SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in special session Tuesday, July 19, 2011, at 5:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

Van Kojis, President; Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Vice-President; Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Rev. Mary Hayward-Jones, Michael Lacombe, and Cynthia “Cindy” Hill.

Absent:  Freeman Ford.

An Invocation was offered by Board Member Rev. Mary Hayward-Jones.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America led by Board Member Cindy Hill.

1. On motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr.,  the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Wednesday, July 6, 2011, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
   
   

2. Rev. Mary Hayward-Jones read a resolution of respect to the late Muriel Glenn, retired teacher.

On motion by Rev. Mary Hayward-Jones, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Muriel Glenn.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Rev. Jones stated that Mrs. Glenn was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church where she is the pastor.  Rev. Jones stated that Mrs. Glenn was an excellent teacher and well-liked by members of her community.

3. Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Sales Tax Collector, reported that sales tax collections for the month of June 2011 totaled $479,267.92.  Mr. Ducote stated that of this amount the 1% sales tax generated $319,511.95 and the 1/2% sales tax generated $159,755.97.

Mr. Ducote further reported that sales tax collections ended the year with an increase of 5.84% which is an increase over the normal collections.

4. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented personnel  changes for the Board’s consideration:

PERSONNEL CHANGES

BUNKIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Jenifer J. Ryan, social worker, effective July 13, 2011 through May 31, 2012; transfer/appointment of Jessica Juneau, teacher, from physical education teacher to regular education teacher, effective July 13, 2011 through May 31, 2012; and resignation of Wanda R. Cotten, R.N., effective June 27, 2011.

COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Phyllis Veade, teacher, effective July 12, 2011.

LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Tamara Williams, teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012; and appointment of JoAnna Ford, bus driver, effective August 15, 2011, replacing Larry Wilmer who retired.

PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Chrissie Jeansonne, (retired) interventionist position to Literacy Coach, effective August 10, 2011 through December 23, 2011; transfer/appointment of Kristin Bordelon, from Marksville Elementary School to interventionist position, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012, replacing Chrissie Jeansonne; resignation of Sondra Bordelon, teacher, effective August 10, 2011; appointment of Amy Lachney, bus driver, effective August 15, 2011, replacing Dorothy Roy who retired; and transfer/appointment of Gwen Descant, speech therapist, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012.

RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Brandy Lawson from Kindergarten Teacher to Self-contained Special Education Teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012; transfer/appointment of Susan A. Pickett, Kindergarten Teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012, replacing Brandy Lawson; transfer/appointment of Jennifer Franks, from Title I CSR Teacher to NCPS teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012; transfer/appointment of Dani Marsh to Title I CSR Teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012, replacing Jennifer Franks; transfer/appointment of Sarah Reech from Title II CSR Teacher to regular education teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012; and transfer/appointment of Sherry Reech to Title II CSR teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012.

AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Jimmy Marks, bus driver, effective August 15, 2011, replacing Leo Laprairie who resigned; and appointment of Laura Sandoval, Spanish Teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012.

MARKSVIILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Kristi M. Small, teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012.

ADDENDUM(S)

7/19/2011

BUNKIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Leah H. French, Title I Pre-K teacher, effective July 13, 2011 through May 31, 2012; and appointment of Katherine Vahle, NCPS teacher, effective July 13, 2011 through May 31, 2012.

COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Allison Hebert, teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012; appointment of Krystal K. Myrick, teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012; appointment of Adriene Strong, Kindergarten Teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012; transfer/appointment of Lisa B. Breaux, from first grade to Kindergarten teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012; and resignation of Amanda Hemphill, teacher, effective August 8, 2011.

MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Carolyn Barbre, teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through December 23, 2012, replacing Carla S. Wood while on sabbatical leave.

PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Kathryn Khan, Autism Teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012; and appointment of Annette Richard, teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012.

RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Kristen Wimberger, teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012.

AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Sophia Roy, teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012.

MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Emily Borrel, teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012; appointment of Amanda Bliss, teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012; appointment of Kimberly McCraw, teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012; appointment of Elizabeth Thurston, teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012; appointment of Anjali Gill, teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012; appointment of Thomas Laborde, teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012; resignation of Susan D. Cole, teacher, effective July 31, 2011; and resignation of Randy Price, teacher/coach, effective July 26, 2011.

LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Appointment of Brittney Cambridge, teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012.

Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted the personnel changes as presented. MOTION CARRIED.

Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas stated that she was in favor of the personnel changes, however, she requested that the minutes reflect that she recuse herself from voting for the personnel change as listed under Marksville Elementary School.

5. President Van Kojis presented the following report: Executive Committee Report July 12, 2011

The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, July 12, 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 Craig Foster, Assistant Superintendent; and Robby Gaspard, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance.

1)   Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine addressed the Executive Committee regarding approval of revised job descriptions for the following positions: Supervisor of Special Education, Supervisor of Instruction, Student Information System, and Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance.

Superintendent Lemoine recommended the following revisions:

Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by James Gauthier, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the revised job descriptions for the following positions: Supervisor of Special Education, Supervisor of Instruction, Student Information System, and Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance.  MOTION CARRIED.

                 2)      Assistant Superintendent Craig Foster addressed the Executive Committee regarding approval to revise File: GBD - Employment of Personnel.  Mr. Foster recommended that on Page 9 of 11 of the policy, “Criminal History of Applicants” concerning reimbursement of fingerprinting fee be revised.

Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Executive Committee recommended to continue fingerprinting new employees every two (2) years at a cost of $20 non-refundable.  In addition, the committee recommended that the Superintendent look into offering this service to the general public, contingent upon review by legal counsel.  MOTION CARRIED.

                 3)      Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine addressed the Executive Committee regarding approval to increase the employment status of the position of Pupil Appraisal Child Search Coordinator from 10 months to 11 months.

Superintendent Lemoine also requested approval to increase the employment status of the position of Pupil Appraisal Coordinator from 10 months to 11 months.

Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Executive Committee recommended to table the request until such time as the Supervisor of Special Education is hired.  The motion was adopted by the following vote: Ayes:  Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, and Van Kojis.  Nays:  Freeman Ford.

Chairman Freeman Ford clarified the reason for his “nay” vote by informing the committee that 11-month employment for these two (2) positions would not be any added cost to the Board based on how they are currently being funded and further that there was no reason to wait until the Supervisor of Special Education is hired.  Mr. Ford further stated that the information provided by Ms. Cherrie Callahan was sufficient to warrant the two (2) positions to be 11 months rather than 10 months.

                 5)      Mr. Robby Gaspard, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, presented the Discipline Committee Report for the committee’s approval. Mr. Gaspard noted the following changes recommended by the committee:

Discipline Consequences:

NOTE: Corporal punishment is not authorized for use in grades 9-12 7-12.

The following is a list of disciplinary infractions and actions required to be used by administrators:

4.  Possession/Use of Tobacco Products Including Lighting Materials

First Offense - In-School Suspension: 1 Day;  if under age, arrest to be made per State law

Second Offense - In-School Suspension: 2 Days;  if under age, arrest to be made per State law

Third Offense  -  In-School  Suspension:  3  Days;   if under age, arrest to be made per State law

Fourth Offense  -  In-School  Suspension:  Suspension  1  Day;  if under age, arrest to be made per State law

4.  Stealing ** -  Items with a value less than$500

First Offense - Corporal Punishment, In-school Suspension, After School Detention, Suspension

** For items $500 or more, principal may have student arrested.

6.  Possession of Fireworks or Stink Bombs **

** If deemed an act of terrorizing by discharging fireworks/stink bombs, principal may recommend expulsion and an arrest may be made of student.

6.  School Bus Disruption -

Consequence for a bus infraction should reflect the same consequence as an infraction committed on campus or toward other school personnel.

9.  Fighting -

When fighting occurs on campus, students in grades 7-12 may be arrested if they are considered to be the instigator, the participant, an ungovernable bystander or impeding the attempts of personnel to take control of the situation. Students not suspended for self-defense reasons may not be arrested.

Elementary principals may have a student arrested for fighting.

12.  Use of an Electronic Warning/Communications Device/Laser Pointer

First Offense:  Confiscate device. Student given a choice of 5 day retention of the device or assessed a fee of $25 for possession, use of/operation. Phone returned to parent/guardian upon payment of f ee. Fee is to be deposited in to the school’s Positive Behavior Incentive Support Program (PBIS) fund.  After 5 day retention (if chosen), phone is returned to the parent/guardian of the student.

