SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, May 3, 2011, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Van Kojis, President; Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Vice-President; Freeman Ford, Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Michael Lacombe, Rev. Mary Hayward-Jones, and Cynthia “Cindy” Hill.
Absent: None.
An Invocation was offered by Board Member Michael Lacombe.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America led by Board Member Darrell Wiley.
On motion Darrell Wiley, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular meeting held Tuesday, April 5, 2011, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED.
With regards to a discussion regarding Item Number 25 of the minutes of April 5, 2011, Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas stated that she would like her prior comments added on the issue concerning architectural services that will be used for the construction project at LaSAS. Mrs. Dupas stated that the reason she was in favor of employing Architect Jim Guillory was because Mr. Guillory had worked on several projects for the School Board and his job performance was always satisfactory.
Vice-President Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. read a resolution of respect to the late Anthony Grundy, former Maintenance Supervisor.
On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Anthony Grundy. MOTION CARRIED.
Rev. Mary Hayward-Jones, Board Member, recognized Ebony Leblanc for being named Student of the Month. Rev. Jones stated that Ebony is currently an 18 year old senior at Bunkie High School. Rev. Jones further stated that Ebony is a well-rounded person and enjoys life to the fullest. Rev. Jones stated that Ebony is involved in Relay for Life, Toys for Tots, Student Council, 4-H, Interact, BETA, FCA, COPE, Bunkie High School mentor, DARE role model, peer tutoring, and captain of the cheerleading squad. She also had the privilege of winning Bunkie High School Student of the Year and 2010 Homecoming Queen.
Furthermore, Rev. Jones stated that being involved in all these extra-curricular activities has provided Ebony with wonderful experiences. Rev. Jones stated that beginning this summer, she will be enrolled at Southern University in Baton Rouge and major in electrical engineering.
Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine recognized Mrs. Denise Sayes, Principal of Lafargue Elementary School, for her outstanding leadership in guiding Lafargue Elementary School in achieving “Recognized Academic Growth”. Superintendent Lemoine also presented a banner to Mrs. Sayes.
On behalf of the Board, President Van Kojis commended Mrs. Sayes and the faculty and staff of Lafargue Elementary School on this achievement.
Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Sales Tax Collector, reported that sales tax collections for the month of March 2011 totaled $459.995.41. Mr. Ducote stated that of this amount the 1% sales tax generated $306,663.61 and the 1/2% sales tax generated $153,331.80.
Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
April 12, 2011
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, April 12, 2011, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Chairman; Cindy Hill, Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Mrs. Shelia Blackman-Dupas was absent. Also present were Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, and Rev. Mary Hayward-Jones, Board Members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and other administrators.
1) Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Cindy Hill, the Finance Committee recommended to approve requests for overnight travel as presented by Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine. MOTION CARRIED.
2) Mrs. Cindy Hill, Member of the Finance Committee, addressed the Finance Committee regarding a source of funding for an athletic trainer. Mrs. Hill noted that Marksville High School lost an athletic trainer and inquired about a funding source. The Superintendent recommended that he will encourage principals to hire teachers or encourage current teachers to obtain athletic training certification.
Mrs. Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education, noted that there is funding available for this type of training in the Carl Perkins grant. Mrs. Welch noted that schools have been informed about the availability of Carl Perkins funding for this purpose.
Upon motion by Cindy Hill, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Finance Committee recommended to have one (1) person at each high school be encouraged to have certification as an athletic trainer to be included in the task force schedule.
3) Upon motion by Mike Lacombe, seconded by Cindy Hill, the Finance Committee recommended to grant permission to advertise for bids for staple foods, produce, milk and milk products, bread and bakery products, supplies and equipment, garbage pick-up, traps, and vent cleaning. MOTION CARRIED.
4) Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented an update report on the cost of PrinTrak Live Scan Station. Mrs. Bonnette informed the committee that since the Board’s recent approval of additional installation and maintenance charges have been added to the original quote to bring the total cost of the Scan Station to $25,292.00.
Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Cindy Hill, the Finance Committee recommended to purchase the Printrak Live Scan Station up to a cost of $25,292.00. MOTION CARRIED.
5) Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented an update on the 2011-2012 general fund budget cuts.
Mrs. Bonnette reviewed transportation cuts of $278,000 consisting of materials, supplies, telephone costs, and stipends.
Additional IDEA funding was made available due to rescheduling the summer symposium within the staff development days throughout the school year and not replacing a retiring transition coordinator. This resulted in a $190,000 savings.
A $29,936 reduction in the Board’s annual food service MFP transfer which brings the total transfer to $61,106.
No longer fund an In-School Suspension Coordinator at APAS and to transfer a secretary to the schools for a savings for $27,513.
Administrative services: A savings of $123,265 results from stimulus funding targeted for textbooks. Other savings resulted in a total of $149,265.
Savings in the special maintenance fund and a proposal that LaSAS pay its pro-rata portion of debt service in the amount of $5,000,000 QSCB payments generated savings to allow for a one-time general fund transfer of $100,000.
The total amount of savings in all areas is $834,714, with $634,714 in General Fund and $190,000 in IDEA- B Fund.
Upon motion by Cindy Hill, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Finance Committee recommended to accept the recommended cuts as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
Upon motion by Cindy Hill, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Finance Committee recommended to have LaSAS fund its pro-rata portion of all QSCB loan payments. MOTION CARRIED.
6) Mr. Michael Lacombe, Member of the Finance Committee, proposed that a pay raise be funded with a combination of a 1/4% sales tax and an estimated 10 mills property tax. The cost of this pay raise would be approximately $1,800,000.
Additional information regarding a 6% employee pay raise was provided by Mrs. Mary Bonnette with possible election dates and taxpayer costs.
Mr. Mike Lacombe informed the committee that he has discussed possible funding for this pay raise with the Avoyelles Tax Assessor, who provided the following information: (1) Additional tax for homeowners range from a house and lot valued at $85,000 - Cost, $10 to $225 for residential property valued at $300,000. Commercial property costs range from $75 to $750 for property valued at $50,000 - $500,000 respectively.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Finance Committee recommended to hold an election on November 19, 2011 for the purpose of granting a 6% employee pay raise and to fund employee salaries and benefits only, to be funded with a combination of a 1/4% sales tax and a 10 mill property tax. MOTION CARRIED.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Chairman
Finance Committee
On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report, excluding Items 5 and 6, as presented by Chairman Mayeux. MOTION CARRIED.
With regards to Item Number 5, Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine discussed the general fund budget cuts for 2011-2012.
Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas questioned the budget cuts for funding of textbooks. Superintendent Lemoine stated that there was additional funds remaining from stimulus funding and that these funds will be reallocated into the general fund to cover the costs of textbooks.
With regards to Item Number 6, Board Member Michael Lacombe provided an explanation regarding a proposed pay raise for employees to be funded with a combination of a 1/4% sales tax and a 10 mill property tax
On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by James Gauthier, the Board adopted Items 5 and 6 of the Finance Committee Report . MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Michael Lacombe, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
April 12, 2011
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, April 12, 2011, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Michael Lacombe, Chairman; Darrell Wiley, Cindy Hill, Rev. Mary Hayward- Jones, Van Kojis, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Also present were James Gauthier and Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Board Members; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
1) Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented a report of the Ad Hoc Committee meeting held on April 6, 2011, as follows:
Ad Hoc Committee Report
April 6, 2011
The Ad Hoc Committee of the Building and Lands Committee met Wednesday, April 6, 2011, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Michael Lacombe, Chairman; Cindy Hill, Rev. Mary Hayward-Jones, and Darrell Wiley, Board Members; Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
The Ad Hoc Committee discussed leasing of Section 16 properties, namely, Pomme de Terre, Grassy Lake, and Ginn Lake Sections. The committee agreed to develop a bid specification/lease document, to be presented at the next Building and Lands Committee meeting.
Upon motion by Cindy Hill, seconded by Rev. Mary Hayward-Jones, the committee recommended the leasing of the above-named three sections and recommended to proceed with the bidding process. MOTION CARRIED.
Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Cindy Hill, the Building and Lands Committee recommended that the Board lease the Pomme de Terre, Grassy Lake, and Ginn Lake Sections, pending review of the lease agreement by Assistant District Attorney Jim Lee. MOTION CARRIED.
2) Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented an appraisal report for the Bunkie Middle and Mansura Middle School Gymnasiums.
The Building and Lands Committee noted that the report was for informational purposes only. The committee accepted the appraisal report.
3) Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Cindy Hill, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to advertise for an architect for the LaSAS multi-purpose gymnasium. MOTION CARRIED.
The Building and Lands Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Michael Lacombe, Chairman
Building and Lands Committee
With regards to Item Number 1, Assistant District Attorney James Lee stated that the Board needed to amend the resolution to state that leasing of Section 16 properties, namely, Pomme de Terre, Grassy Lake, and Ginn Lake Sections is for hunting purposes.
On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Lacombe to include the amendment to the resolution concerning the leasing of Section 16 properties for hunting purposes. MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Darrell Wiley, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
Bus Committee Report
April 12, 2011
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, April 12, 2011, at 5:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Darrell Wiley, Chairman; Rev. Mary Hayward-Jones, Cindy Hill, Van Kojis, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Mr. Freeman Ford was absent. Also present were James Gauthier, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., and Michael Lacombe, Board Members; Wilfred Ducote, Transportation Supervisor; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
1) Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Bus Committee regarding a purchase plan for school buses.
The Bus Committee noted that this report was for informational purposes only. The committee did not take any action at this time.
The Bus Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Darrell Wiley, Chairman
Bus Committee
On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman Wiley. MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Freeman Ford, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
April 19, 2011
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, April 19, 2011, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Freeman Ford, Chairman; Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Also present were Darrell Wiley and Cindy Hill, Board Members; and Robby Gaspard, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance.
1) Mr. James Gauthier, Member of the Executive Committee, discussed a proposed “Bereavement Leave” Policy for the committee’s consideration.
The Executive Committee took no action on this item pending the obtaining of the financial cost to the district of a bereavement policy.
2) Mr. Robby Gaspard, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, addressed the committee regarding File: GAME - Employee Drug Testing as it pertains to instructional personnel.
Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by James Gauthier, the Executive Committee recommended that the Board remove “instructional personnel” from File: GAME - Employee Drug Testing Requirements and Procedures. MOTION CARRIED.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Freeman Ford, Chairman
Executive Committee
On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Ford. MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
April 19, 2011
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, April 19, 2011, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
James Gauthier, Chairman; Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Darrell Wiley, Van Kojis, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Mrs. Shelia Blackman-Dupas was absent. Also present were Freeman Ford, Michael Lacombe, and Cindy Hill, Board Members; Donna Bordelon, Supervisor of Special Services; and Delores Rabalais, Principal of Riverside Elementary School.
1) Mrs. Delores Rabalais, Principal of Riverside Elementary School, addressed the Board regarding Long Distance Learning. The presentation was received by the committee.
2) Mrs. Donna Bordelon, Supervisor of Special Services, presented the Performance Profile Report from the State Department of Education.
Mrs. Bordelon also presented a report regarding the Gifted Program. The information was received by the committee.
3) Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine addressed the Education Committee regarding a funding source for Student of the Month award. Mr. Lemoine stated that Federal Programs will pay for 10 plaques per month for the Student of the Month awards.
The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
James Gauthier, Chairman
Education Committee
On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gauthier. MOTION CARRIED.
Mrs. Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education, provided updated information concerning the Leap Summer Remediation Program for credit recovery and enrichment and the Virtual School Program.
President Van Kojis presented a copy of a proposed resolution regarding aiding school systems with budget concerns. Mr. Kojis requested that the Board members review this resolution prior to the next School Board meeting. He further stated that this resolution will be considered at the June 7, 2011 meeting.
President Van Kojis presented a report of the Goal Setting meeting, as follows: Goal Setting Meeting
April 19, 2011
A Goal Setting Meeting was held Tuesday, April 19, 2011, at 5:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Van Kojis, President; Carlos A. Mayeux, Vice-President; Freeman Ford, Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, and Cindy Hill.
The committee reviewed Avoyelles Parish School Board goals for 2011-2012 and recommended that this be brought before the full Board for consideration.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD 2011-2012 GOALS I)
I) Academic Achievement Goals
1) Students will be Literate by Third Grade.
· Measure: Percentage of third graders earning proficient (basic and above) on iLEAP ELA Assessment.
· Benchmark: 70% of all third graders will earn basic and above on the iLEAP.
· 2010 State Average: 67%
· 2010 District Average: 61%
· 2012 Goal: 70%
2) Students will enter Fourth Grade on time.
· Measure: Percentage of students earning consecutive promotion from Kindergarten to fourth grade.
· Benchmark: 70% of all students will arrive in fourth grade on time.
· 2010 State Average: 67.3%
· 2010 District Average: 62.3%
· 2012 Goal: 70%
3) Students will be proficient in math and ELA in the fourth grade.
· Measure: Percentage of students scoring proficient on the math and ELA LEAP exam in fourth grade.
· Benchmark: 70% of all fourth grade students will score proficient in math and ELA on the LEAP exam.
· 2010 State Average: ELA 60.8%, Math 58.10%
· 2010 District Average: ELA 40.6%, Math 38.7%
· 2012 Goal: 70%
4) Students will be proficient in math and ELA in the eighth grade.
· Measure: Percentage of eight grade students scoring proficient in math and ELA on the LEAP exam.
· Benchmark: 70% of all eighth grade students will score proficient in math and ELA on the LEAP exam.
· 2010 State Average: ELA 61%, Math 59%
· 2010 District Average: ELA 40%, Math 39%
· 2012 Goal: ELA 70%, Math 70%
5) Students will graduate on time.
· Measure: Cohort graduation rate (percentage of students graduating in four years).
· Benchmark: 70% of all students will graduate in four years.
· 2010 State Average: 67.4%
· 2010 District Average: 52.6%
· 2012 Goal: 70% of students will graduate in four years.
6) Students will enroll in post-secondary education or graduate workforce-ready.
· Measure: Percentage of first-time freshmen in post-secondary educational institutions.
· Benchmark: 50% of high school graduates will enroll on post-secondary education.
· 2010 State Average: 46.7%
· 2010 District Average: 46.5%
· 2012 Goal: 50% of graduates will attend post-secondary schools.
7) All schools will meet the state annual Yearly Progress (AYP) standards.
· Measure: Number of schools on the state’s “Academic Watch List” and/or not meeting AYP for all subgroups.
· Benchmark: No schools will be on the state’s “Academic Watch List” and/or not meeting AYP for all subgroups.
· 2010 District Number: 4 schools on “Academic Watch”/not making AYP.
· 2012 Goal: 0 Schools on the “Academic Watch”/not making AYP.
II) Board Accountability Goals
8) The Board will increase revenues in support of schools.
· Measure: Total revenues raised by the district locally. Benchmark: 10% increase in local revenues will be obtained.
· 2010 District Revenues: $7,695,981
· 2012 Goal: $8,465,579 in local revenues
9) The Board will achieve unitary status.
· Measure: Number of “Green Factors” presented and approved by Federal Court.
· Benchmark: Three “Green Factors” (Transportation, Facilities, and Student Activities) will be approved by Federal Court.
· 2012 Goal: Federal Court Approval of Transportation, Facilities, and Administration.
10) The Board will be highly trained and knowledgeable.
· Measure: The Board will achieve a “Highly Distinguished” classification awarded by the LSBA.
· Benchmark: 100% of the board will achieve this distinction.
· 2012 Goal: All board members earning the “Distinguished Board Member” distinction.
III) Safe and Nurturing Goals.
11) The School plant is a safe and secure environment.
· Measure: The placement of School Resource Officers in all high schools.
