JANUARY REGULAR BOARD MINUTES
OF THE RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Regular Board Meeting Agenda (Tuesday, January 7, 2025)
Generated by Nikki Lucas on Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Members present
Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Meeting called to order at 5:00 PM
Meeting Location: The Rapides Parish School Board Meeting Room, 619 Sixth Street, Alexandria, LA
Add Ons
Action: 34.Motion to approve Amendment to Agreement between State of Louisiana, Louisiana Workforce Commission and Rapides Parish School Board to continue the implementation of existing Jobs for America's Graduates-Louisiana (JAG-LA) programs - LaRunda Hobbs Pierce
Motion to add item 34 by Linda Burgess, second by Stephen Chapman, vote to add item was unanimous
Action: 35. Motion to discuss and approve Head Start/Early Head Start Change in Scope - revision of enrollment reduction – Candice Gladney
Motion to add item 35 by Linda Burgess, second by Mark Dryden, vote to add item was unanimous
Action: 36. Motion to approve Change Order #2 for the “Renovations and Administrative Additions at Horseshoe Elementary School” (Re: RPSB Bid #62-24-16 and PO #25000530) contract between the Rapides Parish School Board and Pat Williams Construction increasing the contract sum by Two Thousand, Eight Hundred Thirty-Nine Dollars ($2,839.00) therefore changing the original contract sum from $1,778,000.00 to $1,780,839.00 with no change to the contract time and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith – Mr. Roy F. Rachal
Motion to add item 36 by Linda Burgess, second by Mark Dryden, vote to add item was unanimous
Action: 37. Motion to approve Change Order #003 for the “Horseshoe Drive Elementary School – Renovations and Administrative Addition.” (Re: RPSB Bid #62-24-16, WO #207395, and PO #23004340) contract between the Rapides Parish School Board and Pat Williams Construction, LLC. INCREASING the current contract sum by Forty Thousand, Two Hundred Thirteen Dollars ($40,213.00), therefore changing the current contract sum from $1,780,839 to $1,821,052 and also INCREASING the contract time by Twenty-Eight (28) days and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith – Mr. Roy F. Rachal
Motion to add item 37 by Linda Burgess, second by Mark Dryden, vote to add item was unanimous
Action: 38. Motion to renew the contract with Rosetta Stone and have Board President sign any documentation in connection therewith - Jeff Powell
to renew the contract with Rosetta Stone and have Board President sign any documentation in connection therewith
Motion to add item 38 by Linda Burgess, second by Mark Dryden, vote to add item was unanimous
Action: 39. Motion to authorize the Superintendent to engage in litigation on behalf of the Rapides Parish School Board regarding remaining provisions of the Federal rule changes regarding challenges to gender identity mandates and to further authorize the Superintendent to direct the Alliance Defending Freedom lawyers, along with Michael T. Johnson, to represent the Rapides Parish School Board in this litigation – Mr. Jeff Powell
Motion to add item 39 by Linda Burgess, second by Mark Dryden, vote to add item was unanimous
Standing Items
Procedural: 1. Call to Order
Procedural: 2. Invocation, Pledge
Procedural: a. Prayer - Pastor Jamie Hardin from Calvary Tabernacle in Alexandria
Procedural: b. Pledge - Mrs. Sandra Franklin
Procedural: 3. Roll Call
Action: 4.Motion to elect Board President for one-year term, beginning January 7, 2025 - Mr. Jeff Powell
Stephen Chapman nominates Steve Berry for Board President, second by Linda Burgess
A motion was made by Stephen Chapman and seconded Willard McCall, the Board voted unanimously to close the nominations for Board President
STEVE BERRY WAS ELECTED BOARD PRESIDENT
Motion by Stephen Chapman, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Abstain: Steve Berry
Action: 5.Motion to elect Board Vice-President for a one-year term, beginning January 7, 2025 - Mr. Jeff Powell
A motion was made by Mr. Willard McCall and seconded by George Johnson to elect Board Vice-President for a one-year term, beginning January 7th, 2025
Willard McCall nominated Mr. Mark Dryden and seconded by George Johnson
A motion made by Steve Berry and seconded by George Johnson to close the nominations for Board Vice-President
MARK DRYDEN WAS ELECTED VICE-PRESIDENT
Motion by Willard McCall, second by George Johnson.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Action: 6.Motion to elect Executive, Personnel, Education, Finance, and District 62 Committees for 2025 - Mr. Jeff Powell
A motion was made by Steve Berry and seconded by Willard McCall to elect members of the Executive Committee for 2025
Steve Berry read his recommendations to serve on the Executive, Personnel, Education, Finance, and District 62 Committee
Executive Committee:
Wilton Barrios – Chair
Willard McCall
Linda Burgess
Personnel Committee:
Wilton Barrios – Chair
Willard McCall
Steve Berry
Education Committee:
Linda Burgess – Chair
Wally Fall
Mark Dryden
Finance Committee:
Stephen Chapman – Chair
Sandra Franklin
George Johnson
District 2 Committee:
Sandra Franklin – Chair
Stephen Chapman
Wally Fall
Willard McCall
Linda Burgess
Motion was made by Wilton Barrios and seconded by Linda Burgess to approve the President's recommendation for Executive, Personnel, Education, Finance, and District 62 Committees
Motion by Steve Berry, second by Willard McCall.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Procedural: 7. Recognize:
Recognition: a. the Board's student guest is James Atwood from Bolton Academy
Recognition: b. Job's for America's Graduates (JAG) student - Ms. LaRunda Hobbs Pierce
Procedural: 8. Superintendent's Report
School Board Recognition Month in Rapides Parish Proclamation
WHEREAS, the mission of public schools is to meet the diverse educational needs of all children and to empower them to become competent, productive contributors to a democratic society and an ever-changing world; and
WHEREAS, local school board members are committed to children and believe that all children can be successful learners and that the best education is tailored to the individual needs of the child; and
WHEREAS, local school board members work closely with parents, educational professionals, and other community members to create the educational vision we want for our students; and
WHEREAS, local school board members are responsible for ensuring the structure that provides a solid foundation for our school system; and
WHEREAS, local school board members are strong advocates for public education and are responsible for communicating the needs of the school district to the public and the public’s expectations to the district;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jeff Powell, do hereby declare my appreciation to the members of the Rapides Parish School Board and proclaim January 2025 as
School Board Recognition Month in Rapides Parish. I urge all citizens to join me in recognizing the dedication and hard work of local school board members and in working with them to mold an education system that meets the needs of both today’s and tomorrow’s children.
In official recognition whereof, I hereby affix my signature this 7th day of January 2025.
Action (Consent): 9. 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)
Item 9A1 was removed from consent agenda
Motion by Stephen Chapman, second by Wilton Barrios.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Item 9 - A. Consent Agenda - Reports
Action: 1.to receive reports on school construction projects - Mr. Clyde Washington
Substitute Motion - to keep motion as a standing item on the Education Committee with supporting documents - Willard McCall
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Wally Fall.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Item 9 - B. Consent Agenda - Action Minutes
Action (Consent): 1. to approve the minutes of the 12/3/24 meeting of the Board and the 12/10/24 and 12/11/24 Board Retreat minutes as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve 11/19/24 Executive meeting
Motion by Stephen Chapman, second by Wilton Barrios.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Item 9 - C. Consent Agenda - Action Education
Item 9 - D. Consent Agenda - Action Finance
Item 9 - E. Consent Agenda - Discipline
Action (Consent): *1. to uphold the Rapides Parish School Board Discipline Review Committee’s recommendation - Mr. Terrence Williams
Motion by Stephen Chapman, second by Wilton Barrios.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Item 9 - F. Consent Agenda - Personnel
Item 9 - G. Consent Agenda - District 62
Regular Agenda
Action, Reports: 10. Motion to receive a report on discipline on the progress of each student attending the Rapides Alternative Positive Program for Students (RAPPS) and all in-school and out-of-school suspensions in every school in Rapides Parish - Mr. Terrence Williams
Report given, no action needed
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Action: 11. Motion to reimburse travel expenses to Sandra Franklin for attending the 14th Annual Special Education Workshop - Mr. Jeff Powell
Resolution: to reimburse travel expenses to Sandra Franklin for attending the 14th Annual Special Education Workshop
Motion by Linda Burgess, second by Willard McCall.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Abstain: Sandra Franklin
Action: 12. Motion to receive HR report and approve leave request - Mrs. Naomi Belvin
Resolution: to receive HR report and approve leave request
Motion by Stephen Chapman, second by Mark Dryden.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Action: 13. 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
Resolution: 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
Motion by Stephen Chapman, second by Willard McCall.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Action: 14. Motion to approve/adopt any budget changes/amendments – Ms. Elizabeth Domite
Resolution: to approve/adopt any budget changes/amendments
Motion by Stephen Chapman, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Action: 15. 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
Items 15-16 taken in globo
Motion by Stephen Chapman, second by Linda Burgess.
Action: 16. 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
Resolution: to receive a budget update for General Fund and Food and Nutrition Fund as required by Statewide Agreed Upon Procedures by LA Legislative Auditor
Motion by Stephen Chapman, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Action, Reports: 17. 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 - Amanda Slaughter
Report given, no action needed
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Action, Reports: 18. Motion to receive an update on the progress of the District 62 Bond - Mr. Jeff Powell
Report given, no action needed
Motion by Stephen Chapman, second by Linda Burgess.
Action: 19.Motion to approve a Professional Service Contract with Noel Consulting for Data Tracking Professional Development and have Board President sign any documentation in connection therewith - Mr. Shannon Alford
Resolution: to approve a Professional Service Contract with Noel Consulting for Data Tracking Professional Development and have Board President sign any documentation in connection therewith
Motion by Stephen Chapman, second by Willard McCall.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Nay: Stephen Chapman
Substitute Motion - to approve Professional Service Contract with Noel Consulting for Date Tracking for 25 days - Mr. George Johnson
Motion by George Johnson, second by Willard McCall.
Final Resolution: Motion Fails
Aye: George Johnson, Wally Fall
Nay: Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin
Action: 20.Motion to hear public feedback from the Option A Calendar and approve the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school year calendars - Mrs. Shannon Alford
approve the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 school year calendars
Motion by Mark Dryden, second by Linda Burgess.
Substitute Motion - approve the 2025-2026 school year calendar - Willard McCall
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Substitute Motion - to move fall break to align with the Parish Fair - Wilton Barrios
Motion by Wilton Barrios, second by Sandra Franklin.
Substitute Motion - to bring motion back to the Board on January 21, 2025, at a Special Board meeting to discuss calendar options - Willard McCall
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Action: 21. Motion to approve the out of state travel for Jeff Powell to attend the National Superintendents Forum - Mr. Jeff Powell
Resolution: to approve the out of state travel for Jeff Powell to attend the National Superintendents Forum
Motion by Stephen Chapman, second by Wilton Barrios.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Action: 22. Motion to ratify and confirm bids received on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 11:00 AM by the Central Office Staff for “Northwood High School Batting Cages” (Bid #24-20); 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
Substitute Motion - to reject bids received on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 11:00 AM for RPSB Bid #24-20 “Northwood High School Batting Cage” for just cause (Single bid received over budget) and to re-authorize the Secretary to advertise for bids at a later date after redesign of scope of project and project specifications and after redesign of project scope with a new budget of 150,000.00 - Elizabeth Domite
Motion by Stephen Chapman, second by Sandra Franklin.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Action: 23. Motion to ratify and confirm proposals received on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 2:00 PM by the Central Office Staff for “HVAC Air Filter Maintenance Service” (RFP # 25-25): and award proposal to the highest ranking responsive and responsible vendor contingent on Proposer 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
Items 23-25 taken in globo
Motion by Stephen Chapman, second by Linda Burgess.
