SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, August 4, 2015, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Michael Lacombe, President; Darrell Wiley, Vice-President; Freeman Ford, Chris LaCour, James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Absent: Lizzie Ned.
An Invocation was offered by Mr. Dexter Compton, Principal of LaSAS.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America led by Board Member Darrell Wiley.
1. On motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, July 7, 2015, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Ms. Ester Boe, 4-H Agent with the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service, recognized 4-H Junior Leaders who placed at 4-H University in June, 2015. Ms. Boe presented an update report on the 4-H Program as well as a slideshow highlighting 4-H University, an annual event where members from all across the state compete in contests, win prizes, discover new interests, and explore careers. This was held at the LSU campus in Baton Rouge on June 23-26, 2015.
3. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized students for their outstanding achievements. Mr. Dauzat stated that William Gaspard placed second and Madeline Dauzat placed fourth in Geaux Teach Agriculture.
Wyatt Mayeaux and Alec Poret received $1000 scholarships to UTI in mechanics. Brent Landry received a $5000 scholarship to UTI in Houston for top welder in the State FFA Contest. Brent Landry and Jonah St. Romain (who graduated this past May) received a Tiger plaque for placing first at State in welding from LSU.
Also, Mr. Dauzat announced that Wesley Wilson, a graduate of Marksville High School, was elected as the State FFA Parliamentarian at this year’s FFA State Convention in Monroe, Louisiana. He is only the ninth person to hold a State Office from Marksville High School. The last elected FFA member from Marksville High School was Angelo Piazza, who served as the State Sentinel from 1976-77. Wesley is the son of Anthony and Angela Wilson of Marksville, and he plans on attending a four-year university to major in a field related to either Agriculture or the Culinary Arts. Wesley also was elected two years in a row as an FFA area officer. Also, he served as the Marksville High School FFA Chapter President under the FFA Advisor James Deshautelle. Wesley has competed in Parliamentary Law contests for five years in a row, where he served as the Chairman of the team, and has influenced many students to become FFA members and servant leaders of the community.
On behalf of the Board, President Michael Lacombe commended the students for their outstanding achievements.
4. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized Ms. Alisha Williams, teacher at Avoyelles High School. Ms. Alisha Williams completed an application for Teacher Leader Advisor in early June. As a result, Ms. Williams was offered a position with the Math Instructional Materials Reviews group. By accepting this position, Ms. Williams is joining a diverse group of 75 of some of the best educators from across the state. Collectively, this group hails from 60 schools across 30 parishes and spends countless hours working to ensure that the students have access to the highest quality education. Ms. Williams and her colleagues will play a crucial role in helping to develop resources and tools and leading professional development for thousands of educators across Louisiana. Ms. Williams will be attending a one to two day in-person training during September.
On behalf of the Board, President Michael Lacombe commended Ms. Williams for this outstanding achievement.
5. President Michael Lacombe recognized Ms. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, for receiving a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.
6. Mr. Walter Rogers, Director of The Kennedy Center, presented an update report on The Kennedy Center. This program is offered at Avoyelles High School, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy, Bunkie New Tech High School, Marksville Elementary School, Marksville High School, and Riverside Elementary School. This program involves students in grades 3-11 meeting after school on Monday-Thursday for arts and crafts, sports, drama, music, danceline, and academic enrichment. They also take at least one Saturday field trip each month. Enrollment is free, and The Kennedy Center hopes to have 100 enrollees from grades 3-5 and 75 enrollees from grades 6-11.
7. Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas recognized Ms. B. Jallient with CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). Ms. Jallient explained that CASA works with abused children in the parish and their foster care families. They are the eyes and ears for these abused children and the voice for them in court. Ms. Jallient handed out brochures and urged school personnel to call CASA if they suspect abuse or any problems. Volunteers are welcomed and encouraged to become advocates.
8. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, stated that a public hearing was held Tuesday, August 4, 2015, at 4:00 p.m. to review the proposed budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2015.
