Benjamin Arrington

The Finance Committee meeting addressed several critical financial and operational actions. Key discussions included motions to adopt a resolution ordering and calling special elections for the renewal of special taxes in Rapides Parish and associated school districts, and to authorize advertising for bids for driveway repairs and drainage improvements at Tioga High. Standing items involved the approval of personal services contracts and bills paid, approval of budget amendments, receiving budget updates for multiple funds including General Fund and various bond series, receiving reports on the progress of the 2024-2025 audit findings, and receiving reports on school construction projects. New business included authorizing the solicitation of proposals via RFP for various insurance coverages for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, revising purchasing policies, discussing the option of paying with cash at events, approving St Mary Parish Schools' participation in a cooperative agreement for educational materials, ratifying bids and awarding the contract for "Tioga Jr High Office and Safety & Security Renovations," and authorizing the advertisement for bids for improvements at Pineville Elementary, Pineville High School, "Pineville High School Baseball & Softball Synthetic Turf & Tennis Resurfacing," and "Improvements to Lessie Moore Elementary." A motion to approve Bolton Academy field trip travel expenses was also made.

The committee meeting included action items and reports. The primary agenda item discussed was a motion to receive an update on the progress of the District 62 Bond, which was presented by Mr. Jeff Powell.

The committee addressed standing items, including receiving reports and considering motions related to approving leave requests and discussing personnel complaints intended for the full board. In New Business, the committee discussed and considered action regarding a policy to allow uncertified teachers with an evaluation score of "Effective Proficient" or higher to maintain step 0 pay while pursuing necessary certification exams, sending this option to the Full Board for resolution.

The committee meeting included several discussions and actions related to student welfare and policy. Key topics included receiving a report on discipline concerning students in the Rapides Alternative Positive Program for Students (RAPPS) and monitoring in-school and out-of-school suspensions across Rapides Parish schools. Additionally, the committee moved to revise policy IFA: Instructional Materials pending legal review, and received an update on the HiSet program operating at RAPPS.

The New Business section primarily focused on approving several Change Orders related to construction contracts. This included Change Order #2 and #3 for the "Construction of Multi-Purpose Building at Ball Elementary School," which resulted in cumulative increases to the contract sum and an extension of the contract time for the first change order. Change Order #1 was approved for the "Sewer Line Project at Cherokee Elementary School," increasing its contract sum. Additionally, Change Order #2 for the "New Construction and Renovations at Alexandria Middle Magnet School" was approved, increasing the contract sum and extending the Substantial Completion date. Finally, Change Order #1 for the "Phase III at Bolton High School" was approved, which increased the contract date without changing the contract amount.