SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, August 6, 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, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Lizzie Ned, Van Kojis, and Robert Dunbar.
Absent: None.
An Invocation was offered by Mr. Randy Littleton, Supervisor of Elementary Education.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America led by Board Member James Gauthier.
1. On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, July 2, 2013, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Board Member, read a resolution of respect to the late Elaine Saucier, former teacher.
On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by James Gauthier, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Elaine Saucier. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Mr. Van Kojis, Board Member, read a resolution of respect to the late Donna W. Bordelon, former special education supervisor.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Donna W. Bordelon. MOTION CARRIED.
4. Mrs. Lizzie Ned, Board Member, read a resolution of respect to the late Reverend James Sampson, former bus driver.
On motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Reverend James Sampson. MOTION CARRIED.
5. Mr. Van Kojis, Board Member, read a resolution of respect to the late Joy O. Pearce, former teacher.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Joy O. Pearce. MOTION CARRIED.
6. Mr. Mike Kelly, Assistant District Attorney, addressed the Board regarding a public hearing to consider a resolution authorizing the exchange of Section 16 property with LeChevalier, L.L.C. (11 acres for 22 acres). Mr. Kelly stated that LeChevalier’s 22 acres is worth approximately $64,000, while the School Board’s 11 acres are worth approximately $33,500. The School Board would gain twice as much land and almost double the appraised value in this land swap.
On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted a resolution authorizing the School Board President to sign an Act of Exchange with LeChevalier, LLC, exchanging the School Board’s interest in 11.17 acres in Section 21, Township 2 North, Range 6 East, with LeChevalier, LLC’s interest in 21.37 acres, reserving both parties’ mineral rights; and hereby accepting an Act of Donation by LeChevalier to the extent of the inequity in the two properties’ values. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Ms. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, reported that sales tax collections for the month of June, 2013 totaled $693,176.61. Ms. Bonnette said that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $595,178.24 and the 0.25% generated $97,998.37.
8. Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report: Finance Committee Report July 16, 2013
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, July 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 Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Also present were Darrell Wiley, Lizzie Ned, and Robert Dunbar, Board Members; and Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance.
1. Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Van Kojis, the Finance Committee recommended to approve requests for overnight travel as presented by Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Finance Committee regarding the location of Automated External Defibrillators (AED) in the schools.
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Finance Committee recommended to purchase three (3) defibrillators, one in each field house, and provide training for each head football coach and one assistant. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater discussed auto-injectable epinephrine in the schools.
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Van Kojis, the Finance Committee recommended to purchase a two pack auto-injectable epinephrine for all schools. MOTION CARRIED.
4. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, reviewed the 2013-2014 Special Revenue, Capital Projects, and Debt Service Budget.
Mrs. Bonnette reminded the committee that the Board’s proposed annual budget will be available at the budget hearing on August 6, 2013, at 4:00 p.m.
5. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, discussed utilizing a safety consultant to decrease workers compensation costs.
Mr. Tom Hudson of Norris Insurance Consultants explained that state law requires school systems that are self-insured to maintain a safety program. He recommended that the Avoyelles Parish School Board contract with RiskWise Safety Consultants and Programs of Baton Rouge at a fee of $30,000 per year.
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Van Kojis, the Finance Committee recommended to contract with Riskwise Consultants at a cost of $30,000 for one year subject to their proposal and their attendance at the next Board meeting.
The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Freeman Ford, Van Kojis, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., and
Michael Lacombe.
Nays: Shelia Blackman-Dupas.
6. Mr. Robert Dunbar, Board Member, discussed assigning a trainer for each high school in the parish.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Finance Committee recommended to obtain further information regarding the cost and availability of trainers and bring this information to the next Board meeting. MOTION CARRIED.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Chairman
Finance Committee
Chairman Mayeux suggested that Items 5 and 6 of the Finance Committee Report be voted on separately.
On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Board adopted Items 1-4 of the Finance Committee Report. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A motion was offered by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Darrell Wiley, that the Board adopt Item Number 5 of the Finance Committee Report and enter into a contract with RiskWise Consultants for a safety program at a cost of $30,000 for one year. Mr. Chris Conti with RiskWise Consultants addressed the Board to explain their program and to answer any questions.
The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Michael Lacombe, Darrell Wiley, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., James Gauthier, Lizzie Ned, Van Kojis, and Robert Dunbar.
Nays: Freeman Ford and Shelia Blackman-Dupas.