Present for the public hearing were Superintendent Blaine Dauzat, School Board President Mike Lacombe, Board Members James Gauthier and Chris LaCour; and Finance Director Mary Bonnette.
A motion was offered by James Gauthier, seconded by Chris LaCour, that the Board adopt the 2015-2016 Consolidated Budget as presented. The motion was unanimously adopted by the Board.
9. President Michael Lacombe addressed the Board regarding separate sign-in sheets for Board members who visit schools.
A motion was offered by Van Kojis, seconded by John Gagnard, that the Board hereby create the policy whereas a separate sign-in sheet will be placed at each school for Board Members to sign upon visiting the schools.
The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Van Kojis, John Gagnard, Freeman Ford, Chris LaCour, James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, and Darrell Wiley.
Nays: Shelia Blackman-Dupas.
10. Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
July 14, 2015
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, July 14, 2015, at 4:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Van Kojis, Chairman; Freeman Ford, John Gagnard, Chris LaCour, and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. President Michael Lacombe was absent. Also present were Darrell Wiley and James Gauthier, Board Members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor.
1. Mrs. Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented the sales tax report for the month of June, 2015. Mrs. Lacombe stated that sales tax for the month of June totaled $611,157.42. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $523,891.17 and the 0.25% sales tax generated $87,266.25.
2. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, reviewed the 2015-2016 Special Revenue Funds Budget. She reviewed the Food Service, Title I, E-Rate, Nurses, and LaSAS funds.
Mrs. Bonnette mentioned that the Title I grant funds were reduced by 10%. Also, she stated that nurses’ fund revenues have been reduced.
3. Upon motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Finance Committee recommended to approve a request for overnight travel as presented by Superintendent Dauzat.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Van Kojis, Chairman
Finance Committee
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairman Kojis. MOTION CARRIED.
11. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
July 14, 2015
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, July 14, 2015, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
James Gauthier, Chairman; Van Kojis, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Darrell Wiley, and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. President Michael Lacombe was absent. Also present were Freeman Ford, Chris LaCour, 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 rescinding of the Hazard Mitigation Grant application.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to rescind the Hazard Mitigation Grant application. MOTION CARRIED.
The Building and Lands Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
James Gauthier, Chairman
Building and Lands Committee
On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gauthier. MOTION CARRIED.
12. Mr. John Gagnard, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
July 14, 2015
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, July 14, 2015, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
John Gagnard, Chairman; James Gauthier, Chris LaCour, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. President Michael Lacombe was absent. Also present were Darrell Wiley, Lizzie Ned, Freeman Ford, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education.
1. Mrs. Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education, presented an update report on the Jumpstart Program.
The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
John Gagnard, Chairman
Education Committee
On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gagnard. MOTION CARRIED.
13. Mr. Darrell Wiley, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
July 28, 2015
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, July 28, 2015, at 4:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Darrell Wiley, Chairman; Freeman Ford, John Gagnard, Lizzie Ned, and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. Michael Lacombe, President, was absent. Also present were Chris LaCour, James Gauthier, and Van Kojis, Board Members; and Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor.
1. Mrs. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, presented an update report on the Summer Feeding Program.
2. Mrs. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, addressed the Executive Committee regarding an annual wellness report update.
3. Committee Member John Gagnard offered a motion to remove from the table a discussion in regards to directing Superintendent Dauzat to freeze sending home forms provided by Volunteers of America. The motion was seconded by Freeman Ford. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Upon motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Executive Committee recommended that Superintendent Dauzat bring the logistics of the plan to the full Board at its August 4th meeting. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Board Member James Gauthier addressed the Executive Committee regarding making visitors’ passes the same for all schools in the parish.
Upon motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by John Gagnard, the Executive Committee recommended to make all visitors’ passes the same and have the passes numbered. Also, the visitor must sign in with the number of the pass. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Executive Committee regarding revising policy in regards to senior attendance to reflect block scheduling and concurrent enrollment.
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by John Gagnard, the Executive Committee recommended that seniors do not have to return as long as they are attempting enough Carnegie units to graduate. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented revised policy, File: JR - Student Records as submitted by Mr. James Prescott, Jr. of Forethought Consulting, Incorporated.
Upon motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Executive Committee recommended to table this issue. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Darrell Wiley, Chairman
Executive Committee
Regarding Item Number 3: Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented to the Board a referral checklist from Families In Need of Services (FINS). Children and families in need can be referred to FINS for support, and FINS will then meet with the parents and give them information and suggestions on providers who are available for assistance.
Regarding Item Number 6: Superintendent Blaine Dauzat informed the Board that the final revised policy regarding the sharing of student data was received yesterday along with the Attorney General’s opinion. The policy states that a one-time form is to be distributed to parents in order for them to opt out of sharing their child’s information to third parties (i.e. newspaper, LOSFA, etc.) collectively instead of sending separate permission slips to parents authorizing the sharing of their child’s data with each entity throughout the school year.
On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board agreed to take from the table Item Number 6 of the Executive Committee Report. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board accepted the final revised policy, File: JR - Student Records, along with the Attorney General’s recommendation. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Wiley. MOTION CARRIED.
14. In Mrs. Lizzie Ned’s absence, President Michael Lacombe presented the following report:
Bus Committee Report
July 28, 2015
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, July 28, 2015, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Lizzie Ned, Chairwoman; James Gauthier, Van Kojis, Chris LaCour, and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. Michael Lacombe, President, was absent. Also present were Freeman Ford, Darrell Wiley, and John Gagnard, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; and Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor.
1. Supervisor Brent Whiddon addressed the Bus Committee regarding an update of contract signing session with individual bus drivers.
The Bus Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Lizzie Ned, Chairwoman
Bus Committee
On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by President Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED.
15. Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Appointment of Eric Tagliarino, (TAT) teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through December 18, 2015; Appointment of Kaitlyn J. West, (TAT) teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through December 18, 2015; Appointment of Megan W. Brown, Kindergarten teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through May 20, 2016; Appointment of Vetria L. Veal, (TAT) teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through December 18, 2015; Appointment of Meredith B. Melancon, teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through, May 20, 2016; Resignation of Shannon Descant, teacher, effective May 22, 2015, for the purpose of retirement; and Resignation of Judy Normand, bus driver, effective July 31, 2015, for the purpose of retirement.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Sheila Goudeau, teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through May 20, 2016; Appointment of Sandra Smith, (retired) teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through December 18, 2015; Resignation of Sydney Lemoine, teacher, effective June 15, 2015; and Resignation of Robin Jouglard, teacher, effective August 4, 2015.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Change funding source: Appointment of Kelley A. Juneau, teacher, from Title I to school based budget, effective August 5, 2015 through May 20, 2016;
Change funding source: Appointment of Gabre’ Williams, teacher, from school based budget to Title I CSR, effective August 5, 2015 through May 20, 2016; Appointment of Reena Savoy, paraprofessional, Title 1 /District, effective August 5, 2015; Appointment of Samantha L. Jones, food service technician, effective August 5, 2015; Correction in funding source: Appointment of Charles Blanchard, paraprofessional, Title I funding source, effective August 5, 2015; Correction in funding source: Appointment of Janis Ducote, paraprofessional, from Title I funding to school based budget regular education, effective August 5, 2015; and Resignation of Christina Dauzat, food service technician, effective August 4, 2015.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Rachel Broussard, (retired) teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through December 18, 2015; Appointment of Gertrude Milligan, (retired) Kindergarten teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through December 18, 2015; Appointment of Zachary Breland, mild/moderate teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through May 20, 2016; Amending date of retirement: Resignation of Judith Davis, Instructional Coach, from September 15, 2015 to September 25, 2015, for the purpose of retirement; and Transfer/appointment of Sandra Parker, food service technician, from Avoyelles High School, effective August 5, 2015.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Ronisha M. Coppage, (TAT) teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through December 18, 2015; Appointment of Lyman Hayes, (retired) inclusion teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through December 18, 2015; Appointment of Elizabeth Whitmore, R.N., school nurse, effective August 5, 2015 through May 20, 2016, replacing Cheryl Armand who retired; Resignation of Nicole S. Carter, teacher, effective August 3, 2015; and Resignation of Evelyn Mire, paraprofessional, effective August 2, 2015, for the purpose of retirement.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Elizabeth Steilkie, teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through May 20, 2016; Transfer/appointment of Sarah B. Dupont, teacher, from Plaucheville Elementary School, effective August 5, 2015 through May 20, 2016; Appointment of Jessica G. Lemoine, (TAT) teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through December 18, 2015; Correction in funding source: Appointment of Dana Dixon, paraprofessional, from Title I to school based budget-regular education, effective August 5, 2015; and Appointment of Penny Toledo, special education paraprofessional, effective August 5, 2015.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Abigail Schnibbe, Teach for America teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through May 20, 2016; Appointment of Clarisse Dugas, (retired) mild moderate teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through December 18, 2015; Appointment of Jessica L. Alexander, paraprofessional, special education school based budget, effective August 5, 2015; and Appointment of Cynthia Moncrief, school based budget, regular education tech paraprofessional, effective August 5, 2015.
BUNKIE NEW TECH HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Doris S. Leary, (retired) teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through December 18, 2015; Appointment of Daniel Greenhouse, (TAT) teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through December 18, 2015; Appointment of Taylor D. Greenhouse, (TAT) teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through December 18, 2015; Appointment of Michael Sumner, (TAT) teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through December 18, 2015; Appointment of Katelyn G. Hines, (TAT) teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through December 18, 2015; Appointment of Clyde Blackman, (retired) teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through December 18, 2015; Appointment of Kenneth Marsh, (retired) teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through December 18, 2015; Appointment of Phyllis Morris, (retired) special education teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through December 18, 2015; and Resignation of Jacquelyn Socia, teacher, effective July 20, 2015.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Appointment of David E. Dyson, (retired) teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through December 18, 2015; and Appointment of Judith Williams, (TAT) teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through December 18, 2015.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Valerie Bandy, teacher, from Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy, effective August 5, 2015 through May 20, 2016; Appointment of Raven S. Hayes, ( TAT) teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through December 18, 2015; Appointment of Sharon A. Tumbaco, Spanish teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through May 20, 2016; Appointment of Darryl Honor, (TAT) Journey to Careers teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through December 18, 2015; Appointment of Cherrie Callahan, (retired) mild/moderate self-contained teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through December 18, 2015; Appointment of Mary C. Cockerham, (TAT) teacher, effective August 5, 2015 through December 18, 2015; Resignation of Courtney Shivers, physical education teacher, effective August 3, 2015; Resignation of Lydia G. Garza, Spanish teacher, effective August 1, 2015; and Resignation of Timberly Deville, teacher, effective July 20, 2015.
AVOYELLES PARISH PUPIL APPRAISAL CENTER: Transfer/appointment of Lindsay Gremillion, Visually Impaired/Blind teacher, from Plaucheville Elementary School, effective August 5, 2015 through May 20, 2016.
ADDENDUM(S)
8/4/2015
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Kasey J. Mayeux, paraprofessional, effective July 29, 2015; and Resignation of Clofer Johnson, food service technician, effective August 4, 2015. AVOYELLES PARISH PUPIL APPRAISAL CENTER: Change base location from Plaucheville Elementary School to Pupil Appraisal Center: Appointment of Gwen Descant, speech therapist, effective August 5, 2015 through May 20, 2016.
16. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented an update report to the Board. He announced that half of all parish schools are fully staffed, and there are only five to seven openings left to be filled at this time. Superintendent Dauzat then introduced each principal from each school. He noted that staff development will be held from August 5-7, and the first day of school for students will be on Monday, August 10, 2015.
Board Member Chris LaCour shared some positive news. He stated that on July 22, nine faculty members from Avoyelles High School, including the principal and assistant principals, spent the day volunteering at Manna House in Alexandria in the hopes that students will follow their lead and participate in community service activities as well.
There being no further business, on motion by Van Kojis, seconded by John Gagnard, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Michael Lacombe, President
Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer