SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

            The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, December 4, 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., Lizzie Ned, Van Kojis, and Cynthia “Cindy” Hill.

            Absent: Shelia Blackman-Dupas..

            An Invocation was offered by Board Member Michael Lacombe.

            The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America led by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr.

            1.         A motion was offered by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Van Kojis, to adopt the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, November 13, 2012, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board.

            Board Member Lizzie Ned clarified that she voted “nay” in regards to Resolution Number 10 of the School Board Proceedings of November 13, 2012.  Resolution Number 10 stated as follows: “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.” Mr. Ned requested that the minutes be corrected to reflect her “nay” vote on this resolution.

            The Board hereby adopts the minutes of the regular Board meeting held November 13, 2012, as corrected. MOTION CARRIED.        

            2.         Mr. Darrell Wiley, Board Member, read a resolution of respect to the late Ermel Franks, retired teacher.

            On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Ermel Franks.  MOTION CARRIED.

            3.         Mrs. Lizzie Ned, Board Member, read a resolution of respect to the late Muriel Glenn, retired teacher.

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

            4.         President James Gauthier read a resolution of respect to the late Levonia Jeansonne, retired food service employee.

            On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Levonia Jeansonne.  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: Aleka Washington, Bunkie Elementary School; Jacoby Seaberry, Cottonport Elementary School; Todd Richard, Lafargue Elementary School; Brianna Gagnard, Marksville Elementary School; Bryce Dalgo, Plaucheville Elementary School; Gavin Gaspard, Riverside Elementary School; Angel Drummer, Avoyelles High School; Adriene Ortego, Bunkie High School; Kerra Franks, LaSAS; and Darielle Channel, Marksville High School.

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

            6.         Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Sales Tax Collector, reported that sales tax collections for the month of October, 2012 totaled $667,578.75 . Mr. Ducote said that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $572,556.52 and the 0.25% generated $95,022.23.

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

            8.        Board Member Freeman Ford led a discussion regarding the process for expulsion and/or suspension hearings as well as the wording for this policy.

            9.       On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board granted permission to submit Dr. William Gordon’s “Memorandum to Support Avoyelles Parish School Board’s Motion for Unitary Status” to Judge Dee Drell as well as the United States Department of Justice and that the Avoyelles Parish School Board be declared unitary.

            The motion was adopted by the following vote:

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

                        Nays:                Freeman Ford and Lizzie Ned.

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

Finance Committee Report

November 20, 2012

            The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, November 20, 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 Freeman Ford, Lizzie Ned, and Cindy Hill, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Irma Andress, Director of Federal Programs; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.

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

            2.         The Finance Committee discussed the funding source and location of a transition building. 

            Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine recommended that the building be located at Avoyelles High School to replace seven (7) portable buildings.  He stated that the estimated cost to transport and reassemble the building would be $100,000.

            Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Van Kojis, the Finance Committee recommended to accept and move the transition building to Avoyelles High School and to utilize up to $200,000 of excess local revenues.  MOTION CARRIED.

            3.         Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a proposed Act 1 salary schedule for 2013-2014 for the committee’s consideration.  Mrs. Bonnette explained that in order to comply with Act 1, the proposed teachers’ salary schedule was created.  The law states that the schedule must be voted on by the Board and published prior to January 1, 2013.

            Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Van Kojis, the Finance Committee recommended to move this item to the December Board meeting.  MOTION CARRIED.

            4.         Board Member Lizzie Ned addressed the Finance Committee regarding a funding source for the Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy Gymnasium.  The committee discussed utilizing excess local revenues.

            The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

                                                            Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Chairman

                                                            Finance Committee

            Board Member Lizzie Ned requested that the “excess local revenues” as mentioned in Item Number 4 of the Finance Committee Report be more specifically identified and readdressed at the next Finance Committee meeting.

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

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

Executive Committee Report

November 27, 2012

            The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, November 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; Debbie Bain, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance; and Donna Jeansonne, Teacher.

            1.         Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Executive Committee recommended to approve a request for a sabbatical leave for Donna Jeansonne, teacher at the Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy for the second semester of the 2012-2013 school year (January 7, 2013 through May 28, 2013).   MOTION CARRIED.

            2.         Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Executive Committee recommended to approve policies submitted by Forethought Consulting, Incorporated, as follows: MOTION CARRIED.

                                    (a)        File: BCBB                    Notification of Board Meetings

                                    (b)        File: BCBD                    Agenda Preparation and Dissemination

                                    (c)        File: EBBH                    Use of Automated External Defibrillator

                                    (d)        File: GAMIA                  Electronic Communications Between Employees and Students

                                    (e)        File: GBA                      Contracts and Compensation

                                    (f)         File: GBDA                   Employment of Retired Personnel

                                    (g)        File: IDDG                     Alternative Schools Education Program

                                    (h)        File: IFBGA                   Computer and Internet Use

                                    (i)         File: IHAD                     Parent Conferences

                                    (j)         File: JCD                      Student Conduct

                                    (k)         File: JCDAF                  Bullying and Hazing

                                    (l)         File: JD                          Discipline

                                    (m)       File: JDD                      Suspension

                                    (n)        File: JDE                      Expulsion

                                    (o)        File: JGCE                    Child Abuse     

            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 accepted Item Number 1 of the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Ford. MOTION CARRIED.

            On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board accepted Item Number 2 of the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Ford. The motion was adopted by the following vote:

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

                        Nays:                Freeman Ford. [Mr. Ford stated he supported all policies presented with the exception of (n) File: JDE Expulsion and, therefore, voted “nay” on this item.]

            12.        Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine addressed the Board regarding approval of a proposed salary schedule for 2013-2014 as per Act 1 requirements. Mr. Lemoine stated that currently, teachers are paid according to experience. Under Act 1, a salary schedule is required to be adopted by January 1, 2013, that takes into consideration job performance/effectiveness, demand, and experience in determining teachers’ salaries.

            On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Van Kojis, the Board approved the proposed salary schedule for 2013-2014 as per Act 1 requirements, as presented by Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine.

            The motion was adopted by the following vote:

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

                        Nays:                Freeman Ford and Lizzie Ned.

            13.        On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board agreed to declare an emergency to receive price quotes to move the transition building into the parish due to the time factor involved.

            The motion was adopted by the following vote:

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

                        Nays:                Lizzie Ned.

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

PERSONNEL CHANGES

BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY Re-appointment of Josephine Stevenson (retired) teacher, effective January 7, 2013 through May 28, 2013; re-appointment of Lydia Trammell (retired) teacher, effective January 7, 2013 through May 28, 2013; and re-appointment of Peggy Joshua (retired) teacher, effective January 7, 2013 through May 28, 2013.

COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Lauren Ducote, (retired) teacher, effective January 7, 2013 through May 22, 2013.

LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Sheterica Bradley (TAT) teacher, effective January 7, 2013 through May 22, 2013; and resignation of Gary J. Dauzat, bus driver, effective January 3, 2013, for the purpose of retirement.

MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Maggi Pepiton, teacher, effective

January 7, 2013 through May 22, 2013; and re-appointment of Gail Harvey (retired) teacher, effective January 7, 2013 through May 22, 2013.

PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Marjorie Gaines, (retired) teacher, effective January 7, 2013 through May 22, 2013; and re-appointment of Bessie Bannister, (retired) In-School Suspension Teacher, effective January 7, 2013 through May 22, 2013.

AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Betty Bordelon, (retired) part-time teacher, effective January 7, 2013 through May 22, 2013; re-appointment of Richard Hinton, TAT teacher, effective January 7, 2013 through May 22, 2013; re-appointment of Philip Ortego, teacher, effective January 7, 2013 through May 22, 2013; re-appointment of Matt Murdock, (retired) Dean of Students, effective January 7, 2013 through May 22, 2013; and re-appointment of Valerie Chesne, teacher, effective January 7, 2013 through January 31, 2013.

BUNKIE HIGH SCHOOL:  Re-appointment of Tom Roy, (retired) JAG teacher, effective January 7, 2013 through May 22, 2013; and re-appointment of Jessica Wolford, (TAT) teacher, effective January 7, 2013 through May 22, 2013.

LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Re-appointment of Bonnie Leduc, (retired) teacher, effective January 7, 2013 through May 22, 2013; and re-appointment of Wayne Lemoine, (retired) teacher, effective January 7, 2013 through May 22, 2013.

MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Timberly C. Deville, (TAT) teacher, effective January 7, 2013 through May 22, 2013; re-appointment of Barbara Cole, (retired) part-time teacher, effective January 7, 2013 through May 22, 2013; re-appointment of Leslie Davis, (TAT) teacher, effective January 7, 2013 through May 22, 2013; appointment of Tia J. Johnson, (TAT) teacher, effective November 27, 2012 through December 21, 2012; re-appointment of Tia  J. Johnson, teacher, effective January 7, 2013 through May 22, 2013; and resignation of Bryan Gendron, teacher/head football coach, effective November 23, 2012.

AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE: Appointment of Demetria Alexander, Supervisor of Federal Programs, effective November 20, 2012 through November 20, 2014.

ADDENDUM(S)

12/4/2012

BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Resignation of Rene Suire, teacher, effective December 3, 2012.

COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Suzanne M. Bordelon, teacher, effective December 5, 2012; resignation of Catherine Diane Tyler, autism teacher, effective at the end of the day December 21, 2012.

MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Viola Hayes, teacher, effective November 13, 2012.

            15.    Board Member Van Kojis recognized Ms. Demetria Alexander as the new Supervisor of Federal Programs and stated it was a very worthy promotion. School Board President James Gauthier announced that this is the last regular Board meeting in which he will be serving as President, and he thanked the Board members for allowing him to serve. He commented that it has been a good year, although he wishes he could have accomplished more, but he looked forward to seeing everyone back after the holidays in the new year.

            There being no further business, on motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Van Kojis, the meeting was adjourned.

                                                AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

                                                James Gauthier, President

                                                Dwayne Lemoine, Secretary-Treasurer