SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

            The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, November 13, 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.

            Board Member Van Kojis notified the Board that he would be arriving late.

            An Invocation was offered by Mr. Dexter Compton, Principal of Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy.

            The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America led by Vice-President Michael Lacombe.

            1.         A motion was offered by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Darrell Wiley, to adopt the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, October 2, 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 A.

                                    Mayeux, Jr., Lizzie Ned, and Cindy Hill.

                        Nays:    Shelia Blackman-Dupas.

            2.         Mrs. Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Board Member, read a resolution of respect to the late Allen Guillory, former teacher.

            On motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Allen Guillory.  MOTION CARRIED.

            3.         Mr. Darrell Wiley, Board Member, read a resolution of respect to the late Julius Ducote, former maintenance supervisor.

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

            4.         Mrs. Lizzie Ned, Board Member, read a resolution of respect to the late Azelia Goudeau, former teacher.

            On motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Cindy Hill, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Azelia Goudeau.  MOTION CARRIED.

            5.         Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine recognized the Students of the Month.  Mr. Lemoine presented a plaque to each student.  Also, each Board Member read a short biography detailing accomplishments of each student.

            The Students of the Month included: Taylor F. Grayson, Bunkie Elementary School; Austin Ducote, Cottonport Elementary School; Callie L. Roszell, Lafargue Elementary School; Janatia Small, Marksville Elementary School; Elnora Hagger, Plaucheville Elementary School; Jabari Woods, Riverside Elementary School; Mary Gauthier, Avoyelles High School; James Gaspard, Bunkie High School; Stanley Celestine, LaSAS; and Gage Marsh, Marksville High School.

            On behalf of the Board, President James Gauthier commended the students on their accomplishments.

            6.         Ms. Chrissie Parker, Instruction Coach at Marksville High School, presented a check in the amount of $300.00 to Hope Dupuy, student at Marksville High School, for the Gear-Up Project Read.

            7.         Mr. Howard Desselle, Citizen of Marksville, addressed the Board regarding the status of the Avoyelles Parish public school system.  Issues discussed were ACT scores, school performance scores, parental involvement, discipline, teacher accountability, the JAG Program, and dual enrollment courses. 

            Board Member Van Kojis arrived at the meeting at this point in time.

            8.         Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Sales Tax Collector, reported that sales tax collections for the month of September, 2012 totaled $587,806.04.  Mr. Ducote said that of this amount the 1.5% sales tax generated  $504,107.61 and the 0.25% generated $83,698.43.

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

            10.        Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented a report of a committee meeting regarding Bunkie Elementary Gymnasium, as follows:  

Summary of the Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy Committee Meetings

            The committee met on October 2, 2012 and November 1, 2012 to review and discuss the plans for changes to the Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy gymnasium/activity center.  The goal of the committee is to make a recommendation to the Board on a plan for the BELA’s gymnasium/activity center to address the needs of the school.  The committee consisted of the following members:

            Frank Brewer, Dr. William Gordon, Lizzie Ned, Board Member; Van Kojis, Board Member; Mary Bonnette, Steve Marcotte, Dexter Compton, Principal of BELA; Craig Foster, Bunkie Citizen; Ronald Sampson, Bunkie Citizen; Jim Guillory, Architect; and Thelma Prater.

            The minutes for the October 2, 2012 meeting are attached.

            The committee met again on November 1, 2012 to review the changes to the gymnasium/activity center with the recommendation from Mr. Frank Brewer.  Mrs. Lizzie Ned requested from the committee to bring the plans to the community.   The committee will meet again to hear the concerns of the community.

            Also attached are the revised plans and proposed cost for the gymnasium/activity center for the Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy.

Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy Committee Meeting

October 2, 2012

            A committee meeting was held Tuesday, October 2, 2012, at 10:00 a.m. in Room C of the School Board Office, with the following members present:

            Frank Brewer, Dr. William Gordon (telephone conference) Lizzie Ned, Board Member; Van Kojis, Board Member; Mary Bonnette, Steve Marcotte, Dexter Compton, Craig Foster, Ronald Sampson, Jim Guillory, and Thelma Prater.

            The purpose of the meeting was to discuss improvements to be made to the gymnasium at the Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy. 

            Mr. Dexter Compton, Principal of BELA, shared some school activities/events he would host in his new gymnasium/activity building that he is unable to schedule at this time.

            Mr. Ronald Sampson (concerned citizen) and Mrs. Lizzie Ned shared concerns about the facility not being suitable for students to play the appropriate sports/skills in the current building.

            Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented the Louisiana Physical Education Policy and Grade Level Expectation for elementary school age students.  There was discussion in the area of fifth and sixth grade students.

            Mr. Jim Guillory, Architect, presented plans that would consist of the following changes: Stage with stairs leading to the back entrance to allow access to storage room, bleachers, storage room with double-tiered carts for chairs.

            Mr. Frank Brewer suggested additional changes to be made to the plans of Mr. Guillory. 

            A motion was offered by Van Kojis and seconded by Craig Foster, to accept the plans presented by Mr. Jim Guillory with the additional recommendation suggested by Mr. Frank Brewer.  The cost should not exceed $500,000 and the funds should not be taken away from the allocated funds of the other schools.  The funds for the building (gymnasium) should be derived from other sources which would be collected over an eight-year period if approved by the Federal Judge.  In addition, Mrs. Lizzie Ned stated that she would like a copy of the final plan compiled by Mr. Jim Guillory and Mr. Frank Brewer in order to bring back to the people of the Bunkie community.

            The motion was adopted by the following vote:

            Ayes: Frank Brewer, Lizzie Ned, Van Kojis, Mary Bonnette, Steve Marcotte, Dexter Compton, Craig Foster, and Thelma Prater.

            Nays: Ronald Sampson.

            Board Member Van Kojis offered a motion, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., that the Board send the BELA gymnasium/activity center design as submitted by Mr. Jim Guillory to Federal Judge Dee Drell with a budget of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000), but delete the words "which would be collected over an eight-year period" from Mr. Kojis' original motion in the minutes of the October 2, 2012 BELA Committee Meeting. The motion was adopted by the following vote:

            Ayes:                James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr.,

                                                Lizzie Ned, Van Kojis, and Cindy Hill.

            Nays:                Darrell Wiley and Freeman Ford.

            Abstained:        Shelia Blackman-Dupas.

            11.        Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented each Board member with a copy of the “Memorandum to Support Avoyelles Parish School Board’s Motion for Unitary Status”.

            On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Van Kojis, the Board hereby acknowledges receipt of the "Memorandum to Support Avoyelles Parish School Board's Motion for Unitary Status". MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

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

Finance Committee Report

October 16, 2012

            The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, October 16, 2012, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

            Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Van Kojis, Michael Lacombe, James Gauthier, President; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Mrs. Shelia Blackman-Dupas was absent. Also present were Darrell Wiley and Cindy Hill, Board Members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Irma Andress, Director of Federal Programs; Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education; Randy Littleton, Supervisor of Elementary Education; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.

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

            2.         Chairman Carlos Mayeux acknowledged receipt of a Certificate of Achievement in Financial Reporting from Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) presented to Ms. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance.

            3.         Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented an update report on the salary committee.  She explained to the committee that the state is conducting workshops the week of October 22^nd to assist districts with newly mandated salary schedules.

            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 Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairman Mayeux.  MOTION CARRIED.

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

Building and Lands Committee Report

October 16, 2012

            The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, October 16, 2012, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

            Van Kojis, Chairman; Lizzie Ned, Cindy Hill, Darrell Wiley; James Gauthier, President; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent.  Also present were Michael Lacombe, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., and Freeman Ford, Board Members; Irma Andress, Director of Federal Programs; Randy Littleton, Supervisor of Elementary Education; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; Mike Bordelon,  James Armand, Arthur Lavall, Amanda Murray, and Ronald Sampson.

            1.         The Building and Lands Committee discussed a request to enter into an inter-governmental agreement with the Avoyelles Fire District 2 to sell the old Bordelonville School and property for the appraised value of $20,000, pending approval of the Federal Court.

            Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Cindy Hill, the Building and Lands Committee recommended that the Board enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Avoyelles Fire District 2 to sell the old Bordelonville School and property for the appraised value of $20,000, pending approval of the Federal Court.  MOTION CARRIED.

            2.         Ms. Amanda Murray of Mansura addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding the use of the former Mansura School.

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

                                                            Van Kojis, Chairman

                                                            Building and Lands Committee

            On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Kojis.  MOTION CARRIED.

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

Education Committee Report

October 16, 2012

            The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, October 16, 2012, at 6:00 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 Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent.   Mrs. Shelia Blackman-Dupas was absent.  Also present were Freeman Ford and Cindy Hill, Board Members; Irma Andress, Director of Federal Programs; and Randy Littleton, Supervisor of Elementary Education.

            1.         Mr. Randy Littleton, Supervisor of Elementary Education, presented an update report on Whole Faculty Study Groups/Compass.

                        Mr. Littleton also addressed the Education Committee regarding The Rapides Foundation.

            The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

                                                            Darrell Wiley, Chairman

                                                            Education Committee

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

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

Executive Committee Report

October 23, 2012

            The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, October 23, 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, Lizzie Ned, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Irma Andress, Director of Federal Programs; and Karen Williams, Supervisor of Special Services.

            1.         Mrs. Irma Andress, Director of Special Services, addressed the Executive Committee regarding restructuring of the Federal Programs.

            Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Executive Committee recommended that the Board approve the reorganization of Federal Programs.  MOTION CARRIED.

            2.         Mrs. Karen Williams, Supervisor of Special Services, presented a revised job description for the position of Discipline Coordinator/Behavior Specialist for the committee’s consideration.

            Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Cindy Hill, the Executive Committee recommended that the Board approve the job description for the position of Discipline Coordinator/Behavior Specialist.  MOTION CARRIED.

            3.         Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented a report on a “Teacher Satisfaction Survey”.  The committee accepted the report as presented by Superintendent Lemoine.

