Bossier Parish School Board extends realtor arrangement, authorizes six‑month amendment and new RFSQ

The Bossier Parish School Board on Feb. 20 authorized a six‑month contract amendment with its current real‑estate broker and directed staff to release a Request for Statement of Qualifications (RFSQ) to solicit new real‑estate services, with the amendment made retroactive to Jan. 1, 2025.

The decision followed an extended staff presentation and debate about three options for handling surplus‑property brokerage services. Jason Cottam, Bossier Parish Schools engineer, reviewed the district’s history with the current broker, noting the original engagement began in 2018 and has been extended primarily by six‑month amendments since then. “The 1 would allow us to sign, 1 additional 6 contract with the current realtor,” Cottam said, describing the short‑term extension option the board could adopt.

Board members pressed for competitive review after several years with the same firm. Board member (and former real‑estate industry executive) said periodic re‑evaluation is standard: “Anytime you have a partnership that lasts more than 5 years, it’s always good to reevaluate it,” the board member said during debate. After an initial motion to issue an RFSQ only was tied and tabled, board member Robert Bullard moved the compromise option that passed: “We authorize superintendent to sign a 6 month amendment, and at the same time, we authorize staff to release a request for statement of qualifications,” Bullard said.

The board first considered a motion to immediately release an RFSQ (option 3). That motion was tabled after a tie vote was recorded. Later, a motion to combine a six‑month amendment with an RFSQ release (option 2) passed. The board instructed staff to proceed quickly with the advertisement and return recommendations to the board; Cottam said the district’s RFSQ package is ready and responses could be reviewed in about 30 days.

The board did not provide a roll‑call tally in the minutes for the final motion. The record shows the initial RFSQ‑only motion was tabled after a tie (recorded in the minutes as "50 50"), and the subsequent combined‑action motion passed.

Board discussion noted the current broker’s prior support for district events and donations and cited past transaction work, including a multi‑heir land title issue at Haughton High School. Members who favored a market test argued the district’s needs in 2025 differ from 2018 and recommended running an open process; members who supported continuity cited the broker’s responsiveness on past deals.

The board directed staff to return with recommendation(s) after the RFSQ process and to finalize the six‑month amendment retroactive to Jan. 1, 2025.