SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, April 5, 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, Michael Lacombe, and Van Kojis.
Absent: Lizzie Ned and Shelia Blackman-Dupas.
An Invocation was offered by President Darrell Wiley.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America led by Board Member Van Kojis.
1. On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, March 1, 2016, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. President Darrell Wiley read a resolution of respect to the late Royce Williford, former School Board member.
On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Royce Williford. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Board Member James Gauthier read a resolution of respect to the late Agnes McKinley, former food service technician.
On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Agnes McKinley. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Students of the Month for April, 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: Maddison Johnson, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Gage Waites, Cottonport Elementary School; Makenzie Luneau, Lafargue Elementary School; Aubrie Harrell, Marksville Elementary School; Aden Dubroc, Plaucheville Elementary School; Shacoya Williams, Riverside Elementary School; Erica Adams, Avoyelles High School; Emily Johnson, Bunkie New Tech High School; Alex Jeansonne, LaSAS; and Cameryn Lewis, 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:
Michelle Spikes, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Casey Nastasi, Cottonport Elementary School; Sherry Parker, Lafargue Elementary School; Taylor Barbin, Marksville Elementary School; Bailey Vincent, Plaucheville Elementary School; Sherry Reech, Riverside Elementary School; Kathy Lemoine, Avoyelles High School; Mary Marcotte, Bunkie New Tech High School; Julie Humble, LaSAS; and Cay Wittenberg, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Darrell Wiley commended the teachers on their achievements.
6. Mr. Shane Mayeux, a Prudential representative, could not be present at the meeting. Therefore, in his absence, Mr. Dexter Compton, Principal of LaSAS, presented the 2016 Prudential Spirit of Community Medallion/Award to Stanley Celestine, who was selected as Louisiana’s Top High School Youth Volunteer.
7. Ms. B.J. Gallant addressed the Board regarding CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates), who assist abused and neglected children in foster homes and are the voice for these children in court proceedings. Information will be distributed to each school regarding CASA.
8. Ms. Amy Volentine, Principal of the Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy, addressed the Board regarding the Food Bank of Central Louisiana. Ms. Volentine stated that Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy received a grant and was selected as a pilot school for the School Food Pantry Program. The school will provide a “food closet” which will be open after school two days per month, and parents can “shop” at the food pantry. The Food Bank will provide all perishable and nonperishable food items to be stocked in the pantry.
9. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented training certificates to board members for the period January 1, 2015,through December 31, 2015. Mr. Dauzat stated that board members earned continuing learning units for the 2015 calendar year as follows: John Gagnard, 31; Christopher LaCour, 16.5; Darrell Wiley, 16; James Gauthier, 15.5; Michael Lacombe, 13.5; Van Kojis, 12.5; Freeman Ford, 11; Lizzie Ned, 11; and Shelia Blackman-Dupas, 7.
10. Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board granted permission to apply for a grant up to $125,000 under The Rapides Foundation’s 2016 Effective Schools Initiative. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
March 15, 2016
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at 4:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
James Gauthier, Chairman; John Gagnard, Michael Lacombe, Darrell Wiley, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mrs. Lizzie Ned was absent. Also present were Freeman Ford, Chris LaCour, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; and Karen Williams, Supervisor of Special Services.
1. Mrs. Karen Williams, Supervisor of Special Services, discussed the AACE Program (Avoyelles Access to Career Education).
The Education Committee did not take any action.
The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
James Gauthier, Chairman
Education Committee
On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gauthier. MOTION CARRIED.
12. Mr. Michael Lacombe, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
March 15, 2016
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at 4:30 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. Ms. Shelia Blackman Dupas was absent. Also present were John Gagnard, Freeman Ford, and Chris LaCour, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
1. Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by James Gauthier, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to grant permission to advertise for the sale of three (3) unused portable buildings located at the former Marksville Middle School campus. MOTION CARRIED.
2. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a bid-opening committee report on janitorial supplies, paint, light bulbs, and air conditioner filters for the 2016-2017 school year.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by James Gauthier, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to accept the low bids for janitorial supplies, paint, light bulbs, and air conditioner filters for the 2016-2017 school year. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding the Lafargue Elementary School sewer treatment plant.
Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Van Kojis, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to authorize Mr. Steve Marcotte to advertise for bids to replace the sewer treatment plan. MOTION CARRIED.
4. Mr. Steve Marcotte addressed the Building and Lands Committee on the possible sale of a parcel of land located behind the former Marksville Middle School.
Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Van Kojis, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to accept the offer from the Fifth Ward Fire Department in the amount of $12,000 cash plus $10,000 value of in-kind services to the school system for the sale of approximately 1.58 acres of land located at the former Marksville Middle School site as per the survey of Mike Moreau. MOTION CARRIED.
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 John Gagnard, 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
March 15, 2016
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, March 15, 2016, at 5:00 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 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 February, 2016. Mrs. Lacombe stated that sales tax revenues for the month of February totaled $529,036.72. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $453,473.43 and the 0.25% sales tax generated $75,563.29. .
2. Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Finance Committee recommended to approve requests for overnight travel as presented by Superintendent Dauzat. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Mr. Tom Hudson of Norris Insurance Consultants presented an update report on insurance. Mr. Hudson recommended not to bid property and general liability insurance. He also advised that student accident policy renews on August 1, 2016.
4. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Finance Committee regarding a sales tax proposal.
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Finance Committee recommended to table this item until the next Finance Committee meeting. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the Finance Committee regarding the 2015-2016 Budget.
Mrs. Bonnette reviewed the following 2015-2016 budget revisions with the committee:
Revenues Expenditures
Title I $2,703,824 $2,703,824
Title II $ 544,080 $ 44,080
Carl Perkins $ 77,871 $ 77,871
IDEA-B $1,587,953 $1,587,953
Upon motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the 2015-2016 Budget revisions as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
Revenues Expenditures Surplus/Deficit
General Fund $40,530,059 $41,491,422 ($961,363)
LaSAS $ 2,711,209 $ 2,675,010 36,199
Upon motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the General Fund Budget and to correct the Level 1 Salary Schedule to remove the error of school secretaries as approved by the Board at the July 1, 2014 School Board meeting. MOTION CARRIED.
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.
14. Mrs. Lizzie Ned, Chairwoman of the Bus Committee, was absent at this meeting. Therefore, President Darrell Wiley presented the following report:
Bus Committee Report
March 22, 2016
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at 4:00 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.
The Bus Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Lizzie Ned, Chairwoman
Bus Committee
On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by President Wiley. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. Mr. Chris LaCour, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
March 22, 2016
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at 4:30 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; Debbie Bain, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance; and Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor.
1. Mrs. Debbie Bain, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, presented an update on AVAP.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Mrs. Irma Andress, Director of Federal Programs, requested for permission to apply for E-Rate funding for the 2016-2017 school year.
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Executive Committee recommended to grant approval for Mrs. Andress to apply for E-Rate funding for the 2016-2017 school year. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Ms. Lizzie Ned, Member of the Committee, addressed the Executive Committee regarding the Food Service supervisory position.
The Executive 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 Van Kojis, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman LaCour. MOTION CARRIED.
16. Mr. Chris LaCour, Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee, presented the following report:
Report of the Ad Hoc Health Services Committee Meeting
March 22, 2016
3:00 p.m.
The Avoyelles Parish School Board Ad Hoc Health Services Committee met Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at 3:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Chairman/Board Member Chris LaCour, Lizzie Ned, and John Gagnard, Board Members; Superintendent Blaine Dauzat; Finance Director Mary Bonnette; Special Education/Nursing Supervisor Karen Williams; Licensed Certified Social Worker Jennifer Ryan; and Nurses Christina Coco and Tammy Lacombe.
Superintendent Blaine Dauzat reminded the committee that its purpose is to recommend to the Board the health service needs for the Avoyelles Parish School Board students.
After a lengthy discussion, the committee prioritized student needs that need to be addressed in the following order:
(1) Mental Health
(2) Dental Care
(3) Health Education
The committee agreed to appoint parents and principals to the committee in the following manner:
Elementary school parent: To be appointed by Ms. Ned
Middle school parent: To be appointed by Mr. Gagnard
High school parent: To be appointed by Mr. LaCour
Elementary and High School Principals: To be appointed by Superintendent Dauzat
A second meeting will be held prior to the next Executive Committee meeting to include these new committee members.
There being no further business, on motion by Blaine Dauzat, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the meeting was adjourned.
Chris LaCour
Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee
On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board adopted the Ad Hoc Committee Report as presented by Chairman LaCour. MOTION CARRIED.
17. President Darrell Wiley addressed the Board regarding the Superintendent’s Evaluation.
18. Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented personnel changes for the Board’s review.
PERSONNEL CHANGES
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Re-assignment of Amie McLain, bus driver, replacing Sheryl Novo’s special education route due to Ms. Novo’s resignation, effective February 17, 2016; and Re-assignment of Doug Gauthier, bus driver, replacing Amie McLain’s special education route due to her taking Ms. Novo’s route, effective February 17, 2016.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Reassignment of Cindy Schaub, from Principal of Marksville Elementary School to an Assistant Principal’s position, effective June 30, 2016. (Assignment will be announced at a later date)
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Peggy Scallan, Title I paraprofessional, effective at the end of the work day May 20, 2016, for the purpose of retirement.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Stephanie Marino, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 20, 2016.
BUNKIE NEW TECH HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of David Moreau, Principal, effective February 19, 2016, for the purpose of retirement.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Michael Brouillette, teacher/coach, effective March 14, 2016; Resignation of Heather Hukins, teacher, effective at the end of the day March 24, 2016; and Transfer/appointment of Pattrecia Darbonne, from school secretary at Avoyelles High School, effective March 21, 2016.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE: Transfer/appointment of Bonnie Ponthier, from school secretary at Marksville High School to Finance Clerk, effective March 21, 2016.
ADDENDUM(S)
April 5, 2016
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Delores Rabalais, Principal, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2016, for the purpose of retirement.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Logan Elizabeth Gauthier, (TAT) teacher, effective April 4, 2016 through May 20, 2016.
19. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat learned today that the Statewide Teacher of the Year Semi-Finalists have been announced, and he recognized Ms. Alicia Williams, teacher at Avoyelles High School, for being selected as a State Semi-Finalist. Also, Mr. Dauzat stated that LEAP tests for Grades 3-8 will be conducted on April 25-29, 2016, and EOC tests for Grades 9-11 will be held during the last four weeks of school.
There being no further business, on motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by James Gauthier, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Darrell Wiley, President
Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer