SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, September 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, 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 Lizzie Ned, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, August 5, 2014, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas read a resolution of respect to the late Landry A. Roy, former teacher and coach.
Upon motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Landry A. Roy. MOTION CARRIED.
3. At this time, Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine reminded everyone that on September 11 of each year, fire departments and other emergency services throughout Avoyelles Parish lead a procession of emergency vehicles to all of the schools in remembrance of the events of 9/11 and in recognition of all emergency personnel who serve in our community. Also, Mr. Lemoine revealed that all Board Members have completed their mandatory six hours of professional development, which is required each year. In addition, Mr. Lemoine announced that school security officers (SSOs) are now in place at three high schools in Avoyelles Parish in order to act as a deterrent and to keep our schools as safe as possible.
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: Kaleb Dobbins, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Torieyanna Francisco, Cottonport Elementary School; Kave Pennington, Lafargue Elementary School; Tristan Gremillion, Marksville Elementary School; Lillian Lofton, Plaucheville Elementary School; Aariella Wallace, Riverside Elementary School; Bonnie Boone, Avoyelles High School; Keisha Jacobs, Bunkie High School; James Desselle, LaSAS; and Nicholas Barbin, 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:
Rev. Datis Christophe, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Alicia Brown, Cottonport Elementary School; Chantelle Hataway, Lafargue Elementary School; Lori Boudreaux,
Marksville Elementary School; Carolyn Barbre, Plaucheville Elementary School; Maggie Mury, Riverside Elementary School; Martin Hofkamp, Avoyelles High School; Chuck Normand, Bunkie New Tech High School; Carolyn Roy, LaSAS; and Lydia Garza, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Darrell Wiley commended the teachers on their achievements.
6. Ms. Ester Boe, Cooperative Extension Agent, recognized the Avoyelles 4-H Junior Leader Club members and presented an audio/video slideshow highlighting 4-H accomplishments and achievements over the past year.
At this time, Board Member Freeman Ford entered the meeting at approximately 5:20 p.m.
7. Mr. Kerry Spruill, Candidate for Twelfth Judicial Judge, Division A, addressed the Board regarding his bid for Judge.
8. Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Sales Tax Collector, reported that sales tax collections for the month of July, 2014 totaled $698,573.01. Mr. Ducote stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $598,798.27 and the 0.25% sales tax generated $99,774.74.
9. Mr. Michael Lacombe, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
August 19, 2014
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, August 19, 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, Lizzie Ned, and John Gagnard, Board Members; Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor; and Jamie Lacombe, Chief Accountant.
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. Ms. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, presented a bid-opening committee report on grease trap maintenance for the 2014-2015 school year.
Report of the Bid-Opening Committee
Grease Trap Maintenance
A bid-opening committee met Tuesday, August 5, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. for the purpose of receiving bids on grease trap maintenance service.
The committee acknowledged receipt of a bid from Action Rooter of Lecompte, Louisiana, as follows:
Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy, 400 gallons, $305.00; Bunkie High School, 500 gallons, $305.00; Cottonport Elementary School, 250 gallons, $245.00; Lafargue Elementary School, 470 gallons, $295.00; Marksville Elementary School, 1100 gallons, $415.00; Marksville High School, 400 gallons and 250 gallons, $520.00; Plaucheville Elementary School, 600 gallons, $295.00; and Riverside Elementary School, 400 gallons and 250 gallons, $520.00
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr. , the Finance Committee recommended to accept the bid of Action Rooter for grease trap maintenance service for the public schools for the 2014-2015 school year. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Ms. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, presented a report on increased average meal costs and paid lunch equity. Ms. Welch stated that the average meal costs increased from $3.55 to $3.60. She recommended to increase meal cost for staff and outside sales to $3.60.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Finance Committee recommended to approve the price increase of meals to $3.60. MOTION CARRIED.
4. Mrs. Jaimie Lacombe, Chief Accountant, presented a revised School Activity Fund Manual for the Finance Committee’s approval.
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Van Kojis, the Finance Committee recommended to adopt the revisions and changes to the School Activity Fund as presented by presented by Ms. Lacombe. 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.
10. Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
August 19, 2014
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, August 19, 2014, at 5:00 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. Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas was absent. Also present were Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Lizzie Ned, and John Gagnard, Board Members; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
1. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a report on the Hessmer School site appraisal.
Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by James Gauthier, the Building and Lands Committee recommended that the Board accept the appraisal of the Hessmer property. Also, the committee requested that the Board defer to legal counsel regarding the potential for in-kind contributions with the Town of Hessmer. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Mr. James Gauthier, Member of the Building and Lands Committee, addressed the committee regarding the Hessmer High School property sale.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
3. The Building and Lands Committee discussed a report from Attorney James Lee regarding School Indemnity properties.
Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by James Gauthier, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to form a committee for the purpose of discussing the indemnity lands in Concordia Parish. MOTION CARRIED.
4. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding approval to issue a temporary right-of-way and drainage agreement to the Avoyelles Parish Police Jury to clean Bayou St. Jean (Tracts 1 and 2).
Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by James Gauthier, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to grant approval for the issuance of a temporary right-of-way and drainage agreement to the Avoyelles Parish Police Jury to clean Bayou St. Jean (Tracts 1 and 2). 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 James Gauthier, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee report as presented by Chairman Kojis. MOTION CARRIED.
11. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
August 19, 2014
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, August 19, 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., Darrell Wiley, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas was absent. Also present were Lizzie Ned, Michael Lacombe, and Van Kojis, Board Members; and Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education.
1. Mrs. Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education, presented an update report on Louisiana State University, Alexandria college courses.
The Education Committee did not take any action.
2. Mrs. Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education, addressed the Education Committee regarding an update on the Rapides Foundation.
The Education Committee did not take any action.
3. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented an update on ACT test scores.
The Education 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 Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Board adopted the Education Committee report as presented by Chairman Gauthier. MOTION CARRIED.
12. Mr. Freeman Ford, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
August 26, 2014
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, August 26, 2014, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Freeman Ford, Chairman; Lizzie Ned, John Gagnard, 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; Debbie Bain, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance; and Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor.
1. Ms. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented revisions to the Personnel Evaluation Plan.
Upon motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Executive Committee recommended to approve the revisions to the Personnel Evaluation Plan as presented by Ms. Prater. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine addressed the Executive Committee regarding File: IHC - Class Rankings, specifically, for students who attend Louisiana State University (Alexandria) for the entire day and do not take a class at their home school.
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by John Gagnard, the Executive Committee recommended to revise File IHC - Class Rankings to read as follows:
Item Number 4: “Students who enter college on a full-time basis for their senior year and earn their high school diploma while in college shall be considered for honors and shall be ranked”. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine addressed the Executive Committee regarding revising the policy concerning “Expulsion Appeal Procedures”.
Upon motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., the Executive Committee recommended to amend File: JDE - Expulsion to read, as follows:
Item Number 3: In all expulsion hearings, that an individual of the African-American race would always serve on the expulsion committee.” MOTION CARRIED.
4. Mrs. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, presented revisions to the Avoyelles Parish School Board Wellness policy.
Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by John Gagnard, the Executive Committee recommended that the Board approve the revisions to the Avoyelles Parish School Board Wellness policy. MOTION CARRIED.
5. Upon motion by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by John Gagnard, the Executive Committee recommended to allow Ms. Pam Mose to have a trophy at Plaucheville Elementary School if it is deemed to be junk. MOTION CARRIED.
The Executive Committee respectfully requests 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 by Chairman Ford by the following vote:
Ayes: Freeman Ford, Lizzie Ned, Darrell Wiley, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Nays: Shelia Blackman-Dupas.
13. Mr. John Gagnard, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
Bus Committee Report
August 26, 2014
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, August 26, 2014, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
John Gagnard, Chairman; James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, Lizzie Ned, Darrell Wiley, President; and Dwayne Lemoine, Superintendent. Also present were Freeman Ford, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Wilfred Ducote, Transportation Supervisor; and several bus drivers.
1. Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Transportation Supervisor, addressed the Bus Committee regarding Act 654 which deals with bus drivers and their routes.
Upon motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Bus Committee recommended to study this matter and not take any action at this time. MOTION CARRIED.
The Bus Committee respectfully requests the adoption of this report.
John Gagnard, Chairman
Bus Committee
On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the Bus Committee report as presented by Chairman Gagnard. MOTION CARRIED.
14. Superintendent Dwayne Lemoine presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Transfer/appointment of Patti Riche, teacher, from Bunkie New Tech High School, effective August 8, 2014 through May 21, 2015; Appointment of Frederick Dossman, custodian, effective August 6, 2014; Resignation of Jillian R. Guillory, teacher, effective August 1, 2014; and Resignation of Samuel Johnson, custodian, effective March 10, 2014.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Sarah C. Ducote, paraprofessional, effective August 7, 2014.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Belinda Mathews, food service technician, effective August 5, 2014.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Alyce McKinny, teacher, effective at the end of the day August 22, 2014; and Change in employment status: Appointment of Linda Bernis, teacher, effective August 6, 2014 through December 19, 2014.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Luis Ramirez, (TAT) physical education teacher, effective August 6, 2014 through December 19, 2014.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Alisha Williams, teacher, August 14, 2014 through May 21, 2015; and Resignation of Debby L. Bailey, teacher, effective August 4, 2014.
BUNKIE NEW TECH HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Phyllis Morris, (retired) teacher, effective August 11, 2014 through December 19, 2014; Appointment of Valerie A. Chesne, teacher, effective August 14, 2014 through September 15, 2014; Resignation of Caleb Lea, teacher, effective August 5, 2014; Resignation of Allen Thomas, teacher, effective August 5, 2014; Resignation of Linda Long, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day August 22, 2014; and Resignation of Daniza Scott, band director, effective August 13, 2014.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Appointment of Megan Anderson, Family and Consumer Science Teacher, effective August 6, 2014 through May 21, 2015; Appointment of Susan Jeansonne, (retired) teacher, effective August 11, 2014 through October 16, 2014; and Change in funding source: Appointment of Keri Desselle, paraprofessional, effective August 6, 2014, Title I funds.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Curtis S. Bertrand, (TAT) Journey to Careers teacher, effective August 14, 2014 through December 19, 2014; Appointment of Melvin T. Young, teacher, effective August 6, 2014 through May 21, 2015; Resignation of Agatha Mayeaux, teacher, effective at the end of the day August 7, 2014; and Resignation of Curtis S. Bertrand, teacher, effective at the end of the day August 22, 2014.
15. In miscellaneous business, Board Member James Gauthier discussed property being leased by Avoyelles Head Start. Ms. Evelyn Scallan, Head Start Director, explained that APAC was handling its administrative duties in the past, but Head Start is now under new administration, Avoyelles Child Development Services (ACDS), a nonprofit organization. She is requesting that the 99-year lease that was offered to APAC be extended to ACDS for the same terms. Head Start provides for 292 low-income children parish-wide and provides in-kind services to the Avoyelles Parish School System.
A motion was made by Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., seconded by Lizzie Ned, to add this item to the agenda. The motion failed by the following vote:
Ayes: Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., Lizzie Ned, Darrell Wiley, Freeman Ford, James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Nays: Shelia Blackman-Dupas.
President Darrell Wiley stated that this item can be addressed at the next Building and Lands Committee Meeting on September 16, 2014, and Ms. Scallan was invited to attend that meeting.
There being no further business, on motion by Van Kojis, seconded by John Gagnard, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Darrell Wiley, President
Dwayne Lemoine, Secretary-Treasurer