SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, March 1, 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, Michael Lacombe, and Van Kojis.
Absent: None.
An Invocation was offered by Vice-President John Gagnard.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America led by Michael Roy, LaSAS Student of the Month.
1. On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, February 2, 2016, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized Miss Madison Ward, student at the Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences, for being selected as a JAG-LA 2015-2016 State Officer.
3. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized Miss Ellie Tassin, student at Bunkie New Tech High School, for being named High School Student of the Year.
4. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Students of the Month for March, 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: Mya Ducote, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Amelia Desoto, Cottonport Elementary School; Jayden Holmes, Lafargue Elementary School; Amari Paul Shepard, Marksville Elementary School; Melvin Bibbins, Plaucheville Elementary School; Kayra Lemoine, Riverside Elementary School; Kevin Polk, Avoyelles High School; Devan Mills, Bunkie New Tech High School; Michael Roy, LaSAS; and Katelyn Lavalais, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Darrell Wiley commended the students on their accomplishments.
5. Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, recognized the Teachers of the Month for February. Mrs. Prater presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:
Katie West, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Sandra Smith, Cottonport Elementary School; Valerie Bordelon, Lafargue Elementary School; Simone Voinche, Marksville Elementary School; Kallie Riche, Plaucheville Elementary School; Jessica Lemoine, Riverside Elementary School; Lissy Dugas, Avoyelles High School; Katelyn Hines, Bunkie New Tech High School; Rene Corley, LaSAS; and Roslyn Wilmer, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Darrell Wiley commended the teachers on their achievements.
6. Ms. Demetria Alexander, Supervisor of Federal Programs, recognized the 2016 Teacher of the Year winners, as follows:
Elementary School Level:
Shuranda Williams-Lockwood, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Laurie Lonidier, Cottonport Elementary School; Margaret Garnett, Lafargue Elementary School; Maggi Pepiton, Marksville Elementary School; Claudine Jackson-Rogers, Plaucheville Elementary School; and Sarah Reech, Riverside Elementary School.
Middle School Level:
Hali Wanersdorfer, Avoyelles High School; Paul Newton, Bunkie New Tech High School; Virginia Laborde, LaSAS; and Rochelle Baldoz, Marksville High School.
High School Level:
Caneshia Jacob, Avoyelles High School; Leta Fletcher, Bunkie New Tech High School; Katherine Watson, LaSAS; and Sabrini Washington, Marksville High School.
Mrs. Alexander announced the District Teacher of the Year winners, as follows:
Claudine Jackson-Rogers, Plaucheville Elementary School; Virginia Laborde, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Sabrina Washington, Marksville High School.
7. Mr. Brent Whiddon, Supervisor of Transportation, recognized Ms. Mona Poret as PCAL’s 2016 Bus Driver of the Year.
8. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized a representative with Bunkie General Hospital; also Ms. Brenda Dawson and Ms. Brenda Sampson, representing all four behavioral health providers in Avoyelles Parish; as well as Mr. Buzz Jeansonne, representing TeleHealth. Each presented their proposal for providing healthcare solutions to Avoyelles Parish students during school hours. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, provided a Medicaid billing analysis of these proposals in a slideshow presentation. Discussion ensued.
Upon motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board agreed to form an Ad Hoc Committee to address the healthcare proposal of the School Board and then present the findings to the full Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a bid-opening committee on Pre-K classrooms at Marksville Elementary School.
Mr. Marcotte stated that the committee acknowledged receipt of the following bids:
Bidder Base Bid Amount Add. Alternate 1 Total Amount
Glendon Normand Construction $346,526 $6500 $353,026
Scallan Contractors $309,944 $7340 $317,284
Pat Williams Construction $454,000 $7200 $461,200
Acadiane’ Renovations, LTD $534,000 $9780 $543,780
On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board awarded the low bid to Scallan Contractors in the amount of $317,284 for Pre-K classrooms at Marksville Elementary School and to allow any remaining funds to be used to purchase Pre-K playground equipment for Marksville Elementary School. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Mr. Chris LaCour, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
February 23, 2016
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, February 23, 2016, at 4:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Chris LaCour, Chairman; Freeman Ford, Lizzie Ned, John Gagnard, Darrell Wiley, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education; Debbie Bain, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance; and Luke Welch, SIS Coordinator.
1. Mrs. Debbie Bain, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, and Mr. Luke Welch, SIS Coordinator, presented a proposed 2016-2017 School Calendar for the committee’s consideration.
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by John Gagnard, the Executive Committee recommended to adopt the 2016-2017 School Calendar as presented by Mrs. Bain and Mr. Welch. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Mrs. Debbie Bain, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, presented proposed changes to the Student Handbook for the 2016-2017 school year.
Upon motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Executive Committee recommended to amend the Student Handbook to include the following changes:
Student Dress Code
Number 2: The restricted dress code applies to all students in grades pre-kindergarten through twelfth grade. PreK-6 student must wear navy blue bottoms and light blue tops with approved school logo. Logos are optional in grades Pre-K - 6. Grades 7-12 students must wear khaki bottoms and white tops or school-designated color with approved school logo.
