SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

            The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, November 3, 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, Lizzie Ned, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.

            Absent: None.

            An Invocation was offered by Principal Dexter Compton.

            The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America led by the Marksville High School Color Guard.

            1.         On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, October 6, 2015, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

            2.         Mr. John Gagnard, Board Member, read a resolution of respect to the late Jerry Brouillette, former bus driver.

                        On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Jerry Brouillette. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

            3.         Mr. James Gauthier, Board Member, read a resolution of respect to the late Betty M. Rodgers, former paraprofessional.

                        On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Betty M. Rodgers.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

            4.           Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Students of the Month for November. Mr. Dauzat 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: Abigail Ortego, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Jamie Lachney, Cottonport Elementary School; Jalyn Keller, Lafargue Elementary School; Lane Hale, Marksville Elementary School; Demarcus Thomas, Plaucheville Elementary School; Laila Litzsey, Riverside Elementary School; Christina Olexy, Avoyelles High School; Evalis Hayes, Bunkie New Tech High School; Nyazjha Wilmer, LaSAS; and Olivia LaBorde, Marksville High School.

                        On behalf of the Board, President Michael Lacombe commended the students on their accomplishments.

            5.         Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, recognized the Teachers of the Month for September.  Mrs. Prater presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:

                        Peggy Joshua, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; April Book, Cottonport Elementary School; Jessica Juneau, Lafargue Elementary School; Samantha LeCroy, Marksville Elementary School; Stephanie Belanger, Plaucheville Elementary School; William Beebe, Riverside Elementary School; Abigail Schnibbe, Avoyelles High School; Bruce Webb, Bunkie New Tech High School; Amy Pitre, LaSAS; and Sabrina Washington, Marksville High School. 

                        On behalf of the Board, President Michael Lacombe commended the teachers on their achievements.

            6.         Dr. Gary Jones and Mr. Michael Johnson presented a report on desegregation. 

            7.         On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board approved the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire and System Survey.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

            8.         On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board approved the Louisiana Compliance Questionnaire and System Survey for the Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

            9.         Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:

Building and Lands Committee Report

October 20, 2015

                        The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, October 20, 2015, at 4:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

                        James Gauthier, Chairman; Van Kojis, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and Darrell Wiley, committee members; Michael Lacombe, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent.  Also present were Chris LaCour and John Gagnard, Board Members; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.

                        1.         Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, discussed leasing the Bayou Joson property.

                                    Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Van Kojis, the Building and Lands Committee recommended adding Bayou Joson to the permitted properties.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

                        2.         President Michael Lacombe addressed the committee regarding permission to extend the contract time 30 days (due to a delay in the delivery of windows to the job site) for the renovation of the Historic 2 Story Classroom Building at Cottonport Elementary School.

                                    Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to extend the contract by 30 days for the renovation project at Cottonport Elementary School.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

                        3.         Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented an update report on the Bunkie Middle School Gymnasium.

                                    Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to terminate Mr. Arthur Lovall’s lease for use of the Bunkie Middle School Gymnasium.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

                        4.         Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a report on estimates to renovate the Bunkie Elementary School Pre-Kindergarten restroom.

                                    Upon motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by Van Kojis, the Building and Lands Committee recommended that this item be referred to the Finance Committee.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 

                        5.         Mr. Steve Marcotte requested permission to construct a fire wall at the Bunkie Elementary School janitor’s storeroom as mandated by the State Fire Marshall.

                                    Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Building and Lands Committee recommended that this item be referred to the Finance Committee.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

                        6.         Mr. Steve Marcotte presented a report on the Gar Fish Section of School Board property.

                                    The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.

                        7.         Mr. Darrell Wiley, Member of the Committee, requested an update report on monies collected from permits and camp leases.

                                    Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, and Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a report.

                                    The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.

                        8.         Mr. Darrell Wiley, Member of the Committee, addressed problems at the Spring Bayou area.

                                    Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Van Kojis, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to adopt a resolution expressing concerns of pumping water out of Spring Bayou.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

                        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 Van Kojis, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gauthier.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

            10.       Mr. John Gagnard, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:

Education Committee Report

October 20, 2015

                        The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, October 20, 2015, at approximately 4:50 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

                        John Gagnard, Chairman; James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and Chris LaCour, committee members; Michael Lacombe, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent.  Also present were Darrell Wiley and Van Kojis, Board Members; and Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education.

                        1.         Mrs. Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education, addressed the Education Committee regarding the Avoyelles Parish School Board College Level Examination Program (CLEP) testing parameters.

                                    The Education Committee did not take any action.

                        The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

                                                            John Gagnard, Chairman

                                                            Education Committee

                        On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gagnard.  MOTION CARRIED.

            11.       Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:

Finance Committee Report

October 20, 2015

                        The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, October 20, 2015, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

                         Van Kojis, Chairman; John Gagnard and Chris LaCour, committee members; Michael Lacombe, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. Freeman Ford was absent. Also present were Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, and Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Board Members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; Karen Williams, Special Services Supervisor; and Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor.

                        1.         Mrs. Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented the sales tax report for the month of September, 2015. Mrs. Lacombe stated that sales tax revenues for the month of September totaled $638,487.68. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $547,288.28, and the 0.25%  sales tax generated $91,199.40.

                        2.         Upon motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Finance Committee recommended to approve requests for overnight travel as presented by Superintendent Dauzat.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

                        3.         Mr. Chris LaCour, Member of the Finance Committee, discussed estimates for the visitors’ bleachers at the three high schools.

                                    Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by John Gagnard, the Finance Committee recommended to accept the quote from Hahn Enterprises, Incorporated for visitors’ bleachers at all three (3) high schools in the total amount of $120,000 using Reserve Funds.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

                        4.         Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Finance Committee concerning Primary Care Providers regarding health care in the public schools.

                                    Upon motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Finance Committee recommended to refer the discussion regarding Primary Care Providers to the full Board at its November 3^rd meeting.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

                        5.         Ms. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, presented a report on the After-School Super Snack Program. She stated that the program is administered by the Child and Adult Care Food Program and would allow the Avoyelles Parish School Board Food Service Department the means to serve the students who attend The Kennedy Center an after-school meal.

                                    Upon motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Finance Committee recommended that the Avoyelles Parish School Board Food Service Department apply and administer the After-School Meal Program to the six schools listed, namely, Avoyelles High School, Riverside Elementary School, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy, Bunkie New Tech High School, Marksville High School, and Marksville Elementary School.

                        6.         Mrs.  Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a report on results of operations for the 2014-2015 General Fund.

                                    The Finance Committee agreed to review the information presented and take action at the November Finance Committee meeting. 

                        The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

                                                                        Van Kojis, Chairman

                                                                        Finance Committee

                        On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report with the exception of Item Number 4 as presented by Chairman Kojis.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

                        On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board agreed to table Item Number 4 of the Finance Committee Report.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

            12.       Mrs. Lizzie Ned, Chairwoman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:

Bus Committee Report

October 27, 2015

                        The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, October 27, 2015, at 4:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

                        Lizzie Ned, Chairwoman; Van Kojis and Chris LaCour, committee members; Michael Lacombe, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent.  Mr. James Gauthier was absent. Also present were Darrell Wiley and John Gagnard, Board Members; and Brent Whiddon, Supervisor of Transportation.

                        1.         Mr. Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor, presented an update of bus incident reports.

                                    The Bus Committee did not take any action on this matter.            

                        The Bus Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

                                                            Lizzie Ned, Chairwoman

                                                            Bus Committee                        

                        On motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairwoman Ned. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

            13.       Mr. Darrell Wiley, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:

Executive Committee Report

October 27, 2015

                        The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, October 27, 2015, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

                        Darrell Wiley, Chairman; John Gagnard and Lizzie Ned, committee members; Michael Lacombe, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. Freeman Ford was absent. Also present were Chris LaCour and Van Kojis, Board Members; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent.

                        1.         Upon motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by John Gagnard, the Executive Committee recommended to approve eight (8) policies submitted by Mr. James Prescott, Jr. of Forethought Consulting, Incorporated, as follows: MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

                                    (a)        File: GAK                      Personnel Records

                                    (b)        File: GAMF                   Employee Health and Safety

                                    (c)        File: GAMFA                 Employee Communicable Diseases

                                    (d)        File: IDCJ                      Supplemental Educational Services

                                    (e)        File: II                           Testing Program

                                    (f)         File: JBD                       Student Absences and Excuses

                                    (g)        File: JGCC                    Student Communicable Disease

                                    (h)        File: JGFH                    Student Identification

                        The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

                                                            Darrell Wiley, Chairman

                                                            Executive Committee

                        On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Wiley.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

            14.       Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented the personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:

PERSONNEL CHANGES

BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Appointment of Mark P. Vidrine, (TAT) teacher, effective November 2, 2015 through December 18, 2015, replacing Eric Tagliarino; Resignation of Eric Tagliarino, teacher, effective at the end of the day October 30, 2015; Change in date of resignation: Resignation of Shannon Descant, teacher, effective July 23, 2015, for the purpose of retirement; Resignation of Rosalie Pierite, paraprofessional, effective at the end of the day October 16, 2015; and Appointment of Dana Brouillette, bus driver, effective September 8, 2015, replacing April Ducote.

COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Tammy Merrel, custodian, effective at the end of the day October 16, 2015; and Resignation of Patricia Jacobs, food service technician, effective at the end of the day October 20, 2015.

LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Bertha S. Mayeux, teacher, effective October 19, 2015 through December 18, 2015, replacing Caitlin Pitre while on leave; and Appointment of Cynthia R. Duncan, teacher, effective October 26, 2015 through December 18, 2015, replacing Jennifer R. Nicholas while on leave.

PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Torianno C. Carmouche, teacher, from Marksville Elementary School, effective October 16, 2015 through May 20, 2016.  

AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Re-appointment of John Kevin Savoy, (TAT) teacher, effective October 13, 2015 through October 22, 2015; Appointment of Meegan M. Diaville, paraprofessional, effective October 29, 2015; Appointment of Brice D. Hollis, special education paraprofessional, effective October 29 2015.

BUNKIE NEW TECH HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Clyde Blackman, teacher, effective at the end of the day October 19, 2015; Resignation of John W. Lewis, custodian, effective October 20, 2015; and Appointment of Sharon A. Gonzales, bus driver aide, effective October 1, 2015, replacing Edna Dauzat.

LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Change in funding source: Appointment of Keri Desselle, paraprofessional, effective August 5, 2015, from 100% Title I to 85% Title I and 15% school-based budget; and Change in employment status: Appointment of Ronald C. Chamberlain, Sr., from regular education (TAT) teacher to day-by-day substitute teacher, effective September 28, 2015.

ADDENDUM(S)

11/03/2015

COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Allyson Slayter, speech-language pathologist, effective at the end of the day November 20, 2015.

MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Rachel Broussard, teacher, effective at the end of the day October 21, 2015.

AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Aaron Greenhouse, special education paraprofessional, effective November 2, 2015.

            15.       On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board granted permission to reschedule the December 1 Board meeting to December 8, 2015, and to reschedule all committee meetings to December 15, 2015.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

            16.       Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented an update report to the Board.  He announced that PARCC scores in grades 3-8 were below the state average. He noted that without the seventh and eighth grade scores, the high school scores did increase.  He also stated that the high school “report cards” will be released on or around December 9.  Detailed reports for parents will be available next week.

            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