SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

 

The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, February 7, 2012, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

 

James Gauthier, President; Michael Lacombe, Vice-President;  Freeman Ford, Darrell Wiley, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Lizzie Ned, Van Kojis, and Cynthia “Cindy” Hill.

 

Absent: None.

 

An Invocation was offered by Reverend Chris Augustine.

 

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

 

     1.        On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, January 3, 2012, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

     2.        Vice-President Michael Lacombe read a resolution of respect to the late Raymond Ducote, former teacher.

 

On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Raymond Ducote.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

     3.        Mrs. Shelia Blackman-Dupas read a resolution of respect to the late Eddie Mayeux, former bus driver. Mrs. Dupas stated that she had fond memories of Mr. Mayeux as her bus driver while she was in school, and on behalf of her family, she expressed her sympathy to Mr. Mayeux’s family.

 

On motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Eddie Mayeux.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

     4.        Mrs. Lizzie Ned, Board Member, read a resolution of respect to the late Jessie Dossman, former food service employee. Mrs. Ned stated that she knew Ms. Dossman very well, and she was a beautiful person with a wonderful personality. She then expressed her deepest sympathy to Ms. Dossman’s family.

 

On motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Jessie Dossman.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

     5.        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 Destiny Woodall, Bunkie Elementary School; Mr. Michael Lacombe presented a plaque to Tatyana Friels, Cottonport Elementary School; Mr. Darrell Wiley presented a plaque to Callie Roszell, Lafargue Elementary School; Mrs. Cindy Hill presented a plaque to Ethan Pitre, Marksville Elementary School; Mr. Michael Lacombe presented a plaque to Shane Reynolds, Plaucheville Elementary School; Mrs. Shelia Blackman-Dupas presented a plaque to Madison Ward, Riverside Elementary School; Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. presented a plaque to Tiffany Augustine, Avoyelles High School; Mrs. Lizzie Ned presented a plaque to Erica Laborde, Bunkie High School; Mr. James Gauthier presented a plaque to Brooke Anderson, LaSAS; and Mr. Freeman Ford presented a plaque to Nuri Jeter, 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.

 

     6.        Mrs. Thelma Prater, Director of Federal Programs, recognized the 2011-2012 Students of the Year, as follows:

 

5th Grade Student of the Year

 

Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy, Aleka Washington; Cottonport Elementary School, Logan Marler; Lafargue Elementary School, Kaleb Mayeaux; Marksville Elementary School, Shelby Marcotte; Plaucheville Elementary School, Savannah Ducote; and Riverside Elementary School, Layla Bell.

 

8th Grade Student of the Year

 

Avoyelles High School, Connor Gauthier; Bunkie High School, Jennifer Odis; LaSAS, Joshua Mendoza; and Marksville High School, Kaylan Anderson.

 

12th Grade Student of the Year

 

Avoyelles High School, Sean Hoffman; Bunkie High School, Micalee Jeansonne; LaSAS, Brooke Anderson; and Marksville High School, Austin Bordelon.

 

District Winners were Savannah Ducote, fifth grade, Plaucheville Elementary School; Kaylan Anderson, eighth grade, Marksville High School; and Sean Hoffman, twelfth grade, Avoyelles High School. 

 

     7.        Miss Summer Anderson, student at LaSAS, was recognized by President James Gauthier for the purpose of discussing FFA Week. Miss Anderson, Louisiana State FFA Vice-President, announced that National FFA Week will be celebrated from February 18-25, 2012. There are local FFA chapters at Avoyelles High, Bunkie High, LaSAS, and Marksville High.

 

     8.        Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine recognized the cafeteria staff members at LaSAS and manager Ms. Mary Villemarette; Cottonport Elementary School and manager Ms. Evelyn Simon; and Plaucheville Elementary School and manager Ms. Mary Guillory for achieving a perfect USDA commodity review.

 

     9.        Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine recognized the recipients of the Elder Wood Grant for 2011-2012, each of whom will receive $500.00, as follows:

 

Pamela LaBorde, Cottonport Elementary School; Tammy Tassin, Marksville Elementary School; Curtis Lindsay, LaSAS; Aimee Hayes, Plaucheville Elementary School; Anjali Gill, Marksville High School; Beth Ducote, Bunkie High School; Vicki Dufour, Plaucheville Elementary School; Jennifer Dismer, LaSAS; Francine Sons, Marksville Elementary School; and Sheila Saucier, Cottonport Elementary School. 

