SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, February 4, 2014, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Darrell Wiley, President; Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Vice-President; Freeman Ford, James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Lizzie Ned, Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Absent: None.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America led by Board Member James Gauthier.
An Invocation was offered by Mr. Randy Littleton, Supervisor of Elementary Education.
1. A motion was offered by Van Kojis, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., that the Board adopt the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, January 7, 2014, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Darrell Wiley, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., James Gauthier, Lizzie Ned, Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Nays: Shelia Blackman-Dupas.
Board Member Freeman Ford joined the meeting in progress after this point in time.
2. President Darrell Wiley read a resolution of respect to the late Oliver Clayton Bullard, former teacher, coach, and principal.
On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Oliver Clayton Bullard. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Vice-President Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. read a resolution of respect to the late Elsma J. Ducote, former agriculture teacher.
On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Elsma J. Ducote. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. 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: Carter Clark, Bunkie Elementary School; Geri White, Cottonport Elementary School; Zachary Reynaud, Lafargue Elementary School; Evin Lamar Courtney, Marksville Elementary School; Christian Marquez, Plaucheville Elementary School; Ralun Armster, Riverside Elementary School; Ian Weatherford, Avoyelles High School; Annie Gremillion, Bunkie High School; Stanley Celestine, LaSAS; and Dakota Wright, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Darrell Wiley commended the students on their accomplishments.
5. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine and Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater recognized the Teachers of the Month. Mr. Lemoine presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:
Shuranda Lockwood, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Amy Adams, Cottonport Elementary School; Terri Shannon, Lafargue Elementary School; Judy Mathews, Marksville Elementary School; Micah Bordelon, Plaucheville Elementary School; Sherry Reech, Riverside Elementary School; Caneshia Jacobs, Avoyelles High School; Carla Moreau, Bunkie New Tech High School; William Williber, LaSAS; and Theresa Dubroc, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Darrell Wiley commended the teachers on their achievements.
6. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine and Ms. Becky Spencer recognized the school and district 2015 Teacher of the Year Winners, as follows:
Elementary School Level: Debra LeBlanc, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Howard Jeansonne, Cottonport Elementary School; Paula Scanlan, Lafargue Elementary School; Valerie Bordelon, Marksville Elementary School; Kristine Lemoine, Plaucheville Elementary School; and Sherry Reech, Riverside Elementary School.
Middle School Level: Alicia Williams, Avoyelles High School; Shelly Hall, Bunkie New Tech High School; Virginia Laborde, LaSAS; and Christine Lyles, Marksville High School.
High School Level: Tambra Barbre, Avoyelles High School; Jessica Wolford, Bunkie New Tech High School; Katie Hill, LaSAS; and Judd Dupuy, Marksville High School.
Superintendent Lemoine announced that district winners include Debra LeBlanc, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Alisha Williams, Avoyelles High School; and Katie Hill, LaSAS. Mr. Lemoine presented a plaque and monetary award to the winners.
On behalf of the Board, President Darrell Wiley congratulated these exceptional teachers for the honor of being chosen Teacher of the Year at each respective grade level.
7. Ms. Nell Deville, Executive Director of Cenla Area Agency on Aging, Incorporated, and Ms. Tabitha L. Bond, Foster Grandparent Program Coordinator, addressed the Board regarding a “foster grandparent” mentoring program in the public schools. They explained that this is a federal program in which volunteers aged 65 and older visit the schools to mentor low-income students one-on-one, giving love, encouragement, and support. The volunteers would work 4-8 hours per day at a pay rate of $2.65 per hour, and the schools would provide lunch. Insurance coverage would be provided by the Cenla Area Agency on Aging, Incorporated. Teachers would provide assignments for the children and their “grandparents” to complete. The “grandparents” must pass state and federal background checks. This is an in-school program only--on campus during school hours.
On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board agreed to incorporate the Foster Grandparent Program into the Avoyelles Parish school system as presented by the Cenla Area Agency on Aging, Incorporated, subject to review and approval of the contract by the District Attorney. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Supervisor of Transportation, presented the bus transportation report for the month of January, 2014. There were no bus suspensions for the month of January.
9. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine addressed the Board regarding proposed revisions to the 2013-2014 school calendar due to inclement weather which resulted in closure of the public schools for the days of January 24, 28, 29, and 30, 2014.
