SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, May 1, 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 Rev. Chris Augustine.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America led by Board Member Freeman Ford.
1. A motion was offered by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., that the Board adopt the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, April 10, 2012, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, Freeman Ford, Darrell Wiley, Carlos.
Mayeux, Jr., Lizzie Ned, Van Kojis, and Cindy Hill.
Nays: Shelia Blackman-Dupas.
Ms. Dupas stated that the minutes are never what they appear to be.
2. 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 Jamie Bihm, Bunkie Elementary School; Mr. Darrell Wiley presented a plaque to Alexander Gordon, Lafargue Elementary School; Mrs. Cindy Hill presented a plaque to Christian Lemoine, Marksville Elementary School; Mr. Michael Lacombe presented a plaque to Travon Prater, Plaucheville Elementary School; Mrs. Shelia Blackman-Dupas presented a plaque to Lillian Gremillion, Riverside Elementary School; Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. presented a plaque to Brett Lambert, Avoyelles High School; Mr. James Gauthier presented a plaque to Nicholas Jordan, LaSAS; and Mr. Michael Lacombe presented a plaque to Karen Lewis, Cottonport Elementary School. Students of the Month not present were Trishelle Griffin, Bunkie High School, and Devin Davis, 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.
3. Ms. Demetria Alexander, Title II Visiting Teacher, recognized the Spring 2012 Louisiana Gear Up Poetry Contest Winners, as follows:
Marksville High: Dylan Vickers and Emily Ryan, $100 each; Keithen Harrell and Blair Barton, $50 each; and Dorian Campbell and Summer McNeal $25 each.
Bunkie New Tech: Desiree Marcotte and Conner Descant, $100 each; Paula Castenera and Shelby Riche, $50 each; and Cameron Ducote and Natharian Warren, $25 each.
Avoyelles High: Summer Sandhu and Randy Gaspard, $100 each; Billy Campbell and Johnny Jeansonne, $50 each; and Madeline Peavy and Heidi Armand, $25.
4. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine recognized Plaucheville Elementary School for winning second place in the State's “Fuel Up to Play 60 Contest”.
5. Mrs. Sharon Hargis, Food Service Supervisor, presented a report on the Bid-Opening Committee on bread and bakery products; milk, milk products, and juice; non-hazardous waste disposal services; grease trap maintenance; and supplies and equipment.
The lowest bid for each category was accepted, except for two paper products. Mrs. Hargis explained that vendor did not submit any samples as requested and they have provided inferior products in the past. No bids were received for grease trap maintenance, therefore, this will be advertised again.
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board accepted the report of the Bid-Opening Committee as presented by Mrs. Hargis. (A copy of the bids are on file at the Central Office). MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Mrs. Lizzie Ned, Board Member, addressed the Board regarding the Bunkie Elementary School Academy Gymnasium. Mrs. Ned noted that she is in agreement with Federal Judge Dee Drell, Facility Expert Mr. Brewer, and the Department of Justice that Bunkie Elementary School's current gymnasium is not compatible with the other elementary gymnasiums in the district and that a new gymnasium should be constructed. Mrs. Ned stated that community meetings were held in March to obtain input from the parents and community, and building proposals developed from these meetings had been given to the Superintendent and Board members.
A few community members were present at the meeting tonight and spoke out in favor of constructing a new, larger gymnasium at Bunkie Elementary School. Mrs. Ned read a letter written by Mr. Lynn Fogleman, retired principal of Bunkie Elementary. Mrs. Ned requested that Mr. Charles Riddle, Board Attorney, send the proposals along with Mr. Fogleman's letter and community members' signatures to Judge Drell and the Department of Justice.
A motion was offered by Van Kojis, seconded by Michael Lacombe, that the Board authorize District Attorney Charles Riddle to submit a report to Judge Drell and the Court showing the proposed Seven-Year Plan and the amount of funds available, along with the suggestions presented by the community plus Mr. Fogleman's letter, and let the Court determine what the Board needs to do.
Mr. Freeman Ford requested to add to the motion that the minutes of every meeting discussing the Seven-Year Plan also be sent to Judge Drell.
