SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, February 2, 2016, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Darrell Wiley, President; John Gagnard, Vice-President; Freeman Ford, Chris LaCour, James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Lizzie Ned, and Michael Lacombe.
Absent: Van Kojis.
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 District Elementary Student of the Year Isabella Wiley.
1. On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, January 5, 2016, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Mrs. Lizzie Ned, Board Member, read a resolution of respect to the late Bettye Britton, former teacher.
On motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Bettye Britton. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Students of the Month for February, 2016. 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: A’Myriah Allen, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Na’Kyra Turner, Cottonport Elementary School; MyLeigh Desselle, Lafargue Elementary School; Toby Moras, Marksville Elementary School; Aubri Gauthier, Plaucheville Elementary School; Allazja Jones, Riverside Elementary School; Abigail Patterson, Avoyelles High School; L’Terian Bazile, Bunkie New Tech High School; Cole Evans, LaSAS; and Jasmine Williams, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Darrell Wiley commended the students on their accomplishments.
4. Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, recognized the Teachers of the Month for February. Mrs. Prater presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:
Sarah Armand, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Linda Carpenter, Cottonport Elementary School; Sheterica Bradley, Lafargue Elementary School; Judy Mathews, Marksville Elementary School; Kristin Hukins, Plaucheville Elementary School; Yvonne Saucier, Riverside Elementary School; Marion (K.K.) Lemoine, Avoyelles High School; Doris Leary, Bunkie New Tech High School; Felicia Armand, LaSAS; and Corey Bannister, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Darrell Wiley commended the teachers on their achievements.
5. Ms. Demetria Alexander, Supervisor of Federal Programs, recognized the 2015-2016 Student of the Year winners, as follows:
Elementary School Winners: Kaleb Dobbins, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Jasmine Soniat, Cottonport Elementary School; Isabella Wiley, Lafargue Elementary School; Eian James, Marksville Elementary School; Morgan Blanchard, Plaucheville Elementary School; and Seth Aucoin, Riverside Elementary School.
Middle School Winners: Jensen Gremillion, Avoyelles High School; William Scharpon, Jr., Bunkie New Tech High School; Christian Deshautelle, LaSAS; and Brittlyn Sayer, Marksville High School.
High School Winners: Phillip Augustine, Avoyelles High School; Ellie Tassin, Bunkie New Tech High School; Joshua Mendoza, LaSAS; and John Scanlan, Marksville High School.
Ms. Alexander then recognized the 2015-2016 District Student of the Year winners, as follows: Elementary School Winner, Isabella Wiley; Middle School Winner, Christian Deshautelle; and High School Winner, Ellie Tassin.
6. Ms. Aloysia Ducote, Certified Public Accountant with Ducote and Company, presented a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for fiscal year ending June 30, 2015. Ms. Ducote stated that her firm issued an unqualified opinion for fiscal year audit 2014-2015, and she noted no material instances of non-compliance with government auditing standards.
Ms. Ducote commended the Board as well as the staff for maintaining sound fiscal management practices.
7. President Darrell Wiley 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, Chris LaCour, 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 six (6) hours as mandated by the Legislature of Louisiana.
On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board adopted the aforementioned resolution regarding school board member training. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board granted permission to advertise for bids for janitorial supplies, paint, light bulbs, and air conditioner filters for the 2016-2017 school year. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board granted permission to advertise for bids for food service supplies and equipment, milk and milk products, bread and bakery products, non-hazardous waste disposal, grease trap maintenance, staple food bids, and produce bids for the 2016-2017 school year. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. In the absence of Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman of the Finance Committee, Vice-President John Gagnard presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
January 19, 2016
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, January 19, at 4:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Van Kojis, Chairman; John Gagnard, Freeman Ford, Chris LaCour, Darrell Wiley, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were James Gauthier, Lizzie Ned, and Michael Lacombe, 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 December, 2015. Mrs. Lacombe stated that sales tax revenues for the month of December totaled $555,397.00. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $487,054.69 and the 0.25% sales tax generated $79,342.31.
Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by John Gagnard, the Finance Committee recommended to accept the sales tax report as presented by Supervisor Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by John Gagnard, the Finance Committee recommended to approve requests for overnight travel as presented by Superintendent Dauzat. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented an update report on the Nursing Program with Bunkie General Hospital.
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by John Gagnard, the Finance Committee recommended to table the matter of the Nursing Program with Bunkie General Hospital and to invite the Primary Care Providers for a Healthy Feliciana, Incorporated to the next board meeting. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Van Kojis, Chairman
Finance Committee
On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Vice-President Gagnard. MOTION CARRIED.
10. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
January 19, 2016
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, January 19, 2016, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
James Gauthier, Chairman; John Gagnard, Lizzie Ned, Michael Lacombe, Darrell Wiley, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were Freeman Ford, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Chris LaCour, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; and Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education.
1. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented a report on Work Keys/Certification.
The committee did not take any action on this report.
2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat discussed the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) Test.
The committee did not take any action on this matter.
The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
James Gauthier, Chairman
Education Committee
On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gauthier. MOTION CARRIED.
11. Mr. Michael Lacombe, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
January 19, 2016
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, January 19, 2016, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Michael Lacombe, Chairman; Van Kojis; James Gauthier; Shelia Blackman-Dupas; Darrell Wiley, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were Freeman Ford, Chris LaCour, and Lizzie Ned, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
1. Mr. Arthur Lovall addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding use of the former Bunkie Middle School.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Chairman Michael Lacombe discussed Section 16 right-of-ways located at Bayou Joson.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to move forward with attempting to obtain a right-of-way for Bayou Joson and estimate all costs and time limit.
The motion was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Van Kojis, Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, and Michael Lacombe. Nays: Shelia Blackman-Dupas.
3. Board Member Chris LaCour addressed the committee regarding rules and regulations for hunting permits.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by James Gauthier, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to table this issue until the District Attorney presents the ordinance to the Avoyelles Parish Police Jury. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Committee Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas discussed the Pre-K facility and playground equipment needs at Marksville Elementary School.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
5. The Building and Lands Committee discussed a request from District Attorney Charles Riddle to conduct a timber appraisal on the Bayou Joson section.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
6. Board Member Chris LaCour discussed classroom security and safety.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
The Building and Lands Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Michael Lacombe, Chairman
Building and Lands Committee
A motion was offered Michael Lacombe, seconded by James Gauthier, that the Board adopt the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Lacombe.
An amendment to the motion was made by Chris LaCour, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, that Item Number 2 and Item Number 5 of the Building and Lands Committee Report be voted on separately.
After a short discussion and clarification, Mr. LaCour rescinded his motion.
The original motion to adopt the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Lacombe was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Michael Lacombe, James Gauthier, Freeman Ford, Chris LaCour, Darrell Wiley, John Gagnard, and Lizzie Ned.
Nays: Shelia Blackman-Dupas.
12. Mr. Chris LaCour, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
January 26, 2016
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, January 26, 2016, at 4:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Chris LaCour, Chairman; John Gagnard, Darrell Wiley, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. Freeman Ford and Mrs. Lizzie Ned were absent. Also present were James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; and Charles Riddle, District Attorney.
1. The Executive Committee discussed submitting the proposed agenda to The Avoyelles Journal for publication prior to Board meetings.
Upon motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Executive Committee recommended to provide a copy of the proposed Board agenda to The Avoyelles Journal for publication prior to Board meetings. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Chairman Chris Lacour addressed the Executive Committee regarding the $25,000 payment to the District Attorney’s office.
The committee did not take any action on this matter.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Chris LaCour, Chairman
Executive Committee
On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman LaCour. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. Mrs. Lizzie Ned, Chairwoman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
Bus Committee Report
January 26, 2016
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, January 26, 2016, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Michael Lacombe; Chris LaCour, Darrell Wiley, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mrs. Lizzie Ned, Chairwoman, and Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas were absent. Also present were James Gauthier, John Gagnard, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Brent Whiddon, Supervisor of Transportation; and Charles Riddle, District Attorney.
1. Mr. Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor, presented an update of bus incident reports.
The Bus Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. The Bus Committee discussed the shortage of substitute bus drivers.
Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Bus Committee recommended that Supervisor Brent Whiddon, Finance Director Mary Bonnette, and the Superintendent formulate incentive options for current school employees to address the shortage of substitute bus drivers. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Bus Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Lizzie Ned, Chairwoman
Bus Committee
On motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairwoman Ned. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. President Darrell Wiley introduced representatives with Primary Care Providers for a Healthy Feliciana, Incorporated. Representatives presented an informative overview and slideshow presentation of the healthcare services they wish to provide in the school district. A lengthy discussion ensued, with many local healthcare providers in the audience voicing their opinions.
A motion was made by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by Freeman Ford, that the Board invite all interested healthcare providers in Avoyelles Parish to the next board meeting, and the providers are to contact the School Board Office if they plan to attend in order to be placed on the agenda. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:Appointment of Kelly L. Secrist, teacher, effective February 1, 2016 through May 20, 2016, replacing Cicely Johnson.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Heather D. Hukins, (TAT) teacher, effective February 10, 2016 through May 20, 2016, replacing Minnie Lafargue while on leave; Resignation of Timothy Daigle, teacher/coach, effective at the end of the day January 13, 2016.
ADDENDUM(S)
2/2/2016
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Appointment of Anita Bonnette, from Assistant Principal at Lafargue Elementary School to Interim Principal, effective February 1, 2016 through February 19, 2016.
13. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Board. He announced that a camera is now in place inside the School Board Meeting Room to video all meetings, and the videos will be uploaded to the school board’s website for public viewing. There will be no school on Friday, Monday, and Tuesday (February 5, 8, and 9, 2016) due to the Mardi Gras holiday. All five committee meetings will be held on Tuesday, February 23, 2016, beginning at 4:00 p.m. Mr. Dauzat also congratulated Ms. Irma Andress and the Federal Programs Department on the outstanding Parental Involvement Fair held last week. It was one of the most successful fairs to date with approximately 700-800 in attendance. He emphasized continuing to work on having better relations between all schools and parents and also encouraging parents to become more involved for one mutual goal: The success of our children.
14. In miscellaneous business, President Darrell Wiley announced that Board Member Van Kojis is doing well after his recent surgery.
There being no further business, on motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Chris LaCour, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
DARRELL WILEY, President
BLAINE DAUZAT, Secretary-Treasurer