SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, November 1, 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, Lizzie Ned, Michael Lacombe, and Cynthia “Cindy” Hill.
Absent: None.
An Invocation was offered by Reverend Mary Hayward-Jones.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America led by Board Member Darrell Wiley.
Assistant District Attorney James T. Lee administered an Oath of Office to newly-elected Board Member Lizzie Ned, District 6.
Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented a plaque to out-going Board Member Rev. Mary Hayward-Jones. On behalf of the Board, Mr. Lemoine expressed his thanks to Rev. Jones for her outstanding service and dedication for serving on the Board from January 18, 2011 to October 31, 2011.
Reverend Mary Hayward-Jones thanked God, the public, all the members of the School Board, President Van Kojis, Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine, and Assistant Superintendent Craig Foster for their assistance during her tenure in office.
A motion was offered by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, that the Board adopt the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, October 4, 2011, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board.
The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Darrel Wiley, James Gauthier, Van Kojis, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Lizzie Ned, Michael Lacombe, and Cynthia “Cindy” Hill.
Nays: Freeman Ford. (Mr. Ford was not in favor of adopting the minutes pertaining to Item Number 9 only of the minutes of the Board meeting held Tuesday, October 4, 2011.
Nays: Shelia Blackman-Dupas.
Ms. Shelia Blackman Dupas stated that the minutes, as printed, did not reflect what actually took place at the meeting. Ms. Dupas also stated that she informed President Van Kojis of her reasons for leaving that meeting.
Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine recognized Students of the Month and each Board member presented a plaque to each student, as follows:
Mr. Freeman Ford presented a plaque to Alyssa Jones, Marksville High School; Mr. Darrell Wiley presented a plaque to Breanna Wyatt, Lafargue Elementary School; Mr. James Gauthier presented a plaque to Patrick Augustine, LaSAS; Ms. Shelia Blackman Dupas presented a plaque to Delberonia Griffin, Riverside Elementary School; Mr. Michael Lacombe presented a plaque to Ali Smith, Cottonport Elementary School; Mr.Michael Lacombe presented a plaque to Kamron Johnson, Plaucheville Elementary School; and Ms. Cynthia “Cindy” Hill presented a plaque to Gabriella Desselles, Marksville Elementary School.
President Van Kojis presented a plaque to the principal of Bunkie Elementary School on behalf of Kaleb Dobbins, who was not present; and Mrs. Lizzie Ned presented a plaque to the principal of Bunkie High School on behalf of Ricky Hayes.
A short biography was read detailing accomplishments of each student.
On behalf of the Board, President Van Kojis commended the students on their accomplishments.
Ms. Carolyn Hill and Dr. Jim Guillory, Candidates for Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, addressed the Board regarding their platform for the upcoming election.
Ms. Hill briefly discussed her educational background, and her main reasons for her candidacy in this election. She stated that statistics show that Louisiana ranks 49th in the nation on education. She stated that this cannot continue and changes must be implemented in order to improve education in the State of Louisiana. She stated she is a strong advocate for early childhood education, and believes that if additional funding is placed into early childhood education, our generation of children can be saved. Ms. Hill stated that our children deserve better education and a quality education. She further stated that we need to empower our educators and empower parents so they are able to empower our students.
Dr. Jim Guillory presented a written summary for the Board’s review. He stated that he is in agreement with all issues presented by Ms. Carolyn Hill. Dr. Guillory stated that his goal will be to review the money coming into and out of the state and where this money is being allocated. He expressed the importance of these funds which are needed in order to achieve certain goals in delivering a quality education to our children. Dr. Guillory stated that BESE was created in 1984 to do things for the public educational system and to provide equal opportunity for all children in this state. His goal will be to prioritize funding for universal Pre-K to fourth grade programs designed to prepare young children for improved academic achievement. Also, Dr. Guillory stated that he would address the negative impact of discipline and large class issues as correlated to School Performance Scores and grades defining failing schools.
On behalf of the Board, President Van Kojis thanked Ms. Hill and Dr. Guillory for their presentation.
Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine on behalf of Mrs. Sharon Hargis, Food Service Supervisor, stated that the Avoyelles School Nutrition Association was awarded a Gold Award and President’s Award.
Also, Superintendent Lemoine reported that Bunkie Elementary School was recognized for 100% membership in the Avoyelles School Nutrition Association and thanked Mrs. Joanne Davis and her entire staff.
Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine addressed the Board regarding the “Educational Support Initiative”.
Superintendent Lemoine stated that he would like to remind the public of the upcoming election to be held on November 19, 2011. Mr. Lemoine stated that this Board has asked that tax issues be placed on the ballot in support of a salary increase for all employees of the district in order to improve the Avoyelles Parish public school system. Superintendent Lemoine strongly encouraged public support.
Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a resolution for the Board’s consideration authorizing the Louisiana State Mineral and Energy Board and the Office of Mineral Resources to accept nominations, advertise for, accept and award bids, and execute all oil, gas, and mineral leases, as follows:
Resolution
Be It Resolved that pursuant to a public notice, a regularly scheduled meeting of the Avoyelles Parish School Board was held on the 1st day of November, 2011, at 5:00 o’clock p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Central Office, Marksville, Louisiana, where the following resolution, upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, and passed, was adopted, to-wit to include all School Board lands for mineral leases.
Be It Resolved that the Avoyelles Parish School Board has determined that it is the owner of mineral interests in and under immovable property described in Exhibit “A”, hereto and made a part hereof;
Be It Further Resolved that the Avoyelles Parish School Board has determined that it desires to take advantage of LSA R.S. 30:152 (A), et seq, to authorize the Louisiana State Mineral and Energy Board to nominate the property described in Exhibit “A” for the state agency lease;
Be It Further Resolved that the Avoyelles Parish School Board, in legal session convened, that it does hereby direct and authorize the Louisiana State Mineral and Energy Board and the Office of Mineral Resources to accept nominations, advertise for, accept and award bids, and execute all oil, gas and mineral leases pertaining to the immovable property listed on Exhibit “A”, and additional conditions, minimum bonuses and rental on Exhibit “B”.
The motion was unanimously adopted by the Board.
Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented requests for overnight travel for the Board’s consideration.
On motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by Cynthia “Cindy” Hill, the Board approved the request for overnight travel as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
October 11, 2011
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, October 11, 2011, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas and Ms. Cindy Hill were absent. Also present were James Gauthier, Board Member; and Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance.
1) Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Van Kojis, the Finance Committee recommended to approve requests for overnight travel as presented by Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine. MOTION CARRIED.
2) Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the Finance Committee regarding approval of a contract concerning OPEB (Other Post Employment Benefits) contribution.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Michael Lacombe the Finance Committee recommended to enter into a contract with Fontenot Benefits and Actuarial Consulting in the amount of $7500 to provide the actuarial calculation for OPEB (Other Post Employment Benefits). MOTION CARRIED.
3) Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Van Kojis, the Finance Committee recommended to approve Form R-1020 for construction of the LaSAS multi-purpose building (Designation of Construction Contractor as Agent of a Governmental Entity and Exemption Certificate - Louisiana Department of Revenue). MOTION CARRIED.
4) The Finance Committee discussed insurance coverage for the contractor for LaSAS multi-purpose building.
The committee agreed to make no changes in the current insurance requirements as per the District Attorney’s recommendation.
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 James Gauthier, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Freeman Ford, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
October 11, 2011
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, October 11, 2011, at 5:00 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 was Cindy Hill, Board Member.
1) Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine addressed the Executive Committee regarding pre-expulsion procedures, as follows:
Pre-Expulsion Procedures
When a student has committed an offense which deems for a recommendation of expulsion to made, the following pre-expulsion procedures are to be adhered to:
(1) An initial investigation is to be conducted with due process provided to all students involved.
(2) After a determination has been made from the initial investigation, initiate sanctions as soon as possible. If the sanction is to recommend expulsion, inform the student of your decision.
(3) Call parents to advise them of your recommendation for expulsion and allow them to know why and how you made your decision. If it is possible, this may also be done in a parent meeting.
(4) Provide parents with the Assigned to AVAP form provided to you. This form will allow the parent to be informed of the student’s assignment to AVAP in order for educational services to continue. Have parent(s) and/or student(s) to sign the form and keep a copy for your records.
(5) Within 2 days, parents are to be mailed a letter of notification by certified mail. The letter must include the date, time and location of the expulsion hearing as well as the offense committed by the student. Reasonable notification is critical to the process. If for some reason, you did not provide reasonable notification, please contact the Child Welfare and Attendance Supervisor to reschedule the expulsion hearing.
(6) The letter should also include the school’s contact information in order to call to reschedule the expulsion if the date/time conflicts with the parent’s schedule. Be flexible.
(7) The green card from the certified mail should be returned to you by the post office before the expulsion hearing. The green card should be present in the packet for the hearing.
(8) The day before the hearing, the parents need to be contacted as a reminder of pending hearing.
It is imperative that these steps be followed to ensure proper notification to parents for AVAP assignment and for the date/time of the expulsion hearing. If at any time, reasonable notification has not been conducted, the hearing will be postponed until the notification may be delivered in a timely manner.
Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Executive Committee recommended that the Board accept the district’s pre-expulsion procedure. MOTION CARRIED.
2) Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented information to the committee regarding summer school.
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by James Gauthier, the Executive Committee recommended to accept the recommendation for Summer School. MOTION CARRIED.
3) Assistant Superintendent Craig Foster addressed the Executive Committee regarding the Dress Code Policy for Employees.
Employee Dress Code Policy
A Dress Code Committee met Monday, October 10, 2011, at 1:30 p.m. at the School Board Office for the purpose of reviewing the current Employee Dress Code policy.
The committee recommended the following changes:
|
Current Policy |
Proposed Revisions |
|
(1) Appropriate sleeveless dresses/blouses are allowed. |
Addition: “No see throughs” Recommended change: Appropriate sleeveless dresses/blouses are allowed (no see throughs). |
|
(2) Skorts, Capri type pants, cropped pants, and culottes, and other similar attire are allowed. Walking shorts may be worn at or below knee length when standing. |
Deletion: “skorts”
Deletion: “walking shorts may be worn at or below knee length when standing” |
|
(3) Short pants of any type are unacceptable. |
No change |
|
(5) Physical education teachers are allowed to wear coaching shorts only during such times as they are actually instructing students in physical education. Other than physical education instruction, physical education teachers are required to wear warm-ups or trousers. Physical education teachers are allowed to wear tennis shoes. |
Deletion: “coaching”
Addition: “at or below knee level” Addition: “ or performing related duties” Deletion: “physical education teachers are allowed to wear tennis shoes” Recommended change: Physical education teachers are allowed to wear shorts at or below knee level only during such times as they are actually instructing students in physical education or performing related duties. Other than physical education instruction, physical education teachers are required to wear appropriate outer wear. |
|
(4) Sweat suits, wind suits, and jogging suits are now allowed. |
No change |
|
(6) Due to the nature of their jobs and for safety reasons, agriculture teachers and industrial arts teachers may wear blue denim jeans. |
No change |
|
(7) Male teachers are encouraged to wear neckties. |
No change |
|
(8) Dress shirts without collars are acceptable. |
No change |
|
(9) Casual or dress shoes must be worn by all employees. Beach type flip-flops, swim shoes, house shoes, slippers, crocs, or tennis shoes are not appropriate for any employee. |
Deletion: “tennis shoes” |
|
(10) Employees must wear appropriate footwear with all shoes (knee highs, socks, etc.) |
Deletion: “knee highs, socks, etc.” |
|
(11) Leggings are acceptable only under skirts, dresses, or trousers (never as the outer garment). |
Addition: “not”
Deletion: “only under skirts, dresses, or trousers (never as the outer garment) |
|
(12) Support personnel who work with special needs students are allowed to wear scrubs. |
No change |
|
(13) School nurses will wear nurse uniforms. |
No change |
|
(14) Food service employees will wear food service uniforms. |
No change |
|
(15) Bus drives, bus attendants, maintenance personnel, and custodians are allowed to wear walking shorts, shirts, coveralls, jumpsuits, blue denim jeans, and tennis shoes. Walking shorts must be worn at or below knee length when standing. |
No change |
|
(16) Spirit shirts/t-shirts are acceptable on days designated by the principal. Blue denim jeans and tennis shoes are also acceptable on days designated by the principal. |
Addition: “without holes” |
|
(17) Opening and closing days (without students) are designated as casual days by district-level management. |
No change |
|
(18) All substitutes (in any capacity) shall be subject to the employee dress code |
No change |
Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by James Gauthier, the Executive Committee recommended that the Board accept the changes to the Dress Code Policy. MOTION CARRIED.
4) Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine reviewed the Discipline Handbook.
The Executive Committee did not take any action.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Freeman Ford, Chairman
Executive Committee
Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas stated that under the Pre-Expulsion Procedures (Item Number 1) it does not specify the number of days there will be between the date in which the suspendable offense occurred and the date that the hearing will be set. She requested that guidelines be added to the Pre-Expulsion Procedures to ensure consistency.
Mr. Robby Gaspard, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, stated the time period is seven to ten days. This time will allow sufficient time to properly notify the parents. He stated that this time period will also include any suspendable offense involving drug related matters and pending analysis results and/or toxicology reports.
Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas questioned Item Number 2. She stated that the content of the report only states information presented regarding summer school. Ms. Dupas stated that specific information should be included into the minutes, and that the minutes can become legal documents. Ms. Dupas further stated that proper information is not being provided in the reports.
Superintendent Lemoine advised that on this issue the location of summer school was presented. Mr. Lemoine further stated that summer school will be held at three different sites, namely, at each high school site to serve the attendance zones.
On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Board adopted Items 1 through 3 of the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Ford. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Board Member Freeman Ford addressed the Board regarding Item Number 4 regarding the Discipline Handbook. Mr. Ford stated that he would like to offer a motion to recommend changes to the Discipline Handbook. It was pointed out that since Mr. Ford serves as Chairman of the Executive Committee, he could not offer a motion at this time.
Mr. Ford requested that the superintendent’s secretary research previous minutes indicating where some members on the Board were allowed to bring up matters regarding an issue after adopting the report. Mr. Ford further stated that upon receipt of this information, he will return to the Board and request that all matters be rescinded because he is not being allowed to offer a motion at this time.
Mr. Ford stated that in view of the fact that this item is on the committee report, it is automatically on the agenda. He said that he would like to make the motion that he attempted to make at the committee meeting.
Mr. Garland Forman, Editor of The Bunkie Record, and Mr. Ford began a lengthy discussion on this matter. Mr. Forman questioned whether it would be legal to add this item without notifying other members of the Board.
President Van Kojis stated that he would allow Mr. Ford to bring present his motion during miscellaneous business, with a unanimous vote as the rules states.
On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board recommends the adoption of Item Number 4 of the Executive Committee Report.
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 and Shelia Blackman-Dupas.
Abstained: Lizzie Ned
Mr. Freeman Ford requested that Item Number 4 concerning the Discipline Handbook be added to the next agenda for discussion.
Mr. Michael Lacombe, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
October 18, 2011
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, October 18, Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented an update report 2011, at 4:30 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 and Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Board Members; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; and James Lee, Assistant District Attorney.
1) Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a bid-opening committee report on leasing of Bayou Natchitoches.
Report of the Bid-Opening
On Tuesday, October 11, 2011, at 1:30 p.m., a bid-opening committee met for the purpose of receiving bids for the leasing of the Sixteenth Section lands, namely “Bayou Natchitoches”. Members serving on the committee were: Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jamie Lacombe, Accountant; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
The committee did not receive any bids.
Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Cindy Hill, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to re-bid the Bayou Natchitoches section with a lower minimum bid of $15 per acre. MOTION CARRIED.
2) Mr. James Lee, Assistant District Attorney, presented an update report on Section 16 land.
3) Chairman Michael Lacombe addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding an update on buildings not in use, update on land that is being rented out to ensure that they are kept clean, and update on construction projects ongoing.
Mr. Steve Marcotte presented information to the committee regarding each of these issues.
4) Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented an update report of on-going construction projects. The Building and Lands Committee accepted the adoption of his report.
5) Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. addressed the committee regarding the relocation of Mansura Middle School football lights and bleachers to Avoyelles High School.
6) Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a bid-opening committee report on the LaSAS Gymnasium, as follows:
|
Name of Company |
Total Amount |
|
F. Phillips Construction |
$1,060,000 |
|
Lanco Construction |
$1,019,300 |
|
Larwood Construction |
$1,065,118 |
|
M.D. Descant, Incorporated |
$ 909,669 |
|
Migues Deloach Company |
$ 905,400 |
|
Phillip Mayo Construction |
$ 975,700 |
Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Cindy Hill, the Building and Lands Committee recommended that the Board accept the low bid submitted by Migues Deloach Company in the total amount of $905,400. MOTION CARRIED.
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 Cynthia “Cindy” Hill, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
October 18, 2011
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, October 18, 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 Rev. Mary Hayward-Jones, Michael Lacombe, and Cynthia Hill, Board Members; and Susan Welch and Randy Littleton, Supervisors.
1) Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine reviewed textbook purchasing procedures.
Mr. Randy Littleton, Supervisor of Elementary Education, and Mrs. Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education, addressed the committee regarding textbooks. It was stated that the Board allotted $240,000 for the 2011-2012 school year for textbook purchases. These funds are distributed to the school on a per pupil basis. Mr. Littleton stated that all elementary schools indicated that they had enough textbooks for each child to have his/her own copy of the text with the exception of the newest edition of the Science book. For this book, class sets are available for most grades, and are used during instruction, but any work that needs to be completed at home is assigned from the older edition.
Mrs. Welch stated that secondary schools indicated that they purchased class sets of textbooks, and that each school had a procedure in place for students to check-out textbooks for use at home as needed.
The committee did not take any action.
2) Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine reviewed School Performance Scores.
Mr. Randy Littleton, Supervisor of Elementary Education, and Mrs. Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education, presented a presentation to the Education Committee to help clarify how School Performance Scores are calculated for the schools. This includes information on assessment index scores, attendance index scores, drop-out scores and graduation cohort rates. It was shown how the SPS calculation differs from the elementary to the secondary. Included in this presentation was information on the recently released value-added information for our district and letter grades that are now being used for schools.
The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
James Gauthier, Chairman
Education Committee
On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Darrel Wiley, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Robby Gaspard, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, presented a report of the Expulsion Appeal Committee.
Mr. Gaspard stated that Expulsion Appeal Committee will be composed of three board members (which will rotate each month) to meet and hear the appeal of the parent. This meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. on the Thursday before the first Board meeting of the month. The student, parent, any counsel of choice, and the Child Welfare and Attendance Supervisor shall be present at the appeal hearing. The committee, after hearing all evidence from both sides, will vote to uphold, reject or modify the decision of the Superintendent. After the vote has been made the committee will present to the entire Board their recommendation(s). All decisions will be made on a student-by-student basis.
Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas stated that the Federal guidelines require that the appeal be made before the whole Board. She requested that the Superintendent research the Federal guidelines as pertains to expulsion appeals.
Mr. Freeman Ford expressed concern regarding the time frame. He questioned the reason that the Board members could not go directly from the Superintendents’ decision, which is the practice that the Board has adhered to in previous years. He stated that if someone would decide to appeal the child’s expulsion, that would give the three members advanced notice that the whole Board would not have. Mr. Ford further stated that is not fair to have three members who would have prior knowledge of what happened at the hearing.
Mr. Robby Gaspard suggested that the policy be brought before the committee, reviewed and make adjustments if needed.
Superintendent Lemoine advised that as a reminder, it will take the entire Board to review and change the current policy. Mr. Lemoine suggested that due to time limitations that the Board review the current policy which states that an appeal hearing is to be heard on the Thursday before the full Board meets, which creates a substantial amount of time between the request.
Superintendent Lemoine stated that according to the policy, once the committee hears the appeal they make the recommendation to the full Board to either uphold, object or modify the superintendent’s decision. The Board’s decision shall be made on a student-by-student basis.
Mr. Freeman Ford offered a motion that any further action of this committee be tabled pending further study and review. After further discussion, Mr. Ford withdrew his motion.
Mr. Michael Lacombe offered a motion for modification of expulsion appeals. The motion died for lack of a second.
Mr. Ford stated this was asking members who were not on an Expulsion Appeal Committee to make a decision and feels this matter should be brought before the full Board.
President Van Kojis stated that all issues require more research.
Superintendent Lemoine recommended that the Board take a recess, allow the three committee members to meet, then bring back a recommendation to the Board. Mr. Lemoine stated that these parents involved have followed the proper policy guidelines provided to them in the current policy. He stated committee members were to bring a recommendation to the Board according to the policy currently in place and the Board is to either uphold, reject, or modify the committee’s recommendation.
On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board granted a short recess to allow the committee members an opportunity to meet and review the appeal and a recommendation to be brought before the Board.
The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Van Kojis, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Lizzie Ned, Michael Lacombe and Cynthia “Cindy” Hill.
Nay: Freeman Ford
After a short recess by committee members of the Expulsion Appeals Committee, the following recommendation was presented to the Board:
A motion was offered by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Cynthia “Cindy” Hill, that the Board approve the recommendation made by the Expulsion Appeal Committee members as to “Student A” that the previous exculpation penalty be modified and that the additional fifty eight days of remaining probation to be reduced .
Mr. James Gauthier questioned the committee as to the reasons for the request for modification of these penalties.
Mr. Michael Lacombe stated that this student did make a mistake, has admitted to making that mistake and deserves a second chance. Mr. Lacombe stated that after meeting with this student and her parent, she has maintained a good record of attendance, behavioral improvement and maintains good grades.
Ms. Cynthia “Cindy” Hill stated the committee’s recommendation is based on the individual student and the individual incident.
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 and Lizzie Ned.
Abstained: Shelia Blackman-Dupas
A motion was offered by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Cynthia “Cindy” Hill, that the Board approve the recommendation made by the Expulsion Appeal Committee members as to “Student B” that the previous exculpation penalty be modified and the additional fifty eight days of remaining probation be reduced.
Mr. Michael Lacombe added that after consideration and speaking to this student and her parent, she has maintained a good record of attendance, behavioral improvement, and maintained her grades. Mr. Lacombe stated that he feels this student should be given the opportunity for a second chance.
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 and Lizzie Ned.
Abstained: Shelia Blackman-Dupas
On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board granted permission to advertise for the position of School Nurse Coordinator. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented personnel changes for the Board’s consideration, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Faye Juneau, (retired) teacher, effective October 20, 2011 through December 2, 2011, replacing Kayla Laborde while on leave; appointment of Stevie Melise Newton, teacher, effective December 5, 2011 through April 27, 2012, replacing Kayla Laborde while on leave; and appointment of Arsane Gautro, bus attendant, effective November 2, 2011, replacing Judy Dauzat who resigned.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Crystal Dixon, school secretary, effective November 9, 2011, replacing Wanda Christophe who transferred to the Central Office as Accounts Payable Data Clerk.
AVOYELLES VIRTUAL ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM: Transfer/appointment of Rufus Johnson, (retired) teacher, effective October 10, 2011 through December 23, 2011; and Correction in homebase appointment: Appointment of Tammy Lemoine, Transition Coordinator, effective September 19, 2011 through May 25, 2012.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of James D. Bailey, Jr., agriculture teacher, effective at the end of the day October 21, 2011; and appointment of Linda Daigrepont, paraprofessional, (ALPP), effective November 2, 2011 through May 25, 2012.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Appointment of Keri Desselle, paraprofessional, (ALPP), effective November 2, 2011 through May 25, 2012.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Charles J. Schurba, (retired) teacher, effective October 10, 2011 through December 23, 2011, replacing Rufus Johnson; and appointment of Carla Graham, paraprofessional, (ALPP), effective November 2, 2011 through May 25, 2012.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE: Transfer/appointment of Wanda Christophe, secretary at Riverside Elementary School, to Accounts Payable Data Clerk, effective November 9, 2011, replacing Shelly Dallmann who resigned.
ADDENDUM(S)
11/1/2011
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of George Buckner, teacher, effective August 17, 2011 through December 23, 2011, replacing Thomas Laborde.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE: Resignation of Wendy Coco, Payroll Clerk, effective December 31, 2011.
On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Board adopted the personnel changes as presented by Superintendent Lemoine. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
President Van Kojis called for a motion to consider a matter under miscellaneous business regarding advertising for a position in the Central Office.
On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board unanimously agreed to consider a matter under miscellaneous business.
The Board President called for public comment and there being none, on motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board agreed to advertise for the position of Payroll Clerk, effective December 31, 2011. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
There being no further business, on motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
VAN KOJIS, President
DWAYNE LEMOINE, Secretary-Treasurer