SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, January 7, 2014, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Darrell Wiley, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Lizzie Ned, Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Absent: Freeman Ford.
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 Board Member Michael Lacombe.
1. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented a plaque to outgoing President Michael Lacombe and outgoing Vice-President Darrell Wiley for serving for the period January 8, 2013 to January 7, 2014.
2. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine advised the Board that the terms of office for the President and Vice-President of the Avoyelles Parish School Board has expired. He then called for nominations for the office of President.
Board Member Van Kojis placed the name of Darrell Wiley in nomination for the office of President. The nomination was seconded by Michael Lacombe.
Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas placed the name of Freeman Ford in nomination for the office of President. The nomination was seconded by Lizzie Ned.
There were no other nominations placed. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine requested that the board members cast their votes for those nominated.
The vote was as follows:
FOR DARRELL WILEY: Darrell Wiley, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
FOR FREEMAN FORD: Shelia Blackman-Dupas and Lizzie Ned.
Mr. Darrell Wiley was elected President of the Avoyelles Parish School Board for the 2014 school year.
.
3. President Darrell Wiley called for nominations for the office of Vice-President.
Board Member Lizzie Ned placed the name of Shelia Blackman-Dupas in nomination for the office of Vice-President. The motion was seconded by James Gauthier.
Board Member Michael Lacombe placed the name of Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. in nomination for the office of Vice-President. The motion was seconded by Van Kojis.
On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board agreed to close nominations.
President Darrell Wiley requested that the board members cast their votes for those nominated.
The vote was as follows:
FOR SHELIA BLACKMAN-DUPAS: Shelia Blackman-Dupas and Lizzie Ned.
FOR CARLOS A. MAYEUX, JR.: Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. was elected Vice-President of the Avoyelles Parish School Board for the 2014 school year.
4. On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, November 5, 2013, and the special Board meeting held Tuesday, November 19, 2013, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED.
5. Mrs. Lizzie Ned, Board Member, read a resolution of respect to the late Barbara Z. Jones, former teacher, principal, and supervisor.
On motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Barbara Z. Jones. MOTION CARRIED.
6. Mr. Van Kojis, Board Member, read a resolution of respect to the late Vonceil
Cazelot, former teacher.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Vonceil Cazelot. MOTION CARRIED.
7. 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: Gavin Dauzat, Bunkie Elementary School; Cortravous Jenkins, Cottonport Elementary School; Christian Sanders, Lafargue Elementary School; Aaliyah Hudson, Marksville Elementary School; Sophie Sheehan, Plaucheville Elementary School; Brennan Chesne, Riverside Elementary School; Gage Schyler, Avoyelles High School; Destiny Woodall, Bunkie High School; Glen Batiste, LaSAS; and Teionna Perry, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Darrell Wiley commended the students on their accomplishments.
8. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine and Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater recognized the Teachers of the Month. Mr. Lemoine presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:
Shannon Jeansonne, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Sheila Saucier, Cottonport Elementary School; Connie Ducote, Lafargue Elementary School; Robin Jouglard, Marksville Elementary School; Patti Rebouche, Plaucheville Elementary School; Josephine Stevenson, Riverside Elementary School; Julie Humble, Avoyelles High School; Dustin Borrel, Bunkie New Tech High School; Robin Moreau, LaSAS; and Jonathan Landry, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Darrell Wiley commended the teachers on their achievements.
9. Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Transportation Supervisor, recognized Ms. Wanda Ducote for being named PCAL Bus Driver of the Year and presented her with a jacket and certificate.
10. Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Sales Tax Collector, reported that sales tax collections for the month of November, 2013 totaled $605,404.67. Mr. Ducote stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $518,932.50 and the 0.25% sales tax generated $86,472.17.
11. Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Transportation Supervisor, presented a bus transportation report for the month of December, 2013. Mr. Ducote stated there was only one student suspended from buses in December.
12. Mr. Brian Burton addressed the Board regarding the Affordable Health Care Marketplace Plan. Mr. Burton is the state director of Navigators for a Healthy Louisiana and they, in conjunction with Central Louisiana AHEC, provide assistance to families of students in the parish in navigating the Affordable Health Care website. They will be traveling from town- to-town to meet with families in town halls to help them choose and enroll in insurance plans that meet their needs. Families are encouraged to call 318-443-2855 or to go online at www.LAHealthcareNav.org to set up an appointment.
13. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented an update on the Seven-Year Plan. A Powerpoint presentation was shown which outlined the projects accomplished in the Plan thus far as well as costs involved. A status conference is scheduled for January 22, 2014.
14. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine addressed the Board regarding an update on the Avoyelles High School modular building. The Board is awaiting approval from the Justice Department and/or Judge Dee Drell to proceed with the construction to modify the interior of the building into twelve (12) classrooms as well as restrooms, which would essentially eliminate all portable buildings on that campus.
15. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine addressed the Board regarding an update on Mr. Frank Brewer’s facility recommendations. A slideshow of “before and after” photos was presented, and this revealed that each of the issues cited by Mr. Brewer were identified and addressed.
16. Board Member Van Kojis addressed the Board regarding unitary status.
A motion was made by Van Kojis, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., that the Board direct District Attorney Charles Riddle to file for complete unitary status after the status conference scheduled for January 22, 2014, but prior to January 31, 2014.
Mr. Kojis withdrew his motion.
A motion was made by Van Kojis, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., that the Board continue dedicating the current Seven-Year Plan funding sources indefinitely for an ongoing construction plan for the School Board, based upon the availability of funds.
The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Darrell Wiley, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., James Gauthier, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Nays: Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Lizzie Ned, and Michael Lacombe.
17. Mr. Howard Desselle, Citizen of Marksville, addressed the Board regarding enrollment
18. Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux Jr., Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
December 10, 2013
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, December 10, 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 James Gauthier, Darrell Wiley, Lizzie Ned, and John Gagnard, Board Members; and Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance.
1. A motion was offered by Van Kojis, seconded by Michael Lacombe, that the Board approve requests for overnight travel as presented by Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine.
The motion was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Van Kojis, and Michael Lacombe. Nays: Freeman Ford.
2. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented an update of the Reserve Funds. She explained that the reserves total $5,260,888, which includes approximately $3 million in oil lease funds that may be used in the 2014-2015 MFP calculations for the district.
3. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, updated the committee on the Grant Budget.
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Van Kojis, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the following 2013-2014 Revised Budgets:
Title I $3,233,054
Title II 776,933
Title IV REAP 157,578
IDEA B 1,657,236
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 James Gauthier, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairman Mayeux. MOTION CARRIED.
19. Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
December 10, 2013
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, December 10, 2013, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Van Kojis, Chairman; Lizzie Ned, Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Also present were Freeman Ford, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., and John Gagnard, Board Members; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
1. Mr. Darrell Wiley, Committee Member, discussed concerns with the Saline lease.
Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Building and Lands Committee recommended that Maintenance Supervisor Steve Marcotte contact Eddie Andrus for the purpose of discussing moving a gate on the Saline lease and also installing signs at the gate. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, discussed a change order for the Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy Gymnasium.
Upon motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by James Gauthier, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to accept the change order for the Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy Gymnasium in the amount of $5750 for the flooring and $9640 for the wall panels. (Funds will be derived from maintenance funds). MOTION CARRIED .
3. Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman, discussed a possible sale of the partial Hessmer School property for retail development. The committee did not take any action on this matter.
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 as presented.
20. A motion was made by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by Lizzie Ned, that the Board vote on each item of the Education Committee Report on a per item basis. The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Darrell Wiley, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Shelia Blackman-Dupas,
Lizzie Ned, Michael Lacombe, and John Gagnard.
Nays: James Gauthier and Van Kojis.
Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
December 10, 2013
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, December 10, 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, Darrell Wiley, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Debbie Bain, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance; Dan McKay, Assistant District Attorney; and Joseph Johnson, FINS Coordinator.
1. Chairman James Gauthier addressed the Education Committee regarding grade inflation. The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
By unanimous vote, the Board adopted Item Number 1 of the Education Committee Report.
2. Chairman Gauthier also discussed ways to prepare for the new business in Bunkie.
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Education Committee recommended for the Superintendent to convene a meeting with school officials to address the educational needs in order to prepare students with the necessary skills for the new business located in Bunkie. MOTION CARRIED.
By unanimous vote, the Board adopted Item Number 2 of the Education Committee Report.
3. Chairman Gauthier addressed the Education Committee regarding inappropriate textbooks in the schools. The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
By unanimous vote, the Board adopted Item Number 3 of the Education Committee Report.
4. Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Education Committee recommended to add a discussion regarding truancy procedures on the agenda. MOTION CARRIED.
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Education Committee recommended that the Avoyelles Parish School Board authorize Mrs. Debbie Bain, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, to sign an arrest warrant on the Board’s behalf on severe cases of truancy.
The motion was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: James Gauthier, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Lizzie Ned, and Michael Lacombe. Nays: Shelia Blackman-Dupas.
At this point in the regular meeting, Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine announced that he received a request from Assistant District Attorney Dan McKay that the wording of the above motion be changed from “arrest warrant” to “arrest warrant affidavit”.
A motion was made by John Gagnard, seconded by Michael Lacombe, that the Board amend the motion discussed in Item Number 4 of the Education Committee Report to read "…that the Avoyelles Parish School Board authorize Mrs. Debbie Bain, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, to sign an arrest warrant affidavit on the Board’s behalf on severe cases of truancy.”
The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Darrell Wiley, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., James Gauthier, Michael
Lacombe, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Nays: Shelia Blackman-Dupas and Lizzie Ned.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Board adopted Item Number 4 of the Education Committee Report as amended by the following vote:
Ayes: Darrell Wiley, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., James Gauthier, Michael
Lacombe, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Nays: Shelia Blackman-Dupas and Lizzie Ned.
The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
James Gauthier, Chairman
Education Committee
21. On behalf of Mr. Freeman Ford, Chairman of the Executive Committee, who was absent, Board Member Michael Lacombe presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
December 17, 2013
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, December 17, 2013, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., John Gagnard, Darrell Wiley, Michael Lacombe, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Mr. Freeman Ford, Chairman, was absent. Also present were James Gauthier and Van Kojis, Board Members; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent.
1. Ms. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented a revised job description for the position of Food Service Supervisor for the committee’s consideration.
Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Executive Committee recommended to approve a revised job description for the position of Food Service Supervisor as presented by Mrs. Prater. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Upon motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Executive Committee recommended to advertise for the position of Food Service Supervisor. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Ms. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented the Personnel Evaluation Plan for the committee’s consideration.
Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Executive Committee recommended approval of the Personnel Evaluation Plan as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Michael Lacombe, President
On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
21. Mr. Darrell Wiley, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
Bus Committee Report
December 17, 2013
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, December 17, 2013, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Darrell Wiley, Chairman; Van Kojis, John Gagnard, James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Also present were Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Board Member; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Wilfred Ducote, Supervisor of Transportation.
1. The Bus Committee discussed bus drivers who also serve as substitute teachers and how many hours the drivers are allowed to teach after their route.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by James Gauthier, the Bus Committee recommended to send notification that hourly wage employees are not to work more than 40 hours per week without consent of central office supervisors. MOTION CARRIED.
2. President Michael Lacombe addressed the Bus Committee regarding fuel savings on new buses compared to old buses.
The Bus Committee accepted the report as presented.
The Bus Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Darrell Wiley, Chairman
Bus Committee
On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman Wiley. MOTION CARRIED.
23. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented personnel changes, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Bernadine M. Dauzat, food service technician, effective December 5, 2013; transfer of Lisa Edgerson, teacher, from Marksville High School, effective December 16, 2013 through December 20, 2013; re-appointment of Lisa Edgerson, teacher, effective January 6, 2014 through February 28, 2014; and resignation of Sarah L. Riche’, teacher, effective December 3, 2013.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Christy Tassin, bus driver, effective December 10, 2013; and resignation of Diana Bonnette, bus attendant, effective January 3, 2014.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Caitlin Pitre, teacher, effective January 6, 2014 through March 21, 2014, replacing Diane Bringol while on leave; and re-appointment of Caitlin Pitre, special education teacher, effective March 24, 2014 through May 22, 2014, replacing Mary Ellen Dunlap who retired.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Madeleine Sanders, school secretary, effective December 21, 2013, for the purpose of retirement; and transfer/appointment of Sonya Gagnard, school secretary, effective January 6, 2014, replacing Madeleine Sanders who retired.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Kallie Lemoine, teacher, effective January 6, 2014 through May 22, 2014, replacing Christy Lemoine who resigned; and resignation of Kandie Lea Gaspard, Title I Laboratory Paraprofessional, effective January 9, 2014.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Andrea Adams, lab paraprofessional, effective October 23, 2013.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Robert Crump, (TAT) teacher, effective January 6, 2014 through May 22, 2014; appointment of Spencer Lemoine, (TAT) teacher, effective January 6, 2014 through May 22, 2014, replacing Jonathan Gardner who resigned; resignation of Stephanie Rogers, teacher, effective December 3, 2013; resignation of Pamela Knight, teacher, effective January 6, 2014, for the purpose of retirement; and correction in funding source: Appointment of Joann Taylor, paraprofessional, from Title II funds to Title I funds, effective August 6, 2013.
BUNKIE HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Patricia Walker, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day December 20, 2013; and resignation of Janice Williams, teacher, effective at the end of the day December 20, 2013.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Dennis Sanders, Jr., (TAT) band director, effective January 6, 2014 through May 22, 2014; appointment of Nealie M. Hale, (TAT) teacher, effective January 6, 2014 through May 22, 2014, replacing Ben Dubroc; resignation of Benjamin Dubroc, teacher, effective at the end of the day December 20, 2013; correction in funding source: Appointment of Dolly Rousseau, Read 180 teacher, from Title II to Title I funds, effective August 6, 2013; and appointment of Kristi Gaspard, school secretary, effective January 6, 2014, replacing Sonya Gagnard who transferred to Marksville Elementary School.
ADDENDUM(S)
1/7/2014
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Mae Pearl Gaines, (retired) teacher, effective at the beginning of the school day January 6, 2014.
PLAUCHEVIILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Erin Robin, teacher, effective at the end of the day January 17, 2014.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Zackary Dufour, (TAT) teacher, effective January 6, 2014 through May 22, 2014; re-appointment of Debbie Lawrence Bailey, (TAT) teacher, effective January 6, 2014 through May 22, 2014, replacing Stephanie Rogers; and transfer/appointment of Anne R. Lemoine, teacher, from Bunkie High School, effective January 6, 2014 through January 21, 2014, replacing Valarie Chesne while on leave.
BUNKIE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Danny Cook, teacher, effective January 13, 2014 through May 22, 2014. (Salary to be derived from district funds.); and resignation of Charlotte Green, food service technician, effective September 30, 2013.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Transfer/appointment of Lisa Jacobs, teacher, from Marksville High School, effective January 6, 2014 through May 22, 2014, replacing Amy Marcotte.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Sabrini Washington, teacher, effective January 6, 2014 through May 22, 2014, replacing Marissa K. Lee; and appointment of Justin Pierce, teacher, effective January 6, 2014 through February 28, 2014, replacing Randy Price while on leave.
24. On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Van Kojis, the Board agreed to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending litigation (Omni Care versus Avoyelles Parish School Board). MOTION CARRIED.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Board reconvened in open public session at approximately 7:24 PM. MOTION CARRIED.
On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Board hereby authorizes the Tax Collector to refund $171,692.85 to Omni Care, with funds to be derived from the Avoyelles Parish School Board, Avoyelles Parish Police Jury, Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office, Town of Hessmer, and City of Marksville. The Avoyelles Parish School Board’s portion totals $58,974. MOTION CARRIED.
25. In miscellaneous business, President Darrell Wiley announced new guidelines for future Board meetings. Mr. Wiley stated that while discussion and debate during meetings does understandably lead to other topics of discussion at times, he pledged to strive to keep order during the meetings as much as possible.
There being no further business, on motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Van Kojis, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Darrell Wiley, President
Dwayne Lemoine, Secretary-Treasurer