SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, May 6, 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, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, James Gauthier, Lizzie Ned, Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Absent: None.
An Invocation was offered by President Darrell Wiley.
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 Van Kojis, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, April 1, 2014, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board agreed to move miscellaneous business up to Item Number 3 on the agenda. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Mr. Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Vice-President, read a resolution of respect to the late Brenda Richard, former teacher.
On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Brenda Richard. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Mr. James Gauthier, Board Member, read a resolution of respect to the late Dr. Ronald N. Mayeux, former Superintendent, director, supervisor, principal, teacher, and coach.
On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Dr. Ronald N. Mayeux. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Board Member Lizzie Ned entered the meeting at 5:06 p.m. Board Members Freeman Ford and Shelia Blackman-Dupas entered the meeting at 5:12 p.m.
5. In miscellaneous business, Ms. Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education, spoke to the Board regarding an Articulation Agreement between the Avoyelles Parish School Board and LSU Alexandria. In the proposal, students in the twelfth grade could attend classes on the LSUA campus and receive dual-enrollment/college credit, up to 30 hours, at no cost to parents. In essence, students could graduate their senior year of high school and simultaneously have their freshman year of college completed, and they could therefore enter college as a sophomore. Classes will be offered in English, mathematics, social studies, science, and some electives with flexible class scheduling. There would be two buses from Avoyelles Parish to transport students - one covering Avoyelles High School and Marksville High School, and one covering LaSAS and Bunkie High School.
On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board granted permission to enter into an Articulation Agreement between the Avoyelles Parish School Board and LSU-Alexandria. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
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: Cole Thomason, Bunkie Elementary School; Aquarious Mingo, Cottonport Elementary School; Allana Beaubouef, Lafargue Elementary School; Gavin Laird, Marksville Elementary School; Reginald Alexander, Plaucheville Elementary School; La’nitra Williams, Riverside Elementary School; Monte’ Augustine, Avoyelles High School; Alicia Ducote, Bunkie High School; William Gaspard, LaSAS; and Mysherie Johnson, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Darrell Wiley 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:
Chrissy Grayson, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Pam LaBorde, Cottonport Elementary School; Margaret Borrel, Lafargue Elementary School; Tammy Tassin, Marksville Elementary School; Kathy Couvillion, Plaucheville Elementary School; Wanda Brown, Riverside Elementary School; KK Lemoine, Avoyelles High School; Mary Marcotte, Bunkie New Tech High School; Virginia Laborde, LaSAS; and James Deshautelle, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Darrell Wiley commended the teachers on their achievements.
8. The next item on the agenda, recognizing students who placed in the Parliamentary Law Contest, was postponed until the June Board meeting due to the students attending the FFA Banquet being held tonight.
9. Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Sales Tax Collector, reported that sales tax collections for the month of March, 2014 totaled $587,677.04. Mr. Ducote stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $503,738.41 and the 0.25% sales tax generated $83,938.63.
10. Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Transportation Supervisor, presented the bus transportation report for the month of April, 2014. Mr. Ducote reported that there one bus suspension for April, 2014. The student was a black, female, eleventh-grade student who attends Avoyelles High School.
11. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a report of the public hearing regarding millage rates. A public hearing was held at 4:00 p.m. today with President Darrell Wiley and Board Member Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. among those in attendance.
Resolution by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the following millage(s) are hereby levied on the 2014 tax roll on all property subject to taxation by the Avoyelles Parish School Board:
MILLAGE
Constitutional Tax 3.62 mills
Operational and Maintenance Tax 5.00 mills
Special Maintenance Tax 5.00 mills
Salary Tax 10 mills
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the proper administrative officials of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana, be and they are hereby empowered, authorized, and directed to spread said taxes, as hereinabove set forth, upon the assessment roll of said Parish for the year 2014, and to make the collection of taxes imposed for and on behalf of the taxing authority, according to law, and that the taxes herein levied shall become a permanent lien and privilege on all property subject to taxation as herein set forth, and collection thereof shall be enforceable in the manner provided by law.
The foregoing resolution was read in full, the roll was called on the adoption
thereof, and the resolution was adopted by the following votes:
Yeas: Freeman Ford, Darrell Wiley, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Michael Lacombe, James Gauthier, Lizzie Ned, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Nays: None.
Abstained: None.
Absent: None.
12. On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board granted permission to receive proposals for official journal of the Board for the period beginning July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015. MOTION CARRIED
13. Mr. Michael Lacombe, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
April 15, 2014
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, April 15, 2014, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Michael Lacombe, Chairman; Freeman Ford, Van Kojis, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Darrell Wiley, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Also present were James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Lizzie Ned, and John Gagnard, Board Members; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Steve Marcotte, Maintendance Supervisor.
1. Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Finance Committee recommended to approve requests for overnight travel. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine discussed the purchase of additional metal detectors.
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Finance Committee recommended to purchase four (4) metal detectors in the amount of $11,200 using special sales tax/needs assessment funds. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine addressed the Finance Committee regarding entering into a contract with “Choose to Care.org.”
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Van Kojis , the Finance Committee recommended to contract with “Choose to Care.org” at a cost of $3000 annually to be paid with special sales tax/needs assessment funds.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Michael Lacombe, Chairman
Finance Committee
On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairman Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED.
14. Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
April 15, 2014
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, April 15, 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 Freeman Ford, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Lizzie Ned, and John Gagnard, Board Members; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
1. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a bid-opening committee report on janitorial supplies, air conditioner filters, light bulbs, paint and paint supplies for the 2014-2015 school year.
Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by James Gauthier, the Building and Lands Committee recommended that the Board accept the low bid as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Mr. James Gauthier, Board Member, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding hiring a real estate agent for the purpose of leasing out school property that is now vacant.
The Building and Lands 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 Shelia Blackman-Dupas , the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Kojis. MOTION CARRIED.
15. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report (the Board will vote on the adoption of this report on an item-by-item basis):
Education Committee Report
April 15, 2014
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, April 15, 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 Freeman Ford, Lizzie Ned, Michael Lacombe, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education; and Randy Littleton, Supervisor of Elementary Education.
1. Mr. Walter Rogers, Director of the Kennedy Center, presented an update report. This report was for informational purposes. The committee did not take any action.
2. Mr. Randy Littleton, Supervisor of Elementary Education, and Mr. Dexter Compton, Principal of Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy, presented a proposal for the Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy for the 2014-2015 school year.
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Education Committee recommended that the Board approve the continuation of the Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy (BELA) Program. MOTION CARRIED.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board adopted Item Number 2 of the Education Committee Report. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Mrs. Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education, and Ms. Amy Cole, Principal of Bunkie New Tech School, presented a proposal for the Bunkie New Tech School for the 2014-2015 school year.
Upon motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Education Committee recommended that the Avoyelles Parish School Board discontinue the New Tech Program at Bunkie New Tech High School. The motion was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., John Gagnard, and James Gauthier. Nays: Darrell Wiley.
A motion was offered by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by James Gauthier, that the Board adopt Item Number 3 of the Education Committee Report. The motion failed by the following vote:
Ayes: Shelia Blackman-Dupas, James Gauthier, Freeman Ford, and Lizzie Ned.
Nays: Darrell Wiley, Michael Lacombe, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
A motion was offered by Van Kojis, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., that the Avoyelles Parish School Board continue the New Tech Program at Bunkie New Tech High School for one more year as currently funded. The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Van Kojis, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Michael Lacombe, John Gagnard, and Darrell Wiley.
Nays: Freeman Ford, James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and Lizzie Ned.
The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
James Gauthier, Chairman
Education Committee
16. Mr. Freeman Ford, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
April 29, 2014
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, April 29, 2014, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Freeman Ford, Chairman; John Gagnard, Lizzie Ned, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Darrell Wiley, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Also present were James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Debbie Bain, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance; and Wilfred Ducote, Supervisor of Transportation.
1. Mrs. Debbie Bain, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, presented revisions to the 2014-2015 Student Handbook.
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the revisions to the 2014-2015 Student Handbook. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the Executive Committee regarding File: GBRK - Annual Leave.
Upon motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by John Gagnard, the Executive Committee recommended to approve File: GBRK - Annual Leave as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented an “Associate Degree Salary Schedule” for the committee’s consideration.
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by John Gagnard, the Executive Committee recommended that the Board table this item for further study. MOTION CARRIED.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Freeman Ford, Chairman
Executive Committee
On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
17. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Donna Jeansonne, teacher, effective May 31, 2014, for the purpose of retirement; and Re-appointment of Mildred Jackson, (retired) teacher, effective April 11, 2014 through May 9, 2014, replacing Sarah Armand while on leave.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Gloria Andrews, food service technician, effective May 23, 2014; and Resignation of Ruth Wilmer, food service technician, effective May 23, 2014, for the purpose of retirement.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Janie Skinner, teacher, effective August 15, 2014, for the purpose of retirement.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Susan Ussery, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 23, 2014; Resignation of Craig J. Normand, teacher, effective at the end of the day April 11, 2014; Resignation of Bessie M. Bannister, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 23, 2014; and Resignation of Esaw Owens, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 23, 2014, for the purpose of retirement.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Josephine Stevenson, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day May 23, 2014.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Termination of Marc Blake, teacher, effective April 30, 2014.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Resignation of Cherie Anne Varian, teacher, effective May 23, 2014.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Regina “Jeannie” Speer, paraprofessional (IDEA-B), effective April 7, 2014.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL DISTRICT: Resignation of Mary Speer, Principal, effective June 30, 2014, for the purpose of retirement.
There being no further business, on motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Freeman Ford, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Darrell Wiley, President
Dwayne Lemoine., Secretary-Treasurer