SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

            The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in special session Thursday, January 24, 2013, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

             Darrell Wiley, Vice-President; Freeman Ford, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Lizzie Ned, Van Kojis, and Cynthia “Cindy” Hill.

            Absent: Michael Lacombe, President.

            1.         A motion was offered by James Gauthier, seconded by Van Kojis, to adopt the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, January 8, 2013, 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: Darrell Wiley, Freeman Ford, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., James Gauthier, Van Kojis, and Cindy Hill. 

            Nays: Shelia Blackman-Dupas and Lizzie Ned.

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

Finance Committee Report

January 15, 2013

            The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 15, 2013, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

            Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Chairman; Van Kojis, Freeman Ford, Michael Lacombe, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent.  Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas was absent.  Also present were Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, and Lizzie Ned, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Susan Welch, Randy Littleton, Sharon Hargis, and Steve Marcotte, Supervisors; Luke Welch, SIS Coordinator; and several principals.

            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.         Mrs. Sharon Hargis, Food Service Supervisor, reported that the USDA menu certification of Avoyelles meals was approved.  Mrs. Hargis stated that the district will receive $.06 more per meal in reimbursements which amounts to approximately $3500 more per month.

            Mrs. Hargis also explained about the paid lunch equity report and noted that the State has approved the Board’s program as it is currently.

            3.         Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented a report of the Needs Assessment Committee meeting regarding the Seven Year Plan, as follows:

Needs Assessment Committee Report

December 19, 2012

            The Needs Assessment Committee met Wednesday, December 19, 2012, at the School Board Office with the following members present:

            Freeman Ford, Van Kojis, and Michael Lacombe, Board Members; Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.  Also present was Lizzie Ned, Board Member.

            The meeting was called to order by Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent.  Mrs. Prater stated that the purpose of the meeting is to review the revisions to the Seven Year Plan. 

            The committee reviewed both, the original and revised plan.  Mrs. Mary Bonnette recommended placing a date on the revised plan to identify the difference.

            Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine explained the revisions to the plan.  Mr. Lemoine stated that the difference is the cost made to the Bunkie Elementary gymnasium in the amount of $499,730 as a result of the committee’s agreements on the revision to the gymnasium. 

            A discussion ensued by the Board Members which included the following topics:

(1)                                           Cost of the Bunkie Elementary gymnasium should not exceed $500,000.

(1)                                           Request that the gymnasium be built according to specifications.

(1)                                           Clarification of priority arrangement of projects.  Statement from the Superintendent stating that the numbers to the left are the projects’ numbers which the Board had established a year ago.

(1)                                           Statement that the funding source to move the transition building will be derived from contingency funds - not money from the Seven Year Plan.

(1)                                           Statement that the Seven Year Plan must be approved by Judge Dee Drell prior to the starting date for the gymnasium at Bunkie Elementary School.

(1)                                           Clarification from the Superintendent that there are seven (7) portable buildings at Avoyelles High School and five (5) at Bunkie High School.  Each building has two (2) classrooms.  However, at Avoyelles High School there is one building that is an Art classroom that is actually one building.  Seven buildings turn into thirteen classrooms. Every classroom that is currently being used in a portable building will be converted into a classroom in the modular building with restrooms available.

(1)                                           The construction of the four (4) classrooms at Bunkie High School to replace its portables will commence at the same time of the commencement of the modular building at Avoyelles High School is constructed to replace its portable buildings.

(1)                                           Discussion regarding the reasons involving placing the Cottonport Elementary School upgrades before the Marksville High School’s project.  An explanation was provided by Superintendent Lemoine concerning rational of projects.  Statement that the elementary schools need the most work inside the classroom.

(1)                                           Discussion regarding upgrades at Marksville High School. Statement from Superintendent Lemoine that the Marksville High School Auditorium needs sound, lighting, acoustics, curtains, floors, water proofing and seats. 

(1)                                           Statement that it would cost approximately $100,000 to repair the water proofing at the Marksville High School Auditorium.  

(1)                                           Statement that all items included on the proposed plan will be included in the construction of the gymnasium at Bunkie Elementary School. 

            Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Van Kojis, the committee recommended to change the Marksville High School project to Year 3, change the Cottonport Elementary School project to Year 5, and change the Marksville Elementary School project to Year 6.  MOTION CARRIED.

            Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Van Kojis, the committee recommended to approve the revised Seven Year Capital Improvement Plan, as corrected.  MOTION CARRIED.

            The Needs Assessment Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

                                                            Thelma J. Prater

                                                            Assistant Superintendent

            Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the report with the revisions.  MOTION CARRIED.

            The following action was taken by the Board following the presentation of the Needs Assessment Committee Report:

            A motion was offered by Freeman Ford, seconded by Van Kojis, to amend the Needs Assessment Report to add the word “upgrade” to Items (1), (2), and (5) to read as follows: Item Number (1): Cost to upgrade the Bunkie Elementary gymnasium should not exceed $500,000; Item Number (2): Request that the gymnasium upgrade be built according to specifications; and Item Number (5) Statement that the Seven Year Plan must be approved by Judge Dee Drell prior to the starting date for the gymnasium upgrade at Bunkie Elementary School. 

            The motion was adopted by the following vote:

            Ayes: Freeman Ford, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Darrell Wiley, Van Kojis, and Cindy Hill.

            Nays: Lizzie Ned.

            District Attorney Charles Riddle recommended that the Board amend the Needs Assessment Report to eliminate Item Number (5).

            On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board agreed to amend the Needs Assessment Report to eliminate Item Number (5).  MOTION CARRIED.

            Mr. Riddle advised the Board that a Status Conference with Federal Judge Dee Drell will be held on Thursday, February 28, 2013.

