Thread by @JournoMGregory

COMMITTEES DAY: On this, the day #TheMandalorianseason2 trailer is released, I will spend part of my time at the #Rapides Parish School Board committee meetings figuring out when to start rewatching the first season - again. Don't judge me.

Just kidding. 😉

There's a special meeting of the full board scheduled for 4:59 p.m. to adopt adjusted millage rates. Next are the personnel, finance and education committees. Not a lot on the agendas, but there are 2 add-ons and one interesting item.

Actually, they're starting the special meeting now.

The 2 add-ons, which must be approved unanimously to get on respective agendas, concern a #COVID19 report moving into Phase 3 and a motion to reimburse junior high and high schools for the costs of officials and security for home football games because of COVID seating limits.

The interesting item is Wilton Barrios' request for a report on whether any schools use The 1619 Project as a teaching tool. Barrios, during the Sept. 1 regular meeting discussion on the #Pineville High School Rebels mascot, claimed the Civil War was fought over states' rights.

We'll see what the answer is to that and whether a discussion ensues.

They've added quite a fancy new program to show the agenda. Previously, they just slapped the agenda up there. Now it will reflect how individual board members vote on items. Nice. Superintendent Jeff Powell points that out, saying it's a pilot program tonight.

I like it. Keep it. Powell said board members would be getting training on it in the future.

Special meeting over.

Personnel committee is first. And it's finished. Three items taken at once. All moved to consent agenda.

Now on to education. The add-on is approved.

Barrios has asked that The 1619 Project item be deleted. So no discussion or information on that.

Powell is updating board members about moving into Phase 3. Big change related to instructional program is class limits. Those new changes start Monday. Buses will be allowed to have 75% capacity. Neck gaiters not allowed. Powell said will work with families to get cloth masks.

Here is the full plan: drive.google.com/file/d/1egOWEk…

Powell says attendance at football games limited to 25%, and that includes bands, cheerleaders, etc. More on that to come.

Powell also gives update on 4 schools that remained closed after #HurricaneLaura. Oak Hill and Plainview high students will return Monday (teachers Thursday and Friday) because of delay in getting electricity. Some work still needs to be done. Others set to return as planned.

Education committee is done. Next, finance. Might we get out of here before 7 p.m.?

Committee learns that 80% of money allocated for #COVID19 has been spent. Powell says #Rapides is in better shape than some other districts.

Now to the add-on in finance committee about reimbursing for officials and security at football games.

Powell says approximate cost would be $60,000 and would come from General Fund.

Powell repeats that capacity is 25% for games. He's talking about figures that board members have, but I do not. I will get that after the meeting.

Powell said he met with football coaches, principals. Most schools planning to sell tickets before games to prevent long lines and cutting off those lines and telling the rest to leave. What could possibly go wrong here, right?

The programs will be taking a financial hit. Proceeds from games are used to buy equipment, refurbish helmets, pay for transportation to away games, feed athletes. Powell said this request is being made because of that.

Approximately $60,000 out of the fund balance, Powell says again after question from Darrell Rodriguez. He asks if same thing would be done for other sports. Powell said depends on situation then.

Barrios is not a fan of masking up and says someone wants Louisiana to stay indoors and not have fun. He does say he believes the board will have to look at helping other sports.

Keith Breazeale said he has no problem with providing one-time assistance. Some schools never fill their stadiums, he said. Powell says the money won't be paid up front, but that schools will be reimbursed.

#Pineville High Principal Karl Carpenter thanks board (which hasn't voted yet). Motion sent to full board. And we are done! Meeting adjourned.