Rapide Parish School Board public meetings in 2022

Regular Board Meeting Agenda

The Rapides Parish School Board is deciding on several facility enhancement bids and educational contracts. The meeting includes approvals for school air quality improvements and a tutoring contract for high school students.

• Contract with Studyville for high school LEAP2025 tutoring: $78,000
• Pineville High School IAQ Enhancements bid: $1,500,000
• Peabody Magnet High School IAQ Enhancements bid: $500,000
• Caroline Dormon Jr. High School IAQ Enhancements bid: $191,411
• Ball Elementary School IAQ Enhancements bid: $102,002

District 62 Committee

The District 62 Committee of the Rapides Parish School Board will meet to discuss two items: an update on the District 62 Bond and a proposal to demolish and replace the perimeter fence at Peabody Montessori. The committee may provide direction to central office staff on the fence project.

• Update on progress of District 62 Bond
• Discussion of demolition and replacement of perimeter fence at Peabody Montessori
• Possible direction to Central Office Staff on fence project

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee reviewed budget amendments, grant updates, and various school maintenance bids. The committee also approved an interfund loan of $500,000 from the General Fund to Special Programs.

• Ratified bids for IAQ Enhancements at Pineville High School ($1,500,000), Peabody Magnet High School ($500,000), Caroline Dormon Jr. High ($191,411), and Ball Elementary ($102,002)
• Approved a $500,000 interfund loan from the General Fund to Special Programs
• Authorized advertising for bleacher replacement at Northwood High School ($155,000)
• Renewed Manage Engine Endpoint Central License Agreement for $42,734
• Renewed contract with Larry Allen for USDA commodity transport ($55,000)

Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee will meet to receive reports on new hires, promotions, resignations, and other personnel actions, pending drug screenings and background checks. They will also vote on leave requests and discuss any personnel complaints for full board action.

• Motion to receive reports on new hires, promotions, resignations, retirements, and performance contract renewals
• Motion to approve leave requests
• Motion to discuss personnel complaints for full board action
• Reports given and sent to consent agenda (motion carried 3-0)

Education Committee

The Rapides Parish School Board's Education Committee will consider a $78,000 contract with Studyville for after-school tutoring for high school LEAP2025 assessments at Alexandria Senior High, Bolton, Northwood, and Peabody. They will also vote on the 2023-2024 Public School Choice policy with additions. Additionally, the committee will recognize staff for Montessori certifications and receive a presentation on adolescent e-cigarette/vape health consequences.

• Contract with Studyville for after-school tutoring for high school LEAP2025 assessments at ASH, Bolton, Northwood, and Peabody, $78,000 from ESSER funds.
• Approval of 2023-2024 Public School Choice policy with additions noted in blue.
• Recognition of Jada Brown, Sara Lachney, Mary Rucker for Montessori Teacher Certification; Emily Swenson, Tammy Sandoval, Angie Franklin for Montessori Leadership Certification.
• Presentation by American Red Cross on health consequences of adolescents' use of e-cigarettes/vape pens.
• Curriculum and instruction updates from Jonathan Garrett.

Regular Board Meeting Agenda

The Rapides Parish School Board is meeting to vote on several high-value construction bids and educational policies. The board is considering updates to special education advisory and camera policies, as well as contract renewals and budget amendments.

• IAQ Enhancements at Scott M. Brame Middle School: $1,507,358.00
• IAQ Enhancements at Buckeye High School: $1,352,467.00
• Cafeteria Fresh Produce bid: $175,000.00
• Plainview High School gym floor replacement: $150,000.00
• New policy IDDFC for cameras in special education classrooms: $232,270.00

Finance Committee

The committee met to review budget amendments, grant reports, and several high-value construction and service contracts. Key discussions included indoor air quality enhancements for schools and professional services for student support.

• Bid ratification for Buckeye High School IAQ Enhancements ($1,352,467.00)
• Bid ratification for Scott M. Brame Middle School IAQ Enhancements ($1,507,358.00)
• Proposal acceptance from LEAN Frog Business Solutions for organizational review ($31,790.00)
• Contract approval for Plainview High School gym floor replacement ($150,000.00)
• Cyber security software renewal and upgrade proposal ($153,128.75)

Education Committee

The Education Committee met to review several policy updates and contract renewals. The committee approved a new policy regarding cameras in special education classrooms and a contract renewal with Rosetta Stone.

• Approved new policy IDDFC 'Cameras in Special Education Classrooms' with a $232,270.00 fiscal impact
• Approved revised policy IDDFA 'Special Education Advisory Council'
• Approved renewal of Rosetta Stone contract for $10,000.00
• Discussed policy development regarding standard usage of pronouns in concordance with birth certificates
• Discussed delaying implementation of student hair and facial hair color changes until the 2022-2023 school year

District 62 Committee

The District 62 Committee will consider authorizing a $50,000 concrete driveway replacement at Mabel Brasher Montessori School due to unsafe conditions. They will also discuss demolition of a perimeter fence at Peabody Montessori and receive an update on the District 62 Bond. All items are for committee action or discussion, with recommendations to the full board.

• Motion to authorize advertising and competitive quotes for concrete driveway replacement at Mabel Brasher Montessori School ($50,000)
• Discussion on demolition and replacement of perimeter fence at Peabody Montessori
• Update on progress of District 62 Bond

Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee is meeting to receive reports on staffing changes and approve leave requests. The body will also discuss personnel complaints that may be referred to the full board for action.

• Reports on new hires, promotions, rescissions, waivers, and performance contract renewals
• Reports on resignations and retirements
• Approval of leave requests
• Discussion of personnel complaints for potential full board action

Regular Board Meeting Agenda

The board is considering several revised student policies regarding discipline, dress code, and health services. The meeting also includes financial approvals for contracts, budget amendments, and a construction bid for Plainview High.

• Award of $229,600.00 bid to ACA Mechanical for Plainview High IAQ Enhancements
• New policy allowing high school seniors aged 17+ to register to vote via school computers
• Revised policies on Bullying and Hazing, Student Dress Code, and Expulsion
• Revised policies for Student Health Services and Administration of Medication
• MOU with LDOE for ACT Assessment Series and WorkKeys Assessments

Education Committee

The Education Committee is considering several revised policies on equal education opportunities, bullying, dress code, discipline, expulsion, expectant/parenting students, absences, student health services, and medication administration. They will also vote on a new policy requiring schools to provide voter registration opportunities for high school seniors, discuss a new vaping protocol, consider modifying the student code of conduct on hair color and facial hair, and review the progress of combining RAAA and Phoenix Magnet Elementary School.

• New policy 'Student Voter Registration' for high school seniors
• Revised policy JAA 'Equal Education Opportunities'
• Revised policy JCDAF 'Bullying and Hazing'
• Discussion of new vaping protocol in the parish
• Review of combining RAAA and Phoenix Magnet Elementary School

District 62 Committee

The District 62 Committee of the Rapides Parish School Board voted to approve a pre-qualified list of design teams for bond capital outlay projects and authorized entering into contracts with those teams. The committee also considered a $44,000 donation from the Peabody Montessori PTO for a fencing project, but deferred the decision to a future meeting pending clarification of the work order and donation language.

• Approved the RPSB District 62 Bond Pre-Qualified List of Design Teams for RFQ 23-23-01 and authorized contracts with CSRS, Inc. as program manager
• Deferred acceptance of $44,000 donation from Peabody Montessori PTO for new fencing, pending active work order and accurate donation intent language
• Donation balance for fencing to be matched by District 62 Fund balance

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee approved multiple bid awards, including $460,000 for Pineville High football stadium lighting and $119,000 for Plainview High IAQ enhancements. They also authorized a traffic stacking lane agreement with the Rapides Parish Police Jury for Mary Goff Elementary safety, approved an MOU with LDOE for ACT testing, and accepted a $10,000 scholarship donation. All items were passed by motion and sent to the consent agenda.

• Award $460,000 bid for Pineville High Football Stadium Lighting (Bid No. 23-05) from District 52 Fund Balance
• Award $119,000 bid for Plainview High IAQ Enhancements (Bid No. 100-01) from ESSER Funds
• Award $150,000 bid for Annual Purchase of Band Instruments and Equipment (Bid No. 23-04)
• Transfer $5,724.60 from General Fund to District 50 Maintenance Fund for lease of 435 acres in District 50
• Enter inter-governmental agreement with Rapides Parish Police Jury for traffic stacking lane at Mary Goff Elementary on Shreveport Hwy

Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee reviewed staffing reports, leave requests, and personnel complaints. The body also voted to revise several district policies and authorize a new hiring software purchase.

• Purchase of PowerSchool Unified Talent for $117,443.75
• Revised policy GAAA: Equal Opportunity Employment
• Revised policy GAMB: Employee Dress Code
• Revised policy BE: School Board Ethics
• Revised policy EDD: School Bus Scheduling and Routing

Regular Board Meeting Agenda

The Board met to consider several education contracts and facility improvements. Members approved multiple bids for school renovations and entered into a cooperative agreement for youth development.

• Awarded $2,908,000.00 bid for Tioga High School IAQ Enhancements
• Awarded $152,250.00 bid for Alexandria Sr High auditorium floor and seating restoration
• Awarded $124,000.00 bid for Glenmora High School IAQ Enhancements
• Approved $34,600.90 Cooperative Agreement with LSU AgCenter for 4H Youth Development
• Authorized $150,000.00 bids for Northwood High Gym girl's locker room renovations

District 62 Committee

The District 62 Committee will receive an update on the District 62 Bond and discuss a proposal to match Peabody Montessori PTO funds for a new fence. A substitute motion recommends a 50/50 cost share for demolition and construction of a black vinyl fence, accepting a $44,182.50 donation from the PTO and authorizing competitive quotes. The committee may take action and send the item to the full board.

• Motion to receive an update on the progress of the District 62 Bond
• Motion to discuss and take possible action to match Peabody Montessori PTO funds for replacement of fence
• Substitute motion to fund a 50/50% match for demolition and construction of a new black vinyl fence at Peabody Montessori School
• Acceptance of a $44,182.50 donation from the Mustang Parent Teacher Organization
• Authorize central office staff to competitively quote the public works project

Personnel Committee

The Rapides Parish School Board Personnel Committee voted to approve an intergovernmental agreement with the Rapides Parish Police Jury for a Dislocated Worker Disaster Grant to create temporary jobs at designated schools for clean-up and recovery. The committee also approved a new Help Desk Technician/System Analyst position at $58,174, discussed granting 5 additional COVID leave days for employees, and deferred several policy revisions to the September Education Committee.

• Approved Intergovernmental Agreement (WIOA) with RPPJ for Dislocated Worker Disaster Grant to create temporary recovery jobs at designated schools
• Approved new Help Desk Technician/System Analyst position at $58,174, replacing Web Design/Training Specialist
• Discussed and sent to full board a proposal for 5 additional COVID leave days for employees
• Deferred revised policies on equal opportunity, dress code, student discipline, bullying, expulsion, and others to September committees
• Received reports, approved leave requests, and discussed personnel complaints as standing items sent to consent

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee reviewed several school facility bids, budget updates, and interagency agreements. The body focused on approving maintenance projects and preschool development contracts for the 2022-2023 school year.

• Tioga High School IAQ Enhancements bid: $2,908,000.00
• Alexandria Sr High auditorium floor and seating restoration bid: $152,250.00
• Preschool Development Birth to Three Seats InterAgency Agreements: $2,522,740.00
• Glenmora High School IAQ Enhancements bid: $124,000.00
• Professional service contracts for 5 truancy caseworkers: $86,054.00

Education Committee

The Education Committee met to approve several agreements for the 2022-2023 school year. These actions included a cooperative agreement with LSU AgCenter and contracts for professional services in high school workforce instruction.

• Cooperative Agreement between RPSB and LSU AgCenter for 4H Youth Development ($34,600.90)
• State of Louisiana Department of Education Contract for JAG-LA AIM High! programs
• Professional services contracts for workforce professionals providing student instruction and credentialing
• Report on 2022 Summer programs

Regular Board Meeting Agenda

The Rapides Parish School Board will consider a consent agenda that includes multiple education contracts and partnerships. Key items include a $206,250 agreement with the AIM Institute for Learning and Research, a $70,000 CNA training MOU with LSUA School of Nursing, and a $167,900 leadership training contract. The board will also vote on a $20,000 Teach 1 to Lead 1 contract and a $65,270 Career Compass student services proposal.

• $206,250 Implementation Plan & Services Agreement with The AIM Institute for Learning and Research (ESSER funds)
• $70,000 MOU with LSUA School of Nursing for Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) training (pending legal review)
• $167,900 training for Leadership Teams from National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (Redesign funds)
• $20,000 contract with Teach 1 to Lead 1 (ESSER funds)
• $65,270 Career Compass student services in middle and high schools for 2022-2023

District 62 Committee

The District 62 Committee of the Rapides Parish School Board will discuss two items: an update on the District 62 Bond and BAF 330, and a motion to authorize soliciting quotes for roof replacement of a modular building at Cherokee Elementary (RFQ No. 23-29). The second motion was previously approved by the committee and is being sent to the full board as a consent item.

• Update on progress of District 62 Bond and BAF 330
• Motion to authorize soliciting quotes for roof replacement of modular building at Cherokee Elementary (RFQ No. 23-29)

Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee is reviewing reports on new hires, promotions, and resignations. The body is also receiving an update on the Rapides Alternative Temporary Authority to Teach Program.

• Reports on new hires, promotions, rescissions, and performance contract renewals
• Approval of leave requests
• Discussion of personnel complaints for potential full board action
• Update on the Rapides Alternative Temporary Authority to Teach Program

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee met to approve various interfund loans, including a $2,000,000 transfer to the Special Programs Fund. The committee also reviewed bids for school improvements and software renewals.

• $1,499,000 bid for cafeteria fresh produce
• $2,000,000 interfund loan from General Fund to Special Programs Fund
• $325,000 and $525,000 interfund loans to Sales Tax funds #1 and #2
• $352,000 bid for Poland Jr High School IAQ Enhancements
• Renewal of 435-acre land lease with Lloyd B. Price (K & L Hunting Club) for $5,724.60

Education Committee

The Rapides Parish School Board Education Committee met to approve various educational services and partnerships. Decisions included reviewing the American History curriculum and approving multiple service agreements for student training and development.

• Review of American History curriculum to include the Founding of the Nation up to 1877
• $20,000.00 contract with Teach 1 to Lead 1 using ESSER funds
• $65,270.00 for Career Compass student services in middle and high schools
• $70,000.00 MOU with LSUA School of Nursing for Certified Nurse Aide training
• $206,250.00 agreement with The AIM Institute for Learning and Research using ESSER funds

Regular Board Meeting Agenda

The Board met to review school construction reports and approve several financial actions. Key decisions included renewing software licenses, approving professional service contracts for student health and therapy, and authorizing interfund loans.

• Renewed PowerSchool Student Information System license for $211,914.86
• Approved $511,875.00 contract for school health services including up to 10 RNs
• Approved $652,002.00 for physical, occupational, and speech therapy services
• Authorized $700,000 interfund loan from General Fund to 1967 Sales Tax Fund
• Approved $675,000 interfund loan from General Fund to 1987 Sales Tax Fund

District 62 Committee

The District 62 Committee of the Rapides Parish School Board will discuss a motion to receive an update on the progress of the District 62 Bond. This is a discussion item with no proposed action or vote listed.

• Motion to receive an update on the progress of the District 62 Bond

Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee met to review staff reports, leave requests, and personnel complaints. The committee also voted on policy revisions related to travel reimbursement and district employment procedures.

• Motion to instruct staff to develop policies prohibiting employees from discussing gender identity with Pre-k through 12th grade students
• Revisions to Policy DJD-R Travel Reimbursement Regulations
• Revisions to Policy GBD-P District Employment Procedures
• Review of new hires, promotions, resignations, and retirements

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee reviewed budget amendments, interfund loans, and several professional service contracts. The meeting included discussions on pay increases for school personnel and the ratification of multiple construction and maintenance bids.

• Approved $211,914.86 renewal for PowerSchool Student Information System
• Approved $511,875.00 contract for school health services including up to 10 RNs
• Approved $1,000,000.00 bid for Bolton High School chiller replacement
• Approved interfund loans totaling $1,575,000 from the General Fund to various funds
• Discussed pay increases for custodians, cafeteria personnel, paraprofessionals, and bus drivers

Education Committee

The Rapides Parish School Board Education Committee met on June 21, 2022. There were no new business items listed on the agenda for this meeting.

Special Board

The Rapides Parish School Board met to consider a report from the Board's Insurance Consultant regarding property and auto insurance. The board voted to accept recommendations for renewing Property/Equipment Breakdown and Auto Physical Damage Insurance.

• Renewal of Property/Equipment Breakdown and Auto Physical Damage Insurance
• Insurance quote increase from $1,113,773 to $1,506,739

Special Board

The Rapides Parish School Board met in a special session to address athletic competition classifications. The board decided to seek legal options to challenge the LHSAA's classification of "Open Enrollment" high schools as "Select" schools.

• Motion to challenge LHSAA executive committee ruling on select and non-select school classifications

Board Meeting Agenda

The Board met to approve a series of financial actions, including budget amendments and the appointment of The Town Talk as the official journal for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. Members also authorized several bids for school equipment and facility maintenance.

• Replacement of telephone/intercom/bell system at Buckeye High School for $70,000.00
• Ball Elementary Bus Canopy Extension quotes for $45,000.00
• Annual Stadium Lighting Repairs quotes for $40,000.00
• Purchase of bus maintenance supplies bids for $75,000.00
• Vector Solutions K-12 Education Software subscription renewal for $48,332.20

District 62 Committee

The District 62 Committee of the Rapides Parish School Board met to receive an update on the progress of the District 62 Bond. The update was provided by Mr. Jeff Powell. No action was taken; the motion to receive the update carried unanimously.

• Update on progress of District 62 Bond by Mr. Jeff Powell
• Motion carried with four yea votes (Sandra Franklin, Keith Breazeale, Stephen Chapman, Willard McCall); Linda Burgess not present

Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee met to review reports on new hires, promotions, and resignations. The committee also voted on a motion regarding employee discussions of gender identity with Pre-k through 12th grade students.

• Motion to develop policies prohibiting employees from discussing gender identity with Pre-k to 12th grade students
• Review of new hires, promotions, and performance contract renewals
• Review of resignations and retirements
• Approval of leave requests

Finance Committee

The Rapides Parish School Board Finance Committee met on May 17, 2022, to approve routine standing items including personal services contracts, budget changes, donations, and a budget update. The committee also discussed new business items such as secretary salary schedule, appointing The Town Talk as official journal, and authorizing bids for robotics equipment, a telephone system at Buckeye High School, bus canopy extension, stadium lighting repairs, student uniforms, bus maintenance supplies, and welding supplies. Additionally, the committee heard reports on insurance renewals for student accident insurance and various liability coverages, with estimated costs totaling over $1.2 million.

• Motion to discuss secretary salary schedule and send to full board
• Appoint The Town Talk as official journal for fiscal year 2022-2023
• Award bid for replacement of telephone/intercom/bell system at Buckeye High School ($70,000)
• Authorize solicitation of quotes for Ball Elementary Bus Canopy Extension ($45,000) and Annual Stadium Lighting Repairs ($40,000)
• Hear report on insurance renewals: Student Accident Insurance (est. $403,696) and various liability coverages (est. total $828,014)

Education Committee

The Education Committee will receive several reports regarding district operations. These include updates on the strategic planning process with Attuned, mentoring program activities, curriculum and instruction, and summer programming.

• Report on strategic planning process and outcomes from work with Attuned
• Report on activity with district mentoring programs
• Update on Curriculum and Instruction
• Report on summer programming

Special Board

The Rapides Parish School Board met in a special session to authorize several bidding processes for school improvements. The board also approved a loan between funds to begin bond projects.

• Approved RFP for Architect/Engineering/Project Management for three separate AIA groups
• Approved interfund loan from General Fund Special Reserve to District 62 Capital Outlay
• Authorized bids for playground equipment at Acadian, Alma Redwine, Martin Park, and Horseshoe Elementary
• Authorized RFP for digital signage at Alma Redwine, Brame Middle, and ASH
• Approved bids for new tracks at Bolton and Peabody Magnet High Schools and artificial turf for ASH fields

Regular Board Meeting Agenda

The Rapides Parish School Board met to approve several facility improvement contracts and health clinic expansions. The board also reviewed grant updates and student discipline recommendations.

• Running Track and Field Event Improvements at Northwood High: $500,000
• Athletic Complex Drainage Improvements at Alexandria Senior High School: $80,000
• Dust Control Maintenance: $70,000
• Replacement of Flooring at Peabody Montessori: $60,000
• Gym Renovations at Pineville Elementary: $50,000

District 62 Committee

The District 62 Committee of the Rapides Parish School Board will meet to receive an update on the District 62 Bond and Marketing Plan, discuss a process for prioritizing individual school projects for feeder schools, and receive clarification and selection of an architect firm related to the bond issue. Items 2 and 3 were voted on together and the motion carried.

• Update on District 62 Bond and Marketing Plan
• Motion to discuss process for prioritizing individual school projects for feeder schools
• Motion to receive clarification and selection of an architect firm for the District 62 Bond Issue

Personnel Committee

The committee met to receive reports regarding new hires, promotions, and resignations. The agenda also included motions to approve leave requests and discuss potential personnel complaints.

• Reports on new hires pending drug screening and background checks
• Reports on promotions, resignations, and retirements
• Approval of leave requests
• Discussion of personnel complaints for full board action

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee reviewed and approved various administrative items including budget updates, grants, and donations. The committee also ratified multiple bids for school improvements ranging from track upgrades to flooring replacements.

• $500,000 bid for running track and field event improvements at Northwood High
• $80,000 quote for athletic complex drainage improvements at Alexandria Senior High School
• $70,000 bid for dust control maintenance
• $60,000 quote for flooring replacement at Peabody Montessori
• Expansion of Trinity School-Based Health Clinic sites to Oak Hill and Forest Hill schools

Education Committee

The Education Committee met to review payment terms for the JAG-LA agreement involving $150,000.00. The committee also reviewed recommended updates to the Student Code of Conduct regarding corporal punishment, tobacco use, and fighting policies.

• Review of JAG-LA/LWC agreement revisions with a fiscal impact of $150,000.00
• Proposed revisions to policies on corporal punishment, smoking/tobacco, and zero tolerance fighting
• Updates to controlled substances testing processes and expulsion hearing procedures
• Status updates on RAPPS and ISS programs
• Report request for district mentoring program activities for the May meeting

Regular Board Meeting Agenda

The Rapides Parish School Board met in regular session on April 5, 2022, and voted on a consent agenda that included reports on school construction, approval of minutes, updates on student discipline and programs, and several financial items. The board approved budget amendments, personal services contracts, and an Industrial Tax Exemption Program application from Plastipak Packaging Inc. It also ratified bids for mitigation services, food processing equipment, and diesel exhaust fluid, and rejected bids for football uniforms for Northwood High School, authorizing a new bid process.

• Approved Industrial Tax Exemption Program application from Plastipak Packaging Inc. (LA Economic Development Application #20200214-ITE)
• Approved Change Order #1 for elevator repairs at Buckeye High School - Jr High Building, contract amount $72,500, completion extended to July 31, 2022
• Ratified bids for food processing equipment for Poland Canning Center (Bid No. 22-27A, $42,000) and diesel exhaust fluid (Bid No. 22-46A, $35,000)
• Rejected bids for football uniforms for Northwood High School (Bid No. 22-52) and authorized re-advertisement
• Approved budget changes/amendments for multiple funds (019, 133, 640, 650, 902, 124, 192)

Special Board

The board met in special session to consider the reapportionment of election districts and travel reimbursement rates. The board voted to adopt a resolution for the new district boundaries and approved an increase in mileage reimbursement.

• Resolution to reapportion election districts of the Rapides Parish School Board
• Increase of mileage reimbursement rate from $0.56 per mile to $0.58 per mile

District 62 Committee

The District 62 Committee of the Rapides Parish School Board will meet to receive an update on the District 62 Bond and Marketing Plan. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the agenda consists solely of a report from Mr. Jeff Powell.

• Update on District 62 Bond and Marketing Plan

Personnel Committee

The Personnel Committee will meet to review reports on staffing changes and leave requests. The body will also discuss personnel complaints that may require action by the full board.

• Reports on new hires, promotions, and performance contract renewals
• Reports on resignations and retirements
• Approval of leave requests
• Discussion of personnel complaints for full board action

Finance Committee

The committee reviewed budget revisions, grant reports, and various purchasing agreements. Key actions included approving an ITEP application for Plastipak Packaging Inc. and authorizing new bids for school equipment and maintenance.

• Approved ITEP application from Plastipak Packaging Inc.
• Approved $42,000 bid for food processing equipment for Poland Canning Center
• Approved $40,000 bid for Northwood High School football uniforms
• Approved $35,000 bid for Diesel Exhaust Fluid
• Approved $72,500 contract change order for elevator repairs at Buckeye High School

Education Committee

The Education Committee is reviewing various progress reports regarding district-wide initiatives. The committee is requesting updates on MTSS-academics implementation, special education services, and specific goals within 'The Road To 90' program.

• Request for update on MTSS-academics implementation and student participation numbers
• Progress updates on various 'The Road To 90' goals across elementary, middle, and secondary levels
• Review of special education services including nursing, pupil appraisal, and autism programs
• Planned update on schools with disciplinary removals exceeding the mean by 2%
• Request for information regarding RAPPS enrollment, procedures, and staffing

Regular Board Meeting Agenda

The Rapides Parish School Board met to approve a series of consent agenda items including budget amendments and educational updates. The board authorized several contracts for school infrastructure and a district-wide compensation study.

• Awarded $154,300 for telephone and intercom system replacement at Peabody Magnet High
• Awarded $40,000 for telephone and intercom system installation at L. S. Rugg Elementary
• Approved $26,950 agreement with Lean Frog Business Solutions, Inc. for a District Wide Compensation Study
• Approved budget changes and amendments across multiple funds
• Received report on title abstract and preliminary subdivision of Martin Park Elementary property

Special Board

The Rapides Parish School Board is meeting in a special session to discuss and take action on a motion regarding board member redistricting. This redistricting is based on the decennial census.

• Motion to hold a public hearing on proposed board member redistricting

Special Board

The Rapides Parish School Board will hold a special meeting to consider a motion to hold a public hearing on proposed board member redistricting following the decennial census. The meeting includes standard procedural items such as call to order, invocation, and roll call.

• Motion to hold a public hearing on board member redistricting according to the decennial census

FEBRUARY Personnel Committee

The committee will consider a motion to end the school system's mask requirement for students exposed to COVID at school, making it a parental choice. They will also receive reports on personnel actions including new hires, resignations, and performance contracts. Additionally, a report on secretary and receptionist job descriptions and salary schedules will be presented.

• Motion to drop mask requirement for students exposed to COVID at school, leaving it to parental choice
• Approval of new hires pending drug screening and background checks
• Approval of leave requests
• Report on secretary and receptionist job descriptions and salary schedules
• Discussion of personnel complaints for full board action

FEBRUARY Finance Committee

The Finance Committee reviewed numerous budget amendments across various funds and approved multiple service contracts. The committee also addressed property reports for Martin Park Elementary and authorized several large-scale equipment and supply purchases.

• Approved $800,000 for Category 2 E-Rate goods and services
• Approved $513,000 for cafeteria equipment purchase
• Approved $480,000 for Category 1 E-Rate services
• Approved $154,300 for telephone and intercom system replacement at Peabody Magnet High
• Approved $26,950 agreement with Lean Frog Business Solutions, Inc. for a compensation study

FEBRUARY Education Committee

The Rapides Parish School Board Education Committee voted to receive a report on all students suspended or expelled from the start of school through the first semester of 2021-2022 for each school. The committee also approved motions to receive similar data on students with disabilities, review suspension/expulsion policies, and gather updates on academic programs and the 'Road To 90' initiative at the March meeting.

• Motion to receive a report on all students suspended or expelled from beginning of school to end of first semester 2021-2022 for each school
• Motion to receive a report on students with disabilities or exceptionalities suspended/expelled in the same period
• Motion to review and update policy JDD & JDE (suspensions and expulsions) to include statute of limitations and source of proof
• Motion to receive updates on implementation of MTSS-academics and number of students using the program
• Motion to receive updates on 'The Road To 90' progress across elementary, middle, secondary, and special education

District 62 Committee

The District 62 Committee of the Rapides Parish School Board will meet to discuss two items: a report on school enrollment with a focus on attendance zone changes since unitary status, and an update on the District 62 Bond. No votes or decisions are listed; the agenda consists of receiving reports.

• Motion to receive a report on enrollment by all schools, highlighting years of attendance zone changes since Unitary Status
• Motion to receive an update on the District 62 Bond

Regular Board Meeting Agenda

The Board is meeting to review a consent agenda including budget amendments, personal services contracts, and purchasing policy revisions. The body is also considering several vendor awards for school supplies and facility improvements.

• Proposed $90,000 contract for pavement of the Brame Middle School parking lot
• Proposed $55,000 award for Early Childhood Covid Supplies
• Revisions to Purchasing Guidelines Handbook and Policy DJE (Purchasing) and DJED (Bids and Quotations)
• Sale of surplus vehicles
• Budget changes and amendments for multiple funds including 715, 114, 117, 121, 144, 151, 153, 155, 157, and 187

District 62 Committee

The District 62 Committee will meet to elect a new chairperson, review attendance zones, and discuss the updated process and timeline for the District 62 Bond. A motion was passed for Mr. Powell to provide attendance zone information for a future report.

• Motion to elect a new District 62 Committee Chairperson
• Motion to review and discuss attendance zones for District 62
• Motion carried for Mr. Powell to provide information on attendance zones to report at February committee meeting
• Discussion of updated process and timeline for the District 62 Bond

JANUARY Personnel Committee

The Rapides Parish School Board Personnel Committee met to review various personnel reports and administrative updates. The committee voted to approve multiple revised policies regarding student welfare, sick leave, and privacy, as well as updated job descriptions for district roles.

• Approval of revised policies for Sick Leave, Expectant and Parenting Students, Sabbatical Leave, Parent Conferences, and Student Welfare
• Approval of revised policy JR regarding Student Privacy and Education Records
• Approval of a revised job description for the Director of Human Resources
• Approval of a revised job description for the Coordinator of Maintenance and Construction
• Approval of a contract for acting principals and acting assistant principals

JANUARY Finance Committee

The Rapides Parish School Board Finance Committee met to approve various facility maintenance contracts, budget amendments, and updates to purchasing guidelines. The committee also moved to send a proposal for redistricting Board Member voting districts to the full Board.

• Bids for cafeteria equipment ($513,000) and a chiller replacement at Bolton High ($350,000)
• Pavement of Brame Middle School parking lot ($90,000)
• Speech therapy professional services contracts ($94,500)
• Elevator repairs at Buckeye Jr High ($75,000) and boiler replacement at Peabody Magnet High ($70,000)
• Revisions to Purchasing Guidelines Handbook and Policy DJE (Purchasing) and DJED (Bids and Quotations)

JANUARY Education Committee

The Education Committee will consider a motion to receive a report from MTSS - Ripple Effect and Safe Schools, discussing the impact on student discipline and academic progress. This is the only item on the agenda.

• Motion to receive report on MTSS - Ripple Effect and Safe Schools impact on discipline and academic progress

Regular Board Meeting Agenda

The Rapides Parish School Board is electing its 2022 officers and committee members. The body is also processing results from December 2021 special elections and calling for new special elections regarding ad valorem taxes and general obligation bonds across multiple school districts.

• Election of Board President, Vice-President, and Executive Committee for 2022
• Renewal of FORECAST5 (formerly GuideK12) License Agreement for $33,675.09
• Canvassing of December 11, 2021 special election results for districts 16, 27, 50, 51, and 57
• Calling special elections for ad valorem taxes and bonds in districts 11, 22A, 57, 58, 61, and 62
• Approval of personal services contracts, leases, and budget amendments