            A motion was offered by Van Kojis, seconded by Cindy Hill, to adopt the Needs Assessment Report, as amended.

            The motion was adopted by the following vote:

            Ayes: Freeman Ford, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Darrell Wiley, Van Kojis, and Cindy Hill.

            Nays: Lizzie Ned.

            4.         Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented an update on the General Fund Budget and LaSAS Budget. She noted that total revenues increased from $35,838,694 to $36,425,728 due to an increase in local revenues.  Expenditures decreased from $38,476,992 to $38,457,236 resulting in a current year deficit of $2,031,508.

            Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the revised 2012-2013 General Fund Budget.  MOTION CARRIED.

            Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Van Kojis, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the revised LaSAS Budget for 2012-2013.  MOTION CARRIED.

            5.         Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented information regarding salary schedules.  Mrs. Bonnette explained that revisions were made to the salary schedules for 2013-2014 and factors were revised due to recent legislation which included compensating agriculture teachers on a 12-month basis.

            Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the salary schedules as presented for the 2013-2014 fiscal year.  The motion was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Van Kojis, and Michael Lacombe Nays: Freeman Ford.

            6.         Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Finance Committee,  regarding receiving of funds for mineral leases.

            Mr. Marcotte informed the committee that the School Board has on deposit with the Louisiana Office of Mineral Resources $2,028,965 as a result of the sale of Section 16 mineral leases.  These funds are currently earning a 4% interest rate and may be withdrawn with a Board resolution.

            A motion was offered by Van Kojis, seconded by Michael Lacombe, that the Finance Committee recommends to allow funds to remain on deposit with the Louisiana Office of Mineral Resources. MOTION CARRIED.

            7.         Mrs. Lizzie Ned, Board Member, addressed the committee regarding funding for the sign (plaque) at the LaSAS Gymnasium.  Mrs. Ned noted that her name was omitted on the LaSAS Gymnasium plaque donated by the architect.

            Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Finance Committee recommended to purchase a plaque to include Mrs. Lizzie Ned and Rev. Mary Hayward-Jones’ names to be funded by district funds at a cost of approximately $1000.  MOTION CARRIED.

            A motion was offered by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Freeman Ford, to include the names of Lizzie Ned, John Lemoine, and Robert Dunbar, along with the names presently on a plaque for the LaSAS Gymnasium. 

            The motion was adopted by the following vote:

            Ayes: Freeman Ford, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Darrell Wiley, Lizzie Ned, Van Kojis, and Cindy Hill. 

            Nays: James Gauthier and Shelia Blackman Dupas.

            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 amended.   MOTION CARRIED.

            3.         Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:

Education Committee Report

January 15, 2013

            The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 15, 2013, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

            James Gauthier, Chairman; Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Lizzie Ned, Michael Lacombe, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas was absent. Also present were Darrell Wiley, Board Member; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Irma Andress, Director of Federal Programs; Susan Welch, Randy Littleton, Debbie Bain, and Demetria Alexander,  Supervisors; and Celeste Voinche, Dexter Compton, Denise Sayes, Cathy Brouillette, Toni Wilson, Delores Rabalais,  Brent Whiddon, Dewayne Vines, Blaine Dauzat, and Marvin Hall, Principals.

            1.         Mrs. Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education, and Mr. Randy Littleton, Supervisor of Elementary Education, presented an explanation of the template for lesson plans.  They indicated that the lesson plan template was developed by a group of teachers, principals and supervisors and had been revised several times.

            The committee did not take any action.

            2.         Mrs. Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education, presented a report of the EOC Exam for the Fall 2012 Semester.  The scores indicated that Bunkie High School’s scores went down from last year while Avoyelles High School and Marksville High School’s scores went up.  A more detailed analysis will be given at a later date.

            The committee did not take any action.

            3.         Mrs. Debbie Bain, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, presented a report regarding the status of absences at the parish schools.  In addition, Mrs. Bain presented a report on zone jumpers.  Prosecutions are under way for parents who allow their children to miss school. 

            The committee did not take any action.

            The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

                                                            James Gauthier, Chairman

                                                            Education Committee

            Board Member Lizzie Ned requested that the Education Report include a statement to reflect that Mr. Randy Littleton, Supervisor of Elementary Education, will present an update on DIBELS testing at the next Education Committee meeting.

            On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented, along with the correction from Board Member Lizzie Ned.  MOTION CARRIED.

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

Executive Committee Report

January 22, 2013

            The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 22, 2013, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

            Freeman Ford, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Cindy Hill, Darrell Wiley, Michael Lacombe, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent.  Also present was James Gauthier, Board Member.

            1.         Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Executive Committee recommended to approve policies submitted by Mr. James Prescott, Jr. of Forethought Consulting, Incorporated, as follows:

                                    (a)        File: JQK                      Foreign Exchange Students

                                    (b)        File: JG                         Student Welfare

                                    (c)        File: DFN                      Sale of Surplus Equipment and Supplies

                                    (d)        File: FDC                      Naming of Facilities

                                    (e)        File: IEB                        Class Size

                                    (f)         File: JBCBB                  Homeless Children and Youth

                                    (g)        File: JGCD                    Administration of Medication

                        MOTION CARRIED.

            The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

                                                                        Freeman Ford, Chairman

                                                                        Executive Committee

            On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Ford.   MOTION CARRIED.

            5.         Board Member Lizzie Ned addressed the Board regarding a telephone call she recently received from a parent regarding a bus incident. 

            Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, stated that she will investigate this matter. 

            There being no further business, on motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Van Kojis, the meeting was adjourned

                                    Darrell Wiley                              Thelma Prater

                                    Vice-President                           Assistant Superintendent