SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, August 2, 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, Rev. Mary Hayward-Jones, Michael Lacombe, and Cynthia “Cindy” Hill.

Absent: Shelia Blackman-Dupas.

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.

1. On motion of Darrell Wiley, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board adopted the minutes of the special Board meeting held Tuesday, July 19, 2011, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
   
   

2. President Van Kojis read a resolution of respect to the late Robert Benton, Sr., former teacher and coach.
   
   On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Robert Benton, Sr.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
   
   

3. Mr. Craig Foster, Assistant Superintendent, recognized the 2011 Outstanding School Support Employees.  Mr. Foster stated that the Outstanding School Support Employee Awards Program provides an opportunity to honor an outstanding employee at the elementary, high and central office level who supports and provides leadership in the operation of non- instructional activities within the school system.
   
   Mr. Foster announced the winners at each school in the district, as follows: Shonitha Bowie, secretary, Bunkie Elementary School; Louanne Bain, nurse, Cottonport Elementary School; Freddie Andrews, custodian, Lafargue Elementary School; Melissa Marcotte, paraprofessional, Marksville Elementary School; Mary Guillory, food service manager, Plaucheville Elementary School; Wanda Christophe, secretary, Riverside Elementary School; Christy Dufour, secretary, Avoyelles High School; John Lewis, custodian, Bunkie High School; Mike Ducote, custodian, Marksville High School; Wanda Ducote, custodian, LaSAS; Yolanda Evans, custodian, APAS; and Beverly Jordan, secretary, Central Office.  A plaque was presented to each of the winners.
   
   Assistant Superintendent Foster also announced the parish winners selected to represent the elementary and high schools:  Shonitha Bowie, secretary, Bunkie  Elementary School; and Wanda Ducote, custodian, LaSAS.  A plaque and a monetary award were presented to the winners.
   
   Assistant Superintendent Foster announced the parish winner selected to represent the central office, Beverly Jordan. A plaque was presented to Mrs. Jordan.
   
   On behalf of the Board, President Van Kojis recognized the contribution of the Outstanding School Support Employees and thanked the employees for their dedication and service.

4. Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:

Finance Committee Report

July 19, 2011

The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, July 19, 2011, at 4:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Chairman; Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Cindy Hill, Michael Lacombe,  Van  Kojis,  President;  and  Dwayne  Lemoine,  Superintendent.  Also  present  were Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, and Rev. Mary Hayward-Jones, Board Members; and Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance.

1)  Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Finance Committee recommended to approve requests for overnight travel as presented by Superintendent Lemoine.  MOTION CARRIED.

2)  Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, reviewed the 2011-2012 Consolidated Budget.

Mrs. Bonnette presented estimated revenues, as follows:

Expenditures projected for 2011-2012 were reviewed, as follows:

Total local revenues are estimated at $4,948,519.  No major changes in revenues are expected including continuance of the absence of increased MFP funding from the state.

Included in instructional expenditures are mandates such as CTE supplies for all career tech students, budgeted at $78,979 and $50 per agriculture student at an estimated $35,000 for next year.  Mrs. Bonnette explained that all retiree health premiums are absorbed by the General Fund.

Property and liability insurance costs are budgeted at a greater amount than the premium each year in order to provide for a number of deductible payments.

Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine explained that the new method of budgeting staff by each principal will benefit students as well as aid in balancing the budget.

As stated earlier, Mrs. Bonnette indicated that the projected General Fund ending balance is $3.5 million.  Estimated monthly payroll is $1.5 million.

Mrs. Bonnette also reviewed the 1% Sales Tax Fund, Workers’ Compensation Fund, reserve for compensated absences, Reserve Fund, and Contingency Fund.

Special Revenue Fund budgets were also reviewed which includes all federal and state grants - Title I, Title II, IDEA-B, Carl Perkins, etc., as well as Food Service, Special Maintenance, and Special Sales Tax Funds.

Mrs. Bonnette reminded the committee that the formal budget public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, August 2, 2011, at 4:00 p.m.

3)   Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a request for approval of change orders for Avoyelles High School projects.

Mr. Marcotte advised  the committee that most of the items are maintenance projects and that these are not change order requests at this time.

4)  Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the Finance Committee regarding the Board providing funding for a Truancy Project proposed by District Attorney Charles Riddle.

The Finance Committee recommended to delay action until the District Attorney can meet with the Finance Committee to provide additional information.

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 as presented.  MOTION CARRIED.

5. Mr. Michael Lacombe, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:

Building and Lands Committee Report

July 19, 2011

The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, July 19, 2011, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

Michael Lacombe, Chairman; Rev. Mary Hayward-Jones, Darrell Wiley, Cindy Hill, Van Kojis, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent.  Also present were James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Board Members; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; and James Lee, Assistant District Attorney.

