SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

 

The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, March 6, 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 Assistant Superintendent Craig Foster.

 

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

 

  1. On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the minutes of the special Board meeting held Tuesday, February 28, 2012, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

     

  2. Mr. James Gauthier, President, read a resolution of respect to the late Kenneth Bordelon, former teacher.

     

    On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Kenneth Bordelon.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

     

  3. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine recognized Miss Kaylan Anderson, eighth grade student at Marksville High School, for being named the 2011-2012 Student of the Year.  Also recognized were Kaylan’s mother and father.

     

  4. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine recognized Jared Lacombe who was not able to attend. He is a student at LaSAS and placed second in the regional science fair in Biochemistry.  

     

    On behalf of the Board, President James Gauthier commended Jared on this accomplishment.

     

  5. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine recognized the Students of the Month and each Board member presented a plaque to each student, as follows:

     

    Mrs. Lizzie Ned presented a plaque to Ketrell Smith, Bunkie Elementary School; Mr. Michael Lacombe presented a plaque to Jayden Reed, Cottonport Elementary School; Mr. Darrell Wiley presented a plaque to Braiden Lachney, Lafargue Elementary School; Mrs. Cindy Hill presented a plaque to Keyonha Batiste, Marksville Elementary School; Mr. Michael Lacombe presented a plaque to Alayja Jenkins, Plaucheville Elementary School; Mrs. Shelia Blackman-Dupas presented a plaque to Madeline St.Romain, Riverside Elementary School; Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. presented a plaque to Summer Sandhu, Avoyelles High School; Mr. Van Kojis presented a plaque to Anissa Corner, Bunkie High School; Mr. James Gauthier presented a plaque to Cassidy Lemoine, LaSAS; and Mr. Freeman Ford recognized Claudia Iglesias who was unable to attend, 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. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine recognized Ms. Frances Townsend, teacher at LaSAS, for receiving a grant in the amount of $300.00 to purchase archery equipment for LaSAS.

     

  7. Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Transportation Supervisor, presented a transportation data report for the months of January (revised) and February, 2012.

     

  8. Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Sales Tax Collector, reported that sales tax collections for the month of February, 2012 totaled $775,779.22.  Mr. Ducote stated that of this amount the 1% sales tax generated $517,186.14 and the ½% sales tax generated $258,593.08 .

     

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

     

    Building and Lands Committee Report

    February 14, 2012

     

    The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, February 14, 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 Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., and Michael Lacombe, Board Members; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.

     

    1)       Mr. James Leatherman addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding Section 16 lands.

     

    Dr. Bryan McCann, on behalf of the Paradise Hunting Club, addressed the Building and Lands Committee.

     

    Concerns were voiced by Mr. Leatherman and Dr. McCann regarding problems that they have encountered with hunters using the Board’s Section 16 properties. 

     

    Upon motion by Cindy Hill, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to discuss these concerns with Attorney James Lee.  MOTION CARRIED.

     

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

     

    Van Kojis, Chairman

    Building and Lands Committee

     

    On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Cynthia “Cindy” Hill, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Van Kojis and also that the matter concerning Section 16 properties be referred back to the Building and Lands Committee.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

     

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

     

    Education Committee Report

    February 14, 2012

     

    The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, February 14, 2012, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

     

    Darrell  Wiley, Chairman;  Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Michael Lacombe, James Gauthier, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Mrs. Shelia Blackman-Dupas was absent. Also present were Van Kojis and Cindy Hill, Board Members; and Randy Littleton, Supervisor of Elementary Education.

     

    1)       Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine and Supervisor Randy Littleton presented a report on DIBELS Next.

     

    Mr. Littleton gave a presentation on the District’s Winter DIBELS Next assessment data.

     

    The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

     

    Darrell Wiley, Chairman

    Education Committee

     

    On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Wiley.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

     

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

     

    Executive Committee Report

    February 28, 2012

     

    The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at approximately 4:35 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

     

    Freeman Ford, Chairman; Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., ynthia “Cindy”  Hill, Michael Lacombe, James Gauthier, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent.  Also present were Darrell Wiley and Van Kojis, Board Members; and Luke Welch, Acting SIS Coordinator.

     

    1)       Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented an update on goals for the Avoyelles Parish School Board.

     

    Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Executive Committee recommended to reaffirm its support of the current goals and review any changes to the goals in June.   MOTION CARRIED.

     

    2)       Mr. Luke Welch, SIS Coordinator, addressed the committee regarding two school calendar proposals for the 2012-2013 school year.  Mr. Welch stated that he submitted proposal number 1 and proposal number 2 to each school in order for the faculty and staff to vote on their preference.  Mr. Welch stated that the results of the survey indicated that 243 administrators, support personnel and teachers had voted for Option Number 1 and that 117 administrators, support personnel and teachers had voted for Option Number 2. 

     

    Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Executive Committee recommended that the Board adopt Calendar Number 1 for the district and for the Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy.  MOTION CARRIED.

     

     

    Proposal Number 1 for School District

    2012-2013 School Year

    School-Based Staff Development

    August 13-14, 2012

    District-Wide Staff Development

    August 15, 2012

    Classes Begin

    August 16, 2012

    Labor Day Holiday

    September 3, 2012

    End of First Six Weeks

    September 25, 2012

    First Report Card Day for Parents

    October 4, 2012

    Staff Development (No Students)

    October 5, 2012

    National Election Day

    November 6, 2012

    End of Second Six Weeks

    November 7, 2012

    Veteran’s Holiday

    November 12, 2012

    Report Cards Sent Home

    November 15, 2012

    Thanksgiving Holidays

    November 19-23, 2012

    Christmas Holidays

    December 24-31, 2012

     

    January 1-4, 2013

    End of Third Six Weeks

    January 9, 2013

    Beginning of second semester

    January 10, 2013

    Report Card Day

    January 17, 2013

    Staff Development (holiday for students)

    January 18, 2013

    Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday

    January 21, 2013

    Staff Development

    February 8, 2013

    (Holiday for students)

     

    Mardi Gras Holiday

    February 11 and 12, 2013

    End of Fourth Six Weeks

    February 25, 2013

    Report cards sent home

    March 4, 2013

    High stakes testing (LEAP, GEE)

    March 19, 2012

    Easter Holidays

    March 25-29, 2013

     

    April 1, 2013

    High Stakes Testing

    April 8-11, 2013

    End of Fifth Six Weeks

    April 15, 2013

    Report cards sent home

    April 22, 2013

    End of Sixth Six Weeks, End of Semester, End of School Year

    May 24, 2013

    Teacher Records Day and Report Cards

    May 25, 2013

     

     

    3)       Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine addressed the Executive Committee regarding acknowledging Work Key Assessment Scores during graduation ceremony.

     

    Upon motion by Cindy Hill, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Executive Committee recommended to acknowledge work Key Assessment Scores during graduation ceremonies.  MOTION CARRIED.

     

    4)       Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Cindy Hill, the Executive Committee recommended to grant approval for a leave without pay for medical reasons for Emily Borrel, teacher at Marksville High School, effective April 27, 2012 through May 25, 2012.  MOTION CARRIED.

     

    5)       Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented polices submitted by Mr. James Prescott, Jr. of Forethought Consulting, Incorporated, as follows:

     

    (a)

    File:  IDCC - Kindergarten

    (b)

    File:  IDDF - Education of Students with Exceptionalities

    (c)

    File:  EE - Child Nutrition Program Management

    (d)

    File:  JDE-P - Pre-Expulsion Procedures

    (e)

    File:  JDE - Expulsion

    (f)

    File:  GAMB - Employee Dress Code

     

    Chairman Freeman Ford questioned File: JDE-P - Pre-Expulsion Procedures, specifically Number 4.  Mr. Ford stated that he was of the opinion that the last sentence should read: “Parents(s) and student(s) shall sign the form and a copy shall be maintained at the school.” Mr. Ford suggested a revision in the policy to include the rephrasing of the sentence as stated.

     

    On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Cindy Hill, the Executive Committee recommended to reword Item Number 4 of File: JDE-P Pre-Expulsion Procedures to read as follows:

     

    “Provide parents with the Assigned to AVAP form provided to you.  This form shall inform the parent of the student’s assignment to AVAP in order for educational services to continue.  Parents and student(s) shall sign the form and a copy shall be maintained at the school.”  MOTION CARRIED.

     

    Chairman Ford also questioned File: JDE - Expulsion Policy.  Mr. Ford stated that Resolution Number 10 was adopted at the December 6, 2011 School Board meeting, however, the changes as outlined in the resolution were not included in the policy, as follows:

     

    (Number 1) In expulsion hearings, add someone of the opposite race when the committee is composed of all the same race;

     

    (Number 3) Revise the policy pertaining to the role of a representative or parent of a student in an expulsion hearing by allowing more flexibility in their participation.

     

    Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Executive Committee recommended to adopt File: IDCC - Kindergarten as submitted by Mr. Prescott.  MOTION CARRIED.

     

    Upon motion by Cindy Hill, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Executive Committee recommended to adopt File: IDDF - Education of Students with Exceptionalities as submitted by Mr. Prescott.  MOTION CARRIED.

     

    Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Cindy Hill, the Executive Committee recommended to adopt File: EE - Child Nutrition Program Management as submitted by Mr. Prescott.  MOTION CARRIED.

     

    Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Executive Committee recommended to adopt File: JDE-P - Pre-Expulsion Procedures as submitted by Mr. Prescott.  MOTION CARRIED.

     

    Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Executive Committee recommended to adopt File: JDE - Expulsion  as submitted by Mr. Prescott.

     

    The motion was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Cindy Hill, Michael Lacombe, and James Gauthier.  Nays: Freeman Ford.  

     

    Mr. Lemoine advised the committee that he would forward the changes in Resolution Number 10 adopted at the December 5, 2011 School Board meeting to Forethought Consulting, Incorporated for them to be included in File: JDE - Expulsion and would provide the revised copy to the committee and the full Board.

     

    Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. , the Executive Committee recommended to adopt  File: GAMB - Dress Code  as submitted by Mr. Prescott.  MOTION CARRIED.

     

    The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

     

    Freeman Ford, Chairman

    Executive Committee

     

    On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Ford with the addition of Mr. Darrell Wiley’s name being listed as members present. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

     

    Superintendent Lemoine advised the public that the 2012-2013 School Calendar is made part of the Executive Committee Report.

     

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

     

    Finance Committee Report

    February 28, 2012

     

    The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at 5:30 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, Darrell Wiley, Lizzie Ned, and Cindy Hill, Board Members; Craig Foster, Assistant Superintendent; and 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)       Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented General Fund and Food Service updates.

     

    Mrs. Bonnette explained that the revised 2011-2012 Food Service Budget consists of an estimated $3,309,063 in revenues, $3,650,385 in expenditures, other sources of $308,144 with an estimated ending fund balance of $761,659.

     

    Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Van Kojis, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the 2011-2012 Food Service revised budget.  MOTION CARRIED.

     

    Mrs. Bonnette also reviewed the 2011-2012 General Fund Budget which includes an estimated $36,471,209 in revenues, expenditures of $37,555,109 resulting in a current year deficit of $1,083,900 and ending fund balance of $3,063,136.  Increases in health insurance premiums and fuel were explained as the major cause of the increased deficit.

     

    Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine informed the committee that BESE recently voted on the 2012-2013 MFP which will contain no growth funding for the fourth year as well as unfunded mandates, resulting in an estimated $2,000,000 decrease in funding He also explained that he and the staff will continue to recommend methods to reduce expenditures.

     

    Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the 2011-2012 General Fund revised budget.  MOTION CARRIED.

     

    3)       Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the committee regarding an insurance update. 

     

    Mr. John Norris and Ms. Carmel Breaux of Norris Insurance Consultants reviewed a proposed calendar of events which will take place to obtain insurance coverage for 2012-2013. Their recommendation is to bid the general liability, auto, errors and omissions, nurses and student accident coverage.  They recommended to attempt to negotiate rates for next year with the current carrier.

     

    Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Finance Committee recommended to advertise for bids for general liability, auto, errors and omissions, nurses and student accident coverage as recommended by Norris Insurance Consultant.  MOTION CARRIED.

     

    4)       Assistant Superintendent Craig Foster presented a Needs Assessment Committee Report, as follows:

     

    Board Member Screening Committee Report

    February 28, 2012

     

    The Avoyelles Parish School Board Screening Committee met Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at 4:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

     

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

     

    Mr. Dwayne Lemoine reviewed justification for these items.  A motion was made by Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. and seconded by Mr. Darrell Wiley to accept the Seven-Year Capital Improvement Plan, as follows:

     

    Project

    Minority School

    Board Points

    Projected Cost

    Implementation Year

    1 - Riverside Elementary School

    Restroom facility in Kindergarten building

    Yes

    72

    -$80,000

    1

    7 - Bunkie Elementary School

    Gym Upgrade (Coaches Office/ Equipment Room Addition, Wood Floors, Permanent Stage, and Moveable Seating)

    Yes

    25

    -$229,000

    1

    11 - Bunkie High School

    Construct 4 classrooms to remove 4 portables (Brewer Plan)

    Yes

    66

    -$350,000

    2

    3 - Avoyelles High School

    Construct 4 classrooms to remove 4 portables

    No

    66

    -$350,000

    2

    4 - Cottonport Elementary School

    Upgrade Kindergarten building

    Yes

    57

    -$350,000

    4

    2 - Marksville Elementary School

    Upgrade of main building

    Yes

    58

    -$250,000

    5

    5 - Marksville High School

    Auditorium upgrade Construct

    No

    58

    -$200,000

    6

     

     

    Spending recommendations:  -$1,768,000.00; Budgeted amount: $1,820,000.00; Balance: $52,000.00

     

    The motion failed by the following vote:

     

    Ayes:  Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. and Darrell Wiley.

     

    Nays:  Lizzie Ned.

     

    Ms. Lizzie Ned expressed concern that she needed to review the plans with her constituents. 

     

    The meeting adjourned at 4:25 p.m.

     

    Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Finance Committee recommended to accept the report.  MOTION CARRIED.     

     

    The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

     

    Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Chairman

    Finance Committee

     

    Board Member Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. reviewed with the Board the presentation by Mr. Craig Foster concerning the Needs Assessment Committee Report. He advised the Board that the vote indicated the motion failed due to Board Member Lizzie Ned not in favor of the motion because of her concern of not having more time to review the plans with her constituents.  Mr. Mayeux further added that he was greatly disappointed as a member of the Needs Assessment Committee that the report was not approved, especially considering the amount of time and planning devoted to this report.

     

    Board Member Lizzie Ned stated that her reason for not voting in favor of the Needs Assessment Committee Report was because she received the blueprint on the day of the meeting. Mrs. Ned stated that she represents the community and that she was of the opinion that it is fair to receive input from the citizens prior to making a decision. 

     

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

     

  13. On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted a resolution in support of the Louisiana School Boards Associations’ proposed legislative action in support of equity in funding the MFP. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

     

  14. On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Cynthia “Cindy” Hill, the Board granted permission to advertise for the positions of Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, principals, and assistant principals.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

     

  15. On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Board granted permission to advertise for an auditor for fiscal year 2011-2012. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

     

  16. On motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board granted permission to advertise for bids for (1) milk, milk products, and juice, (2) bread and bakery products, (3) grease trap maintenance, (4) non-hazardous waste disposal service, (5) supplies and equipment, (6) staples, meats, and canned goods, and (7) produce.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

     

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

     

    PERSONNEL CHANGES

     

    PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:  Resignation of Patricia Wells, Title I paraprofessional, effective at the end of the day March 7, 2012.

     

    AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE:   Resignation of Carolyn Milam, secretary in the Finance Department, effective at the end of the day April 30, 2012, for the purpose of retirement; and resignation of Robert Gaspard, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, effective at the end of the day February 29, 2012.

     

    ADDENDUM(S)

    3/6/2012

     

    BUNKIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:  Resignation of Valerie B. Bandy, teacher, effective at the end of the day March 9, 2012.

     

    PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:  Appointment/transfer of Melissa Mayeux, special education paraprofessional (Autism Interventionist) effective March 7, 2012 to Title I School-Wide Paraprofessional, replacing Patricia Wells who resigned; appointment/transfer of Victoria Williams, special education paraprofessional (Autism), effective March 7, 2012 to special education paraprofessional (Autism Interventionist), replacing Melissa Mayeux; and appointment of Crystal Adams, special education paraprofessional (Autism), effective March 12, 2012, replacing Victoria Williams.

     

    MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL:  Appointment of Joan C. Garcia, custodian, replacing Michael Ducote who resigned, effective March 7, 2012.

     

    On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board adopted the personnel changes as presented by Superintendent Lemoine and agreed to change the resignation date of Patricia Wells for Plaucheville Elementary School from March 21, 2012 to March 7, 2012. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

     

  18. Board Member Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. announced that there will be a meeting on Monday, March 26, 2012, at 6:30 p.m. at the Bordelonville Fire Department for the purpose of discussing the former Bordelonville High School Facility.

     

  19. Board Member Lizzie Ned announced that there will be a public meeting on Thursday, March 8, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at the Christian Baptist Church and Fellowship Hall in Bunkie, Louisiana for the purpose of discussing the blueprint for the Bunkie Elementary Gymnasium.

 

There being no further business, on motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Cynthia “Cindy” Hill, the meeting was adjourned.

 

AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

James Gauthier, President

Dwayne Lemoine. Secretary-Treasurer