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Letter from former Rapides Parish principal Fred Moore, alleging that Rapides Parish School Board member Janet Dixon has committed ethics violations.
Citation preview
Louisiana Ethics Administration Program P.O. Box 4368 Baton Rouge, LA 70821
Fred 0. Moore 642 N. Wilderness Road
Port Barre, LA 70577 September 17, 2014
Re: Possible Ethics Violation of Janet Dixon, President of Rapides Parish School Board
Dear Ethics Board Administrators:
I believe that Mrs. Janet Dixon, President of the Rap ides Parish School Board, has committed an ethics violation relative to a prohibited transaction under llllC (1) and/or lllC (2) in that she received something of value for a service substantially related to duties, responsibilities, programs, or operations of the agency of the public servant and in which she participated and/or that she received something of economic value for service rendered or to be rendered to someone seeking a contractual, business, or financial relationship with the Rapides Parish School Board . Further, McPherson and Jacobson LLC, of which Mrs. Dixon is now an employee, conducted operations and activities regulated by the Rapides Parish School Board and that firm has or had substantial economic interest substantially affected by the performance or nonperformance of her official duties
SPECIFICS: In the summer of 2012, the Rapides Parish School Board began the process of selecting a new superintendent. Traditionally, the board had appointed a committee of board members and community leaders to develop the process for se lecting the finalist candidates and conducting the interviews and community forums . Initially, this process was again followed and an initial committee was formed . Mrs. Dixon, then Vice-President of the board, convinced the board to appoint her as the chairman of the committee . She then convinced the board to abandon the traditional process and to hire McPherson and Jacobson LLC to oversee the process and to dismiss the committee.
Throughout the process, as the board minutes reflect, Mrs. Dixon's motions were instrumental in adopting McPherson and Jacobson's recommendations, setting their fees for services, and insuring the firm got paid what it invoiced the district for.
On April 25, 2013, the Rapides Parish School Board hired its new superintendent. Sometime shortly before or after, McPherson and Jacobson LLC hired Mrs. Janet Dixon as a consultant on its Louisiana Team. McPherson and Jacobson currently list her on its website as a consultant and her bio on the site indicates that she has been an employee of the organization since 2013. As late as the end of July, 2013 and possibly later, Mrs. Dixon was still making motions and voting for actions that economically beoefited her employer, McPherson and Jacobson.
Chuut(b t. ~~ (Notary Signature)
Linda C. Noland 10#44237
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE
RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Alexandria, Louisiana August 21, 2012
The Rapides Parish School Board ofRapides Parish, Louisiana, met in special session at 5:30 o'clock p.m. on Tuesday, August 21, 2012, at the regular meeting place of said board in the Rapides Parish School Board Office, 619 Sixth and Beauregard Streets, in Alexandria, Louisiana.
President Wilton Barrios, Jr. called the meeting to order and on roll call the following members were present:
Wilton Barrios, President
Janet Dixon, Vice President
Julie McConathy, Member
Darrell Rodriguez, Member
John Allen, Member
Keith Breazeale, Member
Steve Berry, Member
Stephen Chapman, Member
Pam Webb, Member
Dr. Gary L. Jones, secretary for the Board, was present for the meeting.
Assistant District Attorney Field Gremillion was present for the meeting.
The Invocation was pronounced by Mrs. Julie McConathy after which Mr. Steve Berry led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
(COPY OF OFFICIAL CALL WAS MAILED TO EACH MEMBER OF THE RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD AND TO THE MEDIA AND POSTED IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE AT THE MEETING PLACE OF SAID BOARD ON AUGUST 17, 2012)
Alexandria, Louisiana August 17, 2012
1
Dear Sir/Madam:
By virtue of the authority vested in me by law and by reason of the fact that it is deemed necessary, advisable, and to the public interest that the Rapides Parish School Board be called in special session; now, therefore,
I, Wilton Barrios, Jr. , President, do hereby give notice that the said board will meet in special session at its domicile at 619 Sixth and Beauregard Streets in the City of Alexandria, Louisiana, at 5:30 p.m. on
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
for the purpose of considering, acting upon, deciding, and if deemed advisable, submitting the following propositions, to wit:
1. Call to order
2. Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call
4. Adopt the adjusted tax millage rates(s) for 2012 year- Ms. Liz Domite Pages 1-2
5. Set forth the adjusted millage rates(s) and roll forward to millage rates(s) not exceeding the maximum authorized rates(s)- Ms. Liz Domite Pages 3-4
6. Adopt other authorized millages or taxes - Ms. Liz Domite Pages 5-6
7. Motion for the Rap ides Parish School Board to abolish the position of Director of Technology - Mr. Wilton Barrios
8. Motion to discuss and take possible action on the hiring of a liaison from an independent finn to assist in the Rapidcs Parish School Board's Superintendent Search - Mrs . Janet Dixon
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, Witness my official signature and the seal of the Rap ides Parish School Board this 1 i h day of August 2012.
ATTEST:
Is/ Gary L. Jones Secretary
SEAL
Is/Wilton Barrios President
Public comment was solicited prior to the vote on items during this meeting.
2
A motion was made by Mrs. Julie McConathy and seconded by Mrs. Janet Dixon to discuss and take possible action on the hiring of a liaison from an independent fim1 to assist in the Rapides Parish School Board's Superintendent Search. (Item 8)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale for Dr. Stephen Chapman and Mr. Steve Berry to work with Mrs. Janet Dixon, Personnel Chair, to accomplish the same task and process of the Superintendent Search and meet the time line at no charge to the Board.
Discussion ensued.
A second substitute motion was made by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Mr. John Allen to take action on the hiring of the liaison of McPherson and Jacobson, pending final review by our Board Attorney.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the second substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. McConathy, Mrs . Dixon, Mr. Allen, Mr. Barrios
NAY: Mr. Breazeale, Mrs. Webb, Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman
ABSENT: None
THE SECOND SUBSTITUTE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to adopt the adjusted tax millage rates(s) for 2012 year. (Item 4)
AYE:
NAY:
ABSENT:
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Webb, Mrs. McConathy, Mrs. Dixon, Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mr. Barrios
None
None
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to set forth the adjusted millage rates(s) and roll forward to millage rates(s) not exceeding the maximum authorized rates(s) . (Item 5)
Discussion ensued.
3
AYE:
NAY:
ABSENT:
On roll call the vote was as follows:
Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Webb, Mrs. McConathy, Mrs. Dixon, Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mr. Barrios
None
None
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman to adopt other authorized millages or taxes. (Item 6)
AYE:
NAY:
ABSENT:
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Webb, Mrs. McConathy, Mrs. Dixon, Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mr. Barrios
None
None
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy for the Rapides Parish School Board to abolish the position of Director of Technology. (Item 7)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. McConathy, Mrs. Dixon, Mr. Allen, Mr. Barrios
NAY: Mr. Breazeale, Mrs. Webb, Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman
ABSENT: None THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.
Pursuant to motion duly carried, the Rapides Parish School Board adjourned.
Is/Wilton Barrios, Jr. President
ATTEST:
Is/Gary L. Jones Secretary
SEAL
4
McVhel"S()D & Jat::()bS()n~ L.L.c. Executive Recruitment & Development
7905l St., Suite 310 Omaha, Nebraska 68127 Phone: (402) 991-7031/(888) 375-iBH Fax: (402) 991-7168 Email: [email protected] +Website: www.mamjake.com
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH PROCESS McPherson & Jacobson L.L.C. can assist the Rapides Parish Schools, Alexandria, Louisiana, in securing a high quality superintendent. Following is an outline of services our consultants will provide in conducting an administrative search. The school district may select any level of service they wish.
I. The Rapides Parish Schools and Consultants will mutually establish: Time lines for the selection process and filling the vacancy The desired characteristics for the successful candidate Identify individuals or stakeholder groups for input into the selection A schedule for interviewing the final candidates
ll. Tbe Consultants agree to provide the following services as selected by the organization.
Advertise Vacancy ($1,500) McPherson & Jacobson will:
~ Develop an announcement of vacancy and advertise the position with the appropriate media and professional organizations
> Develop a promotional brochure which will: ./ Describe the position and responsibilities ./ Describe the demographics of the community ./ Overview the school district and its outstanding features ./ List the selection criteria ./ Outline the timelines for the selection process ./ Outline application procedures
~ Post the vacancy on the McPherson & Jacobson website
Conduct Stakeholder Forums ($2,000/day) McPherson & Jacobson will: ) Meet with groups identified by the board to provide input into selection process:
./ Meet with identified groups to solicit input around the following questions:
o Tell us the good things about your community o Tell us the good things about your school district o What are the issues the incoming superintendent should be aware
of as he/she comes into the district/ o What characteristics the new superintendent should have to be
successful?
./ Prepare a written report to be presented to the board swnmarizing the input from the groups
Solicit Stakeholder Input Via Online Survey (Sl,OOO)
McPherson & Jacobson will: l> Create an online survey for those who are unable to attend the stakeholder forums.
The survey will contain the same four questions as listed above: o Tell us the good things about your community o Tell us the good things about your school district o What are the issues the incoming superintendent should be aware of as
he/she comes into the district/ o What characteristics the new superintendent should have to be successful?
l> Post a link on the McPherson & Jacobson website for the survey
)> Provide the link to the survey to school district for their website and distribution );> Include the input in the written survey presented to the board
Recruit Applicants ($500)
McPherson & Jacobson will : > Develop an application form that reflects the identified criteria )> Send out brochures and application forms to interested applicants
Screen Applicants 1-5 applicants 6-10 applicants Over 10 applicants
McPherson & Jacobson will;
52,500 $2,000 (totaJ $4,500) S300/appllcont
};;> Read and critique all completed files
)ll- Conduct preliminary reference checks on all applicants };;> Evaluate each applicant against the identified criteria
~ Conduct complete reference and backgroWld checks on all top candidates ~ Present a summary of each top candidate
m. The expenses, beyond the contract with McPherson & Jacobson, will be:
In addition to the contract fees, McPherson & Jacobson will charge actual expenses for: All expenses for advertising the vacancy
Copying costs for brochure and related materials
Postage costs
Telephone charges for reference checks and screening candidates
Travel and expenses of consultants for all trips to the organization
Estimated expenses:
I. Advertising Expenses--advertising expenses are dependent upon the media required by Louisiana and those selected by the board. All costs will be presented to the district for their approval prior to placing the advertisements
2. Travel EKpenses
3. Office Expenses
$ 1,850* $ 1,100**
Includes travel, lodging & meals for all consultants (This expense includes three evenings of stakeholder meetings. This amount may decrease or increase dependent upon the number of stakeholder meetings the board chooses to have McPherson & Jacobson conduct.) u Includes development and printing of Announcement of Vacancy, copying costs, long distance telephone, and postage NOTE: Interview expenses for the candidates are not included in the expenses listed above.
All materials developed in this search shall remain as property of the Rapides Parish Schools.
IV. McPherson & Jacobson will, during the term of this agreement, or any extension thereof, maintain customary and appropriate policies of insurance insuring its operation and personnel against liability for ( 1) workers compensation (2) general liability (3) liability arising out of the use or operation of any motor vehicles by company personnel; the company will furnish to the Board certificates of insurances verifying the required coverages.
V. McPherson & Jacobson will, indemnify and hold hannless the Rap ides Parish School Board, its employees, and officers from any liability including fees and expenses for investigation and defense of any claims brought against the Board arising out of or caused by: (A) Claims for Workers Compensation for injuries to any company personnel. (B) Claims for injuries to third parries or to employees or officers or agents by the Board arising out of the negligent action of company personnel or the intentional acts by company personnel.
-.X_ Advertise Vacancy ($1,500) -.X_ Conduct Stakeholder Forums ($2,000/day) _x_ Solicit Stakeholder Input Via Online Survey ($1,000) _x_ Recruit Applicants ($500) _L Screen Applicants
1-5 applicants 6-10 applicants Over 10 applicants
$2,500 $2,000 {total $4,500) $300/applicant
The fee and expenses for each phase will be invoiced at the completion of that phase.
In witness where of the parties have signed and entered into this agreement.
~~~ President, Board of Education Date
d~L--McPherson & Jacooson L.L.C. Date
November 9, 2012
Dear Sir/Madam:
By virtue of the authority vested in me by law and by reason of the fact that it is deemed necessary, advisable, and to the public interest that the Rapides Parish School Board be called in special session; now, therefore,
I, Wilton Barrios, President, do hereby give notice that the said board will meet in special session at its domicile at 619 Sixth and Beauregard Streets in the City of Alexandria, Louisiana, at 5:30 p.m. on
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
for the purpose of considering, acting upon, deciding, and if deemed advisable, submitting the following propositions , to wit:
1. Call to order
2. Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll call
4. Motion to rescind the adoption of the reapportionment plan for the Rapides Parish School Board of SB 2010 adopted at the November 5, 2012 Board Meeting - Mr. Wilton Barrios
5. Motion to consider adoption of a reapportionment plan for the Rapides Parish School Board- Mr. Wilton Barrios
6. Motion to hear reports, consider recommendation, discuss and take action if deemed advisable on all issues related to the RPSB Superintendent Search - Mr. Wilton Barrios
7. Motion for the RPSB to go into Executive Session for the purpose of considering and accepting applications from McPherson and Jacobson relating to the Superintendent Search -Mrs. Janet Dixon
8. Motion for the RPSB to discuss and to select ten (10) semi-finalists in Open Session -Mr. Wilton Barrios
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, Witness my official signature and the seal of the Rapides Parish School Board this 91h day of November 2012.
ATTEST: Is/Gerald Woodard
Interim Secretary
S E AL
Is/Wilton Barrios President
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE
RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Alexandria, Louisiana November 13,20 12
The Rapides Parish School Board of Rapides Parish, Louisiana, met in special session at 5:30 o'clock p.m. on Tuesday, November 13, 2012, at the regular meeting place of said board in the Rapides Parish School Board Office, 619 Sixth and Beauregard Streets, in Alexandria, Louisiana.
President Wilton Barrios, Jr. called the meeting to order and on roll call the following members were present:
Wilton Barrios, President
Janet Dixon, Vice President
John Allen, Member
Steve Berry, Member
Keith Breazeale, Member
Julie McConathy, Member
Stephen Chapman, Member
Pam Webb, Member
Darrell Rodriguez, Member
Assistant District Attorney Field Gremillion was present for the meeting.
The Invocation was pronounced by Mr. Keith Breazeale after which Mrs. Julie McConathy led in the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance.
(COPY OF OFFICIAL CALL WAS MAILED TO EACH MEMBER OF THE RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD AND TO THE MEDIA AND POSTED IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE AT THE MEETING PLACE OF SAID BOARD ON NOVEMBER 9, 2012)
Dear Sir/Madam:
Alexandria, Louisiana November 9, 2012
By virtue of the authority vested in me by Jaw and by reason of the fact that it is deemed necessary, advisable, and to the public interest that the Rapides Parish School Board be called in special session ; now, therefore,
I, Wilton Barrios, Jr. , President, do hereby give notice that the said board will meet in special session at its domicile at 619 Sixth and Beauregard Streets in the City of Alexandria, Louisiana, at 5:30 p.m. on
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
for the purpose of considering, acting upon, deciding, and if deemed advisable, submitting the following propositions, to wit:
1 . Call to order
2. Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call
4. Motion to rescind the adoption of the reapportionment plan for the Rapides Parish School Board of SB 20 I 0 adopted at the November 5, 2012 Board Meeting - Mr. Wilton Barrios
5. Motion to consider adoption of a reapportionment plan for the Rapides Parish School Board- Mr. Wilton Barrios
6. Motion to hear reports, consider recommendation, discuss and take action if deemed advisable on all issues related to the RPSB Superintendent Search- Mr. Wilton Barrios
7. Motion for the RPSB to go into Executive Session for the purpose of considering and accepting applications from McPherson and Jacobson relating to the Superintendent Search -Mrs. Janet Dixon
8. Motion for the RPSB to discuss and to select ten (10) semi-finalists in Open Session-Mr. Wilton Barrios
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, Witness my official signature and the seal of the Rapides Parish School Board this 9th day of November 2012.
ATTEST:
Is/Wilton Barrios President
Is/Gerald Woodard Interim Secretary
SEAL
Public comment was solicited prior to the vote on items during this meeting.
A motion was made by Dr. Stephen Chapman and seconded by Mrs. Pam Webb to rescind the adoption of the reapportionment plan for the Rapides Parish School Board of SB 20 I 0 adopted at the November 5, 2012 Board Meeting. (Item 4)
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Breazeale, Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios
NAY: Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. McConathy, Mrs. Dixon
ABSENT: None
THE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to consider adoption of a reapportionment plan for the Rap ides Parish School Board. (Item 5)
Discussion ensued .
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Wilton Barrios and seconded by Mrs. Pam Webb to adopt option W-I on the Reapportionment Plan for the Rap ides Parish School Board.
Discussion ensued.
On roll call the vote on the substitute motion was as follows:
AYE: Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Breazeale, Mrs. Webb, Mr. Barrios
NAY: Mr. Allen, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. McConathy, Mrs. Dixon
ABSENT: None
THE SUBSTITUTE MOTION WAS ADOPTED BY MAJORITY VOTE.
2
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to hear reports , consider recommendation, discuss and take action if deemed advisable on all issues related to the RPSB Superintendent Search. (Item 6)
Mrs. Janet Dixon presented recommendations to the Board and discussion ensued.
A motion was made by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Mr. John Allen to accept the names of the committee members who will serve as the negotiating committee for the Superintendent Search from the Rapides Parish School Board. All board members are welcome to attend the Executive Session contract negotiations. (Item 6a)
President Wilton Barrios named Mr. Keith Breazeale, Mrs. Julie McConathy and Mr. John Allen to serve as the negotiating committee and they accepted.
An amended motion was made by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Mr. John Allen to accept Mrs. Julie McConathy, Mr. Keith Breazeale and Mr. John Allen as committee members who will serve as the negotiating committee for the Superintendent Search for the Rapides Parish School Board. All board members are encouraged and welcome to attend the Executive Session contract negotiation.
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Mr. John Allen, the Board voted unanimously to accept Mrs. Julie McConathy, Mr. Keith Breazeale and Mr. John Allen as committee members who will serve as the negotiating committee for the Superintendent Search for the Rapides Parish School Board. All board members are encouraged and welcome to attend the Executive Session contract negotiation .
**********
A motion was made by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Mr. John Allen to request the Board Attorney to submit to the Rapides Parish School Board a template of a contract for the new superintendent that conforms to Louisiana State Law. The Rapides Parish School Board is requesting the template for approval on the December 4, 2012 Board meeting. (Item 6b)
Discussion ensued with Assistant District Attorney Field Gremillion regarding the contract.
On motion by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Mr. John Allen, the Board voted unanimously to request the Board Attorney to submit to the Rap ides Parish School Board a template of a contract for the new superintendent that conforms to Louisiana State Law. The Rapides Parish School Board is requesting the template for approval on the December 4, 2012 Board meeting.
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy for the RPSB to go into Executive Session for the purpose of considering and accepting applications from McPherson and Jacobson relating to the Superintendent Search. (Item 7)
Discussion ensued and McPherson and Jacobson presented the waivers from the applicants to Attorney Field Gremillion at this time.
AYE:
NAY:
ABSENT:
On roll call the vote was as follows:
Mr. Berry, Dr. Chapman, Mr. Allen, Mr. Breazeale, Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Webb, Mrs. McConathy, Mrs. Dixon, Mr. Barrios
None
None
THE BOARD WENT INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION.
3
On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale, the Board voted unanimously to reconvene in Open Session.
THE BOARD RECONVENED IN OPEN SESSION.
A motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman for the RPSB to discuss and to select ten (I 0) semi-finalists in Open Session. (Item 8)
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman for the Rapides Parish School Board to extend the Superintendent Search until May 15, 2013 .
Discussion ensued.
On motion by Mr. Steve Berry and seconded by Dr. Stephen Chapman, the Board voted unanimously for the Rapides Parish School Board to extend the Superintendent Search until May 15, 2013 .
Pursuant to motion duly carried, the Rapides Parish School Board adjourned.
ATTEST:
Is/Gerald Woodard Interim Secretary
SEAL
Is/Wilton Barrios, Jr. President
4
OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS OF THE
RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Alexandria, Louisiana March 4, 2013
The Rapides Parish School Board ofRapides Parish, Louisiana, met in special session at 6:00 o'clock p.m. on Monday, March 4, 2013 , at the regular meeting place of said board in the Rap ides Parish School Board Office, 619 Sixth and Beauregard Streets, in Alexandria, Louisiana.
President Stephen Chapman called the meeting to order and on roll call the following members were present:
Stephen Chapman, President
Keith Breazeale, Vice President
John Allen, Member
Wilton Barrios, President
Steve Berry, Member
Janet Dixon, Member
Julie McConathy, Member
Darrell Rodriguez, Member
Pam Webb, Member
District Attorney James Downs was not present for the meeting.
The Invocation was pronounced by Mr. Keith Breazeale after which Mr. Steve Berry led in the recitation ofthe Pledge of Allegiance.
(COPY OF OFFICIAL CALL WAS MAILED TO EACH MEMBER OF THE RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD AND TO THE MEDIA AND POSTED IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE AT THE MEETING PLACE OF SAID BOARD ON FEBRUARY 27, 2013)
Dear Sir/Madam:
Alexandria, Louisiana February 27, 2013
By virtue of the authority vested in me by law and by reason of the fact that it is deemed necessary, advisable, and to the public interest that the Rap ides Parish School Board be called in special session; now, therefore,
I, Stephen Chapman, President, do hereby give notice that the said board will meet in special session at its domicile at 619 Sixth and Beauregard Streets in the City of Alexandria, Louisiana, at 6:00p.m. on
Monday, March 4, 2013
for the purpose of considering, acting upon, deciding, and if deemed advisable, submitting the following propositions, to wit:
I . Call to order
2. Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance
3. Roll Call
4. Motion to receive an update on Superintendent Search from the Personnel Committee Chairperson- Mrs. Janet Dixon
a. Motion for the RPSB to adopt the guide used in 2003 to determine the number of the Semi-Finalists for the superintendent search. The guide states: Less than 20 qualified applicants- 5 and from 20-25 qualified applicants- 7 and 25 or more qualified applicants- I 0- Mrs. Janet Dixon
b. Motion to change the April 4, 2013 Special Board Meeting from "contract negotiations" to "2nd Supplemental Interview" -Mrs. Janet Dixon
c. Motion to dissolve the "negotiating team" previously appointed based on the 2nd interview replacing the need to have a standing committee- Mrs. Janet Dixon
d. Motion to provide to each candidate interviewed by the RPSB a copy of the RPSB Superintendent contract- Mrs. Janet Dixon
e. Motion to add Tioga High School and Buckeye Elementary to the School Tour Schedule for the superintendent search- Mrs. Janet Dixon
5. Motion to go into Executive Session to confer with a representative from McPherson and Jacobson regarding the applications for Rapides Parish Superintendent of Schools, and to discuss the qualifications of candidates as provided by R.S. 42: 17(A)(l)- Mrs. Janet Dixon
6. Motion for RPSB to reconvene in Open Session- Mrs. Janet Dixon
7. Motion for Dr. .Emily Weatherford to read into record the slate of candidates for the RPSB Superintendent position- Mrs. Janet Dixon
8. Motion for the RPSB by vote, to reduce field of the number of candidates to 10 for interview and consideration for the position of Rapides Parish School Superintendent- Mrs. Janet Dixon
9. Motion for Dr. Stephen Chapman to read into record the Top 10 candidates for the position of RPSB Superintendent- Mrs. Janet Dixon
10. Motion for Mr. Gerald Woodard to randomly select by drawing the "order of interview" for candidates- Mrs. Janet Dixon
11. Motion to adjourn- Mrs. Janet Dixon
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, Witness my official signature and the seal of the Rapides Parish School Board this 27th day ofFebruary 2013.
ATTEST:
Is/Gerald Woodard Interim Secretary
SEAL
Is/Stephen Chapman President
Public comment was solicited prior to the vote on items during this meeting.
A motion was made by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Mr. Keith Breazeale to discuss items 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10.
Mrs. Janet Dixon informed the Board that the candidates had not been notified with the twenty-four hour notice that is required by Jaw, therefore these items cannot be acted on at this meeting.
Discussion ensued.
A substitute motion was made by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Mr. John Allen to defer items 5-l 0 to a Special Board meeting for Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at 6:00p.m.
2
Discussion ensued.
On the substitute motion made by Mrs. Janet Dixon and seconded by Mr. John Allen, the Board voted unanimously to defer items 5-10 to a Special Board meeting for Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at 6:00p.m.
A motion was made by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy to receive an update on Superintendent Search from the Personnel Committee Chairperson. (Item 4)
ensued.
a. Motion for the RPSB to adopt the guide used in 2003 to determine the number of the Semi-Finalists for the superintendent search. The guide states: Less than 20 qualified applicants- 5 and from 20-25 qualified applicants- 7 and 25 or more qualified applicants- I 0.
b. Motion to change the April4, 2013 Special Board Meeting from "contract negotiations" to "2nd Supplemental Interview".
c. Motion to dissolve the "negotiating team" previously appointed based on the 2nd interview replacing the need to have a standing committee.
d. Motion to provide to each candidate interviewed by the RPSB a copy of the RPSB Superintendent contract.
e. Motion to add Tioga High School and Buckeye Elementary to the School Tour Schedule for the superintendent search.
Mrs. Janet Dixon presented information to the Board on item 4 a-e and discussion
On motion by Mr. Keith Breazeale and seconded by Mrs. Julie McConathy, the Board voted unanimously to approve item 4 a-e.
Pursuant to motion duly carried, the Rapides Parish School Board adjourned.
ATTEST:
Is/Gerald Woodard Interim Secretary
SEAL
Is/Stephen Chapman President
3
RAPID~S PARISH SCHOOL BOARD . . - - _. .. .
P;(kBOX 12~0 . - --,
Alexandl"J.a,L~ulsi~na March 5, 2013
Dear Sir/Madam:
By virtue of the authority vested in me by law and by reason of the fact that it is deemed necessary, advisable, and to the public interest that the Rapides Parish School Board be called in special session; now, therefore,
I, Stephen Chapman, President, do hereby give notice that the said board will meet in special session at its domicile at 619 Sixth and Beauregard Streets in the City of Alexandria, Louisiana, at 6:00 p.m. on
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
for the purpose of considering, acting upon, deciding, and if deemed advisable, submitting the following propositions, to wit:
1. Call to order 2. Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance 3. Roll call
4. Motion to receive an update on Superintendent Search from the Personnel Committee Chairperson- Mrs. Janet Dixon
5. Motion to go into Executive Session to confer with a representative from McPherson and Jacobson regarding the applications for Rapides Parish Superintendent of Schools, and to discuss the qualifications of candidates as provided by R.S . 42: 17(A)(1)-Mrs. Janet Dixon
6. Motion for RPSB to reconvene in Open Session- Mrs. Janet Dixon
7. Motion for Dr. Emily Weatherford to read into record the slate of candidates for the RPSB Superintendent position- Mrs. Janet Dixon
8. Motion for the RPSB by vote, to reduce the field of the number of candidates to 10 for interview and consideration for the position of Rapides Parish School Superintendent -Mrs. Janet Dixon
9. Motion for Dr. Stephen Chapman to read into record the Top 10 candidates for the position ofRPSB Superintendent- Mrs. Janet Dixon
10. Motion for Mr. Gerald Woodard to randomly select by drawing the "order of interview" for candidates - Mrs. Janet Dixon
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, Witness my official signature and the seal of the Rapides Parish School Board this 51h day of March 2013.
ATTEST: Is/Gerald Woodard Interim Secretary
SEAL
Is/Stephen Chapman President
TO:
RAPIDES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD P. 0. Box 1230
Alexandria, Louisiana
JULY 10,2013
MEMBERS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
FROM: MR. STEVE BERRY, CHAIR
The Finance Committee of the Rapides Parish School Board will meet on Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at 5:10p.m. in the Board meeting room in the Rapides Parish School Board Office, 619 Sixth and Beauregard Streets, Alexandria, Louisiana.
STANDING ITEMS
Finance Committee July 16, 2013
1. Motion to approve personal services contracts, leases, and other such agreements; authorize the Board President and/or Superintendent to sign any and all documentation in connection with said contracts; and approve bills paid for the previous month - Ms. Liz Domite
2. Motion to approve/adopt any budget changes/amendments - Ms. Liz Domite Pages 1-35
3. Motion to receive an update/report on grants , approve grants included therein, and authorize the Superintendent to sign any and all documentation in connection therewith - Ms. Liz Domite Page 36
NEW BUSINESS
4. Motion to hear a budget update from the Finance Department - Mr. Steve Berry
5. Motion to hear a quarterly report on Maintenance Funds- Ms. Liz Domite
6. Motion to authorize staff to publish notice and advertise the public hearing on the proposed budget for 2013-2014- Ms. Liz Domite
7. Motion to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at 2:00p.m. by the Central Office Stafffor "Multipurpose Building for Pineville High" (Bid #12-37) 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 - Ms . Liz Domite
Source offunding District 52 Bonds
8. Motion to authorize the secretary to advertise for bids for "Ball Park Concession/Press Box for Rapides High" (Bid #14-15) and authorize the Executive Committee and/or the Superintendent
and Central Office Staff to receive bids and a recommendation to be made to the Board - Ms. Liz Domite
Source of funding Maintenance Amount $100,000.00
9. Motion to ratify and confirm bid(s) received on Wednesday, June 19, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. by the Central Office Staff and award to the lowest responsive/responsible bidder(s) for 2013-2014 school year and authorize staff to enter into purchase order contract(s) accordingly funded by School Food Service Funds- Mrs. Erma Davis
"Cafeteria Meat Bid"- RPSB Bid No. FS15-13-14- Estimated Cost $324,781.50 "Cafeteria Frozen Food Bid"- RPSB No. FS20-13-14- Estimated Cost $878,300.29 "Cafeteria Processed Foods Bid"- RPSB No. FS25-13-14- Estimated Cost $1,254,149.05
10. Motion to approve Professional Services Contract with Discovery Education for professional development and 22 days of training and to authorize the Superintendent or designee to sign any required documents- Dr. Arthur M. Joffrion, Jr./Mrs. Rebecca Beck Pages 37-41 Source of funding Rapides Foundation- STEM Grant Amount $55,000.00
11. Motion to approve Profes-sional Services Contract with the Center for Educational Leadership for professional development and 33 days of instructional leadership training and to authorize the Superintendent or designee to sign any required documents - Dr. Arthur M. Joffrion, Jr./ Mrs. Rebecca Beck Pages 42-45 Source of funding STEM- Rapides Foundation or Believe and Succeed
(i{awarded) or a combination o{both Amount $102,144.00
12. Motion to approve payment of advertising expenses to McPherson and Jacobson, LLC for 2"d round of Superintendent Search - Dr. Emily Weatherford Pages 46-50 Source of funding General Fund Amount $3,465.84
Please make plans to attend this important meeting.
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WWW.THETOWNTALK.COM A GANNETT COMPANY Wednesday, August 22, 2012 1 Alexandria-Pineville, Louisiana
School board may hire liaison to assist superintendent search By Leigh Guidry [email protected] (318) 4676445
The Rapides Parish School Board may hire a liaison from an independent firm to assist in the search for a replacement for Superintendent Gary Jones.
A 5-4 vote at a special board
meeting Tuesday sent the mo-tion to hire Loe Dunn, lead Loui-siana consultant at McPherson & Jacobson LLC, to the full board meeting Sept. 4.
Board member Janet Dixon led the charge to hire an outside firm.
"The liaison piece is where we are bottlenecking in our (search)
Board Continued from A 1
and Berry would have been honorable six to eight weeks ago when we started experiencing the bottlenecks and pushback in the superintendent search," Dixon said. "It's time for this board and our community to turn the page and hire a new superintendent."
Both Chapman and Berry were on the board during the last superin-tendent search, in which an independent firm was not hired. Board Presi-dent Wilton Barrios said
process," Dixon said. She found McPherson & Jacobson through a referral from the Louisiana State Bar Association.
online survey of the community and recruiting and screening ap-plicants.
Board members Stephen Chapman and Steve Berry vol-unteered to be liaisons and work closely with Dixon to meet the timeline already established by the board.