1)   The Building and Lands Committee tabled a discussion regarding a land proposal.  Mr. Howard Desselle, Citizen of Marksville, was not present at the meeting, therefore, the committee agreed to discuss this matter at their next meeting.

2)   Mr. James Lee, Assistant District Attorney, presented an update report on right-of-ways.

The Building and Lands Committee accepted the update from Mr. Lee.

3   Mr. James Lee, Assistant District Attorney, presented an update of leases for Mansura Middle School Gymnasium and Bunkie Middle School Gymnasium.

The Building and Lands Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

Michael Lacombe, Chairman

Building and Lands Committee

On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED.

6. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:

Education Committee Report

July 19, 2011

The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, July 19, 2011, at 6:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

James Gauthier, Chairman; Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Darrell Wiley, Van Kojis, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Also present were Michael Lacombe, Rev. Mary Hayward-Jones and Cynthia Hill, Board Members; Susan Welch and Randy Littleton, Supervisors.

1)   Board Member Michael Lacombe stated that Mr. Aaron Lemoine was unable to attend the Education Committee meeting for the purpose of discussing a CTE Opportunity for the School District.  Mr. Lemoine will be invited to the next meeting scheduled in August.

2)  Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented an update on System Monitoring for Compliance with LA 4 and/or Title I Prekindergarten Program Guidelines.  The Education Committee accepted the report as presented.

3)  Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented a report of the 2011-2012 walk-through observation schedule.  The Education Committee accepted the report as presented.

4)   Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented a report of the A-HEC Summer Program.  The Education Committee accepted the report as presented.

5)   Mrs. Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education, addressed the Education Committee regarding the   high school Cohort Graduation Rate.  The Education Committee accepted the report as presented.

6)  Mrs. Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education, presented an update on spring and summer virtual school.  The Education Committee accepted the report as presented.

7)  Mrs. Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education, presented a summer school update report to the committee. The Education Committee accepted the report as presented.

8)  Mrs. Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education, addressed the Education Committee regarding the CATE (Career and Tech Education) data report.

9)  Mr. Robby Gaspard, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, and Mrs. Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education, presented revisions to the Pupil Progression Plan and Student Handbook for the committee’s consideration, as follows:

Grading Policy (Adopted July 6, 1999)

Early Release for Seniors - Beginning in 2011-2012, seniors must have earned 20 Carnegie Units and have scheduled 5 courses in order for early release to be granted.

Filling of Available Honors Slots for Non-Freshman

(1)  Slots are filled based on the ranking of high school report card grades for corresponding subject area(s). Ties will be broken using cumulative high school grade point averages.

(2)  A student with an “A” average in a non-honors class, using all report grades in all subjects taken in that discipline, may challenge for a position in an honors class.  The challenge must be requested by the student, in writing, to the principal, no later than the last day of the school year in which the challenge is made. The only allowed challenge(s) will be for the position(s) occupied by the lowest averages(s ) other th an “A” or “B” average in the requested class.

Y.      POLICY FOR RANKING OF GRADUATING SENIORS FOR 1995-96 FRESHMEN AND THEREAFTER

(1)  The ranking of graduating seniors shall be based on  weighted GPA. The GPA will be calculated and rounded to 4 decimal places beginning in 2012-2013.

(2)  All credits attempted after middle school graduation shall count in calculating a student’s total quality points earned.  (Note: A maximum of 28 units will be used for ranking procedures.  In the case of a student having more than 28 units accumulated, the 15 required core curriculum units and 13 elective units (student’s choice) will be used to total quality points earned.  This method of calculation will no longer be used after the 2011-2012 sch ool year, the student’s weighted GPA shall be used.  Units earned through special programs in which grades are assigned and which units are accepted by the school shall be considered in the ranking of students.  Examples:  homebound, summer school, home     study, correspondence study courses and college courses for which high school credit is given in accordance with Bulletin 741, not to exceed 10 one-half units to be eligible for ranking.  This method of calculation will no longer be used after the 2011-2012 school year, the student’s weighted GPA shall be used.

JJ.     Attendance Recovery

(1)  In order to receive grades, high school students shall be in attendance a minimum of 163 days or equivalent a school year.

(2)  The present Avoyelles Parish school calendar consists of 176 school days. In order to comply with the provisions of paragraph JJ, 1 above, a high school student missing more than 13 days of school in any course in which he/she is enrolled shall not receive credit for that course.

Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Education Committee recommended to approve the revisions as presented.  MOTION CARRIED.

The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

James Gauthier, Chairman

Education Committee

It was pointed out by Member Cindy Hill that the grading scale for Honors courses (Grades 7-12), as stated in the Education Committee Report was inaccurate.  The Board agreed to revise the minutes to reflect the corrected grading scale.

On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gauthier.  MOTION CARRIED.

7. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the Board regarding adoption of millage rates for 2011.

Resolution by Freeman Ford, seconded by Darrell Wiley:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the following millage(s) are hereby levied on the 2011 tax roll on all property subject to taxation by the Avoyelles Parish School Board:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the proper administrative officials of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana, be and they are hereby empowered, authorized, and directed to spread said taxes, as herein above set forth, upon the assessment roll of said Parish for the year 2011, and to make the collection of taxes imposed for and on behalf of the taxing authority, according to law, and that the taxes herein levied shall become a permanent lien and privilege on all property subject to taxation as herein set forth, and collection thereof shall be enforceable in the manner provided by law.

The foregoing resolution was read in full, the roll was called on the adoption thereof, and the resolution was adopted by the following votes:

Yeas:  Freeman Ford, Darrell Wiley, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Michael Lacombe, James Gauthier, Rev. Mary Hayward-Jones, Van Kojis, and Cynthia Hill.

Nays:  None. Abstained: None.

Absent:  Sheila Blackman-Dupas.

8. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a report on a public hearing on the budget.

Report on Public Hearing on the Budget

A public hearing was held at 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, August 2, 2011, at the School Board Office for the purpose of reviewing the 2011-2012 General Fund and Special Revenue Fund Budgets.

Persons in attendance were Van Kojis, President; Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Vice-President; Darrell Wiley, Board Member; Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent; and Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance.

There were no opposition or questions.

On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board adopted the report as presented. MOTION CARRIED.

BUDGET RESOLUTION

The following resolution was offered by Carlos A. Mayeux and seconded by Michael Lacombe:

A resolution adopting, finalizing and implementing the General  Fund  and  the  Special Revenue Fund Budgets of the Avoyelles Parish School Board for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2011 and ending June 30, 2012.

Whereas, Dwayne A. Lemoine, in his capacity as chief administrative officer of the Avoyelles Parish School Board prepared, with the assistance of Mary L. Bonnette, CPA, Director of Business Services, a proposed General Fund and Special Revenue Fund Budgets for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2011 and ending June 30, 2012, which was accompanied by a budget adoption resolution; and

Whereas, the proposed General Fund and Special Revenue Fund Budgets and the accompanying budget adoption resolution have been submitted to this School Board for review and consideration; and

Whereas, notice of a public hearing on the proposed General Fund and Special Revenue Fund Budgets, notice of the availability of the proposed budgets for review at such hearing and a general summary of the proposed budgets have been timely published in The Weekly News; and

Whereas, a public hearing on the proposed General Fund and Special Revenue Fund Budgets has now been reviewed and considered; now

Therefore, Be It Resolved by the School Board that the proposed General Fund and Special Revenue Fund Budgets is hereby approved, adopted, and finalized subject to the following changes.

Be It Further Resolved, that the Secretary-Treasurer of the School Board, Dwayne A. Lemoine, or his successor, is hereby authorized and in his sole discretion, to make such changes within the various budget classifications as he may deem necessary provided that any reallocation of funds affecting in excess of five percent (5%) of the projected revenue collections must be approved in advance by action of the School Board at a meeting duly noticed and convened.

Be It Further Resolved, that the Superintendent of the School Board, Dwayne A. Lemoine, or his successor, in his capacity as chief administrative officer of the School Board, is hereby directed to advise the School Board in writing when:

1)  Total  revenues  collections  and  other  sources  plus  projected  revenues  and  other sources for the remainder of the year, within a fund are failing to meet total budgeted revenues and other sources by five percent (5%) or more.

2)  Total expenditures and other uses plus projected expenditures and other uses for the remainder of the year, within a fund, are exceeding the total budgeted expenditures and other uses by five percent (5%) or more, or

3)  The actual beginning fund balance, within a fund, fails to meet the estimated beginning fund balance by five percent (5%) or more, and the fund balance is being used to fund current year expenditures.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary-Treasurer of the School Board, Dwayne A. Lemoine, or his successor, shall certify completion of all actions required by Louisiana R.S. 39:1306 by publishing a notice of the minutes of the meeting in The Weekly News.

This resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:

Yeas:  Freeman Ford, Darrell Wiley, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Michael Lacombe, James Gauthier, Rev. Mary Hayward-Jones, Van Kojis, and Cynthia Hill.

Nays: None. Abstaining: None.

Absent: Sheila Blackman-Dupas.

The Board also adopted the Consolidated Budget, as follows:

9. Mr. Freeman Ford, Board Member, discussed the article, “A View from the Board” printed in The Marksville Weekly News.

Board Member Ford expressed concern regarding the title of the article printed in The Marksville Weekly News.  Mr. Ford stated that the article is contradictory because it does not include the way each member may vote and he is being questioned as to his vote on specific items. He further stated that Mr. Gauthier has the right to publish his article in   the paper as an individual, but not as the entire Board.

Mr. Garland Foreman, Editor of The Bunkie Record stated that the title of the article indicates “A” member which means one person’s view from the Board.

Board Member James Gauthier discussed the matter and advised that he will continue to write the article and will change the title to “A View from a Board Member”.

10. Mr. Craig Foster, Assistant Superintendent, addressed the Board regarding the Opening Day Staff Development Day scheduled for Wednesday, August 10, 2011, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the Marksville High School Auditorium. Mr. Foster stated that the guest speaker Mr. Dennis S. Brown.

Mr. Foster invited all Board members to attend the district-wide Staff Development Workshop.

11. On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board granted permission to advertise for the position of paraprofessionals. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
    
    

12. On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board granted  permission to renew an administrative contract for Randy Littleton, Supervisor of Elementary Education, effective September 1, 2011 through August 31, 2013.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
    
    

13. On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board granted  permission to renew an administrative contract for Wendy Adams, Principal of Cottonport Elementary School, effective September 8, 2011 through September 7, 2013.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
    
    

14. On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board granted permission to renew an administrative contract for Denise Sayes, Principal of Lafargue Elementary School, effective September 8, 2011 through September 7, 2013.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
    
    

15. On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board granted permission to renew an administrative contract for Anita Bonnette, Assistant Principal of Bunkie Elementary School, effective October 6, 2011 through October 5, 2013. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
    
    

16. On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board granted permission to renew administrative an administrative contract for Nathan P. Laborde, Assistant Principal of Cottonport Elementary School, effective September 15, 2011 through September 14, 2013. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
    
    

17. On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Cynthia “Cindy” Hill, the Board granted permission to renew an administrative contract for Wendy Marchand, Assistant Principal of Marksville Elementary School, effective September 20, 2011 through September 19, 2013. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
    
    

18. On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board granted permission to renew an administrative contract for Sharice D. Sullivan, Assistant Principal of Lafargue Elementary School, effective September 15, 2011 through September 14, 2013.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
    
    

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

PERSONNEL CHANGES

BUNKIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:  Appointment of Shelia McGlory, food service technician, effective July 25, 2011, replacing Christine Dauzat who transferred to Marksville High School; appointment of Naomi Clark, R.N., effective July 18, 2011 (Title XIX funding); and appointment of Chrissy Grayson, physical education teacher, effective August 1, 2011 through May 31, 2012.

LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Karen Ducote, Literacy Interventionist (SIP Grant) from Bunkie High School to Literacy Interventionist (IDEA B), effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012; Correction: Transfer of Jessica Hayes, NCPS paraprofessional to general fund paraprofessional, effective August 10, 2011 to May 25, 2012; and transfer of Gloria Andrews, food service technician, from Marksville High School, effective August 10, 2011, replacing Debra Jones who resigned.

MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Angel G. Guidroz, teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012; and appointment of Adrinne L. Eagins, teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012.

RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Kelli C. Weber, R.N., effective August 1, 2011 (Title XIX funding); appointment of Micah L. Bordelon, (TAT) teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through December 23, 2011; and resignation of Dani L. Marsh, teacher, effective at the end of the day August 9, 2011.

AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Patrick B. Kelly, teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012; appointment of Jon-Erik Price, (TAT) teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through December 23, 2011; appointment of Richie Johnson, teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012; appointment of Bryan P. Dupas, (TAT) teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through December 23, 2011; resignation of Fabian Barbin, band teacher, effective August 9, 2011; and transfer of Bonnie Johnson, food service technician, from Marksville High School, effective August 10, 2011, replacing Eleanor McKinley who retired.

BUNKIE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Alaina J. Sampson, (TAT) teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through December 23, 2011; appointment of Solomon Shorter, teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012; appointment of Celeste Dauzat, teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012; appointment of Beth P. Ducote, teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012; transfer/appointment of John W. McGee, from special education teacher to regular education teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012; appointment of Melinda Descant, teacher (4.5/7 time), effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012; appointment of Marvin L. Hall, Dean of Students, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012; appointment of Geoffrey N. Reed, (retired) teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through December 23, 2011;  resignation of Dodi McKey, teacher, effective August 9, 2011.

LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Resignation of Cheyenne J. Guillory, teacher, effective July 25, 2011; and transfer of Synobia Jackson, food service technician, from Marksville Elementary School, effective August 10, 2011, replacing Alice Friels who retired.

MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Henry Hunter, (TAT) teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through December 23, 2011; appointment of Jessica Nosacka, (TAT) FACS teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through December 23, 2011; appointment of Garland Desselle, (retired) teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through December 23, 2011; appointment of E.J. Ducote, (retired) teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through October 27, 2011, replacing Benny Brouillette while on leave; appointment of Rufus Johnson, (retired) teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through December 23, 2011; transfer of Christine Dauzat, food service technician, from Bunkie Elementary School, effective August 10, 2011, replacing Gloria Andrews who transferred to Lafargue Elementary School; and appointment of Ericka Thornton, food service technician, effective August 10, 2011, replacing Bonnie Johnson who transferred to Avoyelles High School.

APAS:  Transfer/appointment of Susie O’Brien, handicapped infant teacher, from Bunkie Elementary School, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012; and transfer/appointment of Erika Juneau, school-wide in-school suspension mentor at APAS to itinerant district-wide in-school suspension mentor, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012.

ADDENDUM(S)

8/2/2011

COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Audrey Poisso, (TAT) teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through December 23, 2011, replacing Krystal Myrick who resigned;  and resignation of Krystal Myrick, teacher, effective August 1, 2011.

LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Madonna Bennett, bus aide, effective August 15, 2011, replacing Cora T. Guillot who resigned.

MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Monica Nicholson, teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012, replacing Jolaina Guillory who resigned; and resignation of Jolaina Guillory, teacher, effective August 1, 2011.

PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of James Ellington, (TAT) special education teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through December 23, 2011.

RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Danielle Hays, teacher, effective August 2, 2011.

AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Brandon J. Legnion, band director, effective August 20, 2011 through May 25, 2012; and appointment of Bessie Bannister, (retired) Media Specialist, effective August 10, 2011 through December 23, 2011.

BUNKIE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Diana Sheppard, (retired) teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through December 23, 2011.

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

MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Joe M. Ponthieux, teacher, effective August 10, 2011 through May 25, 2012.

AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD DISTRICT-WIDE: Resignation of Sue White, R.N., School Nurse Coordinator, effective October 3, 2011, for the purpose of retirement.

On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. the Board adopted the personnel changes as presented.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

20. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine recognized Mr. Edward Conway, bus driver in the Avoyelles Parish school district.

Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Transportation Supervisor, stated that Mr. Conway was named 2011

Bus Driver of the Year by Property Casualty Alliance of Louisiana.  A representative of PCAL presented a certificate and  jacket  to Mr. Conway for this achievement. He also was presented with a plaque and a check in the amount of $100.00 for his Statewide recognition.

On behalf of the Board, President Van Kojis commended Mr. Conway on this honor.

21. President Van Kojis requested permission to place a matter on the agenda under miscellaneous business for consideration concerning the student accidental insurance policy 2011-2012.

On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Board agreed to add the item under miscellaneous business.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

President Kojis requested permission that the Board renew the current Student Accidental Insurance Policy for 2011-2012.

On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Board granted the renewal of the current Student Accidental Insurance Policy in the amount of $90,000 for 2011-2012 with First Insurance/Regions/Bollinger.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

22. Miscellaneous business:

a)     Board Member James Gauthier requested that Mr. Dexter Compton, Principal of Bunkie Elementary School, present  an update report regarding the start of the new school year.

Mr. Compton stated that the school is running smoothly.

b)    Mr. Howard Desselle addressed the Board with his concerns of the Avoyelles Parish school system concerning African American students scoring lower than other students. He questioned the percentage of enrollment in the school system.

Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine stated that this district is as close to be racially balanced as most districts in the nation.

Mr. Desselle asked the intentions of the School Board to address the students who have special needs in order to help teach, show them role models in schools, and plans for an Upward Bound Program that can reach these children in the community.

Superintendent Lemoine stated that the schools offer remediation programs and the services of the Kennedy Center in four locations. These programs are free with no costs and are Federally funded programs, however, he stated that there is poor participation. Superintendent Lemoine stated that he would like to challenge our community, the businesses and our religious leaders of the community to step up to the plate and help us make a difference this school year. Mr. Lemoine further stated that strong parent support is greatly needed also.

Assistant Superintendent Craig Foster stated that he would like to take the challenge and requested permission from the Board to communicate with local universities and create a partnership for the Upward Bound Program.

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