SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, May 7, 2013, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Michael Lacombe, President; Darrell Wiley, Vice-President; Freeman Ford, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., James Gauthier, Lizzie Ned, Van Kojis, and Cynthia “Cindy” Hill.
Absent: Shelia Blackman-Dupas.
An Invocation was offered by Board Member Lizzie Ned.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America led by James Gauthier.
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, April 2, 2013, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Board Member Freeman Ford read a resolution of respect to the late Sharon Vasser, former teacher at Marksville High School.
On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Sharon Vasser. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Board Member Michael Lacombe read a resolution of respect to the late Francis Joe Ducote, former School Board member.
On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Francis Joe Ducote. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine recognized the Students of the Month for the month of May. 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 for the month of May, are as follows: Zoe Mitchell, Bunkie Elementary School; Shelbie Michel, Cottonport Elementary School; Avram Andrews, Lafargue Elementary School; Zion Williams, Marksville Elementary School; Kyliah Heath, Plaucheville Elementary School; Cain Moreau, Riverside Elementary School; Johnny Thevis, Avoyelles High School; Scott Hernandez, Bunkie High School; Patrick Augustine, LaSAS; and Jan Angelo Eroja, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Michael Lacombe commended the students on their accomplishments.
5. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine recognized Mr. Khalil Roy, student at Bunkie High School, and Miss Emily Ryan, student at Marksville High School, to be a part of the LA GEAR UP’s contingency to the 2013 National Council for Community and Education Partnerships National Youth Congress in San Francisco, California.
6. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine recognized and commended Mrs. Nicole Gagnard, teacher at Marksville Elementary School, for being selected as a Kagan Summer Academy Scholarship Winner. Mr. Lemoine stated that Nicole was offered a full scholarship which includes tuition and materials for this workshop.
7. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine recognized the school and district 2013-2014 Teacher of the Year winners, as follows:
Elementary School Level Winners: Brenda Lavergne, Bunkie Elementary School; Brandi Chatelain, Cottonport Elementary School; Shaun Reynaud, Lafargue Elementary School; Janie Skinner, Marksville Elementary School; Lindsay Gremillion, Plaucheville Elementary School; and Sarah Reech, Riverside Elementary School.
Middle School Level Winners: Alma Natividad, Avoyelles High School; Dustin Borrel, Bunkie High School; Jayne Walker, LaSAS; and Julie Humble, Marksville High School.
High School Level Winners: Sophia Roy, Avoyelles High School; Chuck Normand, Bunkie High School; Jennifer Dismer, LaSAS ; and James Deshautelle, Marksville High School.
Superintendent Lemoine announced that district winners include Lindsay Gremillion, Plaucheville Elementary School; Alma Natividad, Avoyelles High School; and Jennifer Dismer, LaSAS. Mr. Lemoine presented a plaque and a monetary award to the winners.
President Michael Lacombe expressed the Board’s concurrence with the Superintendent’s remarks of congratulations to all of the selected teachers for the honor of being selected Teacher of the Year at each respective grade level.
8. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine addressed the Board regarding naming a Principal of the Year. Mr. Lemoine recognized the 2013-2014 Principal of the Year, Ms. Denise Sayes, Principal of Lafargue Elementary School. Ms. Sayes thanked the Board and also expressed appreciation to all of the other principals and administrators and the faculty of Lafargue Elementary School for their support. She will represent the Avoyelles Parish School Board and compete in regional and state competition later this year.
9. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine recognized and commended the Avoyelles High School Drama Team and the Marksville High School Choir for their outstanding achievements.
10. District Attorney Charles Riddle announced to the Board and the audience that earlier today, in a 6-1 vote, the Louisiana State Supreme Court declared that the state’s voucher plan is unconstitutional due to the fact that the plan is funded using MFP funds. He noted that the Board may possibly receive a refund in the amount of approximately $800,000 as a result of this decision.
11. Ms. Ann Fumarolo, Sci-Port President/CEO, and Commissioner Marc Dupuy of Red River Waterway, addressed the Board regarding a grant for Title I fourth graders. This grant covers the costs of entrance fees for all fourth graders to attend Sci-Port Discovery Center in Shreveport and also experience the Red River Waterway exhibit.
12. Mr. Howard Desselle, Citizen of Marksville, addressed the Board regarding a decrease in enrollment in the Avoyelles Parish public schools.
13. Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Sales Tax Collector, reported that sales tax collections for the month of March, 2013 totaled $598,240.32. Mr. Ducote said that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $513,347.42 and the 0.25% generated $84,892.90. .
14. Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Transportation Supervisor, presented a transportation data report for the month of March, 2013.
15. Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
April 16, 2013
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present
Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Chairman; Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Van Kojis, Freeman Ford, Michael Lacombe, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Also present were Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, Lizzie Ned, and Cindy Hill, Board Members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Wilfred Ducote, Transportation Supervisor; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
1. Upon motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by Van Kojis, the Finance Committee recommended to approve requests for overnight travel, as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Ms. Carmel Breaux of Norris Insurance Consultants, addressed the Finance Committee regarding the July 1, 2013 PCAL renewal. She informed the committee that a 15% penalty will be assessed by PCAL if the Board chooses to cancel the present two-year policy.
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Finance Committee recommended to continue with the current renewal of Year 2 of the PCAL policy. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a bid-opening committee report on the annual financial audit for fiscal year ending June 30, 2013.
Report of the Bid-Opening
Audit for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2013
A committee met on April 9, 2013, at 1:30 p.m. consisting of Mrs. Demetria Alexander, Mrs. Sharon Hargis, Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Mrs. Jaimie Lacombe, and Mr. Steve Marcotte for the purpose of opening bids for the annual financial audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2013.
The committee acknowledged a bid from Ducote and Company, LLC in the following amount:
Audit: $27,500 - $28,500
Agreed-upon procedures: $7500
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Van Kojis, the Finance Committee recommended to award the bid as presented to Ducote and Company. MOTION CARRIED.
4. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented an update on the 2012-2013 General Fund Budget.
Mrs. Bonnette reviewed total General Fund revenues of $36,213,874, total expenditures of $37,966,467 and a projected estimated deficit of $1,752,593. She also reviewed a fund balance trend from 2003-2014 indicating a projected decline due to cuts in state funding.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the General Fund 2012-2013 revised budget. MOTION CARRIED.
The Finance Committee respectfully requests the adoption of this report.
Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Chairman
Finance Committee
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Freeman Ford, the Board approved the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairman Mayeux. MOTION CARRIED.
16. Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
April 16, 2013
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, April 16, 2013, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Van Kojis, Chairman; Lizzie Ned, Darrell Wiley, Cindy Hill, Michael Lacombe, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Also present were Freeman Ford, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and James Gauthier, Board Members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
1. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a bid-opening committee report on the leasing of Mansura and Bunkie Middle Gymnasium, as follows:
Report of the Bid-Opening Committee
Lease of Mansura and Bunkie Middle Gymnasium
On Tuesday, April 2, 2013, at 1:30 p.m., a bid opening committee met for the purpose of receiving bids on the leasing of Mansura and Bunkie Middle Gymnasiums.
Members of the committee were: Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent; Michael Lacombe, Board President; Wilfred Ducote, Sales Tax/Transportation; and Steven Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
The committee acknowledged receipt of the following bids:
Bunkie Middle Gymnasium: Kingdom Life Ambassador Center, Arthur Lovall, $650 per month.
Mansura Middle Gymnasium: Derrick Laird, $1120 In-Kind Services.
Upon motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Cindy Hill, the Building and Lands Committee recommended that the Board accept the above bids on the leasing of the Bunkie Middle School Gymnasium and Mansura Middle School Gymnasium. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a bid-opening committee report on the leasing of 10.73 acres of crop land in Moreauville, as follows:
Report of the Bid-Opening Committee
Leasing of 10.73 Acres of Crop Land in Moreauville
On Tuesday, April 2, 2013, at 1:30 p.m., a bid opening committee met for the purpose of receiving bids for the leasing of 10.73 acres of crop land in Moreauville, Louisiana.
Members of the committee were: Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent; Michael Lacombe, Board President; Wilfred Ducote, Sales Tax/Transportation; and Steven Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
The committee acknowledged receipt of the following bid: Jason Gauthier/Arthur Bordelon: 20% or 1/5 of crop per year.
Upon motion by Cindy Hill, seconded by Michael Lacombe , the Building and Lands Committee recommended that the Board accept the bid of Jason Gauthier/Arthur Bordelon for five years. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the committee regarding a right of passage from the Deliverance Hunting Club (Grassy Lake Section).
Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Cindy Hill, the Building and Lands Committee recommended that the Board revise the lease with the Deliverance Hunting Club to omit the roadway onto the lease. MOTION CARRIED.
4. The Building and Lands Committee discussed a letter from the United States Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management, concerning federal mineral leases of the FFA property at Old River, Mansura.
The committee acknowledged that this matter was for informational purposes and that no action was taken.
5. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the committee regarding the use of a facility with the Department of Children and Family Services.
Upon motion by Cindy Hill, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Building and Lands Committee recommended that the Board enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Department of Children and Family Services to lease Mansura Middle School as needed, pending Federal Court approval. MOTION CARRIED.
6. The Building and Lands Committee discussed a covenant to the State Fire Marshall’s Office restricting the capacity at the Bunkie Elementary Learning School Gymnasium.
Upon motion by Cindy Hill, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Building and Lands Committee recommended that the Board authorize the Superintendent to sign the covenant. MOTION CARRIED.
7. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding approval of a resolution to lease indemnity property in Concordia Parish.
Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Cindy Hill, the Building and Lands Committee recommended that the Board approve a resolution to lease indemnity property in Concordia Parish. MOTION CARRIED.
8. Mr. James Gauthier, Board Member, addressed the Building and Lands
Committee regarding the status of the Hessmer agriculture building.
The Building and Lands Committee requested that Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, gather more information regarding the status of the Hessmer agriculture building.
The Building and Lands Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Van Kojis, Chairman
Building and Lands Committee
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board approved the Building and Lands Committee Report except for Item 6 and Item 8 as presented by Chairman Kojis. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Cindy Hill, the Board approved Item Number 6 of the Building and Lands Committee Report by the following vote:
Ayes: Michael Lacombe, Darrell Wiley, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., James Gauthier, Van Kojis, and Cindy Hill.
Nays: Freeman Ford and Lizzie Ned.
No action was taken regarding Item Number 8 of the Building and Lands Committee Report.
17. Mr. Freeman Ford, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
April 23, 2013
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Freeman Ford, Chairman; Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Cindy Hill, Darrell Wiley, Michael Lacombe, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Also present were James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman Dupas, Van Kojis, and Lizzie Ned, Board Members; Irma Andress, Director of Federal Programs; Luke Welch, SIS Coordinator; and Carliss Duper, Teacher.
1. Mr. James Gauthier, Board Member, addressed the Executive Committee regarding Board Member compensation.
Upon motion by Cindy Hill, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Executive Committee recommended that the policy for stipends for members of the Executive Committee stipulate that members who are present at the Executive Committee meeting receive $45 per meeting and that the President of the Board be paid an additional $90 per month.
The motion was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Freeman Ford, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Cindy Hill, and Michael Lacombe. Nays: Darrell Wiley.
2. The Executive Committee discussed dissemination of packets for upcoming board meetings and committee meetings.
Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Executive Committee recommended that File: BCBD be revised to indicate as follows:
(Change in third paragraph of policy) All Board meeting materials and supporting data, including committee reports, personnel changes, qualifications for vacant positions and other pertinent attachments, shall be disseminated to the members of the Board and shall be mailed/e-mailed no later than the work day Thursday preceding the Tuesday meeting.
3. Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Cindy Hill, the Executive Committee recommended that the Board approve a leave without pay for Carliss Duper, teacher at Bunkie New Tech School, effective April 11, 2013 through May 22, 2013.
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 approved Item Number 2 and Item Number 3 of the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Ford. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A motion was made by Van Kojis, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., that the Board approve Item Number 1 of the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Ford. The motion failed by the following tie vote:
Ayes: Van Kojis, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Freeman Ford, and Cindy Hill.
Nays: Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, Lizzie Ned, and Michael Lacombe.
18. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
April 23, 2013
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, April 23, 2013, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
James Gauthier, Chairman; Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Lizzie Ned, Michael Lacombe, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Also present were Darrell Wiley, Freeman Ford, Van Kojis, and Cindy Hill, Board Members; and Susan Welch and Randy Littleton, Supervisors.
1. Mrs. Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education, presented a report on graduation rates and ACT scores.
The committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Mr. Michael Lacombe, Board President, addressed the Education Committee regarding an incentive program for newly hired teachers.
