SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, January 3, 2012, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Freeman Ford, Darrell Wiley, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Lizzie Ned, Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, and Cynthia “Cindy” Hill.
Absent: None.
An Invocation was offered by Mr. Craig Foster, Assistant Superintendent of Schools.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America led by Board Member Lizzie Ned.
Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented a plaque to out-going Vice-President Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. and out-going President Van Kojis for serving for the period of January 4, 2011 through December 31, 2011. Mr. Mayeux and Mr. Kojis expressed their thanks to the Board and Superintendent for their assistance and cooperation in serving as Vice-President and President of the Board.
Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine advised the Board that the terms of office for the President and Vice-President of the Avoyelles Parish School Board had expired. He thanked outgoing President Van Kojis and outgoing Vice-President Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. on an outstanding job this past year. He then called for nominations for the office of President.
Mr. Darrell Wiley placed the name of James Gauthier in nomination for the office of President. The motion was seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr.
Mr. Freeman Ford placed the name of Lizzie Ned in nomination for the office of President. The motion was seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas.
No other nominations were made. On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board agreed to close nominations. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine requested that the Board members cast their votes for those nominated.
The vote was as follows:
Board members voting for Mr. Gauthier were: Van Kojis, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, and Cynthia "Cindy" Hill.
Board members voting for Mrs. Ned were: Freeman Ford, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and Lizzie Ned.
Mr. James Gauthier was declared President of the Board for a one-year term.
President James Gauthier called for nominations for the office of Vice-President. The motion was seconded by Van Kojis.
Ms. Cynthia "Cindy" Hill placed the name of Michael Lacombe in nomination for the office of Vice-President. The motion was seconded by Van Kojis.
No other nomination was made. On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Board agreed to close nominations.
The motion to appoint Michael Lacombe as Vice-President of the Board was voted upon as follows:
Ayes: Van Kojis, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, and Cynthia "Cindy" Hill.
Nays: Freeman Ford, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and Lizzie Ned.
Mr. Michael Lacombe was elected Vice-President of the Board for a one-year term.
Board Member Freeman Ford commented on the elections for the record. He stated that he has run for President 13 times, Shelia Blackman-Dupas ran once, and Lizzie Ned ran tonight. He believes that all of them meet the qualifications to hold office and serve in this capacity, but there is only one reason they have not been elected. He feels that “it smells and sends a bad signal” to the public. He feels the Board should work together, starting from the top. Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas asked each member and audience member to think about how the three minority board members feel at every school board election to not be elected. She felt the three members “are never even given the opportunity to try because obviously the requirement is to be white, and the number of years of experience, etc. does not matter.” Board Member Van Kojis reminded them that Lizzie Ned served as Vice-President some years ago. Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas stated she is not interested in the office of Vice-President; she wants to have a shot at being President and feels the minority members are not given this opportunity. Board Member Lizzie Ned remarked that two years ago she said the Board had a problem—there is no unity. She stated the members need to come together and make concrete decisions for the children, but the Board cannot do an effective job if there is division among the members. She asked the members to look at the needs of all of the children and not their color in order to do a successful job. She stated she is very displeased with the attitude of the Board. Board Member Cynthia "Cindy" Hill stated for the record that she feels both Mr. Gauthier and Ms. Ned are both qualified, but she voted tonight not on color but because she feels Mr. Gauthier is better qualified for the position.
Board Member Van Kojis offered a motion, seconded by Darrell Wiley, that the Board adopt the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, December 6, 2011, and the special Board meeting held Tuesday, December 13, 2011, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. The motion failed due to a correction by Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas. Ms. Dupas corrected a misquote from the regular Board meeting minutes whereas she referred to hiring employees with charges pending against them, not students as was published in the minutes. The motion was then offered again with the corrections noted. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Michael Lacombe, Board Member, read a resolution of respect to the late Anita Juneau, former teacher.
On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Anita Juneau. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mrs. Lizzie Ned, Board Member, read a resolution of respect to the late Mable O’Nishea, paraprofessional.
On motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Mable O’Nishea. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine recognized the Students of the Month and each Board member presented a plaque to each student, as follows:
Mr. Van Kojis presented a plaque to David Moore, Bunkie Elementary School; Mr. Michael Lacombe presented a plaque to Ayden Guidry, Cottonport Elementary School; Mr. Darrell Wiley presented a plaque to Blake Edwards, Lafargue Elementary School; Ms. Cynthia “Cindy” Hill presented a plaque to Jeremiah McKinley, Marksville Elementary School; Mr. Michael Lacombe presented a plaque to Ally Mills, Plaucheville Elementary School; Ms. Shelia Blackman Dupas presented a plaque to Terrious Mason, Riverside Elementary School; Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. presented a plaque to Caleb Jackson, Avoyelles High School; Mrs. Lizzie Ned presented a plaque to Izola Williams, Bunkie High School; Mr. James Gauthier presented a plaque to Karli Landry, LaSAS; and Mr. Freeman Ford presented a plaque to Ryan Barton, Marksville High School.
A short biography was read detailing accomplishments of each student.
On behalf of the Board, President James Gauthier commended the students on their accomplishments.
Mrs. Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education, addressed the Board regarding naming a Principal of the Year. Mrs. Welch recognized the 2012-2013 Principal of the Year, Ms. Debbie Bain, Principal of LaSAS. Ms. Bain thanked the Board and also expressed appreciation to all of the other principals and administrators and the faculty of LaSAS for their support. She will represent the Avoyelles Parish School Board and compete in regional and state competition later this year.
Superintendent Lemoine recognized the winners in the District 8 Speaking Contest held on December 15, 2011. All of these students will go on to compete at the state level. The winners are as follows:
Parliamentary Procedure:
First Place, LaSAS Blue; Second Place, LaSAS Gold; Third Place, Marksville; Fourth Place, LaSAS Jr. Blue; and Fifth Place, Mamou
Creed Speaking:
First Place, Cassidy Lemoine, LaSAS Blue; Second Place, Roark Gaspard, LaSAS Jr. Blue; and Third Place, Madeline Dauzat, LaSAS Jr. Gold
Extemporaneous Speaking:
First Place, Grant Rabalais, LaSAS Blue; Second Place, Mollie Chaix, LaSAS Jr. Blue
Mr. Keith Courville, representative with A+PEL, was recognized for the purpose of presenting a scholarship in the amount of $650.00 to Ms. Aimee Couvillion-Hayes, teacher at Plaucheville Elementary School.
Mr. Craig Foster, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, presented a report on school-wide discipline for the first semester of the 2011-2012 school year. The top three incidents reported at all schools (broken down by school, race, and gender) were willful disobedience, treating authority with disrespect, and skipping school/leaving without permission. Actions taken at the schools to combat these infractions were in-school suspensions, parent conferences, and out-of-school suspensions. Board Members Freeman Ford and Shelia Blackman-Dupas were concerned that a greater number of black students were referred for disciplinary action than white students, especially at the Bunkie schools. Mr. Foster and Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine pointed out that population-wise, the Bunkie schools have more black students than white. Mr. Foster also presented a transportation data report regarding bus suspensions for the months of November and December, 2011.
Mr. Craig Foster announced that the next Federal Court Hearing will be held on Friday, Items to be discussed include an intergovernmental agreement offered to the Avoyelles Parish School Board by the Bunkie City Council to allow the use of the Haas Auditorium by Bunkie Elementary School and Bunkie High School for school events since those two schools have no gymnasium. Mr. Charles Riddle, Board attorney, announced that the School Board would need to offer a resolution to enter into this intergovernmental agreement with the City of Bunkie. The deadline for the Justice Department to file a formal objection to this agreement would be January 21, 2012. The agreement would then be presented to Judge Drell at the hearing set for January 27, 2012.
A motion was offered by Van Kojis, seconded by Michael Lacombe, that the Board accept the offer from the City of Bunkie to enter into an intergovernmental agreement allowing Bunkie Elementary School and Bunkie High School the use of Haas Auditorium for school events.
Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas inquired about reading the agreement before accepting the offer. Mr. Charles Riddle clarified that this resolution is only to accept the offer to enter into an agreement with the City of Bunkie. The agreement has yet to be written—the two entities would then discuss the details, i.e. times available for use, types of events to be held, etc., and the final document would then need to be accepted by both parties. Board Member Michael Lacombe commented that Haas Auditorium has been updated and is a first-class facility, and he believes it would be good access for the schools to use. President James Gauthier remarked that it would be a better facility than what any other school is utilizing for school functions. Board Member Lizzie Ned was concerned that the Bunkie school campuses do not have a facility compatible with all the other schools in the parish, and she felt it is very unsafe for the children to have to cross a major highway to arrive at the Haas Auditorium. She agreed that it is a fine facility, but it was designated as a disaster shelter, and she was concerned that there may be problems in the future with scheduling events in cases when the auditorium is being used as a shelter or other purposes.