Action: 24. Motion to authorize the Secretary to solicit formal quotes for “Turnkey Purchase and Installation of Lockers at Northwood High Softball Fieldhouse" (RFQ No. 25-24) 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
Action: 25. Motion to authorize the Secretary to advertise for bids for “Chiller Replacement at Alexandria Sr High School" (Bid No. 62-25-05) 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 23-25 taken in globo
Motion by Stephen Chapman, second by Willard McCall.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Action: 26. Motion to authorize the Secretary to solicit formal quotes for “Replacement of HVAC System in Library at Caroline Dormon Jr High" (RFQ No. 57-25-01) 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
Resolution: to authorize the Secretary to solicit formal quotes for “Replacement of HVAC System in Library at Caroline Dormon Jr High" (RFQ No. 57-25-01) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive quotes and a recommendation to be made to the Board
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Action: 27. Motion to ratify and confirm bids received on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 11:00 AM by the Central Office Staff for “Purchase of Fresh Produce” (Bid #10-24-25C); 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
Resolution: to ratify and confirm bids received on Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 11:00 AM by the Central Office Staff for “Purchase of Fresh Produce” (Bid #10-24-25C); 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
Motion by Mark Dryden, second by Willard McCall.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Action: 28. Motion to consider and take action with respect to adopting a resolution ordering and calling special elections to be held in(i) the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana, for school purposes, (ii) Poland School District Number 55 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, (iii) Ruby-Wise School District Number 56 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, to authorize the renewal of ad valorem taxes therein and (iv) Pineville School District No. 52 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana to authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds therein, making application to the State Bond Commission, and providing for other matters in connection therewith -Elizabeth Domite
Resolution: to adopt a resolution ordering and calling special elections to be held in(i) the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana, for school purposes, (ii) Poland School District Number 55 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, (iii) Ruby-Wise School District Number 56 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, to authorize the renewal of ad valorem taxes therein and (iv) Pineville School District No. 52 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana to authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds therein, making application to the State Bond Commission, and providing for other matters in connection therewith
RESOLUTION
A resolution ordering and calling special elections to be held in (i) the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana, for school purposes, (ii) Poland School District Number 55 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, (iii) Ruby-Wise School District Number 56 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, to authorize the renewal of ad valorem taxes therein and (iv) Pineville School District No. 52 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, to authorize the issuance of general obligation bonds, making application to the State Bond Commission; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
BE IT RESOLVED by the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana (the "Governing Authority"), acting as the governing authority of (i) the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana, for school purposes, (ii) Poland School District Number 55 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, (iii) Ruby-Wise School District Number 56 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana and (iv) Pineville School District No. 52 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the "Parish and Districts"), that:
SECTION 1. Election Call. Subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission, and under the authority conferred by the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, including Article VI, Section 33 thereof, Part II of Chapter 4 of Subtitle II of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and Article VIII, Section 13(C) Third thereof, the applicable provisions of the Louisiana Election Code, and other constitutional and statutory authority, special elections are hereby called and ordered to be held in the Parish and Districts on SATURDAY, MAY 3, 2025, between the hours of seven o'clock (7:00) a.m. and eight o'clock (8:00) p.m., in accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 18:541, and at the said elections there shall be submitted to all registered voters qualified and entitled to vote at the said elections under the Constitution and laws of this State and the Constitution of the United States, the following propositions, to-wit:
PARISHWIDE SCHOOL PROPOSITIONS
PROPOSITION NO. 1 OF 2
(MILLAGE RENEWAL)
Shall the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana, continue to levy a special tax of 7.45 mills on all property subject to taxation in the Parish of Rapides (an estimated $8,623,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of 10 years, beginning with the year 2026 and ending with the year 2035, for the purpose of giving additional support for the current operation of public schools in said Parish?
PROPOSITION NO. 2 OF 2
(MILLAGE RENEWAL)
Shall the Parish School Board of the Parish of Rapides, State of Louisiana, continue to levy a special tax of 2.13 mills on all property subject to taxation in the Parish of Rapides (an estimated $2,465,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of 10 years, beginning with the year 2026 and ending with the year 2035, for the purpose of maintaining public school buildings and equipment and otherwise improving the school facilities and premises in said Parish?
POLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER 55 PROPOSITION
(MILLAGE RENEWAL)
Shall Poland School District Number 55 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the "District"), continue to levy a special tax of 3.13 mills on all property subject to taxation in the District (an estimated $44,200 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of 10 years, beginning with the year 2026 and ending with the year 2035, for the purpose of maintaining public school buildings and equipment and otherwise improving the school facilities and premises in the District?