Regarding Item Number 6, there was much discussion regarding the need for an athletic trainer at each high school. Dr. Janet Passman, Louisiana College Program Director, addressed the Board, pointing out the many advantages of having an Athletic Trainer on staff in case of emergencies and especially at sporting events, games, and practices as well as during physical education classes.
On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Robert Dunbar, the Board adopted Item Number 6 of the Finance Committee Report. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairman Mayeux. MOTION CARRIED.
After further discussion of the pros and cons of having Athletic Trainers on staff, a motion was offered by Robert Dunbar, seconded by Darrell Wiley, that the Board inquire as to the availability of athletic trainers in the area for possible employment and refer to the Finance Committee to determine funding availability to cover salaries for athletic trainers.
An amendment to the motion was offered by Freeman Ford, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., that the Central Office research the possibility of hiring an Athletic Trainer for each of the three high schools and prepare a job description and funding source for salaries and present this information at the next Executive Committee meeting. MOTION CARRIED.
The Board then adopted the motion as amended. MOTION CARRIED.
9. Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
July 16, 2013
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, July 16, 2013, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Van Kojis, Chairman; Lizzie Ned, Darrell Wiley, Michael Lacombe, President; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Mr. James Gauthier was absent. Also present were Freeman Ford, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and. Robert Dunbar, Board Members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
1. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented an update report on the Bunkie Elementary School roof. Mr. Marcotte provided a copy of a letter written by Architect Jim Guillory to Ms. Sherise Hyatt of Brazos Industries, LLC. Mr. Marcotte advised the committee that work will begin, first, at Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; and that the total cost of the project is $32,315.91. The additional cost increase will be derived from insurance proceeds. Also, Mr. Marcotte stated that there is approximately one week remaining on the project.
On motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to proceed with Change Order Number 1 in the increased amount of $31,245.91 plus $1,070.00. MOTION CARRIED.
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 Lizzie Ned, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report. MOTION CARRIED.
10. Mr. Freeman Ford, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
July 23, 2013
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, July 23, 2013, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Freeman Ford, Chairman; Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Darrell Wiley, Michael Lacombe, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Mr. Robert Dunbar was absent. Also present were James Gauthier and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Irma Andress, Director of Federal Programs; Sharon Hargis, Food Service Supervisor; Demetria Alexander, Supervisor of Federal Programs; and Becky Spencer, Tech/CLU Coordinator.
1. Mrs. Irma Andress, Director of Federal Programs, addressed the Executive Committee regarding permission to create a Network Administrator position. Mrs. Andress provided the committee with a job description of the position.
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Executive Committee recommended that the Board approve the position of Network Administrator. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Mrs. Sharon Hargis, Food Service Supervisor, reviewed results of menu validation.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter as it was for informational purposes only.
3. Mrs. Sharon Hargis, Food Service Supervisor, discussed new USDA nutrition standards for competitive foods.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter as it was for informational purposes only.
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.
11. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
July 23, 2013
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, July 23, 2013, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
James Gauthier, Chairman; Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Michael Lacombe, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas and Ms. Lizzie Ned were absent. Also present were Freeman Ford, Darrell Wiley, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education; Randy Littleton, Supervisor of Elementary Education; and Celeste Voinche, Principal.
1. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented a Tiered School Support Plan for the 2013-2014 school year.
The Education Committee did not take any action.
2. Mrs. Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education; and Mr. Randy Littleton, Supervisor of Elementary Education, presented information regarding a Teacher Support Inquiry Cycle.
The Education Committee did not take any action.
The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
James Gauthier, Chairman
Education Committee
Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas inquired about transportation for students who had selected the school choice option. President Michael Lacombe announced that the Avoyelles Parish School Board no longer has any failing school (rated “F”), therefore, school choice is no longer an option this year. Students who did utilize school choice last year may attend that same school again this year, but transportation will not be provided by the School Board.
On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gauthier. MOTION CARRIED.
At this point in the meeting, Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine announced that the School Board has received a Leadership Development Grant in the amount of $1,000,000. This grant will be used to train our leaders, assistant principals, aspiring leaders, and teacher leaders on how to recognize and provide support for classroom teachers so they can develop their skills and be effective.
12. Mr. Howard Desselle, citizen of Marksville, addressed the Board. He announced that on Labor Day, all Board Members as well as the public are invited to view 52 acres of his property which he would like to trade with Section 16 land owned by the School Board. This could be done in a land swap. Hotdogs and cold drinks will be served on Labor Day, and anyone wanting to have a picnic are encouraged to attend. Mr. Desselle is hopeful that the land swap will take place in the near future and that this land be used by the public for recreation, family activities, picnics, sporting events, etc., and he urged the Board to consider his proposal.
13. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a report on a public hearing on the budget which was held this date at 4:00 p.m. in the Board Room.
Report of the Public Hearing on the Budget
A public hearing was held at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 6, 2013, in the Board Room for the purpose of reviewing the Avoyelles Parish School Board’s 2013-2014 Consolidated Budget and receiving comments. Present were Michael Lacombe, Board President; Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Finance Committee Chairman; Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent; and Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance.
A motion was offered by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Freeman Ford, that the Board adopt the 2013-2014 Consolidated Budget, as follows:
The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Michael Lacombe, Darrell Wiley, Freeman Ford, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Lizzie Ned, Van Kojis, and Robert Dunbar.
Nays: None.
14. On motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board granted permission for Cleco Power, LLC to construct power lines at Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy, Bunkie High School, and Riverside Elementary School. MOTION CARRIED.
15. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Jessica L. Juneau, to Title I CSR teacher, effective July 10, 2013 through May 30, 2014; transfer/appointment of Sarah Armand, teacher, from Cottonport Elementary School, effective July 10, 2013 through May 30, 2014; appointment of Janice Barbin, (retired) teacher, effective July 10, 2013 through December 20, 2013; appointment of Lyman Hayes, (retired) teacher, effective July 10, 2013 through September 13, 2013; appointment of Amanda Goss, teacher (new hire), effective July 10, 2013 through May 30, 2014; appointment of Shuranda Williams, teacher (new hire), effective July 10, 2013 through May 30, 2014; appointment of Kadie Glaser, special education teacher (self-contained) (new hire), effective July 22, 2013 through May 30, 2014; re-appointment of Anita Bonnette, Assistant Principal, effective October 5, 2013 through October 4, 2015; resignation of Janice Barbin, (retired) teacher, effective July 25, 2013; and resignation of Laura Laiche, teacher, effective July 31, 2013.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Wendy Adams, Principal, effective September 7, 2013 through September 6, 2015; appointment of Nicole Gagnard, teacher, effective August 6, 2013 through May 22, 2014; correction in appointment: Appointment of Lindsey Bertrand, Title I CSR teacher (new hire), effective August 6, 2013 through May 22, 2014; and correction in appointment: appointment of Alicia Brown, from Title I CSR teacher to school base budget, effective August 6, 2013 through May 22, 2014.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Denise Sayes, Principal, effective September 7, 2013 through September 6, 2015; re-appointment of Sharice D. Sullivan, Assistant Principal, effective September 14, 2013 through September 13, 2015; appointment of Katherine C. Bunn, teacher (new hire), effective August 6, 2013 through December 20, 2013, replacing Deree Vicknair while on leave; appointment of Angie L. Lemoine, LA 4 paraprofessional (new hire), effective August 6, 2013; appointment of Jill M. Dauzat, special education paraprofessional (new hire), effective August 6, 2013; and resignation of Cora Guillot, bus aide, effective July 22, 2013.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Celeste Voinche, Principal, effective July l8, 2013 through August 1, 2014; appointment of Virginia Gauthier, teacher (new hire), effective August 6, 2013 through May 22, 2014; appointment of Jilianne Bonnette, special education paraprofessional (new hire), Autistic class, school base budget, effective August 6, 2013; resignation of Torianno Carmouche Robertson, teacher, effective July 26, 2013; resignation of April Piazza Vidrine, teacher, effective August 5, 2013; and appointment of Stacey A. Baudin, teacher (new hire), effective August 6, 2013 through May 22, 2014, replacing April Piazza Vidrine.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Beverly Boatner, teacher (new hire), effective August 6, 2013 through May 22, 2014.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Josephine Stevenson, (retired) teacher, effective August 6, 2013 through December 20, 2013.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Alyssa Lemoine Anderson, middle school JAG teacher (new hire), effective August 6, 2013 through May 22, 2014; appointment of Richard Hinton, Jr., (TAT) teacher, effective August 6, 2013 through September 13, 2013; appointment of Scott Balius, teacher, effective August 6, 2013 through May 22, 2014; and resignation of Alma Natividad, special education teacher, effective August 5, 2013.
BUNKIE HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Carliss L. Duper, teacher, effective July 24, 2013, for the purpose of retirement; Correction in appointment: appointment of Kristy Dauzat, from part-time to full-time, Academic Coach, effective July 30, 2013 through May 29, 2014; and appointment of Caleb Lea, teacher (new hire), effective August 6, 2013 through December 20, 2013.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Appointment of Lucille Guillory, R.N., part-time (three days per week), effective August 6, 2013 through May 22, 2014; appointment of Caren L. Bennett, teacher (new hire), effective August 6, 2013 through May 22, 2014; transfer/appointment of Dawn Pitre, from Family and Consumer Science teacher to instructional coach, effective July 30, 2013 through May 29, 2014; appointment of Megan Anderson, (TAT) Family and Consumer Science teacher (new hire), effective August 6, 2013 through December 20, 2013; and appointment of Cherie Varian, teacher, effective August 6, 2013 through May 22, 2014.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Elizabeth McSween, teacher (new hire), effective August 6, 2013 through May 22, 2014; appointment of Megan Soucy, TFA teacher (new hire), effective August 6, 2013 through May 22, 2014, replacing Nick Karn; appointment of Alis P. Chaudoir, special education teacher (new hire), effective August 6, 2013 through May 22, 2014; appointment of Corey D. Bannister, (TAT), teacher (new hire), effective August 6, 2013 through December 20, 2013; resignation of Amanda Bliss, teacher, effective July 17, 2013; resignation of Billy Stroud, teacher, effective July 18, 2013; and resignation of Anna Carmouche, part-time custodian, effective June 30, 2013.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE: Re-appointment of Karen Williams, Supervisor of Special Services, effective October 16, 2013 through October 15, 2015.
ADDENDUMS
8/6/2013
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Amanda Lacombe, from Academic Coach at Bunkie High School to Administrative Assistant, effective July 23, 2013 through June 5, 2014 (district funds); and resignation of Linsey Edwards, teacher, effective August 1, 2013.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Susan Ussery, (retired) teacher, LA 4, PreK, effective August 6, 2013 through December 20, 2013 (district funds).
BUNKIE HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Dewayne Vines, Principal, effective August 1, 2013; appointment of Amy Cole, Acting Principal, effective August 5, 2013 until appointment of Principal; transfer/appointment of Matthew Murdock, (retired) Dean of Students, effective August 6, 2013 through December 20, 2013; appointment of Samaria Davis, (TAT) teacher, effective August 6, 2013 through December 20, 2013; and resignation of Thomas Roy, JAG teacher, effective August 5, 2013.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Appointment of Amy L. Marcotte, (TAT) teacher (new hire), effective August 6, 2013 through December 20, 2013; appointment of Dan Soldani (retired) teacher, effective August 6, 2013 through December 20, 2013; and resignation of Charles A. Robinson, teacher, effective May 22, 2013.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Leslie Davis, (TAT) teacher, effective August 6, 2013 through September 18, 2013; and appointment of Benjamin Dubroc, teacher, effective August 6, 2013 through May 22, 2014.
16. In light of the fact that school choice is no longer an option for the 2013-14 school year, and school is scheduled to begin in three days, this hereby constitutes an emergency situation. Therefore, Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas offered a motion, seconded by James Gauthier, that the Board add miscellaneous business to the agenda. MOTION CARRIED.
Ms. Dupas stated that she heard complaints from four parents of students who had utilized school choice this year who are upset that they have to switch schools all of a sudden with schools set to open in just a few days. A lengthy discussion was held regarding school choice, Majority-to-Minority (M-to-M) options, and transportation issues. Some parents may not have chosen the M-to-M option during the allotted time period many months ago because they may have believed school choice would be available. Now that school choice is not an option, those students will have to attend the school in the zone where they reside.
(Board Member Lizzie Ned left the meeting during this discussion).
Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine made a suggestion to possibly extend the M-to-M option deadline due to these extenuating circumstances, with Judge Drell’s and the Justice Department’s approval. Until that time, however, all students would have to attend their designated zoned school. It was noted that this extension could cause disruption not only in classrooms but also in extracurricular activities and sports, with students going to school for a few weeks at one school then transferring if the M-to-M deadline is extended.
A motion was offered by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by Freeman Ford, that the Board authorize the District Attorney to send a letter to Judge Dee Drell and the Justice Department requesting to extend the deadline for Majority-to-Minority applications to August 23, 2013, and the School Board would have until September 13, 2013, to review the applications.
The motion failed by a tie vote as follows:
Ayes: Freeman Ford, James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and Robert Dunbar.
Nays: Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Michael Lacombe, Darrell Wiley, and Van Kojis.
There being no further business, on motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Michael Lacombe, President
Dwayne Lemoine, Secretary-Treasurer