The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, Cynthia "Cindy" Hill, Van Kojis, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., and Darrell Wiley.
Nays: Freeman Ford, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and Lizzie Ned.
Mr. Craig Foster, Assistant Superintendent, also announced that a District-wide Staff Development Day is scheduled for Friday, January 13, 2012. It will be held at Marksville High School Auditorium. All board members are invited to attend.
A motion was offered by Van Kojis, seconded by Michael Lacombe, that the Board authorize District Attorney Charles Riddle to submit a “Memorandum in Support of the Motion for Partial Unitary Status in Teacher Recruitment and Assignment” which is a “Green Factor” for submittal to the Federal Court, United States Department of Justice, and Plaintiff.
Board Member Freeman Ford felt that the Board should receive judgment on one “Green Factor” at a time instead of stacking them all up to present before the Court.
Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas remarked that the Board received a grant from the Rapides Foundation a couple of years ago to hire teachers who did not have a degree in education and send them back to school if they taught mathematics or science (CART Program). She knew of one of these teachers who could have benefited from this grant. The teacher was a minority who allegedly met the grant requirements, but she was never called in for an interview. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine responded that the CART Program is run by the Rapides Foundation who chooses, screens, and interviews college graduates with a high concentration of mathematics and science, and then they select who enters the program. The School Board does not do this and has no say in the process. Those applicants who are selected then become a one-year resident in the school system and are paid by the Rapides Foundation. After one year, the School Board has the opportunity to hire the applicant at that point.
The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, Cynthia "Cindy" Hill, Van Kojis, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., and Darrell Wiley.
Nays: Freeman Ford, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and Lizzie Ned.
A motion was offered by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, that the Board authorize District Attorney Charles Riddle to submit a “Memorandum in Support of the Motion for Partial Unitary Status in Central Office Administration, Building Level Administration, and Non-Certificated Staff” which is a “Green Factor” for submittal to the Federal Court, United States Department of Justice, and Plaintiff.
The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, Cynthia "Cindy" Hill, Van Kojis, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., and Darrell Wiley.
Nays: Freeman Ford, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and Lizzie Ned.
Mrs. Irma Andress, Tech-CLU Coordinator, requested the Board approve the updated Technology Plan, per the State Department’s request. A motion was offered by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Cynthia "Cindy" Hill, that the Board approve the updated Technology Plan. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Sales Tax Collector, reported that sales tax collections for the month of November, 2011 totaled $481,648.05. Mr. Ducote stated that of this amount, the 1% sales tax generated $321,098.70, and the 1/2% sales tax generated $160,549.35.
Mr. Allen Holmes interjected at this point in the meeting. He addressed the Board and announced that he is hereby removing his objection to the 2009 ruling made by the Federal Court. He stated he is now in agreement with Dr. William Gordon’s recommendations regarding goals to reach unitary status, as submitted before the Court in 2009.
Mr. Freeman Ford, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
December 13, 2011
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, December 13, 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, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Lizzie Ned, and Cindy Hill, Board Members.
1) Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented policies submitted by Mr. James Prescott of Forethought Consulting, Incorporated for the Executive Committee’s approval, as follows:
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(a) |
File: DJE - Purchasing |
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(b) |
File: DJED - Bids and Quotations |
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(c) |
File: GBN - Dismissal of Employees |
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(d) |
File: GBRA - Employee Conduct |
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Executive Committee recommended to approve File: DJE - Purchasing. MOTION CARRIED.
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Executive Committee recommended to approve File: DJED - Bids and Quotations. MOTION CARRIED.
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Executive Committee recommended to approve File: GBN - Dismissal of Employees. MOTION CARRIED.
Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Executive Committee recommended to approve File: GBRA - Employee Conduct. MOTION CARRIED.
2) Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Executive Committee recommended to grant permission to re-advertise for the position of School Nurse Coordinator. 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 UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Michael Lacombe, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
December 13, 2011
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, December 13, 2011, at approximately 6:10 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Michael Lacombe, Chairman; Lizzie Ned, Darrell Wiley, Cindy Hill, Van Kojis, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Also present were Freeman Ford, James Gauthier, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., and Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Board Members; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
1) The Building and Lands Committee discussed Section 16 hunting lands.
The committee heard complaints regarding the Saline section from Eddie Andries and Kim Wiley regarding public use of School Board property.
Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Cindy Hill, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to move the gate to the entrance to the Saline section to prevent access without a permit. MOTION CARRIED.
2) Mr. James Gauthier discussed the Hessmer High School agriculture building roof.
Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, reported that he has begun to address the problem.
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 as presented by Chairman Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Darrell Wiley, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
Bus Committee Report
December 13, 2011
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, December 13, 2011, at approximately 4:50 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Darrell Wiley, Chairman; Freeman Ford, Lizzie Ned, Cindy Hill, Van Kojis, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Also present were James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., and Michael Lacombe.
1) Chairman Darrell Wiley addressed the committee regarding assignment of new buses.
Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Transportation Supervisor, presented an updated report to the committee regarding the method of assigning new buses.
2) Chairman Darrell Wiley addressed the committee regarding bus driving safety. A discussion was held on safe driving practices by Supervisor Wilfred Ducote and Board members.
The Bus Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Darrell Wiley, Chairman
Bus Committee
On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Cynthia "Cindy" Hill, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman Wiley. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
December 20, 2011
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, December 20, 2011, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Chairman; Michael Lacombe, Cynthia “Cindy” Hill, and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. President Van Kojis and Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas were absent. Also present were James Gauthier and Darrell Wiley, Board Member; and Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance.
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) Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine announced that Ms. Keya D. Williams, Auditor, Louisiana Department of Education, stated that the Avoyelles Parish School Board received an “Excellent” rating for AFR Review.
3) Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, stated that the Avoyelles Parish School Board had received a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2010.
4) Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented an Ad Hoc Committee Report regarding distribution of additional sales tax collections, as follows:
Ad Hoc Committee
Assignment of 1/4 cent Sales Tax Collections
December 13, 2011
A committee met on Tuesday, December 13, 2011, at 1:30 p.m. for the purpose of assignment of additional sales tax collections as a result of the November 2011 election. Members attending included Thelma Prater, Director of Federal Programs; Celeste Voinche, Principal; Lorraine Seiss, Personnel Secretary, and Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance.
Mrs. Bonnette opened the meeting stating that she met with food service personnel at Avoyelles High School earlier that morning, and received concerns from them regarding this subject.
The committee was given handouts indicating estimated additional total budgeted sales tax revenues from February to June 2011of $339,425. One option given to the committee was payment of a one-time supplement to teachers of $500, support $300. It was explained that this supplement equates to at least 3% of each employee’s salary prorated among these months. Members of the committee were in agreement with the proposal. Food service committee members did not disagree with the amounts, but questioned that all personnel be equal.
Concerns regarding the time of this distribution were discussed. Food service committee personnel did not have a preference, but voiced that payment in August 2012 would be most beneficial to employees. Members attending the meeting, however, preferred issuance of the distribution on the final day of school - May 25, 2012.
Additional concerns were brought up with regards to the impact of the one-time supplement to federal and other grant budgets.
A motion was made by Mrs. Voinche, seconded by Ms. Seiss, to recommend payment of a one-time supplement to teachers of $500 and to support employees in the amount of $300, payable upon the last day of school, May 25, 2012, provided that sales tax collections are as projected and grant budgets will have adequate funding. MOTION CARRIED.
Upon motion by Cindy Hill, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Finance Committee recommended payment of a one-time supplement to teachers of $500 and to support in the amount of $300, payable upon the last day of school, May 25, 2012, provided that sales tax collections are as projected and grant budgets will have adequate funding. MOTION CARRIED.
5) Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented an update to the Finance Committee regarding the cost of 6% pay raise. Mrs. Bonnette illustrated the average increase ranges from $2004 - $2500 for teachers and will have complete salary schedules at an upcoming Finance Committee meeting.
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 Van Kojis, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairman Mayeux. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board granted permission to advertise for the positions of custodian and food service technicians. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented personnel changes for the Board’s consideration, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Shelia Bierden, Title I paraprofessional, effective January 4, 2012, replacing Mable O’Neisha who passed away; appointment of Lauren Menard, special education teacher, effective January 9, 2012 through May 31, 2012 (new position); transfer/appointment of Victoria Bihm, special education paraprofessional, from Plaucheville Elementary School, effective January 9, 2012; and resignation of Chelsie Soileau, teacher, effective January 8, 2012.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Melise Newton, teacher, effective January 9, 2012 through April 27, 2012, replacing Kayla Laborde while on maternity leave; appointment of Jade Lacombe, Title I Pre-K paraprofessional, effective January 4, 2012, replacing Dana Lemoine who retired; and appointment of Heidi L. Beard, teacher, effective January 9, 2012 through May 25, 2012, replacing Audrey Poisso who resigned.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Randi Willis, teacher, effective December 16, 2011 through May 25, 2012, replacing Jackie Borrel who resigned.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of David Ross, custodian, effective January 4, 2012, replacing Joseph Murray who resigned; and appointment of Angie Madrigal, special education paraprofessional, effective January 9, 2012, replacing Victoria Bihm who transferred to Bunkie Elementary School.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Darryl Honor, Jr., (TAT) agriculture teacher, effective January 9, 2012 through June 30, 2012.
BUNKIE HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Curtis J. Bertrand, teacher, effective December 13, 2011; resignation of Jessica Bertrand, teacher, effective December 19, 2011; resignation of Kenneth Ducote, custodian, effective at the end of the day December 31, 2011, for the purpose of retirement.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Resignation of Jessica Arnold, teacher, effective at the end of the day January 18, 2012; resignation of Heather Barton, teacher, effective at the end of the day December 9, 2011; appointment of Alisha L. Williams, (TAT) teacher, effective January 9, 2012 through May 25, 2012, replacing Heather Barton who resigned; and appointment of Jayne Walker, teacher, effective January 19, 2012 through May 25, 2012, replacing Jessica Arnold who resigned.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Adrienne Tidwell, teacher, effective December 12, 2011 through May 25, 2012, replacing Cassie Austin while on leave; appointment of Kristie Parker, teacher, effective January 9, 2012 through May 25, 2012, replacing Judd Dupuy; appointment of Daniel Murphy, (TAT) teacher, effective January 9, 2012 through May 25, 2012, replacing George Buckner; resignation of Ann Collins, teacher, effective December 19, 2011; resignation of Garland Desselle, teacher, effective December 23, 2011; and resignation of George R. Buckner, Sr., teacher, effective December 31, 2011, for the purpose of retirement.
ADDENDUM(S)
1/3/2012
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Peggy Joshua, (retired) teacher, effective January 9, 2012 through March 30, 2012, replacing Susan Pickett while on leave.
BUNKIE HIGH SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Walt McGee, teacher, to JAG, replacing Eddie Andrus while on leave, effective January 9, 2012 through May 25, 2012; and transfer/appointment of Chuck Normand, teacher, to physical education teacher, replacing Kurt Bertrand, effective January 9, 2012 through May 25, 2012.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Anne M. Koster, teacher, effective January 9, 2012 through May 25, 2012, replacing Garland Desselle who resigned.
One position originally included on this list was being funded by a grant and certain protocol must be followed, so that personnel change was deleted. On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Board adopted the personnel changes as presented by Superintendent Lemoine, excluding the one personnel change that was removed. MOTION CARRIED.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Cynthia "Cindy" Hill, the Board agreed to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing a personnel matter.
On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board returned to regular session. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. The Board reconvened in open public session at approximately 8:06 p.m.
A motion was offered by Freeman Ford, seconded by Van Kojis, that the individual discussed in Executive Session be allowed to resign effective tomorrow, January 4, 2012, at noon, and if not, he/she will be terminated at that time.
The motion failed by the following vote:
Ayes: Freeman Ford, Van Kojis, James Gauthier, and Michael Lacombe.
Nays: Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Cynthia "Cindy" Hill, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Lizzie Ned, and Darrell Wiley.
A motion was offered by Cynthia "Cindy" Hill, seconded by Darrell Wiley, that the individual be terminated effective tonight, January 3, 2012. The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Cynthia "Cindy" Hill, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Darrell Wiley, and Van Kojis.
Nays: Freeman Ford, James Gauthier, and Michael Lacombe.
Abstained: Lizzie Ned.
In miscellaneous business, Board Member Van Kojis asked Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine to discuss the Race to the Top Program. Superintendent Lemoine explained that it is a state grant in the amount of $17.4 million that will be used to implement particular programs with participating LEA schools (Avoyelles Parish schools are participating). Certain standards would need to be implemented to obtain these resources, including Common Core State Standards, STEM (advanced courses in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), Eagle Expansion, Act 54, and Educative Pipeline Services. Superintendent Lemoine stated these implementations would probably begin this Spring.
There being no further business, on motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
James Gauthier, President
Dwayne Lemoine, Secretary-Treasurer