· Benchmark: The board will employ three trained School Resource Officers to be placed in our high schools.
· 2010 SROs: 0
· 2012 Goal: SRO’s employed at Avoyelles High School, Bunkie High School and Marksville High School.
12) Student behavior provided an environment conductive to teaching and learning.
· Measure: Percentage of students that is suspended and/or expelled out of school.
· Benchmark: 10% reduction in the percentage of students suspended or expelled out of school.
· 2010 State Average: Suspensions 12.3%, Expulsions 0.2%
· 2010 District Average: Suspensions 23. 5%, Expulsions 0.2%
· 2012 Goal: Suspensions 13.5%, Expulsions 0.1%
13) A certified and highly qualified teacher will be in every classroom.
· Measure: Percentage of certified and highly qualified teachers in the district.
· Benchmark: 80% of our teachers will be highly qualified teachers in the district.
· 2010 State Average: 86.4%
· 2010 District Average: 73.2%
· 2012 Goal: 80% of teachers will be certified and highly qualified.
On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board approved Avoyelles Parish Goals for 2011-2012 as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Vice-President, stated that the Board was in receipt of the “Facilities Study Group Report”. Mr. Mayeux requested approval for its submission to the Federal Court and thanked all those individuals who assisted with the report.
On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board approved the “Facilities Study Group Report” and authorized its submission to the Federal Court.
After discussion, Mr. Mayeux withdrew his motion for additional comments. Board Member Freeman Ford requested a clarification of Item Number 8 as to whether Mr. Mayeux wanted to adopt a resolution as listed on the agenda or to adopt a resolution as listed on Page 35 (b). Mr. Ford further requested clarification regarding documents to be considered for submission to the Federal Court to be granted unitary status as a “Green Factor”.
Furthermore, Mr. Ford expressed concern regarding the memorandum from the Board’s consultant, Dr. William Gordon, in support of a motion for partial unitary status. Mr. Ford stated that there was not any motion prepared by anyone, however, there was a memorandum in support of the motion for partial unitary status in facilities as prepared by Dr. Gordon. He further stated that it seemed that Dr. Gordon just assumed that he had the consent of the Board to petition the Court for unitary status in facilities.
Vice-President Carlos A. Mayeux stated that he would like to add that to the motion as a “Green Factor”. He stated that he was making it simpler, offering both reports together because they both relate to the same matter. He stated that Mr. Riddle will look at these reports and decide which process to pursue. Mr. Mayeux also added that Mrs. Lizzie Ned, Bunkie, requested that her name be removed from the cover sheet of the Facilities Study Group Report and this has been done.
District Attorney Charles Riddle, III informed the Board that because of what Mr. Ford brought up pertaining to the language of Item Number 8 as listed on the agenda and the language on Page 35 (b) in the purple book that there was a need for two motions.
District Attorney Charles Riddle, III stated that the documents that have been prepared by Dr. William Gordon are supporting documents that would be provided to the Federal Court and if approved by the Board, said documents will be presented to the Federal Court. Mr. Riddle stated that he would not file anything until the expert advises him that it is approved for submission to the Federal Judge.
Furthermore, Mr. Riddle stated that the Judge has mandated him to communicate ahead of time prior to filing motions with the Justice Department. Mr. Riddle stated that he was in agreement with Ms. Dupas for the reason that the Justice Department has had this report for about a week and, therefore, they have not had time to contact him. He stated that should the Board approve this tonight, he would not file this quickly because he would like the Justice Department to be able to respond and contact him with any questions they may have concerning this matter.
Superintendent Lemoine stated that Dr. Gordon has been working on four areas at this time. He stated that the Board would not receive the document from Dr. Gordon if he thought the Board was not ready for submission to the Federal Court.
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted “A Report on School Facilities of the Avoyelles Parish District” for its submission to the Federal Court. MOTION CARRIED.
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Cynthia “Cindy” Hill, the Board agreed to submit “A Report on School Facilities of the Avoyelles Parish District” and “Memorandum in Support of the Motion for Partial Unitary Status in Facilities” which is a “Green Factor” for submittal to the Federal Court, United States Justice Department, District Attorney Charles Riddle, and Plaintiff.
The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, Van Kojis, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Michael Lacombe and Cynthia “Cindy” Hill.
Nays: Freeman Ford, Shelia Blackman-Dupas and Rev. Mary Hayward Jones
Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas stated that she has not had an opportunity to review the entire report and that she is not prepared to agree to submit the report to the Federal Judge at this time.
District Attorney Charles Riddle stated that he agreed with Mrs. Dupas. He stated that should the Board approve the report at its meeting, he would not approve it to be brought before the Federal Court until it has been reviewed in order to allow the Justice Department to respond and ask questions that they may have.
Board Member Freeman Ford requested that all comments by Mr. Riddle, himself and Mrs. Dupas be added into the minutes.
On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, the Board granted permission to advertise for the positions of principals and assistant principals. MOTION CARRIED.
Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented personnel changes for the Board’s consideration, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Lucile H. Bubenzer, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 20, 2011; resignation of Adrienne L. McKay, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 20, 2011, for the purpose of retirement; and resignation of Kenneth John Godfrey, teacher, effective at the end of the day April 19, 2011.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Lauren Ducote, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 20, 2011.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Eunice Mouton, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 20, 2011, for the purpose of retirement.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Darla Tassin, teacher, effective May 21, 2011, for the purpose of retirement; and resignation of Mildred Jackson, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 20, 2011.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Janice S. Mury, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 20, 2011; resignation of Josephine Stevenson, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 20, 2011; and resignation of Bessie Bannister, librarian, effective at the end of the day May 20, 2011.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Dan J. Soldani, teacher, effective May 21, 2011, for the purpose of retirement; resignation of Kenneth Maillet, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 21, 2011; and resignation of Eleanor McKinley, food service technician, effective at the end of the day June 1, 2011, for the purpose of retirement.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Resignation of Alice Friels, food service technician, effective at the end of the day July 31, 2011, for the purpose of retirement.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Barry D. Parker, teacher, effective April 6, 2011; and resignation of Evert Kendall Ryland, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 20, 2011, for the purpose of retirement.
DISTRICT WIDE: Resignation of Beverly Freeman, Transition Teacher, effective May 21, 2011, for the purpose of retirement.
On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board adopted the personnel changes as presented by Superintendent Lemoine. MOTION CARRIED.
On motion by Cynthia “Cindy” Hill, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board unanimously agreed to consider a matter under miscellaneous business concerning School Board right-of-ways as recommended by Assistant District Attorney James Lee. MOTION CARRIED.
The Board President called for public comment and there being none, on motion by Cynthia “Cindy” Hill, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board unanimously agreed to add the item to the agenda under miscellaneous business. MOTION CARRIED.
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Cynthia “Cindy” Hill, the Board agreed to waive the award of a 30 foot right-of-way as the right-of-way traverses land owned by Mrs. Vickie Arnouville and accept a 20 feet wide right-of-way for the width of Mrs. Arnouville’s property. MOTION CARRIED.
On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board unanimously agreed to consider a matter under miscellaneous business concerning the official journal of the Board due to timelines. MOTION CARRIED.
The Board President called for public comment and there being none, on motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board unanimously agreed to add the item to the agenda under miscellaneous business. MOTION CARRIED.
On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board granted permission to obtain proposals for the official journal of the Board for the period of July 11, 2011 to June 30, 2012. MOTION CARRIED.
On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board agreed to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending litigation (Holmes versus Avoyelles Parish School Board bearing Civil Action 12,721 on the docket of the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.) MOTION CARRIED.
The Board reconvened in open public session at approximately 7:05 p.m.
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board scheduled special meetings on May 24, 2011 at 6:00 p.m. to adopt the reapportionment plan and on May 26, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. for public review of the reapportionment plan. MOTION CARRIED.
There being no further business, on motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
VAN KOJIS, President
DWAYNE LEMOINE, Secretary-Treasurer