Mrs. Shelia Blackman-Dupas echoed Mrs. Lizzie Ned's comments and stated that the proposed plans for improving the Bunkie Elementary gymnasium are insufficient and do not accommodate the student population there. She felt that the Board did not put adequate thought to meeting the needs of Bunkie Elementary students in their proposal. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine pointed out that the Marksville Elementary gym is smaller than the Bunkie Elementary gym with twice the number of students, and it is adequate. He stated that the Board has approximately $1.7 million to spend over seven years, and the cost of a new gymnasium for Bunkie Elementary would wipe out all of those funds. There are other critical needs at many of the other schools that need to be addressed as well. He also reminded the audience and Board that one of the Judge's goals is to eliminatethe use of portable buildings in order to be unitary in facilities. These are in use at several schools and are not conducive to putting 25 students in that setting. There are just not enough funds to address every single request in the district. A concern was brought up by an audience member regarding the back door of the Bunkie Elementary gym being blocked with storage items, so Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine asked Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, to go investigate this claim and have the State Health Department and State Fire Marshall inspect the premises as well. Mr. Freeman Ford questioned when the gym at Marksville Elementary was constructed, which was 2006. He also stated for the record that even though the cost of a new gym at Bunkie Elementary is estimated to be $1.7 million, the Bunkie community compromised and came up with a figure of $515,000, which was never acted upon or addressed. Mrs. Lizzie Ned felt that the closing of the middle schools "created this monster" of having to use portable buildings. Mr. Van Kojis clarified that Bunkie is having to use portable buildings due to the amount of space required for all the new equipment at Bunkie New Tech School. Mr. Lemoine then reiterated that Judge Drell would like to see every child's classroom be one "like this" (regular permanent rooms, not portable buildings) and emphasized facility improvements for academic purposes, not for tracks, gyms, etc.
The motion was then voted upon and carried unanimously.
7. The following resolution was offered by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., and seconded by Freeman Ford:
RESOLUTION
A resolution making application to the State Bond Commission for consent and authority to issue, sell and deliver not exceeding $895,000 of Refunding Bonds, Series 2012, of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana, providing for the employment of bond counsel and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
WHEREAS, the Parish School Board of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana (the “issuer”), presently has outstanding $1,040,000 principal amount of outstanding Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2002, bearing interest at the rate of 3.69% per annum, final maturity, September 1, 2017, issued pursuant to a resolution adopted by the Issuer August 6, 2001 (the “2003 Certificates”); and
WHEREAS, the Issuer wishes to obtain overall debt service savings through the refunding of the 2012 to 2017 maturities of the Series 2003 Certificates (the “Refunded Certificates”); and
WHEREAS, Chapter 14-A of Title 39 of The Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended (the “Act”), authorized the Issuer to issue bonds for the purpose of refunding outstanding securities in an amount to effectuate the purposes for which the refunding bonds are being issued and in the manner provided by the governing authority of the Issuer; and
WHEREAS, the Budget of the Issuer for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2012 shows an aggregate excess of revenues over statutory, necessary and usual charges and all other expenses for such fiscal year (including balances brought forward) greater than the maximum principal and interest payable in any year on the Bonds authorized herein (the “Bonds”); and
WHEREAS, the Issuer now desires to incur debt and issue Eight Hundred Ninety-Five Thousand Dollars ($895,000) of its Refunding Bonds in the manner authorized and provided by the Act; and
WHEREAS, the Issuer is not now a party to any contract pledging or dedicating its excess annual revenues above statutory, necessary and usual charges except for the2003 Certificates and its outstanding $4,333,329 of Revenue Bonds (Taxable QSCB), Series 2009, issued pursuant resolutions adopted on August 4, 2009, September 1, 2009 and October 6, 2009, final maturity September 1, 2024; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Parish School Board of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana, acting as the governing authority of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana, for school purposes, that:
SECTION 1. Application is hereby made to the Louisiana State Bond Commission for consent and authority for the Issuer to issue, sell and deliver not exceeding $895,000 of its Refunding Bonds (the “Bonds”), all in the manner provided by the Act and other constitutional and statutory authority, to refund the Issuer’s outstanding Certificates of Indebtedness, Series 2002, maturing September 1 of the years 2013 through 2017. The principal of the Bonds will be payable over a period not exceeding five (5) years from the date thereof and will bear interest at a rate or rates not exceeding two and seventy-five per centum (2.75%) per annum. The Bonds, equally with the Issuer’s outstanding Revenue Bonds (Taxable QSCB ), Series 2009 (the “Parity Bonds”), will be secured by and payable from a pledge and dedication of the excess of annual revenues of the Issuer above statutory, necessary and usual charges in each of the fiscal years during which the Bonds are outstanding. The Issuer will convenant and agree to budget annually a sufficient sum of money to pay the principal of and interest on the Bonds and the Parity Bonds as they respectively mature, including any principal and/or interest theretofore matured and then unpaid, and to levy and collect in each year taxes and to collect other revenues within the limits prescribed by law sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on the Bonds and the Parity Bonds after payment in such years of all statutory, necessary and ususal charges.
SECTION 2. A certified copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to said Bond Commission on behalf of the Issuer, together with a letter requesting the prompt consideration and approval of this application.
SECTION 3. This Governing Authority finds and determines that a real necessity exists for the employment of special counsel in connection with the issuance of the Bonds, and accordingly, Foley & Judell, LLP, of New Orleans, Louisiana, as Bond counsel, is hereby employed to do and perform work of a traditional legal nature as bond counsel with respect to the issuance and sale of said Bonds. Said Bond Counsel shall prepare and submit to this Governing Authority for adoption all of the proceedings incidental to the authorization, issuance, sale and delivery of such Bonds, shall counsel this Governing Authority as to the issuance thereof and shall furnish its opinions covering the legality of the issuance of the Bonds. The fee of Bond Counsel is fixed at a sum not exceeding the fee allowed by the Attorney General’s fee guidelines for such bond counsel work in connection with the issuance of refunding bonds and based on the amount of said bonds actually issued, sold, delivered and paid for, plus “out-f-pocket” expenses, said fees to be contingent upon the issuance, sale and delivery of said bonds. A certified copy of this resolution shall be submitted to the Attorney General of the State of Louisiana for his written approval of said employment and of the fees herein designated.
SECTION 4. Bond Counsel is hereby authorized to obtain bids from potential purchasers for the purchase of the Bonds.
SECTION 5. By virtue of Issuer’s application for, acceptance and utilization of the benefits of the Louisiana State Bond Commission’s approval(s) resolved and set forth herein, the Issuer resolves that it understands, agrees and binds itself, its successors and assigns to, full and continuing compliance with the “State Bond Commission Policy on Approval of Proposed Use of Swaps, or other forms Derivative Products Hedges, Etc.”, adopted by the Commission on July 20, 2006, as to the borrowing(s) and other matter(s) subject to the approval(s), including subsequent application and approval under said Policy of the implementation or use of any swap(s) or other product(s) or enhancement(s) covered thereby.
The following resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:
Member Yea Nay Absent Abstaining
Van Kojis X
Darrell Wiley X
Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. X
James Gauthier X
Shelia Blackman-Dupas X
Lizzie Ned X
Michael Lacombe X
Freeman Ford X
Cynthia Hill X
And the resolution was adopted on this, the 1st day of May, 2012.
8. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine addressed the Board regarding the Board’s acceptance of Dr. William Gordon’s “Memorandum to Support Avoyelles Parish School Board’s Motion for Partial Unitary Status in Activities”. Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas questioned how the Board can accept the Memorandum without reviewing it. Mr. Lemoine clarified that the motion is just to acknowledge receipt of the Memorandum in order to review it, not to accept the contents of the report. It was determined that no motion is required for this item.
9. Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Transportation Supervisor, presented a transportation data report for the month of April, 2012. Mr. Ducote reported that there were no school bus suspensions for the month of April, 2012.
10. Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Sales Tax Collector, reported that sales tax collections for the month of March, 2012, totaled $535,777.20. Mr. Ducote stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $459,165.31 and the 0.25% sales tax generated $76,606.89.
11. Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following reports of April 17 and 24, 2012.
Finance Committee Report
April 17, 2012
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Chairman; Van Kojis, Michael Lacombe, James Gauthier, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Mrs. Shelia Blackman-Dupas was absent. Also present were Darrell Wiley, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., and Cindy Hill, Board Members; 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 as presented by Superintendent Lemoine. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a report of the bid-opening committee for audit for fiscal year ending June 30, 2011, as follows:
Report of the Bid-Opening
Audit for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2012
A committee met on April 10, 2012, at 1:30 p.m. consisting of Mrs. Demetria Alexander, Mrs. Thelma Prater, Mr. Wilfred Ducote, and Mrs. Mary Bonnette for the purpose of opening bids for the annual financial audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2012.
One bid was received from Ducote and Company, LLC for the following:
Audit: $27,500 - $28,500
Agreed-upon procedures: $7,500
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Finance Committee recommended to award the bid to Ducote and Company, LLC. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented an update report on insurance bids. She informed the committee that the insurance bidding is on schedule and that agents met over the Easter break to select insurance carriers.
