SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, February 3, 2015, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Van Kojis, President; Michael Lacombe, Vice-President; Freeman Ford, Darrell Wiley, Chris LaCour, James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Lizzie Ned, and John Gagnard.
Absent: None.
An Invocation was offered by Board Member Chris LaCour.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America led by Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas.
1. On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board adopted the minutes of the special Board meeting held Wednesday, January 21, 2015, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED.
2. President Van Kojis stated that the Board had interviewed three finalists for the position of Superintendent of Schools, namely, Ms. Alison Andrews, Mr. Blaine Dauzat, and Dr. Charles Michel.
President Kojis asked each Board member to vote for the candidates:
Ms. Alison Andrews: Freeman Ford.
Mr. Blaine Dauzat: Darrell Wiley, Chris LaCour, James Gauthier, Van Kojis,
Michael Lacombe, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, John Gagnard,
and Lizzie Ned.
Dr. Charles Michel: None.
Mr. Blaine Dauzat was appointed Superintendent of Schools for the Avoyelles Parish School Board. Mr. Dauzat thanked the Board and pledged to work for the betterment of the school system and stated he always has the best interests of the students at heart.
3. Mr. Chris LaCour, Board Member, read a resolution of respect to the late Lieutenant Colonel Linus Juneau, former Sales Tax Collector.
On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Lieutenant Colonel Linus Juneau. MOTION CARRIED.
4. Mr. Darrell Wiley, Board Member, read a resolution of respect to the late Arthur Lee Fuqua, former bus driver.
On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Arthur Lee Fuqua. MOTION CARRIED.
5. Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, recognized the Students of the Month. Mrs. Prater 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 include: Amber Hendricks, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Neilie Ard, Cottonport Elementary School; Aubrey Bordelon, Lafargue Elementary School; Luay Sarama, Marksville Elementary School; Elnora Hagger, Plaucheville Elementary School; Olivia Palmisano, Riverside Elementary School; Te’andrea Reed, Avoyelles High School; Destiny Woodall, Bunkie New Tech High School; Madison Ward, LASAS, and Nicholas Lavalais, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Van Kojis commended the students on their accomplishments.
6. Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, recognized the Teachers of the Month. Mrs. Prater presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:
Jessica Juneau, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Laurie Lonidier, Cottonport Elementary School; Gale Littleton, Lafargue Elementary School; Tammy Tassin, Marksville Elementary School; Nicole Carter, Plaucheville Elementary School; Lauren Hyman, Riverside Elementary School; Logan Gauthier, Avoyelles High School; Mary Marcotte, Bunkie New Tech High School; Kendall Ryland, LaSAS; and Minnie Lafargue, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Van Kojis commended the teachers on their achievements.
7. Ms. Demetria Alexander, Supervisor of Federal Programs, recognized the 2016 Teacher of the Year winners, as follows:
Elementary School Level:
Jessica Juneau, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Ashley Ducote, Cottonport Elementary School; Connie Ducote, Lafargue Elementary School; Kristy Lonidier, Marksville Elementary School; Samantha Mire, Plaucheville Elementary School; and Ginger Gremillion, Riverside Elementary School.
Middle School Level:
Sonya Durand, Avoyelles High School; Phyllis Morris, Bunkie New Tech High School; Liza Jacobs, LaSAS; and Courtney Shivers, Marksville High School.
High School Level:
Mark Wellman, Avoyelles High School; Melissa Star Higginbotham, Bunkie New Tech High School; Robin Moreau, LaSAS; and Timberly Deville, Marksville High School.
Ms. Alexander announced that the district winners are: Ginger Gremillion, Riverside Elementary School; Liza Jacobs, LaSAS; and Timberly Deville, Marksville High School.
8. Mr. Michael Lacombe, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
January 20, 2015
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 20, 2015, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Michael Lacombe, Chairman; John Gagnard; Freeman Ford; Chris LaCour; Van Kojis, President; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. (Mr. Ford joined the meeting at 4:46 p.m.). Also present were Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, and Lizzie Ned, Board Members; and Mary L. Bonnette, CPA, Director of Finance; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; and Becky Spencer, Technology Coordinator.
1. Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board approved requests for overnight travel as presented by Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Mr. Brian Blackwell, Attorney, addressed the Finance Committee regarding MFP litigation. Mr. Blackwell presented information regarding pending litigation against the State of Louisiana, BESE, and the Louisiana Department of Education, and he invited the Finance Committee to join the lawsuit in order to protect state and local MFP funding transferred out of districts to Type 2 Charter Schools.
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Van Kojis, the Finance Committee recommended to join the lawsuit and to hire Blackwell and Associates to represent the Board in said suit.
The motion was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Freeman Ford, Michael Lacombe, John Gagnard, and Van Kojis; Nays: Chris LaCour.
3. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented an update on grant budgets. Upon motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the revised budgets as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
4. Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by John Gagnard, the Finance Committee recommended to name Ms. Judy Guillote, Insurance Clerk in the Finance Department, as the Office of Group Benefits Coordinator. MOTION CARRIED.
5. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the Finance Committee regarding permission to seek alternative health insurance options. Mrs. Bonnette asked the committee for permission to request RFP’s for alternative health insurance, along with other school districts which are doing so.
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Chris Lacour, the Finance Committee recommended that Finance Director Mary Bonnette seek alternative health insurance options.
The motion was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Freeman Ford, Chris LaCour, and Van Kojis. Nays: John Gagnard.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Michael Lacombe, Chairman
Finance Committee
Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, advised the Board to table Item Number 2 of the Finance Committee Report until the information and resolution offered by Mr. Blackwell can be reviewed further.
Board Member Freeman Ford then stated he wished to amend his motion.
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the aforementioned motion presented in Item Number 2 of the Finance Committee Report to join pending MFP litigation and hire Blackwell and Associates to represent the Board in said lawsuit is hereby tabled. MOTION CARRIED.
On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board approved the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairman Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED.
9. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
January 20, 2015
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 20, 2015, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
James Gauthier, Chairman; Michael Lacombe; Darrell Wiley; Van Kojis, President; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas was absent. Also present were Freeman Ford, Chris LaCour, Lizzie Ned, and John Gagnard, Board Members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
1. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding an appraisal of the Mansura Middle School. Mr. Marcotte advised the committee that the former Mansura Middle School was appraised in the amount of $595,000.
Mr. Gaon Escude, Councilman with the Town of Mansura, requested to schedule an appointment with Mr. Marcotte or his representative to tour the school and assess the status of the facilities.
2. Chairman James Gauthier addressed the committee regarding the Hessmer High School property.
Mr. Brandon Scott, Attorney for the Town of Hessmer, addressed the committee regarding the purchase of the Hessmer ballfield and the continued use of the gymnasium.
Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to sell the Hessmer property in the amount of three installments of $17,000 per year, pending approval by the Board attorney and Federal Judge Dee Drell. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Chairman James Gauthier discussed School Board leases. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented an update report.
Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to begin the process of appraising the campsite leases of the Section 16 properties. MOTION CARRIED.
Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Building and Lands Committee recommended that President Van Kojis and Chairman James Gauthier form an Ad Hoc Committee to study the School Board leases, with said committee consisting of four members and Mr. Steve Marcotte. MOTION CARRIED.
The Building and Lands Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
James Gauthier, Chairman
Building and Lands Committee
Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Darrell Wiley, Item Number 2 of the Building and Lands Committee Report is hereby amended to read: The Building and Lands Committee recommended to sell the Hessmer property for a lump sum amount of $52,400, pending approval by the Board attorney and Federal Judge Dee Drell. MOTION CARRIED.
On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gauthier. MOTION CARRIED.
10. Mr. John Gagnard, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
January 20, 2015
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 20, 2015, at 5:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
John Gagnard, Chairman; James Gauthier. Chris LaCour; Van Kojis, President; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas was absent. Also present were Freeman Ford, Michael Lacombe, and Lizzie Ned, Board Members; and Becky Spencer, Technology Coordinator.
1. Mr. James Gauthier, Committee Member, addressed the Education Committee regarding French in the public schools.
The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Mr. James Gauthier, Committee Member, discussed the construction of a survey regarding Eureka Mathematics.
Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Education Committee recommended to suspend the survey regarding Eureka Mathematics in view of the fact that a training had been provided to the teachers.
The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
John Gagnard, Chairman
Education Committee
On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gagnard. MOTION CARRIED.
11. Mr. Darrell Wiley, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
January 27, 2015
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 27, 2015, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Darrell Wiley, Chairman; Freeman Ford; John Gagnard; Lizzie Ned; Van Kojis, President; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Also present were Chris LaCour, James Gauthier, and Michael Lacombe, Board Members; Irma Andress, Director of Federal Programs; Wilfred Ducote, Transportation Supervisor; Becky Spencer, Technology Coordinator; Richard Robinson, Network Administrator; and Jaimie Lacombe, Accountant.
1. Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, addressed the Executive Committee regarding the appointment of three additional hearing officers.
Upon motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Executive Committee recommended to appoint Timothy Pujol, Paul Tellarico, and James “Jam” Downs for the position of hearing officer. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Ms. Irma Andress, Director of Federal Programs, presented a report of the bid-opening committee on the E-Rate application for the 2015-2016 school year.
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by John Gagnard, the Executive Committee recommended to accept the bid submitted by Detel in the amount of $827,796.00 for Category 2 and also accept the bid submitted by Detel for internet access, land, and VoIP. MOTION CARRIED.
Upon motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Executive Committee recommended to grant permission for the Superintendent and his staff to file for E-Rate. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by John Gagnard, the Executive Committee recommended the approval of policies submitted by Forethought Consulting, Incorporated, as follows:
File: DE Debt Limitation
File: DFD Tax and Bond Elections and Sales
File: DFL Cash Management and Investments
File: DJE Purchasing
MOTION CARRIED.
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by John Gagnard, the Executive Committee recommended that the Board adopt the policies “as is” subject to Louisiana law; and should the policies conflict with Louisiana Law, Louisiana Law shall supercede said policies. MOTION CARRIED.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Darrell Wiley, Chairman
Executive Committee
On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Wiley. MOTION CARRIED.
12. Mrs. Lizzie Ned, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
Bus Committee Report
January 27, 2015
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 27, 2015, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Lizzie Ned, Chairman; James Gauthier; Michael Lacombe; Chris LaCour; Van Kojis, President; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Also present were Freeman Ford, Darrell Wiley, and John Gagnard, Board Members; and Wilfred Ducote, Transportation Supervisor.
1. The Bus Committee discussed the position of Transportation Supervisor.
Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by James Gauthier, the Bus Committee recommended to advertise for the position of Transportation Supervisor as stated by Board policy. MOTION CARRIED.
2. The Bus Committee discussed Board policy requiring bus drivers over 55 years of age to take two physicals.
The present policy and the revised policy is as follows:
Present Policy:
Good Health. (Annual Physical/Eye Examination). Prior to the opening of each school session, each employed school bus operator, regular and substitute, or activity bus operators shall be required to submit to the Superintendent a certificate from a licensed physician on forms furnished by the School Board, stating that the operator has been examined and is free from any ailment, disease, or defect that would adversely affect his/her ability to safely operate a school bus. Such certificate should be submitted within fifteen (15) days prior to the opening of school, and the cost of said examination shall be paid by the Board. Drivers fifty-five (55) years of age or older shall be required to undergo a physical examination twice a year.
Revised Policy:
Drivers must pass a physical and eye examination meeting current CDL
requirements annually. Effective May 22, 2014, all physicals must be done by a certified medical examiner who is registered on the National Registry Database. Physicals are to be done during the months of June or July, and a copy of the examination record must be filed with the Avoyelles Parish School Board transportation office before the beginning of each school year. Avoyelles Parish School Board will reimburse each driver with a receipt up to and not exceeding $25.00. More extensive and/or more frequent exams may be required by the Avoyelles Parish School Board as deemed necessary at the expense of the driver. All school bus drivers must be certified as having normal use of both hands, both arms, both feet, and both legs, and they must possess normal or corrected vision of 20/40 in both eyes with a field of vision of at least 150 degrees. They must have corrected or normal hearing, be free of communicable disease, and free of mental, emotional, or functional disorders.
(a) After a heart attack or other serious illness, a certificate of health and permission to return to work from a licensed physician must be presented and filed with the transportation office and maintained in the driver’s record. Avoyelles Parish School Board may require such certification, as well as all annual physical examinations, to be approved by board-appointed physicians, who also may be required to meet requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Upon motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Bus Committee recommended to accept the revised policy. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Mr. Wilfred Ducote, Transportation Supervisor, addressed the Bus Committee regarding Act 654 which deals with bus drivers and their routes. The Bus Committee recommended to study this matter and not take any action at this time.
The Bus Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Lizzie Ned, Chairman
Bus Committee
On motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman Ned. MOTION CARRIED.
13. On motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board granted permission to advertise for the position of Transportation Supervisor. MOTION CARRIED.
14. President Van Kojis 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, James Gauthier, Carlos A. Mayeux, Jr., 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 Darrell Wiley, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Board adopted the aforementioned resolution regarding school board member training. MOTION CARRIED.
15. On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board granted permission to advertise for janitorial supplies, paint, light bulbs, and air conditioner filters. MOTION CARRIED.
16. Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Appointment of Mildred Jackson, (retired) teacher, effective January 12, 2015 through May 21, 2015; and Appointment of Josie Green, (retired) teacher, effective January 12, 2015 through May 21, 2015.
COTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Betty Chesne, food service technician, effective January 20, 2015.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Sandra H. Guillot, paraprofessional, effective at the end of the day January 22, 2015, for the purpose of retirement; and Appointment of Margaret Bryant, food service technician, effective January 26, 2015.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Debbie Bordelon, food service technician, effective January 16, 2015.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Darielle E. Christman, teacher, effective at the end of the day January 30, 2015; and Resignation of James R. McDonald, teacher, effective February 6, 2015.
BUNKIE NEW TECH HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Eric Tagliarino, (TAT) teacher, effective January 20, 2015 through May 21, 2015, replacing Lorie Descant; and Transfer/appointment of Lucy Jacobs, food service technician, from Lafargue Elementary School, effective January 26, 2015.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of John Hill, from mathematics teacher to physical education teacher, effective January 12, 2015 through May 21, 2015, replacing Xavier Rawls who resigned; Appointment of Joseph Greenhouse, (TAT) teacher, effective January 12, 2015 through May 21, 2015, replacing John Hill; Re-appointment of Lydia G. Garza, teacher, effective February 4, 2015 through May 21, 2015; Re-appointment of Tralanya S. Wilson, teacher, effective February 9, 2015 through May 21, 2015; Appointment of Queen Alexander, (retired) special education teacher, effective February 2, 2015 through March 2, 2015, replacing Maria Eroja who resigned; and Transfer/appointment of Melissa Wiley, food service technician, from Marksville Elementary School, effective January 20, 2015.
17. On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board agreed to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending litigation (Avoyelles Parish School Board versus United States Department of Interior, et al, Docket Number 08-CV-1374, United States District Court). MOTION CARRIED.
On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board reconvened in open session at approximately 7:01 p.m.
A motion was offered by Chris LaCour, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, that the Board move forward with the resolution presented by the District Attorney’s office to settle the lawsuit (Avoyelles Parish School Board versus United States Department of Interior, et al, Docket Number 08-CV-1374, United States District Court) as discussed in Executive Session, to-wit:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Avoyelles Parish School Board has been in litigation for years attempting to secure access to Section 16, Township 2 North - Range 6 East, Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, in that certain law suit entitled "School Board of Avoyelles Parish versus United States Department of Interior, et al", Docket No. 08-CV1374 on the Docket of the United States District Court, Western District of Louisiana, and has been involved in Court mandated negotiations with a view for settlement for over one year and the Avoyelles Parish School Board, being of the opinion that the best interests of the school children of Avoyelles Parish would be served by entering into a settlement of the litigation which would involve selling the Section 16 in question and 11.17 acres adjoining it to BAYOU JOSON, LLC for the appraised value of $1,222,676.00 conditioned upon receipt of legislative approval and investment of the purchase price in rent generating land, accordingly;
BE IT RESOLVED that the Avoyelles Parish School Board shall enter into a settlement of that certain law suit entitled "School Board of Avoyelles Parish versus United States Department of Interior, et al", Docket No. 08-CV-1374 on the Docket of the United States District Court, Western District of Louisiana, in which the Avoyelles Parish School Board shall convey to BAYOU JOSON, LLC , for the price and sum of $1,222,676.00 cash for the following described property, to-wit:
TRACT ONE: A certain tract or parcel of land consisting of 640 acres, more or less, forming Section 16, Township Two North, Range Six East (T2N-R6E), Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, being further described as property bounded on the North by land of Bayou Joson, L.L.C., on the East by land of William D. Arnouville; on the South by land of Le Chevalier, L.L.C. and on the West by land of Bayou Joson, L.L.C.
LESS AND EXCEPT:
A certain tract of parcel of land consisting of 11.17 acres, lying within and forming a portion of Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana and being more particularly described as Tract A on a Plat of Survey by Robert L. Wolfe, Jr., dated April 14, 2013 and recorded in Plat Book 31 at page 327, conveyed by the Avoyelles Parish School Board to Le Chevalier, LLC in an Act of Exchange dated August 16, 2013 and recorded in Conveyance Book 665 at page 657, Records of Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana,
SUBJECT TO: A reservation in favor of the Avoyelles Parish School Board and the State of Louisiana, its successors and assigns, all oil, gas or other minerals lying in, on or under the property described hereinabove, pursuant to the authority of the Louisiana State Constitution of 1974, Article 9, Section 4(A) and Louisiana Revised Statutes 41:906. The Avoyelles Parish School Board and the State of Louisiana shall exercise the minerals rights reserved with reasonable regard to the rights of land;owners and shall use only so much of the land including the surface as reasonably necessary to conduct its operations. Such exercise of mineral rights shall be subject to the provisions of Article 11 and 22 of the Louisiana Mineral Code. Bayou Joson,LLC shall recognize that by virtue of the mineral reservation herein made the Avoyelles Parish School Board and the State of Louisiana shall have the right to use so much of the land, including the surface, as is reasonably necessary to explore for, mine and produce the minerals.
AND
TRACT 2: A certain tract or parcel of land containing 21.37 acres, lying within and forming a portion of Section 21, Township Two North, Range Six East (T2N-R6E) Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, and being more particularly described as Tract B on a Plat of Survey by Robert L. Wolfe, Jr. dated April 14, 2013, recorded in Plat Book 31 at page 327, Records of Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana. Being the identical property acquired by the Avoyelles Parish School Board from Le Chevalier, L.L.C. by Act of Exchange dated August 16, 2013 and recorded in Book 655 at page 657, Records of Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana.
SUBJECT TO: A mineral reservation in favor of Le Chevalier, LLC created in that certain Act of Exchange with the Avoyelles Parish School Board dated August 16, 2013 and recorded in Book 655 at page 657, Records of Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana.
This sale shall be passed between the dates of July l, 2015 and July 30, 2015 and is subject to the suspensive condition of legislative approval;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Van Kojis, President of the Avoyelles Parish School Board, is granted the authority to execute that certain Authorization and Contract to Settle Pending Litigation attached to this Resolution and made a part hereof;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Avoyelles Parish School Board support legislation in the 2015 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature which would authorize this sale and permit the money to be received from the sale to be placed into an escrow account with the interest payable to the Avoyelles Parish School Board and the principal to be used for the purchase of revenue generating land.
CERTIFICATE
This will certify that the foregoing Resolution was adopted by the Avoyelles Parish School Board by a vote of five (5) in favor and four (4) opposed at a Regular Meeting of the Board held on February 3, 2015.
Marksville, Louisiana this 3rd day of February, 2015.
SECRETARY, AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
RESOLUTION OFFERED BY: Chris LaCour
RESOLUTION SECONDED BY: Shelia Blackman-Dupas
The vote, in open meeting, on the resolution was as follows:
Yeas: Chris LaCour, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Freeman Ford, James
Gauthier, and Lizzie Ned.
Nays: Darrell Wiley, Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Absent: None.
18. In miscellaneous business, there was a heated debate between Board Members Darrell Wiley and James Gauthier along with defensive comments by Mr. Brent Scallan regarding an article printed in the newspaper recently. Mr. Wiley stated that the Board meets, plans, and decides issues openly to the public, and the Board’s work should not be scrutinized and gossiped about in a local newspaper. Mr. Brent Scallan clarified that the construction delays mentioned in said newspaper article were justified--priorities for the outlined improvements had been set but unforeseen circumstances did cause some delays; however, this is normal in all aspects of business and in life in general. Mr. Gauthier alleged that Mr. Wiley may be upset because the Board did not support the Superintendent on a recent issue, which his newspaper article highlighted. He reinforced the fact that a motion to act on this issue had died for lack of a second, so there was no vote on that issue. Mr. Wiley responded that he feels Mr. Gauthier should not include other Board members’ thoughts or opinions in his newspaper articles.
There being no further business, on motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Van Kojis, President
Thelma J. Prater, Assistant Superintendent