Dixon presented a proposed agreement with the firm to board members. The agreement in-cluded as duties advertising for the position, organizing three public forums, completing an "We're willing to work closely
the 2003 superintendent search was a different circumstance.
Dixon motioned that the board hire Dunn with McPherson & Jacobson pending final review of the agreement by legal counsel.
McPherson & Jacob-son is a consulting firm in Omaha, Neb., with 70 consultants across the country. Dunn is the lead consultant in Louisiana and lives in Morehouse Parish.
She said she has been a school board member for 20 years and knows the importance of choosing the right superintendent.
"This is the most im-
portant decision the board will ever make," Dunn said. "That's the reason I'm here tonight."
Dixon asked for a vote to send the item to the full board.
"I just am frustrated and feel as a board we should be in a better posi-tion than where our search," Di "It's time for u: on."
Voting for tion were Dh rios, Darrell F John Allen and Conathy. Votin; were Chapma1 Keith BreazealE Webb.
with Mrs. Dixon to accomplish the same tasks listed here at no cost to the board," Chapman said.
Dixon said she appreciated the offer but that it was too late.
"The gesture from Chapman
See BOARD, Page A7
WWW.THETOWNTALK.COM Saturday, August 25,2012 A3
Panel ~ay lose role in superintendent search By Leigh Guidry lguidryOthetowntalk.com (318) 487-6445
A committee of community members could be relieved of its duties now that the Rapides Parish School Board hired an independent search firm to help find the district's next superin-tendent.
The community interview committee, appointed by school board President Wilton Barrios based on recommendations by board members, was created to aid in the search for a replace-ment for Superintendent Gary Jones.
Barrios charged the commit-tee with surveying the public, compiling questions to be used in interviews with candidates and organizing three public fo-rums.
The Nebraska firm, McPher-son & Jacobson LLC, was hired by a S-4 vote by the school board Tuesday. Two consul-tants, including lead Louisiana consultant Loe Dunn, will work with the board as liaison in the
search process. An agreement that awaits fi-
nal approval from legal counsel assigns duties to the consultants that overlap with duties charged to the community interview committee.
Like the committee, McPher-son & Jacobson is expected to solicit community input and conduct public forums. The firm also will advertise for the posi-tion and recruit and screen ap-plicants.
Board member Janet Dixon said the community interview committee's new role is some-thing she and Barrios will have to address.
"There's no reason to contin-ue to pull (committee members) from their schedules and their lives if the duties are overlap-ping," Dixon said.
She said committee members could be relieved of their duties if others are not assigned.
"It's the president's call, but my recommendation is to have no overlapping of duties," she said.
Dixon led the charge for hir-
ing an independent firm. She found McPherson & Jacobson through a referral from the Louisiana School Board Associ-ation and brought an agreement before the board Tuesday.
She said hiring the firm as liaison would allow the board to immediately get back on track with its timeline to find a new superintendent after much de-lay.
But not everyone supports the board's choice to hire McPherson & Jacobson.
"I really do not see the need for (an independent firm)," said Susan Bates, who served as li-aison in the 2002-2003 superin-tendent search when Jones was hired. "It's a waste of money."
The agreement Dixon pro-vided Tuesday included a cost breakdown. The consultants are to be paid $1,500 to advertise the vacancy and $1,000 to solicit public input through an online survey.
The board would pay them $2,000 a day for conducting three public forums, in which the consultants will survey the
public about what they want in the next superintendent. The fo-rums are set for Sept. 6 at Tioga High School, Sept. 13 at Peabody Magnet High School and Sept. 20 at Glenmora High School.
Recruiting applicants will bring the firm $500, but screen-ing comes at a higher price. If the agreement is approved by counsel as presented, the board will pay consultants $2,500 for screening one to five applicants plus $2,000 if the number reach-es six to 10. Another $300 per applicant would be added after 10. .
Total cost for 11 applicants would be $13,300 if consultants are paid $2,000 per day of the forums only.
Board member Stephen Chapman voted against hiring the search firm Tuesday.
"We can do it in-house," Chap-man said. "We did last time."
Chapman served as chair-man of the search committee in 2002. He said the district has the experience and the resources to complete the search without an outside firm.
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Mrs. Janet Dixon I McPherson & Jacobson LLC Page 1 of 1
Mrs. Janet Dixon
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Mrs. Dixon joined McPherson & Jacobson in 2013. She has served as a board member for Rapids Parish School District in Alexandria, LA since 2008. Janet has earned the Distinguished School Board Member Recognition for two consecutive years.
Janet Dixon resides in Alexandria, Louisiana and is married to Herbert B. Dixon. They have 5 children. Janet is originally a native of Monroe, Louisiana where she received a Bachelors' Degree in Psychology from University of Louisiana at Monroe, formerly Northeast Louisiana University. In March 2012 Janet retired her management from UPS after 35 years with the company. Among her accomplishments were being selected as Sales Manager of the year for three consecutive years at UPS.
Janet is a member of Heart City Lions Club, serves on the Board of Directors for the Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation and is an Executive Board member of the La. School Board Association.
Her favorite pastimes include: Fishing, Reading, Sewing, Traveling, Collecting Antiques and Artifacts, and since 1999, Researching her family history.
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.PAYMENT FROM NONPUBLIC SOURCES A summary of the prohibitions contained in Sections
ll llC(l) & 1111C(2)(d) of the Code of Governmental Ethi cs
Revised: Februar 2009
Louisiana Board of Ethics P.O. Box 4368
Baton Rouge, LA 70821
Information Sheet #8
Section 1111 ofLouisiana's Code of Governmental Ethics prohibits a public servant from receiving any thing of economic value from a source other than his governmental employer for the performance or any service which is too closely related to his public duties or for any service which draws upon official information which is not a part of the public record or if the person making the payment is a prohibited source. The purpose of this information sheet is to outline some of these restrictions and to highlight some of the most common misconceptions regarding 1111 of the Ethics Code.
llllC(l) RESTRICTIONS
A public servant is prohibited from receiving any thing of economic value for any service which:
1. Is substantially related to the duties and responsibilities, programs, or operations of the agency of the public servant AND in which the public servant participated;
OR 2. Substantially draws upon official data or ideas of the agency which have not been made a
part of public information.
Example #1: If you are a Sheriff's Deputy who arrests and detains suspects, could you work for a private detention facility located in your parish which sometimes houses suspects when the parish prison is full?
Answer: No, because you participate in the arrest and detention of suspects who could be housed in the private detention facility. It is the responsibility of the Sheriff's Office to house the suspects it arrests and when the parish contracts this responsibility out to the private facility, the private facility becomes a prohibited source of income to you because the duties and responsibilities you would perform for the private facility would be too closely related to what you are paid to do for the Sheriff's Office. However, if we change the facts and the private detention center is located in another parish, then you could work for the private facility because the suspects ~ho would be housed there are out of your jurisdiction and you would not have participated in their arrest and/or detention. Your duties and responsibilities at the private facility in a different parish would not be substantially related to your duties and responsibilities at the Sheriff's Office because it is located in a different jurisdiction.
1111C(2)(d) RESTRICTIONS
A public servant and a legal entity in which the public servant exercises control or owns in excess of 25%, are prohibited from receiving any thing of economic value for services rendered or to be rendered to or for the following persons (from persons whom the public servant is also prohibited from receiving a gift):
1. Any person who has or is seeking to obtain a contractual, business or financial relationship with the public servant's agency; OR
2. Any person who conducts operations or activities which are regulated by the public employee's agency; OR
3. Any person who has a substantial economic interest which may be substantially affected by the performance or nonperformance of the public employee's official job duties.
*NOTE: A "public servant" is an elected official or a public employee.
Example #2: You are an employee of the Department of Environmental Quality whose official job duty is to visit alleged hazardous waste sites and determine if the area is dangerous to the health of nearby residents. Could you work, on the weekend, for the owner of the land you have to analyze?
Answer: No, because the landowner has a substantial economic interest in the outcome of your survey. For example, he may have to pay expensive clean up costs or his property value may fall depending on the results of your survey. This being the case, the landowner would be a prohibited source of income for you.
Example #3: You are a member of a police jury. Could you wo~k1 for a private company that is negotiating with the police jury to construct a new building to house the offices for the police jury?
Answer: No. Because that private company is seeking a contractual relationship with the police jury, it would be a prohibited source of income for you. If the negotiations fail and the private company will not construct the new building, then it would cease being a prohibited source of income for you. However, if negotiations were to resume at a later date, the company would once again be a prohibited source of income for you.
COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS
Section 1111 C(1) of the Code evokes a couple of common misconceptions. For example, public servants often believe that if the services to be rendered are to be provided after hours, then there can be no Ethics Code violation in providing those services . This is not true. Providing the services after hours does not prevent a violation of the Code from occurring. This restriction depends on the type of services you want to provide.
Another common misconception surrounding Section 1111 C(1) is that if the additional services are not services you normally provide as a part of your job, then there can be no Ethics Code violation in providing those services. This is also not true. This Section was specifically designed to cover situations where the additional services to be provided are not identical to the services provided during work hours, but are so close or similar in nature to
Prohibited Sources Fact Sheet Page 2
what is done during normal business hours, that they could logically be viewed as either stemming from the work hour services or as a direct consequence or necessity because of a public servant's work hour services.
Section 1111C(2)(d) of the Code also evokes a few common misconceptions. For example, public servants often believe that because they are actually providing the additional services and are being paid at a fair rate for those services, there can be no Ethics Code violation in providing those services. This is not true. Just because you are actually doing the work and are being paid a reasonable market rate for doing the work does not erase the fact that the services are being rendered to a prohibited source. The Ethics Code views this situation as a conflict of interest which cannot be resolved other than by avoiding the situation all together. You simply may not provide compensated services to the groups of people earlier discussed in this fact sheet.
Another common misconception surrounding Section 1111 C(2)( d) is that as long as the services to be provided are not related to the contract, business or financial relationship the person has with your public agency, then there can be no Ethics Code violation in providing those services. This, as well, is not true. Section 1111C(2)(d) deals with prohibited sources of income and once someone is a prohibited source because of one of the enumerated relationships, then they are a prohibited source of income for you as long as that relationship lasts. Period. The nature of the services you are to provide is irrelevant.
/ The Board encourages public servants to seek advice from the Board as to how the Jaw applies to their specific situation(s) by writing and requesting an advisory opinion. Advisory opinions are not issued as to past conduct, but can provide crucial advice on how to avoid problems in the future . If you wish to obtain an advisory opinion, please send your request to the address provided at the beginning of this fact sheet. You may also call our staffwhich is available to provide informal advice over the telephone at (225) 219-5600 or 1-800-842-6630. The Board has a web site located at: www.ethics.state.Ja.us
II This information sheet is only a summary of the financial disclosure provisions contained in 1111 of the Code of Governmental Ethics. II If interpretations of this information sheet conflict with the provisions of the Code, the Code will control.
Prohibited Sources Fact Sheet Page 3