RUBY-WISE SCHOOL DISTRICT NUMBER 56 PROPOSITION
(MILLAGE RENEWAL)
Shall Ruby-Wise School District Number 56 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the "District"), continue to levy a special tax of 3.78 mills on property subject to taxation in the District (an estimated $45,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of 10 years, beginning with the year 2026 and ending with the year 2035, for the purpose of maintaining public school buildings and equipment and otherwise improving the school facilities and premises in the District?
PINEVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 52 PROPOSITION
(BOND)
Shall Pineville School District No. 52 of Rapides Parish, Louisiana (the "District"), incur debt and issue bonds to the amount of not exceeding $27,000,000, in one or more series, to run not exceeding 20 years from date thereof, with interest at a rate of not exceeding 7% per annum, for the purpose of financing capital expenditures for school purposes for the District, including constructing, acquiring and/or improving schools and other school related facilities, together with equipment and furnishings therefor, title to which shall be in the public; which bonds will be general obligations of the District and will be payable from ad valorem taxes to be levied and collected in the manner provided by Article VI, Section 33 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974 and statutory authority supplemental thereto, with an estimated increase of 17.80 mills to be levied in the first year of issue above the 17 mills currently being levied to pay General Obligation Bonds of the District?
SECTION 2. Publication of Notice of Elections. A Notice of Special Elections shall be published in the official journal of the Parish and Districts once a week for four consecutive weeks, with the first publication to be made not less than forty-five (45) days nor more than ninety (90) days prior to the date of the elections, which Notice shall be substantially in the form attached hereto as "Exhibit A" and incorporated herein by reference the same as if it were set forth herein in full.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to the publication of the Notice of Elections, the President is authorized and directed to make any amendments to the foregoing propositions that may be required to comply with any state or federal regulatory agencies.
SECTION 3. Canvass. This Governing Authority shall meet at its regular meeting place, the Parish School Board Office Building, 619 Sixth Street, Alexandria, Louisiana, on TUESDAY, JUNE 3, 2025, at 5:00 P.M., and shall then and there in open and public session proceed to examine and canvass the returns and declare the results of the said special elections.
SECTION 4. Polling Places. The polling places for the precincts set forth in the aforesaid Notice of Special Elections are hereby designated as the polling places at which to hold the said elections, and the Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners, respectively, will be the same persons as those designated in accordance with law.
SECTION 5. Election Commissioners; Voting Machines. The officers designated to serve as Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners pursuant to Section 4 hereof, or such substitutes therefor as may be selected and designated in accordance with La. R.S. 18:1287, shall hold the said special elections as herein provided, and shall make due returns of said elections for the meeting of the Governing Authority to be held as provided in Section 3 hereof. All registered voters in the Parish and Districts will be entitled to vote at the special elections, and voting machines shall be used.
SECTION 6. Authorization of Officers. The Secretary of the Governing Authority is hereby empowered, authorized and directed to arrange for and to furnish to said election officers in ample time for the holding of said elections, the necessary equipment, forms and other paraphernalia essential to the proper holding of said elections and the President and/or Secretary of the Governing Authority are further authorized, empowered and directed to take any and all further action required by State and/or Federal law to arrange for the elections.
SECTION 7. Furnishing Election Call to Election Officials. Certified copies of this resolution shall be forwarded to the Secretary of State, the Clerk of Court and Ex-Officio Parish Custodian of Voting Machines of St. Tammany Parish and the Registrar of Voters of St. Tammany Parish, as notification of the special elections, in order that each may prepare for said elections and perform their respective functions as required by law.
SECTION 8. Application to State Bond Commission. Application is made to the State Bond Commission for consent and authority to hold the special elections as herein provided, and in the event said elections carry for further consent and authority to continue to levy and collect the special taxes provided for therein and issue, sell and deliver the bonds provided for therein. A certified copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to the State Bond Commission on behalf of this Governing Authority, together with a letter requesting the prompt consideration and approval of this application. By virtue of applicant/issuer’s application for, acceptance and utilization of the benefits of the Louisiana State Bond Commission’s approval(s) resolved and set forth herein, it resolves that it understands and agrees that such approval(s) are expressly conditioned upon, and it further resolves that it understands, agrees and binds itself, its successors and assigns to, full and continuing compliance with the “State Bond Commission Policy on Approval of Proposed Use of Swaps, or other forms of Derivative Products Hedges, Etc.”, adopted by the Commission on July 20, 2006, as to the borrowing(s) and other matter(s) subject to the approval(s), including subsequent application and approval under said Policy of the implementation or use of any swap(s) or other product(s) or enhancement(s) covered thereby.