Mr. Lemoine explained that two of these days will need to be made up. He proposed:
• a half-day scheduled off for February 6 be made a full day of instruction,
• a half-day scheduled off for April 16 be made a full day of instruction,
• a full day scheduled off for April 17 be made a full day of instruction.
Mr. Lemoine went on to explain that staff development scheduled for April 17 was primarily for data collection, and this could be accomplished between teachers and principals during teaming sessions. Also, the above proposal would keep the Mardi Gras and Easter holidays intact.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board approved the revisions to the 2013-2014 school calendar as proposed by Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Mr. Howard Desselle, Citizen of Marksville, addressed the Board regarding its future plans for the Avoyelles Parish school system.
11. Mr. Michael Lacombe, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
January 14, 2014
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 14, 2014, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Michael Lacombe, Chairman; Van Kojis; Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr.; Darrell Wiley, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Mr. Freeman Ford was absent. Also present were James Gauthier and John Gagnard, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
1. Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Van Kojis, the Finance Committee recommended to approve requests for overnight travel as presented by Superintendent Lemoine. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the Finance Committee regarding a semi-monthly payroll.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Finance Committee recommended that the Superintendent poll all employees regarding the implementation of a semi-monthly payroll. MOTION CARRIED.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Michael Lacombe, Chairman
Finance Committee
On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairman Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED.
12. Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
January 14, 2014
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 14, 2014, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Van Kojis, Chairman; Michael Lacombe; James Gauthier; Shelia Blackman-Dupas; Darrell Wiley, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Also present were Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., and John Gagnard, Board Members; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
1. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a bid-opening committee report on a five-year lease of 649 acres of farm land located in the Effie-Vick area being all of Section 16, Township 3 North, Range 4 East, as follows:
Report of the Bid-Opening Committee
At 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, December 17, 2013, a bid-opening committee met for the purpose of receiving bids for a five-year lease of 649 acres of farmland located in the Effie-Vick area being all of Section 16, Township 3 North, Range 4 East.
Members of the committee were Steve Marcotte, Supervisor; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; and Michael Lacombe, Board President.
The committee acknowledged receipt of the following bid: Kenneth Bordelon of Circle K Farms, $23,500 per year.
Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by James Gauthier, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to accept the bid of Kenneth Bordelon of Circle K Farms in the amount of $23,500 per year. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented an update on the Saline gate. Discussion ensued on this matter. The committee did not take any action.
3. Mr. Frank Smart with Argent presented an update on leases. The Building and Lands Committee accepted the report presented by Mr. Frank Smart regarding Board leases.
4. President Darrell Wiley presented a Report on Facilities for the 2013 calendar year. The Building and Lands Committee accepted the report.
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 James Gauthier, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Kojis. MOTION CARRIED.
13. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
January 14, 2014
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 14, 2014, at 5:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
James Gauthier, Chairman; John Gagnard; Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr.; Shelia Blackman-Dupas; Darrell Wiley, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Also present were Michael Lacombe and Van Kojis, Board Members; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent.
1. Mr. Walter Rogers, Coordinator of The Kennedy Center, introduced Ms. Patricia Metoyer, Parent/Teacher Coordinator for The Kennedy Center. The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman, addressed the committee regarding testing resources.
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Education Committee recommended that the Board accept quotes for 720 computers in order that the district will become technology-ready for PARCC Assessments. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman, discussed Teacher of the Year recognitions at the monthly School Board meetings. The Education Committee recommended to refer this item to Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater to reconvene a Taskforce Committee to discuss the Teacher of the Month Program.
The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
James Gauthier, Chairman
Education Committee
On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gauthier. MOTION CARRIED.
14. President Darrell Wiley presented a resolution regarding school board member training for the Board’s consideration, as follows:
SCHOOL BOARD MEMBER TRAINING RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, each member of a city and parish school board shall receive a minimum of six hours of training and instruction as required by ACT 380, and
WHEREAS, this training and instruction shall consist of school laws of this state, laws governing the powers, duties and responsibilities of city and parish school boards, educational trends, research and policy, and
WHEREAS, such instruction may be received from an institution of higher education in this state, from instruction sponsored by the State Department of Education, or by an in-service training program conducted by a city or parish school board central office or the Louisiana School Boards Association,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that it becomes public record that Freeman Ford, Darrell Wiley, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Lizzie Ned, Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis , and John Gagnard, members of the Avoyelles Parish School Board, have successfully completed in excess of four (4) hours of required training as mandated by the Legislature of Louisiana.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board adopted the aforementioned resolution regarding school board member training. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board granted permission to advertise for bids for janitorial supplies, paint, air conditioner filters, and light bulbs for the 2014-2015 school year. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
16. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Mildred Jackson (retired) teacher, effective January 13, 2013 through March 9, 2014, replacing Sarah Armand while on sick leave; Correction of funding source: Appointment of Debra Bubenzer, teacher, from Title I to School Based Budget, effective July 10, 2013 through May 30, 2014; and Transfer/appointment of Datis Christophe, Sr., from Title I paraprofessional to teacher, effective January 17, 2014 through May 30, 2014.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Termination of Angie Madrigal, paraprofessional, effective January 21, 2014.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Melanie Dauzat, Title I paraprofessional, effective January 21, 2014, replacing Glenda Walker who retired.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Amber Andrus, special education non-categorical pre-school teacher, effective January 21, 2014 through May 22, 2014, replacing Erin Robin who resigned; and Appointment of Kay Lewis, Title I paraprofessional, effective January 7, 2014, replacing Kandie Gaspard who resigned.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Casey Goudeau, Title I paraprofessional, effective January 7, 2014, replacing Andrea Adams who resigned.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Robert Crump, teacher, effective at the end of the school day January 17, 2014; Resignation of Zackary Dufour, teacher, effective January 21, 2014; Transfer/appointment of Valerie Chesne, teacher, effective January 22, 2014 through May 22, 2014, replacing Zachary Dufour; and Re-appointment of Anne Lemoine, teacher, effective January 22,2014 through May 22, 2014.
BUNKIE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of William Bell, teacher, effective January 17, 2014 through May 22, 2014, replacing Janice Williams who resigned; Appointment of Landon Johnson, teacher, effective February 3, 2014 through May 22, 2014, replacing Beth Ducote; Resignation of Beth Ducote, teacher, effective January 10, 2014.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Correction in appointment: Re-appointment of Charlotte Kelly, French teacher, effective January 6, 2014 through January 31, 2014; and Correction of funding source: Appointment of Keri Desselle, paraprofessional, to Title I - 67% and School Based Budget - 33%, effective August 6, 2013.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Lydia Garza, Spanish teacher, effective January 21, 2014 through May 22, 2014, replacing Kimberly Diaz who resigned; Resignation of Randy Price, teacher/coach, effective February 1, 2014, for the purpose of retirement; Resignation of Roxanne Laborde-Couvillion, teacher, effective at the end of the day January 17, 2014; and Resignation of Deidre Johnson, food service technician, effective at the end of the day January 31, 2014.
ADDENDUM(S)
2/4/2014
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Suzanne Soileau, speech therapist, effective January 13, 2014 through February 7, 2014, replacing Gwen Descant.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Spencer Lemoine, teacher, effective at the end of the day January 24, 2014.
BUNKIE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Daniza Scott, Band Director, effective February 10, 2014 through May 22, 2014, replacing Anne Lemoine who transferred to Avoyelles High School.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Appointment of Brandon Sostand, agriculture teacher, effective February 3, 2014 through June 30, 2014.
Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater announced that there were three applicants for the position of Food Service Supervisor, but none of the applicants met the requirements outlined in the job specifications. Therefore, Ms. Prater requested the Board’s permission to re-advertise for the position but add a provisional certification requirement.
On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board granted permission to re-advertise for the position of Food Service Supervisor, amended with the stipulation that the applicant must meet all qualifications to apply for provisional certification. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
17. On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board agreed to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending litigation (Holmes versus Avoyelles Parish School Board bearing Civil Action 12,721 on the docket of the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana).
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board reconvened in open public session at approximately 6:34 p.m.
A motion was offered by Michael Lacombe, seconded by John Gagnard, that the Board authorize District Attorney Charles Riddle to ask Federal Judge Dee Drell to declare the Avoyelles Parish School Board unitary in the “Green Factor” area of Student Assignments and to re-urge the “Green Factor” area of Facilities, and thus declaring the entire Avoyelles Parish school system a unitary system. 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: Freeman Ford, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and Lizzie Ned.
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