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 Freeman Ford, the Board accepted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairman Mayeux. MOTION CARRIED.
Finance Committee Report
Apri1 24, 2012
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at 4:15 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; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
1. Chairman Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. reviewed the Needs Assessment/Screening Committee Report of April 19, 2012, as follows:
Board Member Screening Committee Report
The Avoyelles Parish School Board Member Screening Committee met on Thursday, April 19, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent; Craig W. Foster, Assistant Superintendent; Steve Marcotte, Supervisor of Maintenance; James Gauthier, Board Member; Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Board Member; and Cindy Hill, Board Member. Also in attendance were Michael Lacombe, Board Member; Van Kojis, Board Member; and Tanya Smith, Secretary to the Assistant Superintendent.
Mrs. Shelia Blackman-Dupas stated that the committee wished to keep what was originally proposed with the addition of bleachers only. Mr. Michael Lacombe expressed concern over the upcoming budget deficit and all Board Members present agreed that none of the Seven-Year Capital Plan would be completed if teachers in the parish had to be cut. It was requested that pricing be obtained to have bleachers installed in the Bunkie Elementary School project.
Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Cindy Hill, the Board Screening Committee agreed to table the Seven-Year Capital Improvement Plan pending more information for the renovation of the Bunkie Elementary School Gymnasium.
Seven-Year Capital Improvement Plan Proposal
(1) Riverside Elementary School restroom facility in Kindergarten building, $80,000.00; (2) Bunkie Elementary School Gymnasium upgrade (coaches office/equipment room addition, wood floors, permanent stage, and moveable seating), approximately $230,000; (3) Bunkie High School - construct four classrooms to remove four portables (Brewer Plan), $350,000.00; (4) Avoyelles High School - construct four classrooms to remove four portables, $350,000.00; (5) Cottonport Elementary School - upgrade Kindergarten building, $350,000.00; (6) Marksville Elementary School - upgrade of main building, $250,000.00; and (7) Marksville High School - auditorium upgrade, $200,000.00.
Spending recommendations: $1,768,000.00; Budgeted amount, $1,820,000.00; and Balance, $52,000.00.
The motion was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and Cindy Hill. Nays: None.
The Board Member Screening Committee has agreed to meet on Tuesday, April 24, 2012, prior to the Finance Committee meeting.
The meeting adjourned at 10:40 a.m.
No action was taken by the committee.
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Finance Committee recommended to accept the Needs Assessment/Screening Committee Report of April 19, 2012. MOTION CARRIED.
Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas said she disagreed with the content of the committee report. Mrs. Dupas stated that she did not intend to add bleachers only.
Board Member Lizzie Ned questioned the reason why all Board members were not informed of the Board Member Screening Committee meeting. She felt that since the discussion centered around Bunkie Elementary School, she would have wanted to be aware of the meeting as she represents this school. Mrs. Ned also questioned the presence of five (5) Board members. She asked whether a notice was published in the newspaper.
Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine stated that although the meeting was scheduled for the afternoon, Mr. Foster changed the time that day from the afternoon to the morning. He also said that committee members present at the April 17th Finance Committee meeting and the Building and Lands Committee meeting were made aware of the Board Member Screening Committee meeting on April 24, 2012. Superintendent Lemoine further stated that he inquired with the District Attorney regarding a quorum of members at such meetings, and the District Attorney advised him that there was no problem with five or more members’ presence for discussion since this serves as an Ad Hoc Committee, not policy-making. Superintendent Lemoine further stated that all Board members are involved in the Seven-Year Plan and that Block spending is over as a result of the Judge’s instructions. He reminded the committee that each Board member represents every child and every school in this district.
Board Member Freeman Ford stated that he felt that proper notice was not given, and that the Board was in violation of the open meetings law.
The Superintendent advised that District Attorney Charles Riddle could be invited to attend a meeting to explain his opinion on this.
Mrs. Dupas asked that Judge Dee Drell be contacted to explain the needs assessment format regarding the whole Board participation.
Board Member Cindy Hill questioned whether minutes were reviewed with the recording. Mrs. Dupas stated that she received a copy of the tape. Mr. Lacombe asked whether this committee meeting notice was published. Mr. Lemoine stated “no,” but the paper is notified in advance.