SECTION 9. Employment. This Governing Authority finds and determines that a real necessity exists for the employment of special counsel in connection with the issuance of the Bonds, and accordingly, Foley & Judell, L.L.P., of New Orleans, Louisiana, as Bond Counsel, is hereby employed to do and perform work of a traditional legal nature as bond counsel with respect to the issuance and sale of said Bonds. Said Bond Counsel shall prepare and submit to this Governing Authority for adoption all of the proceedings incidental to the authorization, issuance, sale and delivery of such Bonds, shall counsel and advise this Governing Authority as to the issuance and sale thereof and shall furnish its opinions covering the legality of the issuance of the Bonds. The fee of Bond Counsel for each series of bonds shall be fixed at a sum not exceeding the fee allowed by the Attorney General’s fee guidelines for such bond counsel work and based on the amount of said Bonds actually issued, sold, delivered and paid for, plus “out-of-pocket” expenses, said fees to be contingent upon the issuance, sale and delivery of said Bonds. The Superintendent is hereby authorized and directed to execute, and this Governing Authority hereby agrees to and accepts the terms of, the engagement letter of Bond Counsel appended hereto. A certified copy of this resolution shall be submitted to the Attorney General of the State of Louisiana for approval of said employment and of the fees herein designated, and the Chief Financial Officer is hereby empowered and directed to provide for payment of the work herein specified upon completion thereof and under the conditions herein enumerated without further approval of this Governing Authority.
SECTION 10. Appointment of Municipal Advisor. The Issuer hereby retains Argent Advisors, Inc., of Ruston, Louisiana, to act as its Municipal Advisor (“MA”) pursuant to the provisions of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the rules promulgated thereunder by the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Issuer hereby acknowledges that it is represented by the MA and will rely upon the advice of the MA with respect to the Bonds. The fee to be paid the MA shall be payable solely from the proceeds of the Bonds when and if issued, and the amount thereof shall be subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission. The Superintendent is hereby authorized and directed, in his discretion, to execute any contract the MA may require with respect to the engagement.
SECTION 11. Declaration of Official Intent. Prior to the delivery of the Bonds, the Issuer presently intends and reasonably expects that it may pay all or a portion of the costs of the Project from legally available funds in its General Fund. Upon the issuance of the Bonds, the Issuer presently intends and reasonably expects to reimburse any such expenditures for the Project from a portion of the proceeds of the Bonds, provided that such reimbursement shall be in an amount not currently reasonably expected to exceed the maximum principal amount of the Bonds set forth in Section 1 hereof. Any such allocation of proceeds of the Bonds for reimbursement will be with respect to capital expenditures (as defined in Reg. 1.150-1(b)) and will be made not later than 18 months after the later of (i) the date such expenditure was paid or (ii) the date on which the Project was placed in service or abandoned, but in no event more than three years after the original expenditure is paid. This Section is intended to be a declaration of official intent within the meaning of Reg. 1.150-2, and certain terms used in this Section shall have the meaning given in such Regulation. For purposes of this Section, the Project includes constructing, acquiring and/or improving schools and other school related facilities, together with equipment and furnishings therefor, including, to the extent feasible, those specific school projects set forth in the “Capital Improvement Plan”. All of the expenditures covered by this Section were or will be made on and after the date which is 60 days prior to the effective date of this Resolution or as otherwise allowed by Reg. 1.150-2 which includes, among other things, an exception for "preliminary expenditures" as defined therein.
Motion by Stephen Chapman, second by Willard McCall.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Action: 29. Motion to renew the contract with Whouppa Transport, LLC to transport and deliver USDA Commodities from Polar Bear Cold Storage to individual schools in Rapides Parish - Jennifer Coburn
Resolution: to renew the contract with Whouppa Transport, LLC to transport and deliver USDA Commodities from Polar Bear Cold Storage to individual schools in Rapides Parish
Motion by Linda Burgess, second by Willard McCall.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Action: 30. Motion to discuss and take action on adding two additional schools to the Star Academy - Mr. Jeff Powell
Resolution: to take action on adding two additional schools to the Star Academy, Buckeye High School and Pineville Jr. High School
Motion by Linda Burgess, second by Willard McCall.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Nay: Sandra Franklin
Action: 31.Motion to ratify and confirm quotes received on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Central Office Staff for “Restroom Project at Tioga Jr. High” (RFQ No. 25-23); and award quote to the lowest responsive and responsible vendor in 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
Resolution: to ratify and confirm quotes received on Friday, December 13, 2024, at 10:00 AM by Central Office Staff for “Restroom Project at Tioga Jr. High” (RFQ No. 25-23); and award quote to the lowest responsive and responsible vendor in 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
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Action: 32. Motion to cancel Bid 62-24-15 “Improvements at Scott M. Brame Middle School” and release for advertisement Bid 62-24-15A “Improvements at Scott M. Brame Middle School” at a later date to be determined – Elizabeth Domite
Resolution: to cancel Bid 62-24-15 “Improvements at Scott M. Brame Middle School” and release for advertisement Bid 62-24-15A “Improvements at Scott M. Brame Middle School” at a later date to be determined
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Mark Dryden.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Action: 33. Motion to discuss the current purpose and status of open enrollment within the parish - Wilton Barrios and Willard McCall
Motion by Linda Burgess, second by Willard McCall.
Substitute Motion - to send to the January Education Committee meeting, discuss the current purpose and status of open enrollment within the parish and to see what action needs to be taken to get out of the select status in Rapides Parish - Wilton Barrios and Willard McCall
Motion by Wilton Barrios, second by Willard McCall.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Add Ons
Action: 34.Motion to approve Amendment to Agreement between State of Louisiana, Louisiana Workforce Commission and Rapides Parish School Board to continue the implementation of existing Jobs for America's Graduates-Louisiana (JAG-LA) programs - LaRunda Hobbs Pierce
Resolution: to approve Amendment to Agreement between State of Louisiana, Louisiana Workforce Commission and Rapides Parish School Board to continue the implementation of existing Jobs for America's Graduates-Louisiana (JAG-LA) programs
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Action: 35. Motion to discuss and approve Head Start/Early Head Start Change in Scope - revision of enrollment reduction – Candice Gladney
Resolution: to approve Head Start/Early Head Start Change in Scope - revision of enrollment reduction
Motion by Stephen Chapman, second by Willard McCall.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Absent: Steve Berry, Mark Dryden
Action: 36.Motion to approve Change Order #2 for the “Renovations and Administrative Additions at Horseshoe Elementary School” (Re: RPSB Bid #62-24-16 and PO #25000530) contract between the Rapides Parish School Board and Pat Williams Construction increasing the contract sum by Two Thousand, Eight Hundred Thirty-Nine Dollars ($2,839.00) therefore changing the original contract sum from $1,778,000.00 to $1,780,839.00 with no change to the contract time and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith – Mr. Roy F. Rachal
Items 36-37 taken in globo
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Mark Dryden.
Action: 37. Motion to approve Change Order #003 for the “Horseshoe Drive Elementary School – Renovations and Administrative Addition.” (Re: RPSB Bid #62-24-16, WO #207395, and PO #23004340) contract between the Rapides Parish School Board and Pat Williams Construction, LLC. INCREASING the current contract sum by Forty Thousand, Two Hundred Thirteen Dollars ($40,213.00), therefore changing the current contract sum from $1,780,839 to $1,821,052 and also INCREASING the contract time by Twenty-Eight (28) days and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith – Mr. Roy F. Rachal
Items 36-37 taken in globo
Motion by Stephen Chapman, second by Linda Burgess.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Absent: Wilton Barrios
Action: 38. Motion to renew the contract with Rosetta Stone and have Board President sign any documentation in connection therewith - Jeff Powell
Resolution: to renew the contract with Rosetta Stone and have Board President sign any documentation in connection therewith
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Mark Dryden.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Absent: Wilton Barrios
Action: 39. Motion to authorize the Superintendent to engage in litigation on behalf of the Rapides Parish School Board regarding remaining provisions of the Federal rule changes regarding challenges to gender identity mandates and to further authorize the Superintendent to direct the Alliance Defending Freedom lawyers, along with Michael T. Johnson, to represent the Rapides Parish School Board in this litigation – Mr. Jeff Powell
THE RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, all students deserve equal opportunities to receive a safe and high-quality education.
In 1972, Congress passed Title IX to expand women's sports opportunities by banning sex discrimination in education, on pain of losing federal education funding. 20 U.S.C. § 1681(a).
But the U.S. Department of Education released a rule in 2024 that forces local schools to take away this level playing field for women and girls, to endanger other female educational opportunities and privacy, and to undermine parental rights.
This rule opens all sex-separated programs, all intimate school facilities, and virtually all sports teams to anyone who identifies as female.
This rule also requires public schools, their teachers, and students themselves to “affirm” any person’s asserted gender identity—without considering the impact on free speech and parental rights.
On June 13, 2024, the Rapides Parish School Board successfully obtained a preliminary injunction against this radical rule in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana, Louisiana v. U.S. Dep’t of Educ., No. 3:24-CV-00563, 2024 WL 2978786 (W.D. La. June 13, 2024), appeal docketed No. 24 30399 (5th Cir. June 25, 2024), stay denied, No. 24 30399, 2024 WL 3452887 (5th Cir. July 17, 2024) and stay denied sub nom. Dep’t of Educ. v. Louisiana, 603 U.S. 866, 868 (2024).
When the federal government sought early review of this ruling, all nine Supreme Court justices “accept[ed] that the plaintiffs were entitled to preliminary injunctive relief as to … the central provision that newly defines sex discrimination to include discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity.” Dep’t of Educ. v. Louisiana, 603 U.S. at 867 (per curiam) (refusing to stay Title IX injunctions).
But the federal government still seeks to impose these same harmful gender-identity mandates on other legal theories through other federal agencies and through other federal funding programs.
For example, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) have similar gender-identity mandates for Medicaid fund recipients and Head Start providers, for National School Lunch Program participants, and for all employers, respectively.
The federal government’s radical push to redefine federal law has now reached the point where it will deny preschool, medical care, and school lunches to low-income students.
Other agencies have similar mandates for other school funding programs.
The federal government believes its mandates trump state laws and local school board policies, and that once its mandates are in effect Rapides Parish School Board must comply.
Administrative and private enforcement. If the rules go into effect and are not challenged in court, the federal government can investigate non-compliant schools to (1) take away the schools' federal funding and (2) obtain court orders enforcing the mandates.
In these onerous investigations, the federal government can demand documents and depositions, review all aspects of a school's legal compliance, and drag proceedings out indefinitely.
The mandates will also encourage private lawsuits. The ACLU is already suing to strike down state laws and force schools to allow males to play female sports.
The Rapides Parish School Board seeks to take pre-enforcement litigation to protect itself from these illegal gender-identity nondiscrimination mandates and to help lead broader challenges.
WHEREAS the initial term of engagement will be from January 8, 2025 until January 7, 2029.
WHEREAS, this resolution shall take effect immediately; and
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Rapides Parish School Board pursuant to La. R.S. 42:262 (or other statutory authority relying on for the resolution), does hereby (1) authorize the Superintendent to take all legal actions to challenge the federal government’s gender-identity mandates retain and (2) employ as special counsel pro bono for this litigation: Alliance Defending Freedom and Mike Johnson.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution and proposed contract described herein be submitted to the Attorney General for the State of Louisiana for approval.
Substitute Motion - to adopt this resolution and to authorize the Superintendent to engage in litigation on behalf of the Rapides Parish School Board regarding remaining provisions of the Federal rule changes regarding challenges to gender identity mandates and to further authorize the Superintendent to direct the Alliance Defending Freedom lawyers, along with Michael T. Johnson, to represent the Rapides Parish School Board in this litigation - Willard McCall
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Stephen Chapman.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Linda Burgess, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall, Mark Dryden, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall
Absent: Wilton Barrios
EXECUTIVE SESSION
ADJOURNMENT
Action: Adjourn the meeting
RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
____________________________________
/s/Mr. Steve Berry
President
ATTEST:
/s/Jeff Powell
Secretary
S E A L