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Education Committee recommended to refer this matter to the Finance Committee and that the Director of Finance be present. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman, addressed the Education Committee regarding discipline.
Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented data to the committee regarding discipline and incident reports in the schools.
The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
James Gauthier, Chairman
Education Committee
On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Board approved the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gauthier. MOTION CARRIED.
19. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the Board regarding 2013-2014 property proposals.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board granted permission to its consultants to continue negotiating property quotes. MOTION CARRIED.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Board accepted the renewal of its standard accident insurance policy with the current carrier. MOTION CARRIED.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Board granted authority to its consultants to renegotiate workers compensation policy rates. MOTION CARRIED.
20. On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Cindy Hill, the Board approved a right of way permit to relocate/construct an overhead electric line to serve the Avoyelles High School in Moreauville, Louisiana. MOTION CARRIED.
21. On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board granted permission to receive proposals for the official journal of the Board for the period beginning July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014. MOTION CARRIED.
22. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Resignation of Doris Leary, teacher, effective May 29, 2013, for the purpose of retirement.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Sandra Dauzat, food service manager, effective at the end of the day April 2, 2013; and appointment of Billy Laird, bus driver, effective April 29, 2013, replacing Dennis Johnson who retired.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Donna Reuter, teacher, effective August 5, 2013; and Correction in date of resignation: Resignation of June Nation, teacher, effective May 22, 2013, for the purpose of retirement.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Cherie A. Varian, teacher, effective May 22, 2013; resignation of Vickie Fowler, teacher, effective March 4, 2013; and resignation of Carol L. Gagnard, paraprofessional, effective May 23, 2013, for the purpose of retirement.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Bessie Bannister, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 22, 2013; resignation of Kathryn Khan, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 22, 2013; and appointment of Sherman Bell, bus driver, effective April 8, 2013, replacing Gary Dauzat who retired.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Cindy B. Roblin, teacher, effective May 23, 2013, for the purpose of retirement.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Valerie Chesne, teacher, effective May 1, 2013 through May 22, 2013.
BUNKIE HIGH SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Sarah Abbott, (TAT) teacher, effective May 1, 2013 through May 22, 2013; resignation of Randy Ducote, agriculture teacher, effective July 1, 2013; and
resignation of Pamela Deshotel, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 22, 2013.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Re-appointment of Monique Harris-Gaspard, Assistant Principal, effective June 7, 2013 through June 7, 2015; and transfer/appointment of Rita Michot, food service technician, from LaSAS, temporarily replacing Lorraine Eggins while on leave, effective April 2, 2013.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Yuliana Johnson, (TAT) teacher, effective May 1, 2013 through May 22, 2013; appointment of Samaria N. Davis, (TAT) teacher, effective April 15, 2013 through May 22, 2013, replacing Sarah M Dupont on sick leave; resignation of Ronnie Stanley, teacher, effective May 27, 2013; resignation of Carolyn Bernard, food service manager, effective May 23, 2013, for the purpose of retirement; and resignation of Wanda R. Cotten, R.N., effective at the end of the day May 22, 2013.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE: Re-appointment of Rebecca Spencer, TECH/CLU Coordinator, effective June 30, 2013 through June 30, 2015.
23. On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board agreed to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing (1) pending litigation (Allgood versus Avoyelles Parish School Board) and (Debra Desselle versus Avoyelles Parish School Board); and (2) a personnel matter. MOTION CARRIED.
On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by James Gauthier, the Board reconvened in open public session at approximately 8:25 p.m.
A motion was offered by Freeman Ford, seconded by Darrell Wiley, that the Board accept Superintendent Lemoine’s recommendations as discussed in Executive Session to terminate Denise Simon. The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Michael Lacombe, Darrell Wiley, Freeman Ford, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., James Gauthier, Van Kojis, and Cindy Hill.
Nays: Lizzie Ned.
24. A motion was offered by Cindy Hill, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., that a miscellaneous item be added to the agenda. MOTION CARRIED.
On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by James Gauthier, the Board granted authority to Michael Lacombe, Board President, to sign the agreement regarding the sale of the Bordelonville High School on behalf of the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED.
There being no further business, on motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by James Gauthier, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Michael Lacombe, President
Dwayne Lemoine, Secretary-Treasurer