OCTOBER REGULAR BOARD MINUTES
OF THE RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Regular Board Meeting Agenda (Tuesday, October 7, 2025)
Generated by Nikki Lucas on Wednesday, October 8, 2025
Members present
Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
Members absent
Mark Dryden, Linda Burgess
Meeting called to order at 5:00 PM
Meeting Location: The Rapides Parish School Board Meeting Room, 619 Sixth Street, Alexandria, LA
Standing Items
Procedural: 1. Call to Order
Procedural: 2. Invocation, Pledge
Procedural: a. Prayer - Father Craig Scott from St. James Catholic Church
Procedural: b. Pledge - Dr. Stephen Chapman
Procedural: 3. Roll Call
Procedural: 4. Recognize:
Recognition: a. the Board's student guest is Alaya Cornett from Northwood High School
Action, Recognition: b. Job's for America's Graduates (JAG) student - Ms. LaRunda Hobbs Pierce
Recognition: 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 Wilton Barrios, second by Stephen Chapman.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
Item 6 - A. Consent Agenda - Reports
Item 6 - B. Consent Agenda - Action Minutes
Action (Consent): 1. to approve the minutes of the 9/2/25 and the 9/16/25 meetings of the Board as written and to be published in the official journal, The Town Talk and to approve the 9/16/25 Personnel, Education, Finance, and District 62 Committee meetings, and the 8/25/25 Executive meeting
Motion by Wilton Barrios, second by Stephen Chapman.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
Item 6 - C. Consent Agenda - Action Education
Action (Consent): *1. Motion to name the Pineville High Basketball court after Bobby Rucker - Mr. Steve Berry
Resolution: to name the Pineville High Basketball court after Bobby Rucker
Motion by Wilton Barrios, second by Stephen Chapman.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
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 Wilton Barrios, second by Stephen Chapman.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
Action (Consent): *2. Motion to approve/adopt any budget changes/amendments – Ms. Elizabeth Domite
Motion by Wilton Barrios, second by Stephen Chapman.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
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 Wilton Barrios, second by Stephen Chapman.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
Action (Consent): *4. Motion to receive a budget update for General Fund, Food and Nutrition Fund, District 62 Series 2022 Bonds, District 62 Series 2023 Bonds, and District 62 Series 2024 Bonds as required by Statewide Agreed Upon Procedures by LA Legislative Auditor – Ms. Elizabeth Domite
Motion by Wilton Barrios, second by Stephen Chapman.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
Action (Consent): *5. Motion to receive an update on the progress of the audit findings from the 2023-2024 audit - Elizabeth Domite
Motion by Wilton Barrios, second by Stephen Chapman.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
Action (Consent): *6. Motion to receive reports on school construction projects - Mr. Roy Rachal
Motion by Wilton Barrios, second by Stephen Chapman.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
Action (Consent), Reports: *7. 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 - Frannie Beebe
Motion by Wilton Barrios, second by Stephen Chapman.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
Action (Consent): *8. Motion to approve an agreement between RPSB and Taylor Publishing Company dba Balfour for Balfour to be the official yearbook publisher for Buckeye High School for the 2025-2026 school year and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith - Elizabeth Domite
Resolution: Approve an agreement between RPSB and Taylor Publishing Company dba Balfour for Balfour to be the official yearbook publisher for Buckeye High School for the 2025-2026 school year and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith - Elizabeth Domite
Motion by Wilton Barrios, second by Stephen Chapman.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
Action (Consent): *9. Motion to ratify and confirm bids received on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM by the Central Office Staff for “Reroof of Main Gymnasium at Pineville High School ” (Bid #52-26-00); 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: Ratify and confirm bids received on Thursday, September 25, 2025 at 2:00 PM by the Central Office Staff for “Reroof of Main Gymnasium at Pineville High School ” (Bid #52-26-00); 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 Wilton Barrios, second by Stephen Chapman.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
Action (Consent): *10. Motion to ratify and confirm bids received on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 11:00 AM by the Central Office Staff for “Annual Purchase of Band Instruments and Equipment ” (Bid #26-04); 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: Ratify and confirm bids received on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 11:00 AM by the Central Office Staff for “Annual Purchase of Band Instruments and Equipment ” (Bid #26-04); 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 Wilton Barrios, second by Stephen Chapman.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
Action (Consent): *11. Motion to declare items listed on Surplus Inventory - Buses as surplus inventory and to authorize the Secretary to advertise for sealed bids as is/where is for the "Sale of Surplus Inventory/Buses" (Bid No. 26-19); and the Executive Committee and/or Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids with a recommendation to be made to the Board - Elizabeth Domite
Resolution: Declare items listed on Surplus Inventory - Buses as surplus inventory and to authorize the Secretary to advertise for sealed bids as is/where is for the "Sale of Surplus Inventory/Buses" (Bid No. 26-19); and the Executive Committee and/or Superintendent and Central Office Staff to receive bids with a recommendation to be made to the Board - Elizabeth Domite
Motion by Wilton Barrios, second by Stephen Chapman.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
Action (Consent): *12. Motion to renew the license for JAMF Pro MDM (Mobile device Management) tool in the amount of $19,913.42 and to authorize the Board President to sign all documentation in connection therewith - Jose Lozada
Resolution: to renew the license for JAMF Pro MDM (Mobile device Management) tool in the amount of $19,913.42 and to authorize the Board President to sign all documentation in connection therewith
Motion by Wilton Barrios, second by Stephen Chapman.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
Item 6 - E. Consent Agenda - Discipline
Action (Consent): *1. to uphold the Rapides Parish School Board Discipline Review Committee’s recommendation - Mr. Terrence Williams
Motion by Wilton Barrios, second by Stephen Chapman.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
Item 6 - F. Consent Agenda - Personnel
Action (Consent), Reports: *1. Motion to receive reports as follows: - Mrs. Naomi Belvin
Motion by Wilton Barrios, second by Stephen Chapman.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
Action (Consent), Reports: *2. Motion to approve leave requests – Mrs. Naomi Belvin
Motion by Wilton Barrios, second by Stephen Chapman.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
Action (Consent), Reports: *3. Motion to discuss any personnel complaints that may go before the full board for action - Mrs. Naomi Belvin
Motion by Wilton Barrios, second by Stephen Chapman.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
Action (Consent): *4. Motion to discuss and revise policy GBRIBB: Sick Leave Bank as recommended by Forethought - Mrs. Naomi Belvin and Mr. Jeff Powell
Resolution: to revise policy GBRIBB: Sick Leave Bank as recommended by Forethought
Motion by Wilton Barrios, second by Stephen Chapman.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
Item 6 - G. Consent Agenda - District 62
Regular Agenda
Action: *7. Motion to discuss and consider taking action directing administration to pursue options for acquiring property on Tioga road - Wilton Barrios
Resolution: to take action on directing administration to pursue options for acquiring property on Tioga road
Motion by Willard McCall, second by George Johnson.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
Action: *8. Motion to approve an Intergovernmental Agreement between Rapides Parish School Board and Rapides Parish Police Jury for parking lot repairs at Oak Hill High School pending legal review – Mr. George Johnson
Resolution: to approve an Intergovernmental Agreement between Rapides Parish School Board and Rapides Parish Police Jury for parking lot repairs at Oak Hill High School pending legal review
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Steve Berry.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
Action: 9. Motion to ratify and confirm bids received on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 11:00 AM by the Central Office Staff for “Cafeteria Fresh Produce” (Bid #FS 10-25-26B); 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: Ratify and confirm bids received on Thursday, October 2, 2025 at 11:00 AM by the Central Office Staff for “Cafeteria Fresh Produce” (Bid #FS 10-25-26B); and award bid to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder contingent on low bidder meeting all LA Public Bid Law and contract document requirements and specifications and authorize the Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith – Elizabeth Domite
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Steve Berry.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
Action: 10. Motion to receive a report on tax collections, expenditures, and fund balance of the 2016 Sales Tax for 2024-2025 fiscal year as per board resolution adopted June 7, 2016 – Elizabeth Domite
Resolution: Motion to receive a report on tax collections, expenditures, and fund balance of the 2016 Sales Tax for 2024-2025 fiscal year as per board resolution adopted June 7, 2016
Motion by Willard McCall, second by George Johnson.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
Action: 11. Motion to approve InterAgency Agreement with Kids Kountry for Early Childhood Education Fund Program Allocated Seats for 2025-2026 school year - Cindy Rushing
Resolution: to approve InterAgency Agreement with Kids Kountry for Early Childhood Education Fund Program Allocated Seats for 2025-2026 school year
Motion by Willard McCall, second by George Johnson.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
Action: 12. Motion to approve the request of Iberia Parish School District and St. Bernard Parish School Board to participate in a cooperative agreement with Rapides Parish School Board for Bid #26-28 which is the Purchase of Educational Materials
Resolution: Approve the request of Iberia Parish School District and St. Bernard Parish School Board to participate in a cooperative agreement with Rapides Parish School Board for Bid #26-28 which is the Purchase of Educational Materials
Motion by Sandra Franklin, second by George Johnson.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
Action: 13. Motion to approve Change Order #1 for the "Security Vestibule and Fencing at Northwood High School" (Re:RPSB Bid #25-33, WO#203808 and PO #26000235) contract between the Rapides Parish School Board and Tudor, Inc. (of Delaware) increasing the contract sum by Seven Thousand, One Hundred Seventeen Dollars ($7,171.00) therefore changing the original contract sum from $317,000.00 to $324,171.00 with no change to the contract date and authorize Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith - Mr. Roy Rachal
Resolution: to approve Change Order #1 for the "Security Vestibule and Fencing at Northwood High School" (Re:RPSB Bid #25-33, WO#203808 and PO #26000235) contract between the Rapides Parish School Board and Tudor, Inc. (of Delaware) increasing the contract sum by Seven Thousand, One Hundred Seventeen Dollars ($7,171.00) therefore changing the original contract sum from $317,000.00 to $324,171.00 with no change to the contract date and authorize Board President to sign any documentation in connection therewith
Motion by Willard McCall, second by George Johnson.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
Action: 14. Motion to terminate two food service technicians for job abandonment - Mrs. Naomi Belvin
Substitute Motion - to terminate two food service technicians for job abandonment, effective immediately - Dr. Stephen Chapman
Motion by Willard McCall, second by Steve Berry.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
Action: 15. Motion to terminate a Paraprofessional for job abandonment - Mrs. Naomi Belvin
Amend to read TWO Paraprofessional for job abandonment
Substitute Motion - to terminate two Paraprofessional for job abandonment, effective immediately - Dr. Stephen Chapman
Motion by Willard McCall, second by George Johnson.
Final Resolution: Motion Carries
Aye: Steve Berry, Stephen Chapman, Wilton Barrios, Sandra Franklin, George Johnson, Wally Fall, Willard McCall
Add Ons
Action: 16. Motion to approve a professional service contract with Bailey Education Group, LLC for Professional Development and to authorize the board to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith - Dr. LaQuanta Jones and Martha Chapman
Motion to add item 16 was not a unanimous vote; motion was not added to the agenda
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
11746590 10/12/25 ($334.16)