The Ouachita Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at twelve (12:00) o’clock noon at their regular meeting place, the Ouachita Parish School Board office.
President Hicks called the meeting to order and welcomed visitors and guests to the meeting.
The roll was called and the following members were present: Tommy Comeaux, Scott Robinson, A. R. Sims, Jerry R. Hicks, John Russell, Carey Walker and Greg Manley. There were none absent.
The Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag was led by Board member Tommy Comeaux.
The Invocation was given by Board member Greg Manley.
On motion by A. R. Sims, seconded by Carey Walker, the Board unanimously approved the Minutes of March 22, 2016 as written. Motion carried unanimously.
Greg Manley moved, seconded by John Russell, that the Board amend the Agenda to add Business Item No. 3 (Request to address the Board with a parent concern at WOHS—Leaha Hunt). Motion carried unanimously.
On motion by Carey Walker, seconded by Scott Robinson, the Board unanimously approved the amended Agenda as presented.
Dr. Coker announced the appointment of Anthony Killian to the position of the Director of Federal Programs (effective 4/20/2016). Mr. Killian was selected through the interview process, the position left vacant following the recent death of former Director of Federal Programs, Samuel Douglas.
On the request of Dr. Coker, Greg Manley moved, seconded by Carey Walker, that the Board grant Dr. Coker permission to open the position of Principal of Sterlington Middle School for application, now being served by an interim principal. Motion carried unanimously.
Communication Specialist Aline Smead introduced insurance agents from Horace Mann Insurance Company, Kelsi Guidry, local agent, Reginald Fontana, Nick Jungina and John Green. Mr. Guidry and his agents presented the School Board with a check made out to Lenwil and Jack Hayes elementary schools in the amount of $3,000 that represents their pledge to fund classroom projects at these schools. These two schools were determined to be the hardest hit by flooding in the district. He and Mr. Jungina held workshops to show teachers how to request help for classroom needs at DonorsChoose.org, which is similar to GoFundMe.com. It allows teachers to get donations for projects from a variety of sources by posting their projects, including the dollar amount needed, and letting donors contribute. Once the project is fully funded, the items requested are sent to the classroom. The company fully funded five projects that teachers listed and partially funded three projects. One of the three projects since has been fully funded with donations. Fourteen projects listed on the website for the Monroe area still need funding.
On the recommendation of Grant Schlueter, bond attorney with the law firm Foley & Judell, Carey Walker moved, seconded by John Russell, that the Board consider and take action with respect to adopting a Resolution giving preliminary approval to the issuance of General Obligation School Refunding Bonds, of the East Ouachita Parish School District of the Parish of Ouachita, State of Louisiana; making application to the State Bond Commission for approval of said Bonds; and providing for other matters in connection therewith. Nnamdi Thompson with Government Consultants, Inc., the Board’s Municipal Adviser, addressed the projected savings to the taxpayers. Mr. Thompson explained that they will be refinancing the Board’s outstanding 2007, 2008 and 2009 East Ouachita General Obligation Bond Issues with the market allowing us to show approximately $100,000 annual savings for a net savings of $1.5 to $1.6 million. With the adoption of this Resolution, we will be able to go forward to the Bond Commission and move quicker to lock in some of these savings and take advantage of the market. Motion carried unanimously.
West Ouachita High School parent, Ms. Leaha Hunt, addressed the Board with concerns in disagreement with decisions on WOHS Valedictorian procedures in determining her daughter’s qualifications for this recognition. Dr. Coker and high school principals will address a possible uniform policy across the district, but it is not a board policy for vote.
Reports from TBA Architects, Rice Gregory & Asso., Inc. and architect Tommy Hatten were provided by Supervisor of Safety/Construction Kenneth Slusher updating the Board on the status of their projects. Mr. Slusher announced that the canopies have been installed at Woodlawn and Calhoun Elementary Schools and the walk-in cooler/freezer at Central Elementary was finally received by the contractor, but the supplier had to order an adjustment door threshold for it and cannot deliver it until next week. It was noted that the cooler/freezer was delayed for over two months which was caused by the middle man with NOLA Restaurant Supply. In conclusion, Mr. Slusher announced that the bid opening for renovations for all 3 southside schools (Shady Grove, Swayze and Robinson) will be held at 10:00 a.m. on May 3. Following Mr. Slusher’s construction report, Greg Manley asked if he was pursuing liquidated damages on the Sterlington Elementary project due to delay of the project by the contractor. The project deadline was December 2015 and the project was completed March 2016. Mr. Slusher said he was.
On the recommendation of Purchasing Agent Bobby Jones, Scott Robinson moved, seconded by Tommy Comeaux, that the Board approve [Bid No. RFP 36-16] for the purchase of hardware for the Wireless Access Points project with 20% of the cost paid by the General Fund and 80% through E-Rate for a total budget of $240,000. The Software portion will be covered by the General Fund – IT Budget. After a period offered for public comment, motion carried unanimously.
On the recommendation of Purchasing Agent Bobby Jones, Tommy Comeaux moved, seconded by A. R. Sims, that the Board reject the bid from Mechanical Concepts in the amount of $90,440 for Chillers/Air Handlers because the addenda was not included in their bid [Bid No. 49-16]. The budget for this project is $91,000 and is to be paid from the General Fund – AC Account. After a period offered for public comment, motion carried unanimously.
On the recommendation of Purchasing Agent Bobby Jones, Greg Manley moved, seconded by Carey Walker, that the Board accept all low bids in bold print meeting specifications for Vocational Materials for Sterlington High School to be paid with Perkins Grant funds and having a budget of $70,000 [Bid No. 50-16]. After a period offered for public comment, motion carried unanimously.
On the recommendation of Purchasing Agent Bobby Jones, Greg Manley moved, seconded by Carey Walker, that the Board accept the low bid from Munn Enterprises in the amount of $112,284.06, excluding add alternate, but includes a (1-year labor/5-year warranty) for five LED Signs at OPHS, SHS, Kiroli, Claiborne and West Ridge and is funded with WO Sales Tax/M&O funds, having a budget of $110,000 [Bid No. 53-16]. After a period offered for public comment, motion carried unanimously.
Scott Robinson moved, seconded by Tommy Comeaux, that the Board grant permission to bid the following items: (1) Science Equipment/Supplies (WOHS) [Bid No. 54-16], paid from the General Fund with a budget of $30,000 and (2) Chillers/Air Handlers funded from the General Fund—AC Account, having a budget of $91,000 [Bid No. 55-16] (Re-bid). After a period offered for public comment, motion carried unanimously.
President Hicks announced that the next meeting will be held at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, May 10.
Superintendent Coker announced the Ouachita Parish Talented Art Exhibition reception to be held on May 5, 2016 between 4:00 – 7:00 PM at the Ouachita Parish Student Support Services, 800 Claiborne Street, West Monroe, LA 71291 – Public Invited May 2nd – May 13th, Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Dr. Coker encouraged everyone to attend the exhibit and view the beautiful artwork of over 100 pieces created by our gifted and talented students.
There being no further business to discuss, Mr. Sims moved, seconded by Tommy Comeaux, that the meeting adjourn. Motion carried unanimously.
OUACHITA PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Jerry R. Hicks, President
ATTEST:
Don Coker, Secretary
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