            4.         Superintendent Lemoine presented a report on the School Performance Scores for the Avoyelles Parish public schools.  The committee accepted the report as presented by Superintendent Lemoine.

                        The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

                                                            Freeman Ford, Chairman

                                                            Executive Committee

            On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Ford.  MOTION CARRIED.

            16.        Ms. Cindy Hill, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:

Bus Committee Report

October 23, 2012

            The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, October 23, 2012, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

            Cindy Hill, Chairman; Lizzie Ned, Van Kojis, Darrell Wiley; James Gauthier, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent.  Also present were Freeman Ford, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., and Michael Lacombe, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Irma Andress, Director of Federal Programs; Wilfred Ducote, Transportation Supervisor; Cathy Brouillette, Principal of Marksville Elementary School; Marvin Hall, Principal of Marksville High School; and several bus drivers.

            1.         The Bus Committee discussed bussing concerns at the Marksville Elementary School and Marksville High School.

                        The committee did not take any action on this matter.

            The Bus Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

                                                            Cindy Hill, Chairman

                                                            Bus Committee

            On motion by Cindy Hill, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman Hill.  MOTION CARRIED.

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

PERSONNEL CHANGES

BUNKIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Bertha M. Wilson, teacher, effective October 1, 2012, for the purpose of retirement; resignation of Katie Riemer, teacher, effective October 16, 2012; appointment of Laura Laiche, teacher, effective October 18, 2012 through May 28, 2013, replacing Tara Chachere; and appointment of Ian McCusker, teacher, effective October 31, 2012 through May 28, 2013.

LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Cora Guillot, bus aide, effective November 5, 2012.

LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Jennifer Harper, adaptive physical education teacher, from Cottonport Elementary School, effective October 1, 2012 through May 22, 2013.

MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Maggi Pepiton, teacher, from Avoyelles High School, effective October 15, 2012 through December 21, 2012; appointment of Cherie Varian, teacher, effective November 13, 2012 through May 22, 2013, replacing Camille Ussery who resigned; appointment of Gail Harvey, (retired)  In-School Suspension teacher, effective November 1, 2012 through December 21, 2012; resignation of Tracy S. Franks, teacher, effective October 11, 2012; resignation of Camille Ussery, teacher, effective at the end of the day November 16, 2012; and resignation of Clarisse L. Dugas, teacher, effective December 31, 2012, for the purpose of retirement.

PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Kimberly Meche, school secretary, effective October 1, 2012; resignation of Lauri A. Burke, librarian, effective December 1, 2012, for the purpose of retirement; and resignation of Carol M. Jeansonne, custodian, effective January 31, 2013, for the purpose of retirement.

AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Correction in appointment: Appointment of Betty Bordelon, from full-time to part-time teacher, effective October 3, 2012 through December 21, 2012; transfer/appointment of Jodie Melancon, to agriculture teacher, effective October 15, 2012 through June 30, 2013; transfer/appointment of Pat Joffrion, from teacher to Academic Coach, effective October 29, 2012 through May 22, 2013; transfer/appointment of Billy Furlow, teacher, effective October 29, 2012 through May 22, 2013, from Title II budget to School Based Budget; appointment of Valerie Chesne, teacher, effective November 1, 2012 through December 21, 2012 (Title II funds); appointment of Mary Jan Nickerson, teacher, effective November 1, 2012 through May 22, 2013 (School Base Budget); appointment of Maximillian Earhart, teacher, effective October 9, 2012 through December 21, 2012; appointment of Jimmy Harrison, Jr., teacher, effective October 16, 2012 through May 22, 2013;appointment of Philip Ortego, teacher, effective October 24, 2012 through December 21, 2012, replacing Thomas Wellman while on sick leave; and resignation of Maximillian Earhart, teacher, effective at the end of the day October 29, 2012.

BUNKIE HIGH SCHOOL: Correction in appointment: Appointment of Melinda Descant, from full-time to part-time teacher, effective August 6, 2012 through May 22, 2013.

LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Resignation of Ronald J. Roy, teacher, effective October 3, 2012; and appointment of Dan Soldani, (retired) teacher, effective October 8, 2012 through December 21, 2012.

MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Viola Hayes, teacher, effective October 3, 2012 through May 22, 2013, replacing Justin Kees who resigned; and resignation of Alice F. Aud, teacher, effective October 5, 2012.

AVOYELLES PARISH MOBILE CLASSROOM: Resignation of Elizabeth R. Jeansonne, teacher, effective December 14, 2012, for the purpose of retirement.

ADDENDUM(S)

11/13/2012

AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Alishia Williams, teacher, from LASAS, effective November 8, 2012 through December 21, 2012. 

MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Linda Daigrepont, special education paraprofessional, effective August 6, 2012.

            18.        Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine announced that he was contacted by Assistant District Attorney James Lee regarding the postponement of the Board going into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending litigation (Avoyelles Parish School Board versus United States Department of Interior, Case Number 081374.)

            There being no further business, on motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the meeting was adjourned.

                                                            AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

                                                            James Gauthier, President

                                                            Dwayne Lemoine, Secretary-Treasurer