Number 3: Pants must be slacks, and legs shall not be rolled up at any time. Slacks and shorts may have inside pockets only and must be hemmed. No cargo or watch pockets are allowed. No laced closures are allowed.
Jeans of any color and/or type are not allowed except on designated days for positive behavior and/or achievement. This includes all pants that have rivets. Jeggings, leggings, and stretch pants are not allowed. Remove Number 7: Dusters and trench coats are not allowed. Outer garments may not be worn around the waist at any time.
Number 8: Students may wear any jacket when weather dictates except for trench coats, dusters, knee-length starter jackets, or jackets with hoods. No hoodies of any kind are allowed in grades 7-12.
Number 9: Any other garment, pullover, or half-zip jacket must be school-approved color with the school logo. Other garments may not be worn around the waist at any time.
Number 17: Pullover/sock/knit/watch caps are allowed in the outdoor setting only. No logos are allowed. No other headgear is allowed - this includes but is not limited to: Headbands, scarfs, sweatbands, active wear caps, and night caps for hair.
Number 23: Hair
Remove: (a) The hair will be clean, combed, and uncovered. No disruptive colors or hair styles will be worn.
Students’ hair must be groomed in such a manner that it will not draw undue attention. Only naturally occurring hair colors are allowed (black, brunette, auburn, or blonde) natural or dyed. Wigs are not acceptable except for medical reasons.
Remove Number 26: Any pullover outer garment may be worn as long as it does not contain vulgar, obscene, alcohol or racial language/symbols. Other garments may not be worn tied around the waist at any time.
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Use or Operation of an Electronic Warning/Communications Device/
Laser Pointer/ Cell Phones
Remove:
1st Offense - Confiscate
Student given a choice of 5-day retention of the device or assessment of a fee of $25 for possession or use of/operation. Phone returned to parent/guardian upon payment of fee. Fee is to be deposited in the school’s Positive Behavior Incentive Support Program (PBIS) fund. After a five-day retention, if chosen, phone is returned to the parent/guardian of the student.
2nd Offense - Confiscate device.
A fee of $25 assessed for possession, use of/operation. Phone returned to parent/guardian upon payment of fee. Fee is to be deposited to the PBIS Fund.
3rd Offense - Confiscate device.
A fee of $25 assessed for possession, use of/operation. Phone returned to parent/guardian after payment of fee. Fee to be deposited to the PBIS Fund.
4th Offense - Suspension of student
If a student refuses to turn in the cell phone, the student will be immediately placed in detention and the parents will be contacted. Parents can agree to the $25 fee and retrieve the phone.
Add:
“Use or operation” is defined as the device being powered on or seen or heard during regular school hours.
Cellular device - any device that can receive a cellular signal, wi-fi signal, or bluetooth, including phones, ipads, ipods, etc.
If a student is found to be using a cellular device as described above, the following penalties will be applied:
1st offense - Phone/cellular device will be confiscated for five (5) school days. In lieu, if confiscated, the parent may pay $25 in cash or money order to the school’s PBIS fund to have the phone returned to the parent.
If a student or parent refuses to turn in the phone/cellular device, then the student will be assessed a one (1) day Out-of-School Suspension (OSS).
2nd offense - 2 day OSS
3rd offense - 3 day OSS
4th offense - expulsion recommendation
3. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented a proposal to address employees’ salaries.
Upon motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Executive Committee recommended that the Board be in favor of obtaining legislative approval to be allowed to add a 1% sales tax with voter approval for the Avoyelles Parish School Board to provide personnel an increase in salary. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat discussed the “Student Athlete Drug Testing Policy”.
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Executive Committee recommended to table this matter and to bring the Rapides Parish School Board policy to the full Board meeting. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented two revised descriptions for positions in the Finance Department: (1) Finance Clerk, and (2) Purchase Order Clerk.
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Executive Committee recommended to accept the changes to the two job descriptions. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Chris LaCour, Chairman
Executive Committee
During Chairman LaCour’s presentation of the Executive Committee Report, Board Member Freeman Ford stepped out of the meeting.
A motion was made by Chris LaCour, seconded by John Gagnard, that the Board adopt the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman LaCour. The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Chris LaCour, John Gagnard, James Gauthier, Darrell Wiley, Michael Lacombe, Lizzie Ned, and Van Kojis.
Nays: Shelia Blackman-Dupas.
Board Member Freeman Ford re-entered the meeting at this time.
11. Mrs. Lizzie Ned, Chairwoman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
Bus Committee Report
February 23, 2016
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, February 23, 2016, at 5:22 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Lizzie Ned, Chairwoman; Michael Lacombe, Chris LaCour, Darrell Wiley, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mrs. Shelia Blackman-Dupas was absent. Also present were Freeman Ford, James Gauthier, John Gagnard, and Van Kojis, 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.
2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented a proposal to help address bus driver shortages.
Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Bus Committee recommended to put Supervisor Brent Whiddon’s incentive package in place. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Chairwoman Lizzie Ned addressed the Bus Committee regarding air- conditioned school buses.
The Bus Committee did not take any action on this matter.
4. Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Bus Committee recommended to grant permission to advertise for bids to sell used and junk buses. 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 Freeman Ford, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairwoman Ned. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Mr. Michael Lacombe, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
February 23, 2016
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, February 23, 2016, at 5:20 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Michael Lacombe, Chairman; Van Kojis; James Gauthier; Darrell Wiley, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mrs. Shelia Blackman-Dupas was absent. Also present were John Gagnard, Freeman Ford, Chris LaCour, and Lizzie Ned, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
1. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding project updates, as follows:
(a) Cottonport Elementary School
(b) Marksville Elementary School
(c) Bleachers at three high schools and completion date(s)
2. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented an update on an appraisal at the former Mansura Middle School and the Fifth Ward Fire Station.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by James Gauthier, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to proceed with the bid process for the Mansura Middle School property. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Van Kojis, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to have the Fifth Ward property reappraised by a different appraiser.
Mr. Kojis withdrew his second to the motion; therefore, the motion died.
The issued was tabled by the committee.
The Building and Lands Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Michael Lacombe, Chairman
Building and Lands Committee
On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
February 23, 2016
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, February 23, 2016, at 5:45 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 January, 2016. Mrs. Lacombe stated that sales tax revenues for the month of January totaled $745,761.98. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $639,314.26 and the 0.25% sales tax generated $106,447.72.
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. Item Number 3 regarding payment to members on the Executive Committee was removed from the agenda.
4. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented revisions to the Food Service budget, as follows:
Total Revenues $3,540.056
Total Expenditures $4,090,339
Other Sources/Uses $ 355,490
Ending Fund Balance $ 509,930
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by John Gagnard, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the revisions, as presented, to the Food Service budget. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
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 as presented by Chairman Kojis. MOTION CARRIED.
14. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
February 23, 2016
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, February 23, 2016, at 6:10 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, Chris LaCour, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education; and Luke Welch, SIS Coordinator.
1. Chairman James Gauthier addressed the Education Committee regarding what “D” and “F” schools are doing to raise their scores and whether the scores of individual teachers are being checked to see whether their scores are rising rather than falling.
Superintendent Dauzat presented a listing, by school, to indicate measures administrators are doing each day to improve test scores.
The Education Committee did not take any action.
2. Chairman James Gauthier addressed the Education Committee regarding usage of cell phones by teachers in the schools.
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.
15. On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board granted permission to advertise for an auditor for the 2015-2016 fiscal year. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
16. Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Melissa Ford, bus driver, effective February 17, 2016.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Kaylen V. Guillot, teacher, effective at the end of the day February 9, 2016.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Judy Bordelon, bus driver, effective at the end of the day May 20, 2016, for the purpose of retirement.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Larry C. Jackson, custodian, effective February 29, 2016, replacing Joseph Murray, Jr.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Velma L. Guillot, special education paraprofessional, effective at the end of the day May 20, 2016, for the purpose of retirement.
BUNKIE NEW TECH HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of David P. Moreau, Principal, effective at the end of the day February 19, 2016; and Appointment of Laura Hargis, Interim Principal, effective February 24, 2016 through June 30, 2016.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Leigh C. Fryery, Instructional Coach, effective at the close of the school work day on February 26, 2016.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE: Renewal of administrative contract for Jennifer Welch, Food Service Supervisor, effective March 24, 2016 through March 23, 2017; and Correction in date: Resignation of Carolyn DeCuir, Purchase Order Secretary, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2016, for the purpose of retirement.
ADDENDUM(S) - 3/1/2016
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Bridget Jarrell, paraprofessional, effective March 3, 2016.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Emmanuel Enclona, special education teacher, effective March 7, 2016.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Resignation of Mary Jackson, special education teacher, effective at the end of the work day May 20, 2016, for the purpose of retirement.
17. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat announced that The Rapides Foundation Grant was renewed for $125,000 for leadership development, and the Board can also apply for a competitive grant of $2,000,000 among all nine districts in our area. Mr. further stated that ACT tests were conducted at all four high schools today. He also reported that Professional Development for grades 3-8 has been expanded; K-2 math has been added and more grades will be added in time. Superintendent Dauzat recognized Ms. Laura Hargis, who has been named interim principal at Bunkie New Tech High School. Mr. Dauzat further stated that Red River Charter School has made a public records request of all communications between Red River Charter School and BESE and the state legislature, and Superintendent Dauzat has complied with this request in the interest of transparency. Also, principals and supervisors meet monthly after each regular Board meeting, and the public is invited to attend.
There being no further business, on motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Freeman Ford, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Darrell Wiley, President
Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer