SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, November 5, 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, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Absent: Lizzie Ned.
An Invocation was offered by School Board President Michael Lacombe.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America led by Board Member Darrell Wiley.
At this time, President Michael Lacombe publicly thanked interim Board Member Robert Dunbar for serving on the School Board for District Nine for the past few months, filling in the seat vacated by Cynthia “Cindy” Hill. He also congratulated newly-elected District Nine Board Member John Gagnard and welcomed him to his first School Board meeting. In addition, Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine thanked the School Board for sending him a plant during his recovery from surgery, and he read a “thank you” card from Board Member Lizzie Ned thanking the Board for sending a basket of flowers at the time of her sister’s passing.
1. On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, October 1, 2013, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Mr. Freeman Ford, Board Member, read a resolution of respect to the late Irene Gallerson, former teacher.
On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Irene Gallerson. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Board Member, read a resolution of respect to the late Philip J. Coco.
On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Philip J. Coco. MOTION CARRIED.
4. Mr. Freeman Ford, Board Member, read a resolution of respect to the late Nettie Jeansonne, former teacher.
On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Nettie Jeansonne. MOTION CARRIED.
5. Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Board Member, read a resolution of respect to the late Stella Anderson, former teacher and resource teacher.
On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by James Gauthier, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Stella Anderson. MOTION CARRIED.
6. 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 the accomplishments of each student.
The Students of the Month included: Kathlyn Gauthier, Bunkie Elementary School; Axel Brouillette, Cottonport Elementary School; Kaitlyn Deglandon, Lafargue Elementary School; Luay Sarama, Marksville Elementary School; Matthew Prejean, Plaucheville Elementary School; Anna Gautreaux , Riverside Elementary School; Terra Wilson, Avoyelles High School; Jaylan Mays, Bunkie High School; Hannah Dauzat, LaSAS; and Amy Speer, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Michael Lacombe commended the students on their accomplishments.
7. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine and Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater recognized the Teachers of the Month. Mr. Lemoine presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:
Peggy Joshua, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Lauren Ducote, Cottonport Elementary School; Linda Gagnard, Lafargue Elementary School; Teodocia Magday, Marksville Elementary School; James Ellington, Plaucheville Elementary School; Contina Pierite, Riverside Elementary School; Sonya Durand, Avoyelles High School; Danielle Frazier, Bunkie New Tech High School; Caren Bennett, LaSAS; and Dan Murphy, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Michael Lacombe commended the teachers on their achievements.
8. Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Sales Tax Collector, reported that sales tax collections for the month of September, 2013 totaled $644,777.92. Mr. Ducote stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $552,844.35 and the 0.25% sales tax generated $91,933.57.
9. Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Transportation Supervisor, presented a bus transportation report for the month of October, 2013. Mr. Ducote stated that a total of nine (9) students parish-wide were suspended from school buses during this month.
10. Mr. Genssi Rincon addressed the Board regarding leasing the Hessmer School site to the National Health Institute to conduct a nutritional survey in the parish. The NHI randomly selects cities/areas nationwide and solicits 5,000 volunteers from each county/parish to participate in this survey, which consists of answering questionnaires and undergoing physical examinations. The NHI has chosen the Hessmer School site due to its convenient location and accessibility in the parish. The survey will run from January 26 through April 1, 2014, and four trailers will be temporarily placed on the property if leased by the Board during this time period.
On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Board hereby agrees to lease the Hessmer School site to the National Health Institute for a four-month period pending legal approval to enter into an intergovernmental agreement as well as Judge Drell’s approval if needed. MOTION CARRIED.
11. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a bid-opening committee report on the renovations of the Avoyelles High School modular building.
Bid Opening Committee Report for Avoyelles High Modular Building
A committee met at 2:00 p.m. on November 5, 2013, at the School Board Office for the purpose of accepting bids for the renovation of the modular classroom buildings at Avoyelles High School. Members of the committee were President Michael Lacombe, Board Members Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. and John Gagnard, Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine, Finance Director Mary Bonnette, Chief Accountant Jaimie Lacombe, and Maintenance Supervisor Steve Marcotte. Also in attendance were Jim Guillory and Dennis Edwards of Jim Guillory Architects.
The committee received two bids:
(1) Phillip Mayo Construction, Incorporated: $939,700
Alternate Number 1 $2000
Alternate Number 2 $7000
Alternate Number 3 $7000
(2) Scallan Contractors, Incorporated: $704,444
Alternate Number 1 $1800
Alternate Number 2 $5930
Alternate Number 3 $5930
The committee acknowledged that the budget for this project is $385,000; therefore, additional funding of approximately $300,000 will need to be approved from Contingency funds.
The committee recommends to accept the low bid of $704,444 from Scallan Contractors with Alternate Number 1 of $1800. The owner, contractor, and architect will meet to reduce the cost of the base bid and after the value-engineering, the project cost shall not exceed $685,000, inclusive of architect fees. The above request is made pending court approval.
A motion was offered by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Van Kojis, that the Board accepted the low bid of $704,444 by Scallan Contractors, Incorporated with Alternate Number 1 modifications, not to exceed a total cost of $685,000 including architect fees, contingent upon Department of Justice approval. The motion adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Michael Lacombe, Darrell Wiley, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., James Gauthier, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Nays: Freeman Ford and Shelia Blackman-Dupas.
12. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine addressed the Board regarding the employment of resource officers in each of the district’s four high schools, to be funded by the General Fund, as soon as these officers are made available by Sheriff Doug Anderson.
A motion was offered by James Gauthier, seconded by Darrell Wiley, that the Board hire resource officers for the four high schools to be funded by the General Fund as soon as the officers are made available by the Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office. The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Michael Lacombe, Darrell Wiley, Freeman Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Freeman Ford, James Gauthier, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Nays: Shelia Blackman-Dupas.
13. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine addressed the Board regarding a report from Dr. William Gordon entitled “Memorandum in Support of Avoyelles Parish School Board’s Motion for Unitary Status”.
A motion was offered by Van Kojis, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., that the Board accept the report by Dr. William Gordon as presented. The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Michael Lacombe, Darrell Wiley, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., James Gauthier, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Nays: Freeman Ford and Shelia Blackman-Dupas.
14. A motion was offered by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Van Kojis, that the Board grant permission to have District Attorney Charles Riddle submit “Memorandum in Support of Avoyelles Parish School Board’s Motion for Unitary Status” to the United States Department of Justice and Federal Judge Dee Drell. The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Michael Lacombe, Darrell Wiley, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., James Gauthier, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Nays: Freeman Ford and Shelia Blackman-Dupas.
15. Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
October 22, 2013
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, October 22, 2013, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Van Kojis, Freeman Ford, Michael Lacombe, and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Also present were James Gauthier and Lizzie Ned, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Sharon Hargis, Food Service 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 Lemoine. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Mrs. Lizzie Ned, Board Member, addressed the Finance Committee regarding bleachers at Bunkie New Tech High School. Also, Board Member Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. discussed the need for repairing bleachers at Avoyelles High School.
The Finance Committee agreed that Bunkie High School and Avoyelles High School bleachers are in need of repair and a suggestion was made to address these needs and concerns with the Needs Assessment Committee. They also advised the Superintendent to have the Board’s attorney expedite Federal Court approval for the purchase of new Marksville High School bleachers.
3. Mrs. Sharon Hargis, Food Service Supervisor, requested permission to submit a one-time exemption reimbursement form to the State Child Nutrition Program.
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Van Kojis, the Finance Committee recommended to request approval for a one-time exemption. MOTION CARRIED.
4. Mrs. Sharon Hargis, Food Service Supervisor, discussed a request to increase the at-cost breakfast cost from $1.55 to $1.80 and the at-cost lunch cost from $3.30 to $3.55 in all cafeterias due to an increase in average meal costs because of new USDA standards.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Finance Committee recommended to increase the at-cost breakfast cost to $1.80 and the at-cost lunch cost to $3.55 in all cafeterias due to an increase in average meal costs because of new USDA standards. MOTION CARRIED.
5. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, reviewed the 2012-2013 and revised 2013-2014 General Fund Budget, which includes $38,701,246 in estimated revenues and $39,679,144 in estimated expenditures, resulting in a projected deficit of $977,898.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Finance Committee recommended to adopt the 2013-2014 General Fund budget. MOTION CARRIED.
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 presented by Chairman Mayeux.
16. Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
October 22, 2013
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, October 22, 2013, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Van Kojis, Chairman; Lizzie Ned, James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Mr. Darrell Wiley was absent. Also present were Freeman Ford, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., and Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Board Members; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
1. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine discussed a request from members of the Marksville Garden Club and members of the Moncla Community Theatre to demolish a storage shed, cut down a large dead pine tree, and to landscape grounds at the Moncla Community Theatre.
Upon motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by James Gauthier, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to grant permission for members of the Marksville Garden Club and members of the Moncla Community Theatre to demolish a storage shed, cut down a large dead pine tree, and to landscape grounds at the Moncla Community Theatre, at no cost to the Board. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented an update report on the LaSAS gymnasium floor. This report was received for informational purposes only.
3. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the committee regarding the donation of a salvage bus to the Bunkie Volunteer Fire Department for training purposes for parish firemen.
Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Building and Lands Committee recommended that the Board enter into an intergovernmental agreement with the Bunkie Fire Department for the donation of a salvage bus. 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 Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Kojis.
17. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
October 22, 2013
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, October 22, 2013, at 5:30 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 Freeman Ford and Van Kojis, Board Members; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent.
1. Ms. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented a report on the number of certified and uncertified teachers in each school and the area of certification in the field in which they are teaching. The Education Committee accepted the report. No action was taken.
2. Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented a report on the number of ineffective teachers by school and by the last rating and other ratings. The Education Committee accepted the report. No action was taken.
3. Chairman James Gauthier addressed the committee regarding the number of classrooms visited by principals by school per month. The Education Committee accepted the report. No action was taken.
4. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented a progress report on Common Core. The Education Committee accepted the report. No action was taken.
5. Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented an update on the Magnet School proposal. The proposal was accepted by the Education Committee. No action was taken.
6. President Michael Lacombe addressed the committee regarding starting school 30 minutes later. The Education Committee did not take any action.
7. President Michael Lacombe discussed the funding of resource officers in the schools.
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Education Committee recommended to send this item to the Executive Committee. MOTION CARRIED.
The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
James Gauthier, Chairman
Education Committee
Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gauthier.
18. On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board hereby voids the Executive Committee Report due to a failure to meet quorum at the Executive Committee Meeting on October 29, 2013. MOTION CARRIED.
19. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
11/5/2013
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Appointment of Rosalie Pierite, Title I district lab paraprofessional, effective October 1, 2013; and appointment of Deidre Bonton, bus driver, effective October 2, 2013, replacing Nick Glorisco.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Mae Pearl Gaines, (retired) teacher, effective October 14, 2013 through December 20, 2013; appointment of Christian Pearson, special education paraprofessional, effective October 7, 2013; and appointment of Angie Madrigal, Title I district lab paraprofessional, effective October 7, 2013.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Stacy Longlois, Title I district lab paraprofessional, effective October 1, 2013; transfer/appointment of Tammy LaCombe, R.N., school nurse, from Marksville High School, effective October 21, 2013 through May 22, 2014; appointment of Phamy Gaspard, (retired) bus aide, effective October 2, 2013, replacing Cora Guillot; resignation of Christine Lachney, Pre-K paraprofessional, effective at the end of the day October 16, 2013; transfer funding source: Appointment of Sandra Guillot, paraprofessional, effective October 17, 2013, from Title I school based budget to Title I district funds; and appointment of Charles Blanchard, paraprofessional, effective November 1, 2013, funded by Title I school based budget.0
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Torianno C. Robertson, teacher, effective October 15, 2013 through May 22, 2014, replacing Joyce Michael; and resignation of Glenda Bettevy-Walker, paraprofessional, effective January 19, 2014, for the purpose of retirement.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Kandie Gaspard, Title I district lab paraprofessional, effective October 1, 2013.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Andrea Adams, Title I district lab paraprofessional, effective October 1, 2013.
BUNKIE HIGH SCHOOL: Change in appointment: Appointment of Patricia Walker, (retired) part-time French teacher (1/2 day), effective October 1, 2013 through December 20, 2013.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Appointment of Charlotte Kelly, (retired) French teacher (1/2 day), effective October 7, 2013 through December 20, 2013, replacing Patricia Walker; and Correction in appointment: Appointment of Wayne Lemoine, (retired) JAG Teacher, effective August 6, 2013 through May 22, 2014.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Scarlet Scallan, R.N., school nurse, from Lafargue Elementary School, effective October 21, 2013 through May 22, 2014; and resignation of Angela Dixon, teacher, effective at the end of the day October 11, 2013.
PARISH-WIDE DISCIPLINE COORDINATOR: Resignation of Rachel R. Magee, Discipline Coordinator, effective October 11, 2013.
MEDIA CENTER: Correction in funding source: Appointment of Kristi Bordelon, Technology Facilitator, from Title I to Title II funds, effective October 18, 2013 through May 22, 2014.
ADDENDUM(S)
11/5/2013
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Ellen Dunlap, teacher, effective December 21, 2013, for the purpose of retirement.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Correction in funding source: Appointment of Kimberly Adams, Instructional Coach, effective November 1, 2013 through May 22, 2014, from Title I school based budget to regular school based budget; and Correction in funding source: Appointment of Carmelita Callihan, paraprofessional, effective November 1, 2013, from Title I school based budget to regular school based budget.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Janine S. Mury, (retired) special education teacher, effective November 4, 2013 through December 20, 2013; appointment of Cherrie A. Callahan, (retired) special education teacher, effective November 6, 2013 through December 20, 2013 (critical shortage).
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE: Resignation of Sharon Hargis, Food Service Supervisor, effective at the end of the day February 10, 2014, for the purpose of retirement.
20. On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board accepted the Crisis Taskforce Report presented by Ms. Debbie Bain, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, as follows: MOTION CARRIED.
Crisis Task Force
On August 30, 2013 a Crisis Task Force convened for discussion of the incident at Marksville High School. Committee members resent were Debbie Bain. Luke Welch, John Dale Douglas, Randy Littleton, Sharon Hargis, and Demetria Alexander.
After reviewing the statements, the committee confirmed the Lock Down Code was appropriate for the situation presented. The committee members reviewed the incidents of the day and presented the following recommendations: (1) School resource officer for each school, and (2) Continue to conduct drills at each school.
On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Van Kojis, the Board hereby refers the cost items as detailed in the Crisis Taskforce Report to the Executive Committee. MOTION CARRIED.
21. The following resolutions were provided by the Louisiana School Boards Association: 1) Resolution Expressing Appreciation for Legislative Action Providing Additional Funding for Public Education, and 2) Resolution to Amend Accountability Bonus Points for Non-proficient Super Subgroup.
On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board adopted the resolutions as set forth. MOTION CARRIED.
22. On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Freeman Ford, the Board granted a request for a sabbatical leave for Vickie Mayeux, teacher at Cottonport Elementary School, effective January 6, 2014 through May 22, 2014. MOTION CARRIED.
There being no further business, on motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Michael Lacombe, President
Dwayne Lemoine, Secretary-Treasurer