Second Offense:  Confiscate device.  A fee of $25 assessed for possession, use of/operation.  Phone returned upon payment of free to parent/guardian.  Fee is to be deposited in to the schools’ Positive Behavior Incentive Support Program (PBIS) fund.

Fourth Offense:  Suspension of student.

“Use of ” is defined as the device is turned on and/or student is actively using the device by texting or talking on the device.

Cell  phones  may  be  used for after-school and out-of-school activities without penalty as long as the phone is brought to activity without first coming on campus during the regular school day.

Q.  STUDENT DRESS CODE

20.  No vests may be worn.

23.  Hair - a. The hair will be clean, combed, and uncovered. No disruptive colors or hair styles will be worn.  Wigs are not acceptable except for medical reasons.  Hair may not cover eyes of the student.

Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Executive Committee recommended approval of the revisions.  The motion was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, and Van Kojis. Nays: Freeman Ford.

Mr. Freeman Ford clarified the reason for his “nay” vote by informing the committee that there were too many major changes to digest in such a short period of time. He further stated that since the changes affect students, more thought should be given to these changes.

The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

Freeman Ford, Chairman

Executive Committee

With regards to Item Number 2 regarding File: GBD - Employment of Personnel, specifically pertaining to fingerprinting of new employees, Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine stated that he conferred with Assistant District Attorney James Lee regarding this matter.  Mr. Lemoine stated that it is Mr. Lee's opinion that the School Board is not authorized to engage in any business activities of raising revenues. However, Mr. Lemoine stated that he will continue to research this matter and report his findings to the Board.

With regards to Item Number 3 pertaining to increasing the employment status of the position of Pupil Appraisal Child Search Coordinator from 10 months to 11 months, Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas questioned the changes in increasing the positions to 11 months of employment.

Superintendent Lemoine stated that the Board is currently paying these two employees  their 11 month in the form of a stipend and that stipend has been budgeted and paid for this summer, therefore, it will be a stipend for this summer. Mr. Lemoine further explained that, if approved, it would change the two individual‟s  employment status from 10 to 11 months. Mr. Lemoine recommended that the Board allow him to have a Supervisor of Special Education in place in order to review this matter and make a recommendation to him.

With regards to Item Number 5, Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas stated that she was not in agreement with authorization to have students arrested, especially at the elementary level.  Also, Mrs. Dupas stated that the word “may” in the sentence, “Elementary principals may have a student arrested for fighting” should be deleted from the sentence in order to be consistent with this policy.

Also, Mrs. Dupas that the policy should be more direct and state, “No phones this year”.

Board Member James Gauthier stated that he was in agreement with Mrs. Dupas’ statement that the policies should be very clear to the students.

Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine stated that he was extremely adamant that students should not be arrested for just any fight.  Mr. Lemoine further stated that the law gives principals that discretion to arrest a student when a student is ungovernable on the campus.  Mr. Lemoine said that there have been many instances when the police has to be called to the school and arrest the student in order to gain order.  Mr. Lemoine further stated that his concern is that when you use the word, “shall”, then you are giving the teacher the sole discretion to recommend an arrest of a student and no one can override the decision since it is Board policy.

A motion was offered by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, to adopt the Executive Committee Report as presented.  MOTION CARRIED.

Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas stated that she was in favor of adopting the Executive Committee Report with the exception of the changes outlined in the Discipline Committee Report.

                 6)      Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas noted that the Board had discussed the Avoyelles High School project at the Finance Committee meeting.  Mrs. Dupas requested that the Superintendent provide her a written report on the current status and costs of the project at Avoyelles High School, specifically costs paid with maintenance funds rather than a change order.

                 7)      Board Member Michael Lacombe stated that he visited Bunkie Elementary School this past Monday and he stated that he was very impressed with the attendance and good behavior of all the students.

Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas also stated that she visited Bunkie Elementary School and felt that it was a different atmosphere where all the children were happy and eager to learn.

Mr. Dexter Compton, Principal of Bunkie Elementary School, thanked the Board, Superintendent, central office staff, and colleagues for their well wishes for a successful start of school.  Mr. Compton stated that the first two days have gone extremely well and attendance has surpassed his expectations.

In response to Superintendent Lemoine‟s comments regarding the importance of a highly effective teaching staff, Principal Compton stated that a highly effective teaching staff will be a tremendous difference to the success of the school.

There being no further business, on motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the meeting was adjourned.

AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Van Kojis, President

Dwayne Lemoine, Secretary-Treasurer