 

  10.        Mrs. Aloysia Ducote, Certified Public Accountant with Ducote and Company, presented a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2011.  Ms. Ducote stated that their firm issued an unqualified opinion for fiscal year audit 2010-2011, and she noted no material instances of non-compliance with government auditing standards.

 

Mrs. Ducote commended the Board as well as the staff for maintaining sound fiscal management practices.

 

Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Van Kojis, the Board accepted the annual fiscal year audit as presented by Mrs. Aloysia Ducote. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

  11.        Mr. Melvin Jackson, Teacher, addressed the Board regarding a grievance. He asked that the matter be heard in open public session. A Grievance Committee Hearing was held on January 11, 2012, in which Mr. Jackson filed a complaint that his request for a transfer from one school to another was not approved. The School Board had offered a remedy to the grievance at that hearing, however, Mr. Jackson did not accept the offer; therefore, Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine asked the Board to dispose of the grievance at this time. Discussion ensued. Board members questioned the reason the transfer was not approved. Mr. Lemoine explained that the transfer request did not follow the proper protocol, and the receiving principal felt Mr. Jackson was not suitable for the position he was looking to fill, so the transfer request was denied. When pressed about why Mr. Jackson was not a suitable candidate, Mr. Lemoine stated the receiving principal felt it would create a problem and be detrimental to the community if Mr. Jackson were to fill the position, which was for a high school coach, due to the fact that Mr. Jackson had been previously arrested for solicitation of prostitutes. A remedy had been offered to Mr. Jackson at the hearing, but he had flatly refused it.

 

A motion was offered by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, that the Board uphold the Superintendent’s position on this matter. Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas stated that she had not had the opportunity to read the complete transcript of the Grievance Committee Hearing, so she felt it was unfair to vote on this matter at this time. She asked that the matter be postponed to the next meeting. Board Member Freeman Ford asked Mr. Jackson for his reason in rejecting the Board’s remedy. Mr. Jackson replied that he felt the remedy—a transfer to a different high school in a different position—was just made up or concocted to appease him. He felt he has never been given a chance to move into a high school coaching/physical education position in the past. Board Member James Gauthier asked Mr. Jackson if he understood how a principal would have some hesitation in hiring him as a role model in the community with his arrest record. Mr. Jackson acknowledged that he could understand that, but he then questioned why his requests for previous transfers were not accepted in years past. He admitted he was arrested but claimed he was not convicted. Upon questioning by Mr. Charles Riddle, Attorney for the School Board, Mr. Jackson stated that after his arrest, he signed a Diversion Agreement whereby he was placed on six months of unsupervised probation, had to attend a 90-minute class, and had to pay an undisclosed amount before his case could be dismissed, but he could not recall what the class was about. Board Member Cindy Hill asked Mr. Jackson if the committee offered to transfer him to the position of Plato Lab Facilitator and assistant track coach at Marksville High School, and he confirmed that he was offered this position but turned it down because he felt it was just a token gesture. Mr. Lemoine stated he was offered that position due to his knowledge of the software used in the reading program, but he felt that Mr. Jackson turned it down because it was not a high school head coaching position at the particular school that he was interested in. When asked by Board Member Van Kojis if he asked permission from his principal to transfer out and if he brought the written request for the transfer to the receiving principal (which is the Board’s transfer protocol), Mr. Jackson replied that he did not because he only went to the other school to inquire about the position, and that is when the receiving principal told him the position had already been filled. He then proceeded to ask why the Board requested references on him. Board Member Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. pointed out that all employees are subject to criminal background checks and fingerprinting at the time of employment. Mr. Lemoine added that if any employee is arrested during the course of their employment within the school system, they are required to notify the Board. He then stated that Mr. Jackson was arrested for an immoral act while serving as a role model for students in his community, and the receiving principal felt that the community would balk at the decision to transfer him to the requested position, so the Committee recommended that a new start in a new community would be in Mr. Jackson’s best interest. Therefore, references were checked and letters of recommendation were requested, but Mr. Jackson flatly refused this opportunity. Board Member Lizzie Ned asked Superintendent Lemoine if there are any other employees who were arrested in the past who have been promoted, and Mr. Lemoine responded there were none that he was aware of. Mrs. Cindy Schaub, Assistant Principal at Marksville High School, spoke out from the audience and revealed to Mr. Jackson that it was indeed a truly sincere and genuine offer to transfer to Marksville High and that the school really did need him in that position. Board Member Cindy Hill questioned Mr. Jackson as to why he did not accept the offer to transfer to a school that wanted him, at which time Mr. Jackson became distressed and tension in the room rose higher, but he did not answer the question. An audience member reiterated concern that the Board should not vote on this matter without giving all Board members time to read the entire transcript of the Grievance Committee Hearing, since it was just distributed to them today.

 

Board Member Freeman Ford offered to amend the motion, seconded by Lizzie Ned, to recess the hearing on this matter to February 28, 2012, to allow the Board Members enough time to read the entire transcript of the Grievance Committee Hearing. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

  12.        Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Transportation Supervisor, presented a transportation data report for the month of January, 2012. Mr. Ducote stated there were eight suspensions at Cottonport Elementary—all black males, and two suspensions at Riverside Elementary—one black male and one white male; therefore, there were a total of ten bus suspensions in the month of January, 2012.

 

Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Board accepted the transportation data report as presented by Mr. Wilfred Ducote. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

  13.        Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Sales Tax Collector, reported that sales tax collections for the month of January, 2012, totaled $498,364.12.  Mr. Ducote stated that of this amount, the 1% sales tax generated $332,242.75 and the 1/2% sales tax generated $166,121.37.

 

  14.    Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:

 

Building and Lands Committee Report

January 24, 2012

 

The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

 

Van Kojis, Chairman; Darrell Wiley; Cindy Hill; James Gauthier, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent.  Mrs. Lizzie Ned was absent. Also present were Board Members Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and Michael Lacombe; as well as Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.

 

1)       Mr. Blake Wren of Jani-King, Alexandria, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding a maintenance/cleaning service for the schools in the district.

 

The committee took no action at this time.

 

2)       Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, requested approval of a preliminary drawing for renovation of Marksville High School Gymnasium.

 

Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Cindy Hill, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to approve the drawing for renovation of the Marksville High School Gymnasium.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

3)       Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding a recent Legislative auditor’s report regarding Section 16 lands.

 

Upon motion by Cindy Hill, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to submit a response to the Legislative Auditor and to begin leasing camp sites on a year-to-year basis at the expiration of the present five-year lease. Also, any new leases or transfers are on a year-to-year basis. Once Mr. Lemoine receives the final draft from the Legislature Auditor, all campsite leases will be provided a copy of the document and will be notified of the situation.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

4)       Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding an intergovernmental agreement with the Avoyelles Parish Police Jury regarding maintenance of the polling location at Bunkie Middle School.

 

Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Cindy Hill, the Building and Lands Committee recommended that the Board enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Avoyelles Parish Police Jury regarding maintenance of the polling location at Bunkie Middle School.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

5)       Mrs. Shelia Dupas, Board Member, addressed the Building and Lands committee, regarding the use of Mansura Middle School for the FINS Program.

 

Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Cindy Hill, the Building and Lands Committee recommended that the Board enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Twelfth Judicial District and provide an office for the FINS Officer.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

6)       Upon motion by Cindy Hill, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Avoyelles Parish Police Jury to maintain school driveways.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

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

 

Van Kojis, Chairman

Building and Lands Committee

 

Board Member Van Kojis offered a motion, seconded by Darrell Wiley, for the Board to adopt the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Kojis. The motion was adopted by the following vote:

 

Ayes:  Van Kojis, Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Lizzie Ned, and Cindy Hill.

 

Nays:  Freeman Ford.

 

Mr. Ford stated he opposed Item Number 3 of the Building and Lands Committee Report.

 

  15.        Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following reports of January 24 and January 31, 2012:  

 

Finance Committee Report

January 24, 2012

 

The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

 

Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Chairman; Shelia Blackman-Dupas; Van Kojis; Michael Lacombe; Cindy Hill; James Gauthier, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Also present was Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance.

 

1)       Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Finance Committee recommended to approve requests for overnight travel.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

2)       Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Finance Committee recommended to continue funding the Families in Need of Service Program (FINS) in the amount of $5000 annually.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

3)       Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented 2012-2013 employee salary schedules for the committee’s consideration.

 

Upon motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the 2012-2013 employee salary schedules.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

4)       With regards to the Needs Assessment Committee Report, the committee agreed to table this item and hold a special Finance Committee meeting to approve this committee report.

 

5)       Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a bid-opening committee report for Insurance Consultant and an Ad Hoc Committee Report, as follows:

 

Bid-Opening Committee Report

January 17, 2012

 

A committee met on Tuesday, January 17, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. for the purpose of receiving proposals for an insurance consultant for the policy period beginning July 1, 2012.  Members of the committee were as follows:  James Gauthier, Board President; Michael Lacombe, Board Vice-President; Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Chairman of the Finance Committee; Dwayne Lemoine Superintendent; Jaimie Lacombe, Chief Accountant; and Mary Bonnette, Finance Director.

 

Proposals were received from Norris Insurance Consultants from Baton Rouge and Risk Consulting and Expert Services from Birmingham, Alabama.  Proposals were as follows: Norris Insurance Consultants offered a one-year or three-year contract for $12,996 per year (the same price as the past three years).  Risk Consulting and Expert Services offered a one- year contract for $18,746 or a three-year contract for $16,250 per year.

 

The Committee agreed to review the proposals on January 18, 2012.

 

Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the bid-opening committee report regarding proposals for an insurance consultant.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

Ad Hoc Committee Report

January 18, 2012

 

A committee met on Wednesday, January 18, 2012, at 1:00 p.m. for the purpose of reviewing proposals for an insurance consultant for the policy period beginning July 1, 2012.  Members of the committee were as follows:  James Gauthier, Board President; Michael Lacombe, Board Vice-President; Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Chairman of the Finance Committee; Van Kojis, Member of the Finance Committee; Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent; Jaimie Lacombe, Chief Accountant; and Mary Bonnette, Finance Director.

 

The committee reviewed four areas of each proposal on a scale based on price, qualifications, references and bid method. The scores were totaled and it was agreed that Norris Insurance Consultants had the highest score.

 

The committee agreed to review this with the Finance Committee for an evaluation at the next meeting.

 

Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Finance Committee recommended to approve this item and to contract with Norris Insurance Consultants for a three-year period as stated in their proposal.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

 

Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Chairman

Finance Committee

 

On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report of January 24, 2012 as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

Finance Committee Report

January 31, 2012

 

The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

 

Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Chairman; Shelia Blackman-Dupas; Van Kojis; Michael Lacombe; James Gauthier, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Also present were Freeman Ford, Lizzie Ned, and Cindy Hill, Board Members; Craig Foster, Assistant Superintendent; and Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance.

 

1)       Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine reviewed a seven-year plan, as instructed by Federal Judge Dee Drell, with committee members, explaining that revenues of $1.82 million are available for use with the original five-year plan.  He gave Board members a deadline of February 10, 2012, to prioritize a list of each school’s needs to be brought before the Needs Assessment Committee.

 

2)       Mr. Craig Foster, Assistant Superintendent, presented a Needs Assessment Committee Report of January 31, 2012, for the committee’s approval.

 

Board Member Screening Committee Report

 

The Avoyelles Parish School Board Member Screening Committee met on Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at 3:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

 

Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent; Craig W. Foster, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Finance Director; Steve Marcotte, Supervisor of Maintenance; Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Board Member; Lizzie Ned, Board Member; and Darrell Wiley, Board Member.

 

Mr. Craig W. Foster reviewed justification for these items.

 

A motion was offered by Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Darrell Wiley to approve item number ninety-four (94) up to $3,864.  Ms. Lizzie Ned abstained.

 

A motion was offered by Mr. Darrell Wiley and seconded by Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. to approve items number eighty-three (83) through eighty-eight (88).  Ms. Lizzie Ned abstained.

 

A motion was offered by Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Darrell Wiley to approve items number ninety (90), ninety-one (91) and ninety-three (93).  Ms. Lizzie Ned abstained.

 

Item number ninety-two (92) was removed for clarification.

 

A motion was offered by Mr. Darrell Wiley and seconded by Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. to approve item number ninety-six (96).  Ms. Lizzie Ned abstained.

 

A motion was offered by Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Darrell Wiley to approve items number ninety-seven (97) and ninety-eight (98).  Ms. Lizzie Ned abstained. 

 

A motion was offered by Mr. Darrell Wiley and seconded by Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. to approve items ninety-nine (99) and one hundred (100).  Ms. Lizzie Ned abstained.

 

The meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m.

 

Mr. Van Kojis questioned Mrs. Lizzie Ned as to the reason for her abstention on all items. 

 

Mrs. Ned stated that she had previously requested other items that she felt were higher in priority to the items currently being requested.

 

Mr. Michael Lacombe stated that there are several items that are safety issues at the schools that need to be addressed.

 

Mrs. Shelia Blackman-Dupas stated that Board members should be able to work together.  She said that she supported Mrs. Ned’s position.

 

Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, stated that the ceiling at Bunkie High School Library is a potential liability to the Board.  Mrs. Dupas said that the AVAP driveway is in need of repair. Mr. Marcotte stated that this concern is being addressed.

 

Upon motion Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by Van Kojis, the Finance Committee recommended to adopt the Needs Assessment Report of January 31, 2012.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

3)       Mrs. Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Committee Member, addressed the Finance Committee regarding transportation costs of students assigned to AVAP.

 

Estimated annual cost of $100,500 to provide such transportation to AVAP was reviewed with the committee.

 

Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine requested a funding source for this item.

 

Mrs. Shelia Dupas suggested that the Board reallocate existing school budgeted funds. She felt that this was a necessary expenditure. Mr. Lemoine stated that he understood that Mrs. Dupas suggested that we reallocate existing school-based budgeted funds, but he is concerned about the projected general fund budget. 

 

Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. suggested to look at the next budget update in order to determine whether funds are available.

 

Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas offered a motion to provide transportationto all AVAP students for the remainder of the school year at a cost of approximately $40,000.  

 

The motion died for lack of a second.

 

Mr. Freeman Ford stated that he would like to look at this item on the 2012-2013 budget.

 

4)       Upon motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by Van Kojis, the Finance Committee recommended to approve requests for overnight travel.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

 

Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Chairman

Finance Committee

 

Board Member Lizzie Ned stated that, in reference to the Needs Committee Assessment Report, she thought her abstention from voting counted as “No” votes. However, Mr. Charles Riddle, Attorney for the Board, clarified that an abstention vote does not count at all—it is neither “Yes” nor “No”. Therefore, the votes are considered unanimous in said report. Discussion ensued that the wording of the Board’s policy regarding abstention votes and unanimous votes needs to be changed for clarity in the future.

 

Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas also made comments regarding transportation issues of AVAP students, and she requested that these comments be made part of the record as follows: “This Board chooses not to transport regular education students who are sent to AVAP, and this practice has resulted in the removal of that particular population of students from this system. They are not being educated. Presently, more than 50% of students currently assigned have technically failed due to excessive absences. We use as our motto ‘No Child Left Behind’ but in effect that is exactly what we are practicing, ‘leaving students behind.’ Ninety-nine percent of the affected students are minorities, several of whom were assigned to AVAP last year. At the Finance Committee, Mrs. Mary Bonnette presented an estimated cost of $40,000-60,000 to transport these students for the remainder of the school year. I made a motion to transport them, but the motion failed due to a lack of a second, primarily because of funding. Having the MFP funds allocated for these students to follow them, which was my suggestion, would create a hardship for the schools that these students came from. What are we really doing as a Board? Is there ever any intention of educating them, or was the intent to use them for funding to educate the vast majority of the school system?” She continued in saying that 26 out of 51 students assigned to AVAP who are either sitting at home or who are attending only two to three days a week, and she questioned whether those students are being reported on the rolls for MFP purposes.

 

A motion was offered by Board Member Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Van Kojis, that the Board adopt the Finance Committee Report of January 31, 2012, as presented.

 

The motion was adopted by the following vote:

 

Ayes:  Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Van Kojis, James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, Darrell Wiley, and Cindy Hill.

 

Nays:  Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Freeman Ford, and Lizzie Ned.

 

  16.        Mr. Darrell Wiley, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:

 

Education Committee Report

January 24, 2012

 

The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at 5:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

 

Darrell Wiley, Chairman; Shelia Blackman-Dupas; Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr.; Michael Lacombe; James Gauthier, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Also present were Van Kojis and Cindy Hill, Board Members; Randy Littleton, Supervisor of Elementary Education; Luke Welch, SIS Coordinator; and Judd Dupuy, Teacher.

 

1)       Mr. Judd Dupuy, Teacher, presented a report on the district’s Virtual School Program. The committee received a progress update of the district’s Virtual School Program from Mr. Dupuy. The committee recommended that a report be provided each semester. 

 

The Education Committee accepted the report as presented by Mr. Dupuy.

 

2)       Mr. Randy Littleton, Supervisor of Secondary Education, reported on a SCRL Grant Application. Mr. Littleton provided an update on the progress of the SCRL Grant for approximately $1.6 million in the Avoyelles High School feeder pattern.

 

3)       Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine addressed the committee regarding a report on a Temporary Assistance Plan for Marksville High School.  The Education Committee did not take any action.

 

4)       Mr. Luke Welch, SIS Coordinator, presented an update on the Student Progress Center. Mr. Welch presented a report by school on the usage of the Student Progress Center by parents. The Education Committee accepted the report.

 

5)       Mrs. Shelia Dupas, Member of the Education Committee, discussed transportation of expelled students to AVAP.

 

Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Education Committee recommended to study the cost of providing transportation to expelled students and refer this matter to the Finance Committee.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

6)       Mrs. Shelia Dupas addressed the Education Committee regarding information for enrichment dual enrollment program and LA Gear UP at the high school level.  Mrs. Dupas discussed communication problems in schools with student information pertinent to dual enrollment and LA Gear Up. 

 

The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

 

Darrell Wiley, Chairman

Education Committee

 

On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Wiley.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

  17.        Mr. Freeman Ford, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:  

 

Executive Committee Report

January 31, 2012

 

The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 31, 2012, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

 

Freeman Ford, Chairman; Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr.; Cindy Hill; Michael Lacombe; James Gauthier, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Also present were Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Van Kojis, and Lizzie Ned, Board Members; and Karen Williams, Supervisor of Special Education.

 

1)       Mrs. Karen Williams, Supervisor of Special Services, advised the Executive Committee on the need for a school psychologist and a proposed salary schedule for this position.

 

Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Executive Committee recommended that the Board accept the salary schedule and the job description for a school psychologist.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

2)   Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine reviewed new Board goals for 2012 for the committee’s consideration. Superintendent Lemoine provided all Board members with a copy of the 2011-2012 Board goals to be reviewed and brought up for review at the next Executive Committee meeting. Mr. Lemoine also informed the committee that they may add additional goals that they wish to the list.

 

3)       Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented File: IDDFA - Service Animals for the committee’s consideration.  Mrs. Karen Williams, Supervisor, provided the committee with the Rapides Parish School Board policy and the use of “Service Animals”. 

 

The committee did not take any action on this matter.

 

4)       Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Executive Committee recommended to approve a request for a leave without pay for medical reasons for Benny Brouillette, teacher at Marksville High School, effective January 9, 2012, through May 25, 2012.  MOTION CARRIED.

 

The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

 

Freeman Ford, Chairman

Executive Committee

 

A motion was offered by Freeman Ford, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., that Items 2-4 of the Executive Committee Report of January 31, 2012, be adopted by the Board.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

A motion was made by Freeman Ford, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., that Item 1 of the Executive Committee Report of January 31, 2012, be tabled until further notice because the issue needs to be studied further. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

  18.        President James Gauthier presented a resolution regarding School Board Member Training for the Board’s consideration, as follows:

 

SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER TRAINING RESOLUTION

 

WHEREAS, each member of a city and parish school board shall receive a minimum of six hours of training and instruction as required by ACT 380, and

 

WHEREAS, this training and instruction shall consist of school laws of this state, laws governing the powers, duties, and responsibilities of city and parish school boards, educational trends, research and policy, and

 

WHEREAS, such instruction may be received from an institution of higher education in this state, from instruction sponsored by the State Department of Education, or by an in-service training program conducted by a city or parish school board central office or the Louisiana School Boards Association,

 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that it become public record that Freeman Ford, Darrell Wiley, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Lizzie Ned, Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, and Cynthia “Cindy” Hill, members of the Avoyelles Parish School Board, have successfully completed in excess of four (4) hours of required training as mandated by the Legislature of Louisiana.

 

On motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Board adopted the aforementioned resolution regarding School Board Member training.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

  19.        On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board granted permission to advertise for bids for janitorial supplies, paint, air conditioner filters, and light bulbs for the 2012-2013 school year.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

  20.        On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board granted authorization to conduct a surplus/inventory junk sale on March 29, 2012, at the former Marksville Middle School.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

  21.        Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented personnel changes for the Board’s consideration, as follows:

 

PERSONNEL CHANGES

 

BUNKIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:  Appointment of Carolyn Barbre, teacher, effective January 9, 2012, through May 31, 2012, replacing Chelsie Soileau who resigned.

 

COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Heidi Beard, teacher, effective January 9, 2012.

 

LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:  Appointment of Brenda Matkin, speech therapist, effective February 1, 2012, through May 25, 2012. 

 

MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:  Appointment of Steve Kelly, custodian, replacing Joseph Pete Ferguson who retired, effective February 8, 2012.

 

PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:  Resignation of Rhonda Gauthier, teacher, effective January 31, 2012; appointment of Susan Ussery, (retired) Kindergarten teacher, effective February 1, 2012, through May 25, 2012, replacing Rhonda Gauthier who resigned; transfer/appointment of Peggy Scallan, Title I School-wide Paraprofessional to Title I Pre-K Paraprofessional, replacing Emma Saucier who retired, effective February 8, 2012; transfer/appointment of Patricia Wells, Special Education Paraprofessional (Autism) to Title I School-Wide Paraprofessional, replacing Peggy Scallan, effective February 8, 2012; appointment of Paula Mills, Special Education Paraprofessional (Autism), replacing Patricia Wells, effective February 8, 2012; and resignation of Emma Saucier, paraprofessional, effective at the end of the day December 31, 2011.

 

AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL:  Appointment of Keith Coco, custodian, replacing Lester Augustine, who retired, effective February 8, 2012; and resignation of Jimmy Marks, bus driver, effective at the end of the day January 31, 2012.

 

BUNKIE HIGH SCHOOL:  Appointment of Paul Newton, (TAT) teacher, effective January 9, 2012, through May 25, 2012; appointment of Melinda Descant, from part-time to full-time teacher, effective January 30, 2012, through May 25, 2012; appointment of Rodney Spears, custodian, replacing Kenneth Ducote, who retired, effective February 8, 2012; and resignation of Eddie Louise Andrus, middle school JAG teacher, effective at the end of the day January 31, 2012.

 

LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES:  Temporary transfer/appointment of Denise Ivory Simon, food service technician, from Bunkie High School, effective February 8, 2012.

 

MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL:  Appointment of Joe Ponthieux, teacher, effective January 9, 2012, through May 25, 2012.

 

AVOYELLES PARISH VIRTUAL SCHOOL PROGRAM:  Resignation of Rufus Johnson, teacher, effective at the end of the day December 23, 2011.

 

ADDENDUMS

2/7/2012

 

BUNKIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:  Resignation of Esther Scallan, bus driver, effective December 7, 2012, for the purpose of retirement.

 

MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL:  Appointment o Michael Welker, English teacher, effective February 13, 2012 through May 25, 2012, replacing Ann Collins.

 

On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the personnel changes and addendums as presented by Superintendent Lemoine by the following vote:

 

Ayes:  Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Van Kojis, James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, Darrell Wiley, Cindy Hill, Freeman Ford, and Lizzie Ned.

 

Nays:  Shelia Blackman-Dupas.

 

  22.        Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented a Resolution that the Board oppose Governor Jindal’s plan to sell the Office of Group Benefits, as follows:

 

Resolution

 

Whereas, Governor Bobby Jindal will propose the sale of Office of Group Benefits, a self-supporting agency of the State of Louisiana within the Office of the Governor, Division of Administration and is authorized by Louisiana statute to provide health and accidental benefits and life insurance to both active and retired state employees and their dependents,

 

Whereas, the sale of this agency is expected to impact its members; active as well as  retirees, by possibly increasing the premiums and decreasing benefits,

 

Whereas, funds received from the sale of this entity will be used as one-time revenues to balance the State of Louisiana’s budget.

 

Therefore, It Is Hereby Resolved that the Avoyelles Parish School Board opposes the sale of the Office of Group Benefits.

 

On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board hereby goes on record opposing the sale of the Office of Group Benefits. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

  23.        On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board agreed to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing a personnel matter; and for the purpose of discussing pending litigation (Holmes versus Avoyelles Parish School Board bearing Civil Action 12,721 on the docket of the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.).  MOTION CARRIED.

 

On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Board returned to regular session. MOTION CARRIED. The Board reconvened in open public session at approximately 7:40 p.m. No action was taken.

 

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