SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Monday, June 2, 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, Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Absent: Lizzie Ned.
An Invocation was offered by Ms. Denise Sayes, Principal of Lafargue Elementary School.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America led by Board Member Van Kojis.
1. On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, May 6, 2014, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Vice-President Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. read a resolution of respect to the late Marietta S. Guedry, former music teacher.
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Marietta S. Guedry. MOTION CARRIED.
3. President Darrell Wiley read a resolution of respect to the late Joan Foster Rist, former teacher.
Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Joan Foster Rist. MOTION CARRIED.
4. Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, recognized the 2014 Outstanding School Support Employees. Mrs. Prater stated that the Outstanding School Support Employee Awards Program provides an opportunity to honor an outstanding employee at the elementary, high, and central office levels who supported and provided leadership in the operation of non-instructional activities within the school system.
Mrs. Prater announced the winners at each school in the district, as follows: Chefondolyn Wells, paraprofessional, Bunkie Elementary School; Mona Bordelon, cafeteria manager, Cottonport Elementary School; Stacey Longlois, technology paraprofessional, Lafargue Elementary School; Cheryl Pickett, secretary, Marksville Elementary School; Paula Mills, special education paraprofessional, Plaucheville Elementary School; Victoria Ford, school nurse, Riverside Elementary School; Joanne Taylor, paraprofessional, Avoyelles High School; Erica Juneau, paraprofessional, Bunkie High School; Cheketha Greenhouse, food service worker, Marksville High School; Wanda Ducote, custodian/bus driver, LaSAS; and Wanda Christophe, Data Processor I, Central Office.
Assistant Superintendent Prater also announced the parish winners selected to represent the elementary and high schools as well as the central office, as follows: Mona Bordelon, cafeteria manager, Cottonport Elementary School; Joanne Taylor, paraprofessional, Avoyelles High School; and Wanda Christophe, Data Processor I, Central Office.
On behalf of the Board, President Darrell Wiley recognized the contribution of the Outstanding School Support Employees and thanked the employees for their dedication and service.
5. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater recognized and commended the students who placed in the Parliamentary Law Contest, as follows:
Parliamentary Procedure: (1) LaSAS, Blue, first; (2) LaSAS, Gold, Second; (3) LaSAS Jr., Blue, Third; and (4) Marksville High School, Blue, Fourth.
Creed Speaking : (1) LaSAS High, Blue, First, Roark Gaspard; (2) LaSAS Jr., Blue, Second, Rachel Casey, (3) LaSAS High, Gold, Third, Stanley Celestine; (4) LaSAS Jr., Gold, Third, William Gaspard
Prepared Speech: Mamou, First, Tyler Noble
6. President Darrell Wiley addressed the Board regarding the two Charter School applications.
A motion was offered by Van Kojis, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, to accept the recommendation of New Millinium and deny the application submitted by the Red River Charter Academy. MOTION CARRIED.
A motion was offered by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by Van Kojis, to accept the recommendation of New Millinium and deny the application submitted by the Avoyelles Children’s Charter.
The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Van Kojis, Darrell Wiley, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Freeman Ford, Michael Lacombe, and John Gagnard.
Nays: James Gauthier.
7. Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Sales Tax Collector, reported that sales tax collections for the month of April, 2014 totaled $ 686,311.92. Mr. Ducote stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $585,477.61 and the 0.25% sales tax generated $100,834.31.
8. Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Transportation Supervisor, presented the bus transportation report for the month of May, 2014. Mr. Ducote reported that one student was suspended from the bus in May. The student is a tenth-grade black male attending Bunkie New Tech High School.
9. President Darrell Wiley stated that he was in receipt of a proposal from Mr. Randy Decuir, Owner of The Avoyelles Publishing Company for the official journal of the Board for the period beginning July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015. Mr. Wiley stated that Mr. Decuir submitted a proposal in the amount of $6 per square.
On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board named The Avoyelles Publishing Company as the official journal of the Board for the period July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015 at a cost of $6 per square. MOTION CARRIED.
10. Mrs. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, presented a report of the Bid-opening Committee which accepted bids on (1) milk and milk products, (2) bread and bread products, (3) non-hazardous waste, (4) grease trap maintenance, and (5) supplies and equipment. She stated that bids were awarded to those contractors who had the lowest bids which also met the specified requirements.
On motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board accepted the report on the Bid-opening Committee as presented by Mrs. Welch. MOTION CARRIED.
11. Mr. Michael Lacombe, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
May 20, 2014
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, May 20, 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 and John Gagnard, Board Members; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; and Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance.
1. Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Van Kojis, the Finance Committee recommended to approve requests for overnight travel. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented the following Needs Assessment Report:
Needs Assessment Committee Report
April 30, 2014
The Needs Assessment Committee met Wednesday, April 30, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Freeman Ford, Van Kojis, and Michael Lacombe, Board Members; Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; and Raymond Daye, Co-Editor of The Weekly News.
The committee reviewed the schools’ Extended Years Capital Improvement Needs list, as follows:
(1) Purchase Order Number 144
Upon motion by Dwayne Lemoine, seconded by Steve Marcotte, the committee recommended to accept the cost for construction of four (4) Pre-K buildings at Marksville Elementary School in the amount of $358,500. MOTION CARRIED.
(2) Purchase Order Number 145
Upon motion by Dwayne Lemoine, seconded by Mary Bonnete, the committee recommended to accept the cost for a new stage addition at Bunkie New Tech High School in the amount of $638,070. The motion failed by the following vote: Ayes: Van Kojis and Michael Lacombe. Nays: Freeman Ford.
(3) Purchase Order Number 146
Upon motion by Dwayne Lemoine, seconded by Thelma Prater, the committee recommended to accept the cost for a new media center at Plaucheville Elementary School in the amount of $297,600. MOTION CARRIED.
The committee discussed a request for Avoyelles High School to renovate the Home Economic building. A motion was offered by Dwayne Lemoine, seconded by Steve Marcotte, to table this item and allow the maintenance department to handle the repairs. MOTION CARRIED.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Thelma J. Prater
Assistant Superintendent
Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Van Kojis, the Finance Committee recommended approval of the Needs Assessment Committee Report as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Mrs. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, presented an update on Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), which allows free meals for schools which qualify.
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Van Kojis, the Finance Committee recommended to implement the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Program effective July 1, 2014. MOTION CARRIED.
4. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a report of the bid-opening committee on the annual financial audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014.
Report of the Bid-Opening Committee
Audit for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2014
A committee met on April 29, 2014, at 1:30 p.m. consisting of Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Irma Andress, Federal Programs Director; Wilfred Ducote, Transportation/Sales Tax Supervisor; and Mary Bonnette, Finance Director for the purpose of opening bids for the annual financial audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014.
One bid was received from Ducote and Company, LLC for the following:
Audit: $27,500-$28,500
Agreed-upon procedures: $7,500
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Freeman Ford, the Finance Committee recommended to award the bid to Ducote and Company, LLC for the annual financial audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2014. MOTION CARRIED.
5. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented insurance bids for 2014-2015.
The following insurance bids were chosen for a one year period beginning July 1, 2014:
Property Insurance - Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Finance Committee recommended to choose First Insurance/Affiliated FM with an annual premium of $195,739. MOTION CARRIED.
Workers’ Compensation - Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Finance Committee recommended to choose First Insurance/State National policy at $60,574 for excess coverage and use CAS (Claims Administrative Services) as TPA as presented.
General Liability/Auto, E and O and Crime Policies - Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Finance Committee recommended to purchase First Insurance/PCAL coverage at an annual premium of $383,010 less a dividend of $90,080 for a net amount of $292,930 and to accept bids in 2015. MOTION CARRIED.
6. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented revisions to the 2013-2014 General Fund budget. Mrs. Bonnette reviewed the final 2013-2014 General Fund budget revision, explaining that changes in MFP and local funding resulted in a projected estimated deficient of $608,232 and an ending uncommitted fund balance of $5,483,313.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Finance Committee recommended to approve the revisions to the 2013-2014 General Fund budget. MOTION CARRIED.
7. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a report regarding 70% instructional expenditures requirement. Mrs. Bonnette stated that the Avoyelles Parish School Board is meeting this requirement.
8. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director Finance, presented a report on Fiscal Risk Assessment, noting that there are no areas of concern with the Avoyelles Parish School Board at the state level.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Michael Lacombe, Chairman
Finance Committee
On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Van Kojis, 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
May 20, 2014
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, May 20, 2014, at 5:45 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Van Kojis, Chairman; Michael Lacombe, James Gauthier, Darrell Wiley, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Mrs. Shelia Blackman-Dupas was absent. Also present were Freeman Ford, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., and John Gagnard, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Irma Andress, Director of Finance; Demetria Alexander, Supervisor; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; and Blaine Dauzat, Principal.
1. Mr. Blaine Dauzat, Principal of LaSAS, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding naming an agriculture building at LaSAS after former Superintendent Ronald N. Mayeux. Mr. Dauzat stated that this building is located in the back of the school near the agriculture center.
Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to name the agriculture building at LaSAS the “Dr. Ronald N. Mayeux Agricultural Education Center.” MOTION CARRIED.
2. Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman, recognized representatives with Argent Property Services, LLC. The representatives presented an inventory report to the committee which was provided by the State Land Office for the committee’s review. The committee did not take any action on this matter.
At this point in the regular School Board meeting, a motion was made by Van Kojis, seconded by John Gagnard, that the Board authorize Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine to sign a contract allowing Board Attorney Jim Lee to research ownership of lands located in Concordia Parish. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented an update report on the Hazard Mitigation grant for Marksville High School Gymnasium retrofit. Mr. Marcotte explained that a grant was awarded approximately eight years ago and due to the increase in cost and regulation changes, the grant is presently being modified to make the Marksville High School Gymnasium an evacuation shelter.
4. Mr. James Gauthier, Member of the Building and Lands Committee, addressed the committee regarding a request from the Town of Hessmer regarding purchasing the Hessmer Little League Field (located at the former Hessmer School campus).
Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to authorize Maintenance Supervisor Steve Marcotte to appraise and survey the field and present his findings to the Building and Lands Committee. 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 Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., 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
May 20, 2014
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, May 20, 2014, at approximately 5:15 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
James Gauthier, Chairman; John Gagnard, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Darrell Wiley, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas was absent. Also present were Freeman Ford, 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. Mrs. Sue Welch and Mr. Randy Littleton, Supervisors, presented an update on grants. The presentation was for informational purposes only. The committee did not take any action.
2. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, addressed the committee regarding a report correlating the honor graduates with their ACT Score. The presentation was for informational purposes only. The committee did not take any action.
The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
James Gauthier, Chairman
Education Committee
On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gauthier. MOTION CARRIED.
14. Mr. Freeman Ford, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
May 27, 2014
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, May 27, 2014, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Freeman Ford, Chairman; John Gagnard, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Darrell Wiley, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Mrs. Lizzie Ned was absent. Also present were James Gauthier and Michael Lacombe, Board Members; Irma Andress, Director of Federal Programs; Debbie Bain, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance; Becky Spencer, Tech Coordinator.
1. Mrs. Becky Spencer, Tech Coordinator, presented an updated Technology Plan for the committee’s consideration.
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by John Gagnard, the Executive Committee recommended that the Board accept the Technology Plan for the district. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Mrs. Debbie Bain, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, addressed the committee regarding the Avoyelles Parish Alternative Program, 2014-2015 school year.
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by John Gagnard, the Executive Committee recommended to accept the proposed Alternative School Program for the 2014-2015 school year to be located at the Hessmer School Site. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine requested permission from the Executive Committee for the Natchitoches Parish School Board to piggy back on the Board’s bid with EDgear for providing the JPams Student Management Software System as per LA R.S. 39:1702 and R.S. 1708.
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, seconded by John Gagnard, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the request submitted by the Natchitoches Parish School Board to piggy back on the Board’s bid with EDgear. MOTION CARRIED.
4. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine advised the Executive Committee that there were two (2) Corinne Saucier scholarships available for 2014. Mr. Lemoine stated that he was in receipt of two applications from Bunkie New Tech High School.
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by John Gagnard, the Executive Committee recommended that the Board accept the two applicants for the Corinne Saucier Scholarship. MOTION CARRIED.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Freeman Ford, Chairman
Executive Committee
A motion was offered by Freeman Ford, seconded by Van Kojis, to adopt the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Ford.
The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Freeman Ford, James Gauthier, Darrell Wiley, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Nays: Shelia Blackman-Dupas.
15. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of John Smith, bus driver, effective August 6, 2014, replacing Vernon Ducote who retired; and Resignation of Peggy Joshua, (retired) teacher, effective May 30, 2014.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Brandi Chatelain, teacher, effective June 1, 2014; Resignation of Christina C. Courtney, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 23, 2014; and Resignation of Queen Alexander, (retired) mild/moderate teacher, effective at the end of the day May 23, 2014.
MARKVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Gertrude Milligan, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day May 23, 2014; Resignation of Gail Harvey, (retired) In-School Suspension teacher, effective at the end of the day May 23, 2014; and Resignation of Alison Juneau, computer lab paraprofessional, effective May 5, 2014.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Kenneth Maillet, (retired) teacher, effective May 24, 2014.
BUNKIE NEW TECH HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Philip Ortego, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 23, 2014; Resignation of Jessica A. Wolford, teacher, effective August 1, 2014; Resignation of Landon B. Johnson, teacher, effective August 1, 2014; Resignation of Melissa Stacey, teacher, effective August 1, 2014; Resignation of Phyllis Morris, teacher, effective August 1, 2014; and Resignation of Samaria Davis, teacher, effective at the end of the day April 15, 2014.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Resignation of Calvin A. Bordelon, (retired) teacher, effective May 23, 2014.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Scotty Dauzat, teacher, effective August 5, 2014.
MARKSVILLE/BUNKIE AREA (JAIL): Resignation of Thomas Roy, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day May 23, 2014.
ADDENDUM(S)
6/2/2014
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Mildred Jackson, (retired) teacher, effective May 30, 2014.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Janine S. Mury, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day May 23, 2014; and Resignation of Catherine L. Dorgant, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day May 23, 2014.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE: Appointment of Ali Laborde, Federal Programs Secretary, effective June 2, 2014, replacing Connie Ducote who retired.
16. In miscellaneous business, President Darrell Wiley announced that he did distribute the Superintendent’s evaluation form to all Board members and confirmed that all were in receipt of such.
There being no further business, on motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Van Kojis, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Darrell Wiley, President
Dwayne Lemoine, Secretary-Treasurer