen Chapman, Wally Fall, Steve Berry, Sandra Franklin, Linda Burgess, Mark Dryden, Willard McCall, George Johnson
Absent: Wilton Barrios
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