SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, April 10, 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 Board Member Lizzie Ned.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America led by Board Member Cynthia “Cindy” Hill.

1.         On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, March 6, 2012, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

2.         Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Board Member, read a resolution of respect to the late Frank Maddie, former bus driver.

            On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Van Kojis the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Frank Maddie.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

3.         Mr. Michael Lacombe, Vice-President, read a resolution of respect to the late Barbara Reid, former food service supervisor.

            On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Barbara Reid.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

4.         Mr. James Gauthier, President, read a resolution of respect to the late Joe Ponthieux, teacher.

            On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Joe Ponthieux.    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. Darrell Wiley presented a plaque to Cameryn Lewis, Lafargue Elementary School; Mrs. Cindy Hill presented a plaque to Ce’Drea Thornton, Marksville Elementary School; Mr. Michael Lacombe presented a plaque to Hayden Dufour, Plaucheville Elementary School; Mrs. Shelia Blackman-Dupas presented a plaque to Oprah McGhee, Riverside Elementary School; Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. presented a plaque to Marcus Johnson, Avoyelles High School; Mr. Van Kojis presented a plaque to Ryan Nelson, Bunkie High School; Mr. James Gauthier presented a plaque to Aubrey Naquin, LaSAS; and Mr. Michael Lacombe presented a plaque to Gabrielle Bonaventure, Cottonport Elementary School.

Tyliah Jackson of Bunkie Elementary School was not able to attend, but was recognized by Mr. Van Kojis as Student of the Month; and Arsante William of Marksville High School was not present, but recognized by Mr. Freeman Ford as Student of the Month.

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 the school and district 2012 Teacher of the Year winners, as follows:

            Elementary School Level Winners: Sarah Ducote, Bunkie Elementary School; Wanda Salzer, Cottonport Elementary School; Carol Simon Daranda, Lafargue Elementary School; Tammy Tassin, Marksville Elementary School; Claudine Jackson-Rogers, Plaucheville Elementary School; and Cotina Anderson, Riverside Elementary School.

            Middle School Level Winners: Ashley Dubroc, Avoyelles High School; Beth Ducote, Bunkie High School; Leigh Fryery, Marksville High School; and Curtiss Lindsay of LaSAS who was recognized but not present.

            High School Level Winners: Shauntel Puckett, Avoyelles High School; Terry Laborde, Bunkie High School; Yvonne Chimwaza, LaSAS; and Robert Cole of Marksville High School who was recognized but not present.

            Superintendent Lemoine announced that district winners include Claudine Jackson-Rogers, Plaucheville Elementary School; Leigh Fryery, Marksville High School; and Yvonne Chimwaza, LaSAS. Mr. Lemoine presented a plaque and a monetary award to the winners.

            President James Gauthier expressed the Board’s concurrence with the Superintendent’s remarks of congratulations to all of the selected teachers for the honor of being selected Teacher of the Year at each respective grade level. 

7.         Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine recognized Mr. Dewayne Vines, Principal of Bunkie High School; and the faculty and staff for meeting all accreditation standards set forth by SACS-CASI.

8.         Mr. Howard Desselle, Citizen of Marksville addressed the Board regarding his recent attendance at the Legislative in Baton Rouge concerning the closure of the parish prison. He advised that the committee voted with the Governor.  He stated that the Governor’s attack on the public school system and Avoyelles Parish is unfair.  Mr. Desselle added that the Avoyelles Parish public school system has great teachers and students who are willing to learn and would like to encourage all to become involved in the fight to remove the Governor from office before he destroys everything.

            Mr. Desselle provided a copy of his stationary to the Board and to the citizens within the audience which stated, “Make it Happen: Greatness is not where we stand, but in what direction we are moving. Also, it stated that, “We must sail sometime with the wind and sometime against it, but sail we must, and not drift, nor lie at anchor”.

 9.        Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine addressed the Board regarding permission to employ the law firm of Hammonds and Sills to represent the Board in litigation concerning the Minimum Foundation Program, State of Louisiana.

            District Attorney Charles Riddle, III addressed the Board concerning this matter and MFP funds of the School Board as it relates to Charter Schools. He advised the Board of the MFP that was presented this year by BESE despite the law that currently exist which states that local taxes raised in Avoyelles Parish will follow the student and the state will no longer foot that money.  He stated that the funding issue is whether the state can lawfully take away the funding without changing the state statute. He added that this is a serious issue.

Mr. Riddle answered questions from Board Members concerning the litigation of the Minimum Foundation Program.

On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board granted authorization to Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine to negotiate with Hammonds and Sills in the representation of the Avoyelles Parish School Board District in the litigation concerning the Minimum Foundation Program with the included amendment made by Board Member Freeman Ford that Superintendent Lemoine present the Board with the cost/fee agreement for Board approval. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

10.        Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Transportation Supervisor, presented a transportation data report for the month of March, 2012. 

            On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Cynthia “Cindy” Hill, the Board adopted the transportation data report as presented by Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Transportation Supervisor.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

11.        Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Sales Tax Collector, reported that sales tax collections for the month of March, 2012 totaled $563,250.01.  Mr. Ducote stated that of this amount the 1.5% sales tax generated $490,391.88 and the 0.25% sales tax generated $72,858.13.                    .

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

Finance Committee Report

March 20, 2012

                        The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, March 20, 2012, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

                        Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Chairman; Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, James Gauthier, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent.  Also present were Freeman Ford, Darrell Wiley, Lizzie Ned, and Cynthia “Cindy” Hill, Board Members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Luke Welch, SIS Coordinator.

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

2.         Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented 2011-2012 budget updates.  Mrs. Bonnette reviewed budget updates for grants and for the Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences.

Mrs. Bonnette reviewed the 2011-2012 LaSAS budget, indicating revised revenues of $2,057,254, revised expenditures of $2,310,169, resulting in an estimated current year deficit of $252,915.  The estimated ending fund balance is $329,694.

                                    The following 2011-2012 grant budgets were recommended for revision:

            Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the revised 2011-2012 budgets as shown above.  MOTION CARRIED.

3.         Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, reviewed change Order Number 1 for the Avoyelles High School construction project funded by QSCB funds at a cost of $45,000.  Mr. Marcotte explained that $29,627 of the change order was composed of actual renovation costs and the balance of $15,373 were maintenance costs.

            Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Van Kojis, the Finance Committee recommended to approve Change Order Number 1 of the Avoyelles High School project for $45,000, with $29,627 to be funded by contingency number 2 funds and $15,373 funding provided by maintenance funds.

            The motion was approved by the following vote:

                                    Ayes: Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Van Kojis, and Michael Lacombe.

                                     Nays: Shelia Blackman-Dupas.

            Mrs. Shelia Blackman-Dupas voted “nay” due to the fact that she felt that this item should be brought before the Needs Assessment Committee.

4.         Upon motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Finance Committee recommended to advertise for fiscal agent of the Board for the period November 1, 2012 through October 31, 2014.  MOTION CARRIED.

5.         Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine explained that he provided copies of the Reduction-In-Force Policy for the committee. He stated that due to the funding cuts for 2012-2013 the Board may want to become familiar with this policy.   He explained that the following items would be considered: (a) School-Based Alternative Programs; and (b) Absorbing positions within the district such as School Nurse Coordinator.

Mr. Freeman Ford asked the Superintendent to inquire with our legal advisor as to the legality of current legislation proposals with regards to the Avoyelles Parish desegregation order.

Upon motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by Van Kojis, the Finance Committee recommended to accept the Reduction-In-Force Policy as presented. 

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 as presented by Chairman Mayeux.  MOTION CARRIED.

The motion was approved by the following vote:

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

                                    Nays:    Shelia Blackman-Dupas.

                                    Nays:    Freeman Ford and Lizzie Ned as to item number 3 only.

Mrs. Shelia Blackman-Dupas voted “nay” due to the fact that she felt that this item should be brought before the Needs Assessment Committee.

Mr. Freeman Ford voted “nay” to item number 3 only, due to the order on the spending of funds approved by the Judge require that the amount of $29,627.00 should have been brought before the Needs Assessment Committee.

Mrs. Lizzie Ned voted “nay” to item number 3 only, due to the failure of Board procedures being followed.

Board Member Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. noted that the Avoyelles High School project should have been treated in the same manner as those for other QSCB projects when there were overages using contingency funds.

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

Building and Lands Committee Report

March 20, 2012

The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, March 20, 2012, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

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

1.         Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a bid-opening committee report on janitorial supplies, paint, air conditioner filters, and light bulbs.

            Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to accept and award the bids as recommended by the bid-opening/evaluation committees. MOTION CARRIED.

2.         Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a bid-opening committee report on farmland at Avoyelles High School.

            Mr. Marcotte stated that the committee acknowledged a bid from Jason Gauthier/Arthur Bordelon in the amount of 20% or 1/5 of crop land.

            Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Cindy Hill, the Building and Lands Committee recommended that the Board accept the bid of Jason Gauthier/Arthur Bordelon, subject to an appraisal. MOTION CARRIED.

3.         The Building and Lands Committee discussed appraisal of Sixteenth Section leases as per Assistant District Attorney James Lee’s request.  

4.         The Building and Lands Committee discussed naming the next Sixteenth Sections for hunting leases.

            Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Building and Lands Committee recommended that the Board wait until the end of this year’s legislative session before a decision is made on this item.  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 Lizzie Ned, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Kojis.  MOTION CARRIED.

Board Member Michael Lacombe addressed the Board with concerns of bidding out insurance on general liability, buildings and unused buses.  He stated that there is approximately $30,000,000.00 of property coverage on buildings that are not being used by the School Board, such as abandoned buildings. He stated before the bids go out for the new year, he suggested that an individual review the property insurance coverage. He requested that this matter be placed before a committee to review the list.  

Board Member Van Kojis requested that Mrs. Bonnette make a recommendation to the Board concerning the removal of certain insurance policies that are not needed on specific lands, buildings, and transportation. 

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

Education Committee Report

March 20, 2012

            The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, March 20, 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 Freeman Ford, Lizzie Ned, Van Kojis and Cynthia “Cindy” Hill, Board Members; Craig Foster, Assistant Superintendent; Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education; and Randy Littleton, Supervisor of Elementary Education.

1.         Mr. Craig Foster, Assistant Superintendent, presented a Curriculum and Study Group Report. 

                        Mr. Foster noted that the following topics were discussed:

(a)        Committee Chairperson James Gauthier gave the purpose of the meeting; (b) Committee members reviewed the electives courses; © The Curriculum Study Group recommends that each high school offers the same elective courses parish-wide, and (d) Announcement of Education Committee meeting on March 20, 2012, at 5:30 p.m. at the School Board Office.

2.         Mr. Randy Littleton, Supervisor of Elementary Education; and Mrs. Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education, presented a report on Benchmark 3 Assessment data.

            The committee accepted the report.  No action was taken by the committee.

3.         Mrs. Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education, presented a report on the Adolescent Literacy Program.

                        The committee accepted the report.  No action was taken by the committee.

                        The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

                                                                        Darrell Wiley, Chairman

                                                                        Education Committee Report

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

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

Executive Committee Report

March 27, 2012

            The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, March 27, 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 Van Kojis, Board Member; and Sharon Hargis, Food Service Supervisor.

1.         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 Susan Pickett, teacher at Riverside Elementary School, effective March 19, 2012 through May 25, 2012.  MOTION CARRIED.                                 

2.         Mrs. Sharon Hargis, Food Service Supervisor, presented an updated District Wellness Policy using the 2010 State Template and reflecting changes for compliance with the child Nutrition and Reauthorization Act of 2010.

Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Executive Committee recommended that the Board accept the District Wellness Plan.  MOTION CARRIED.

3.         Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine addressed the Executive Committee regarding the M-to-M Application time allotment.

Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Cindy Hill, the Executive Committee recommended that the M-to-M Application be accepted by the Board. MOTION CARRIED.

4.         Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Executive Committee recommended to approve a request for a leave without pay for medical reasons for Monique Gaspard, Assistant Principal at LaSAS, effective February 3, 2012 through July 31, 2012.

                        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.  MOTION CARRIED.

16.        Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine requested approval to renew an administrative contract for Dewayne Vines, Principal of Bunkie High School, effective July 1, 2012.

On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board agreed to renew an administrative contract for Dewayne Vines, Principal of Bunkie High School, effective July 1, 2012 for a period of two (2) years.

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

PERSONNEL CHANGES

BUNKIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Lionel Hayes, bus driver, effective May 26, 2012, for the purpose of retirement.

COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Melise D. Newton, teacher, effective April 30, 2012 through May 25, 2012, replacing Nicole Townsend while on maternity leave; appointment of Shirley A. Mamou, teacher, effective March 6, 2012 through May 25, 2012; resignation of Linda Firmin, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 25, 2012, for the purpose of retirement; and temporary transfer/appointment of Shelia McGlory, food service technician, from Bunkie Elementary School, effective April 11, 2012.

LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Pamela Watts, paraprofessional, effective March 26, 2012, for the purpose of retirement.

MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Sharon E. Marcotte, paraprofessional, effective March 12, 2012, for the purpose of retirement.

PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Stephen C. Scott, teacher, effective at the end of the day March2, 2012; resignation of Carla B. Moreau, teacher, effective May 26, 2012, for the purpose of retirement; and resignation of Susan Ussery, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 25, 2012.

RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Peggy L. Joshua, (retired) Kindergarten teacher, effective April 9, 2012 through May 25, 2012, replacing Susan Pickett while on leave;

appointment of Sonya Gagnard, school secretary, effective April 9, 2012, replacing Toni Barbin who resigned; and Resignation of Toni Barbin, school secretary, effective at the end of the day March 29, 2012.

BUNKIE HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Solomon Shorter, teacher, effective January 3, 2012.

MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Huey Daigle, teacher, effective April 9, 2012; and

resignation of Carla Graham, paraprofessional, effective March 27, 2012.

ADDENDUM(S)

4/10/2012

LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Linda K. LaCombe, food service technician, effective at the end of the day May 25, 2012 for the purpose of retirement.

PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Termination of Angie Madrigal, paraprofessional, effective April 10, 2012.

On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the personnel changes as presented by Superintendent Lemoine. MOTION CARRIED.

18.        President James Gauthier recognized and congratulated Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine on his volunteering and serving as Principal for Marksville High School during the medical leave of Principal Celeste Voinche.  

19.        On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board agreed to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing a personnel matter.

            The Board reconvened in open public session at approximately 7:20 p.m.

On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Darrell Wiley, that the Board uphold the recommendation of Superintendent Lemoine concerning the three items discussed in Executive Session. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

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