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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
SB:LD:bw
"
-
"'" ,. I VJ'\111; I ~ IV 1\rrl;l\1. II.L rlllfiii1U r-un
r-U11
THE
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.
-
McPherson & Jacobson LLC Page 1 of 1
CONTACT US
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MCPHERSON JACOBSON, LLC EXECUTIVE RECRUITMENT &
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Mrs. Janet Dixon I McPherson & Jacobson LLC Page 1 of 1
Mrs. Janet Dixon
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contact th
CONTACT US
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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M.cPherson & Jac o bson, L.L.C. 7905 t St. Su .ite 310
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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