Mr. Ford alluded to a recent meeting of a group of concerned citizens in Bunkie regarding projects at Bunkie Elementary School and that suggestions were made at the meeting to rearrange funding district-wide to accommodate the funding for projects at Bunkie Elementary School.
Mrs. Dupas said that the proposal was cut off and that no opportunity was given to this group and that Mrs. Ned was not even invited to the meeting.
Mr. Ford reminded the Board that no action was taken.
The Superintendent responded by saying that no other schools were provided opportunities to discuss recommended needs and that on at least two occasions the Board was made aware of the Bunkie Elementary School situation. Mrs. Dupas said that no thought was put into the information sent to them. Mrs. Ned said that the architect did what the committee asked him to do (with pennies), and that the Brewers Plan was completely ignored. She said the committee never received answers regarding proposals to improve the BELA Gymnasium. Mrs. Ned also mentioned that the Bunkie Elementary School gymnasium is not comparable to Plaucheville Elementary School and Lafargue Elementary School gymnasiums, for example.
Board Member Mike Lacombe said that at least $1million was spent to upgrade the Bunkie Elementary facility and a wonderful job was done, however, it appears that this is not enough.
A heated discussion followed between Mrs. Dupas and Mr. Lacombe. Mrs Dupas stated that Bunkie Elementary School was neglected for so long, which was answered by Mr. Lacombe that $1 million was spent recently at this location. Mrs. Dupas expressed her opinion that Mr. Lacombe should not have been included in the April 19th committee meeting, since he appears to persuade members.
Mrs. Ned disagreed with comments made and reminded the committee that the Federal Judge had advised the Board to spend money in Bunkie schools that had been starved in the past.
Mr. James Gauthier commented regarding Board members attending committee meetings. He stated that when he became a Board member he attended all committee meetings in order to be more informed. Mrs. Dupas disagreed and repeated that we need to have Judge Drell explain this to Board members. Mr. Ford again stated his concern over notice given.
Board Member Cindy Hill questioned whether Architect Jim Guillory was given a specific amount of $52,000 to spend on the Bunkie Elementary School project.
2. The Superintendent asked the committee to allow the April 24th Needs Assessment/Board Screening Committee Report, which occurred earlier that afternoon, as follows:
Board Member Screening Committee Report
The Avoyelles Parish School Board Member Screening Committee met on
Tuesday, April 24, 2012, at 3:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Finance Director; Steve Marcotte, Supervisor of Maintenance; James Gauthier, Board Member; Shelia Dupas, Board Member; Cindy Hill, Board Member; Michael Lacombe, Board Member; Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Board Member; and Tanya Smith, Secretary to the Assistant Superintendent.
Mr . Steve Marcotte explained that the cost of additional bleachers would involve adding on to the building at a total cost of $306,860, which increased the cost of the total project to Bunkie Elementary School by $72,620. The Superintendent stated that the original $52,000 appropriated to extra costs would not be enough and funding would needed to be located elsewhere.
Board Member Shelia Dupas stated that she had concerns of the minutes of previous meetings. She said that bleachers were in addition to what was already there. Her understanding was that Mrs. Lizzie Ned should have been contacted. Mrs. Shelia Dupas also said that the committee agreed to leave $52,000 in an open budget since the Board could either accept or reject it and that it was strange that the amount that this comes to is $52,000. Mr. Steve Marcotte corrected Mrs. Dupas by pointing out that the total cost was $20,000 for retractable bleachers and $52,620 for the building addition to accommodate the bleachers, for a total of $72,620. Mrs. Shelia Dupas stated that Mr. Steve Marcotte should not be at these committee meetings and that he acts like a school board member. Mrs. Dupas felt that we are in an ethics violation due to a quorum being present.
The Superintendent said he reviewed the minutes and listened to the tape and felt that the minutes were correct. The Superintendent stated that Mr. Marcotte’s presence is necessary at the meetings for the purpose of reviewing the procedures and clarifying the purpose of the committee. He said that Mrs. Dupas suggested the architect was coached. He also contacted the District Attorney who had no problems with the amount of board members present.
Mrs. Dupas also asked why Mrs. Ned was not contacted to review the plans. Mr. Lemoine responded that he indeed called her to do so. Mrs. Ned made it clear to the Superintendent that if the plans were not as comparable to Lafargue Elementary School or Plaucheville Elementary School, then she was not interested.
Mrs. Cindy Hill said she is not in agreement with the current addition to $306,000. Mrs. Dupas also stated that her biggest issue was $52,000.
Upon motion by Cindy Hill, seconded by James Gauthier, the Finance Committee recommended to reject the Seven-Year Capital Improvement Plan as proposed. MOTION CARRIED.
Mrs. Hill stated that her reason is due to excess expenditures.
The meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m.
Board Member Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. noted that he was not present at the Needs Assessment Committee meeting of April 24, 2012.
Mrs. Dupas commented that she said that we need to leave the budget open.
Mrs. Hill stated that there was only four committee members that were present and that no quorum existed.
Mrs. Ned asked to correct the last paragraph regarding the call from the Superintendent to review the proposed plan for improvements at Bunkie Elementary School. Mrs. Ned stated that she wanted to pick up a plan and the Superintendent would not allow her to do so since there was only one set and was available at the School Board Office. Mrs. Ned stated that she was hoping to take the plan to her constituents for review.
Superintendent Lemoine reminded the Board that the minutes simply stated the meeting, rather than the telephone conversation.
Mrs. Dupas added to the minutes in paragraph 4, as follows: “Mrs. Dupas stated, “No, he wasn’t coached. He did exactly what was told to him.”
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Finance Committee agreed to accept the committee report with corrections and in addition noted that the committee voted against the proposed Seven-Year plan. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Upon motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by Van Kojis, the Finance Committee recommended to approve requests for overnight travel as presented by Superintendent Lemoine. MOTION CARRIED.
Mrs. Cindy Hill noted that the funding amount to Ms. Alaina Sampson’s request to attend a JAG Conference was omitted and the Superintendent indicated that he would supply this information to the Finance Committee at a later date.
4. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Finance Committee regarding a change order for the new gymnasium/multipurpose building at LaSAS needed an increased amount of $14,128.00. He explained that the change order involves additional items including shelving which are within the QSCB funded project budget.
Upon motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by Van Kojis, the Finance Committee recommended to approve a change order for the new gymnasium/multipurpose building at LaSAS in the increased amount of $14,128.00. MOTION CARRIED.
5. In other discussion, Mr. Van Kojis questioned whether we need to present the fact that the Seven-Year Program was rejected. Mr. Lemoine said that this is in order and after the May 1st meeting Judge Dee Drell is to be notified.
Mr. Ford stated that if something is rejected twice then it starts back over in the process. Mr. Lemoine responded that there is a time limit to submit information to the United State Justice Department. Mr. Ford expressed concern about informing the Judge about the Board’s actions. Mr. Ford suggested that the Superintendent provide notification to Judge Drell regarding the Board’s actions through District Attorney Charles Riddle.
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, subject to review of the tapes of this meeting by Assistant Superintendent Craig Foster and his corrections, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as follows:
Ayes: James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Van Kojis, Darrell Wiley, and Cindy Hill.
Nays: Freeman Ford, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and Lizzie Ned.
At this point in the meeting, Mrs. Shelia Blackman-Dupas left to attend the Avoyelles High Scholar's Banquet.
12. Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
April 17, 2012
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at 5:10 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following in attendance:
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., Darrell Wiley, and Michael Lacombe, Board Members; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; and James Lee, Assistant District Attorney.
1. A discussion to acquire by lease or purchase the Bordelonville School site and buildings ensued as a follow-up to meetings in Bordelonville on March 26, 2012 and April 4, 2012 by concerned citizens of the Bordelonville community. Board Member Carlos Mayeux, District 3, gave an overview of the meetings and pertaining issues. The Steering Committee from Bordelonville represented by James Armand, Michael Bordelon, and Adam Cline presented questions to the committee and Assistant District Attorney James Lee relative to their interest in being able to utilize the school site for educational and recreational activities.
Among the points/recommendations Mr. Lee made for the aforementioned to happen included: (1) making a plan for educational/recreational, etc. usage to present for review; (2) the Federal Court giving approval for any pertaining agreement; (3) determining of the Bordelonville Fire Department can/cannot enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Avoyelles Parish School Board for the proposal, (4) obtaining an appraisal of the school site and buildings; and (5) liability insurance would be required for usage.
The deteriorating condition of the Bordelonville school buildings was noted by all present and concerns for safety to remove/repair these facilities.
Mr. Don Juneau of Bordelonville requested of the committee that he be allowed to purchase (by bid) parts of the school property on the old agriculture building and freezer locker site as it adjoins some of his nearby property. The Steering Committee group indicated that they would be interested in using all the property with their planned activities.
Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Cindy Hill, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to obtain an appraisal of the Bordelonville School site and buildings for either leasing or selling. MOTION CARRIED.
The Building and Lands Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Van Kojis, Chairman
Building and Lands Committee
Mr. Darrell Dubroc, representing citizens of the Fifth Ward area, stood up and stated that the community would like to pursue a lease/purchase option with the Board regarding the Fifth Ward School in order to provide after-school tutoring and community center/recreational activities at the facility. Board Member Van Kojis invited Mr. Dubroc to attend the next Building and Lands Committee meeting to present his requests and provide more information. Mr. Rick Mithun from the New Orleans area also stood before the Board to discuss redevelopment of Bunkie Middle School and possibly other facilities using low-income housing tax credits. Ms. Patricia Walker inquired about her lease of Bunkie Middle School, and she was advised by Mr. Lee of the District Attorney's office that the Judge approved it today under the terms submitted in the proposal. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine asked Mr. Lee to meet with these two individuals at another time to discuss their matters of concern since they are off-topic from the School Board proceedings at hand.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Kojis.
13. Mr. Darrell Wiley, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
April 17, 2012
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, April 17, 2012, at 5:30 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 Cynthia “Cindy” Hill, Board Members; Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education; and Randy Littleton, Supervisor of Elementary Education.
1. Mrs. Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education; and Mr. Randy Littleton, Supervisor of Elementary Education, presented information regarding Summer School.
Mrs. Welch presented the Board with an update on Summer School, as follows:
Four Components of Summer School: (1) LEAP Remediation, (2) GEE Remediation, (3) End-of-Course, and (4) Credit Recovery/Enrichment.
Locations: (1) Avoyelles High School for students who attend Avoyelles High School, Plaucheville Elementary School, and Riverside Elementary School; (2) Bunkie High School for students who attend Bunkie High School, Bunkie Elementary School, and Cottonport Elementary School; and (3) Marksville High School for students who attend Marksville High School, Lafargue Elementary School; and Marksville Elementary School. Students who attend LaSAS will receive remediation at the school they are zoned to attend.
Dates: May 28 - June 29, 2012.
Costs to students: (1) Breakfast, lunch and transportation will be provided at no cost to the students. (2) Remediation will be at no cost to the public school students. (This excludes public charters.) (3) Non-public students will be assessed a fee of $200.00 per subject for remediation, (4) Students receiving Credit Recovery and/or Enrichment will be assessed a fee of $200.00 per subject.
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Education Committee recommended that the Board accept the update on Summer School. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Mrs. Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary; and Randy Littleton, Supervisor of Elementary Education, addressed the Education Committee regarding the SRCL Grant.
Mr. Littleton reported to the committee that the district did not receive the SRCL Grant.
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.
14. Mr. Freeman Ford, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
April 24, 2012
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, April 24, 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 Darrell Wiley, and Van Kojis, Board Members; and Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance.
1. 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 Celestial C. Mato, special education teacher at Cottonport Elementary School, effective May 7, 2012 through May 25, 2012. MOTION CARRIED.
2. 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 Susan Pickett, teacher at Riverside Elementary School, effective March 19, 2012 through May 25, 2012. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented for the committee’s consideration the ARRA Accountability Policies and Procedures.
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Executive Committee recommended to accept the ARRA Accountability Policies and Procedures as presented. 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. MOTION CARRIED.
15. On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board granted permission to receive proposals for official journal of the Board for the period July 1, 2012, through June 30, 2013. MOTION CARRIED.
16. On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board granted permission to advertise for the position of SIS Coordinator. MOTION CARRIED.
17. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented personnel changes for the Board’s consideration, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Katherine E. Vahle, non-categorical preschool teacher, effective June 1, 2012; resignation of Leah Hamilton-French, Title I Pre-K teacher, effective June 1, 2012; resignation of Patricia M. Deglandon, food service technician, effective June 1, 2012, for the purpose of retirement; and resignation of JoAnn Davis, food service manager, effective at the end of the day June 1, 2012, for the purpose of retirement.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Josephine Stevenson, (retired) teacher, effective May 25, 2012; resignation of Barbara Z. Jones, (retired) teacher, effective May 25, 2012; and resignation of Susan Pickett, teacher, effective May 26, 2012, for the purpose of retirement.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Joel M. Tassin, special education teacher, effective May 26, 2012, for the purpose of retirement.
BUNKIE HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Jill M. Bain, teacher, effective September 28, 2012, for the purpose of retirement.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Resignation of Emily Johnson, agriculture teacher, effective at the end of the day May 25, 2012.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Douglas Saucier, teacher, effective May 26, 2012, for the purpose of retirement; and resignation of Adrienne F. Tidwell, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 25, 2012.
MEDIA CENTER: Resignation of Lucy Hays Wright, IDEA-B Curriculum Coordinator, effective May 27, 2012, for the purpose of retirement.
AVOYELLES PARISH ADULT EDUCATION PROGRAM: Appointment of Joseph Head, part-time adult education teacher, effective April 25, 2012, through May 30, 2012, funded by Avoyelles/Evangeline Parishes Consortium.
AVOYELLES PARISH ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL: Resignation of Allen Wanersdorfer, Principal, effective at the end of the day June 29, 2012, for the purpose of retirement.
AVOYELLES PARISH PUPIL APPRAISAL CENTER: Resignation of Cherrie A. Callahan, Pupil Appraisal Coordinator - Educational Diagnostician, effective June 11, 2012, for the purpose of retirement.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE: Resignation of Michael Tanner, SIS Coordinator, effective July 1, 2012, for the purpose of retirement; and transfer of Tanya Smith, secretary to the Assistant Superintendent to secretary in the Finance Department, effective May 2, 2012, replacing Carolyn Milam who retired.
ADDENDUM(S)
5/1/2012
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Shelia McGlory, food service technician, from Cottonport Elementary School, effective July 9, 2012, replacing Pat Deglandon who retired; and Transfer/appointment of Felicia Jordan, food service technician, from LaSAS, effective July 9, 2012, replacing JoAnn Davis who retired.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Christine Lachney, food service technician, from Marksville High School, effective August 13, 2012, replacing Linda LaCombe who retired.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Board approved the personnel changes as presented by Superintendent Lemoine. MOTION CARRIED.
18. In miscellaneous business, Mr. Steve Marcotte addressed the Board regarding a resolution adopted in November, 2011 authorizing the Mineral Board to lease Section 16 properties for oil and gas exploration. He presented "Exhibit B," which identifies additional requirements listed by the Mineral Board Regulations which are necessary before leasing the properties. Mr. Marcotte requested that the School Board adopt a new resolution to coincide with these regulations (dividing lease payments over a three-year period instead of one lump sum).
On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Cindy Hill, the Board added this item to the miscellaneous agenda due to this being an emergency situation due to the June 13 deadline. MOTION CARRIED.
Resolution
Be It Resolved that pursuant to a public notice, a regularly scheduled meeting of the Avoyelles Parish School Board was held on the 1st day of May, 2012, at 5:00 o’clock p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Central Office, Marksville, Louisiana, where the following resolution, upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Van Kojis, and passed, was adopted, to-wit to include all School Board lands for mineral leases.
Be It Resolved that the Avoyelles Parish School Board has determined that it is the owner of mineral interests in and under immovable property described in Exhibit “A”, hereto and made a part hereof:
Be It Further Resolved that the Avoyelles Parish School Board has determined that it desires to take advantage of LSA R.S. 30:152(A), et seq, to authorize the Louisiana State Mineral and Energy Board to nominate the property described in Exhibit “A”for the state agency lease;
Be It Further Resolved that the Avoyelles Parish School Board, in legal session convened, that it does hereby direct and authorize the Louisiana State Mineral and Energy Board and the Office of Mineral Resources to accept nominations, advertise for, accept and award bids, and execute all oil, gas and mineral leases pertaining to the immovable property listed on Exhibit “A”, and additional conditions, minimum bonuses and rental on Exhibit “B”.
The motion was unanimously adopted by the Board.
19. Board Member Freeman Ford made a motion to discuss miscellaneous business regarding Dr. William Gordon, stating it is an emergency due to the fact that the Board will not meet again before Dr. Gordon arrives, seconded by Van Kojis. MOTION CARRIED.
On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board recommended that Dr. William Gordon change the title of his report "Memorandum to Support Avoyelles Parish School Board's Motion for Partial Unitary Status in Activities" dated April 21, 2012, to "Memorandum to Support Avoyelles Parish School Board's Motion for Partial Unitary Status in Extracurricular Activities", as per one of Judge Drell's Green Factors that specifically states "Extracurricular Activities". MOTION CARRIED.
There being no further business, on motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
James Gauthier, President
Dwayne Lemoine, Secretary-Treasurer