2016-08-02

SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, August 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, Michael Lacombe, and Van Kojis.

Absent: None.

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 Chris LaCour.

1. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized Mr. Dontarius Ray Jones and Mr. Johnny Moore, students at Marksville High School, who have met all requirements for graduation. Mr. Dauzat presented Dontarius with his high school diploma. Johnny was not present at the meeting, therefore, he will receive his high school diploma at a later time.

2. A motion was made by Chris LaCour, seconded by Van Kojis, that the Board adopt the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, July 5, 2016, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board.

The motion was adopted by the following vote:

Ayes: Chris LaCour, Van Kojis, Freeman Ford, James Gauthier, Darrell Wiley, John Gagnard, Lizzie Ned, and Michael Lacombe.

Nays: Shelia Blackman-Dupas.

3. A motion was offered by Chris LaCour, seconded by John Gagnard, to add an item to the agenda. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board agreed that the original contract proposed between five (5) local mental health agencies and the Avoyelles Parish School Board to provide mental health services to all public schools in the district will be revised, for the time being, to include only three (3) of the agencies involved, namely, Rehabilitation Services of Cenla, New Orleans Hope and Change, and Journey Rehabilitation Services. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

4. Mr. John Gagnard, Vice-President, read a resolution of respect to the late Murkle Dupuy, former teacher.

On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Murkle Dupuy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

5. Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Board Member, read a resolution of respect to the late Raphael T. Batiste, Jr., former custodian.

On motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Raphael T. Batiste, Jr. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

6. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized Ms. Alisha Williams for being named a 2017 State Teacher of the Year Semi-Finalist.

7. Board Member Chris LaCour addressed the Board to announce that the Monsanto Grant in the amount of $10,000 has been awarded to Avoyelles High School.

8. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized Ms. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, for receiving a Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting.

9. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:

Education Committee Report

July 19, 2016

The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, July 19, 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 Chris LaCour and Van Kojis, Board Members; Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education; and Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education.

1. Mrs. Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education, and Mrs. Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education, presented a report on the Curriculum Institute.

No action was taken by the committee.

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 UNANIMOUSLY.

10. Mr. Michael Lacombe, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:

Building and Lands Committee Report

July 19, 2016

The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, July 19, 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 and Chris LaCour, Board Members; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.

1. Mr. Todd Voiselle and Mr. Michael Rachal, Principal of Avoyelles High School, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding the possibility of the Moreauville Sports Club building a new practice softball field at Avoyelles High School.

The committee did not take any action.

2. Board Member Chris LaCour discussed a proposed Section 16 swap with the United States Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Van Kojis, the Building and Lands Committee recommended authorizing Mr. Chris LaCour to work with Wildlife and Fisheries in order to discuss the appraisal of all four properties under consideration with the cost being paid by Wildlife and Fisheries. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

3. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a bid-opening committee report on the Lafargue Elementary School sewer treatment plant.

Report of the Bid-Opening Committee

Lafargue Elementary School Sewer Treatment Plant

A bid-opening committee met Tuesday, July 19, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at the School Board Office for the purpose of opening bids for the Lafargue Elementary School Sewer Treatment Plant.

Members serving on the committee were Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; and Rene Borrel, Engineer.

The committee acknowledged receipt of the following bids:

(1) CG Logan: $175,170

(2) Camo Construction: $129,247

Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Van Kojis, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to accept the low bid submitted by Camo Construction in the amount of $129,247 to be paid with funds deriving from reserve funds. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

4. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the committee regarding abandoned camps.

The 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

Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, announced to the Board that adjustments were made to the Lafargue Elementary School sewer treatment plans which lowered the contract costs by $11,400.

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.

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

Bus Committee Report

July 26, 2016

The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at 4:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

Lizzie Ned, Chairwoman; Shelia Blackman-Dupas; Michael Lacombe; Chris LaCour; Darrell Wiley, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were Freeman Ford, James Gauthier, John Gagnard, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Brent Whiddon, Supervisor of Transportation; and Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor.

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 Freeman Ford, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairwoman Ned. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

12. Mr. Chris LaCour, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:

Executive Committee Report

July 26, 2016

The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, at 4:15 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, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Michael Lacombe, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor.

1. Mrs. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, presented a District Wellness Report.

Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by John Gagnard, the Executive Committee recommended to accept the District Wellness Report as presented by Supervisor Jenny Welch. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented policies submitted by Mr. James Prescott of Forethought Consulting, Incorporated, as follows:

(a) File: BH School Board Ethics

(b) File: DIEA Preservation of School Board Records Due To Legal Action

(d) File: GBD Employment of Personnel

(e) File: GBI Evaluation of Personnel

(f) File: GBL Tenure

(g) File: IDCH Home Study Program

Upon motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the policies as submitted by Mr. Prescott of Forethought Consulting, Incorporated. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

Chris LaCour, Chairman

Executive Committee

On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman LaCour. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

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

Finance Committee Report

July 19, 2016

The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, July 19, 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, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Lizzie Ned, and Michael Lacombe, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; 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, 2016. Mrs. Lacombe stated that sales tax revenues for the month of June totaled $585,485.10. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $501,948.78 and the 0.25% sales tax generated $83,536.32.

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. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, reviewed the Consolidated Budget for 2016-2017.

4. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the Finance Committee regarding moving the Bunkie High School gymnasium project forward one year (from 2018-2019 to 2017-2018).

Upon motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Finance Committee recommended to move the project from 2018-2019 to the 2017-2018 school year, pending approval from the Federal Judge. The motion was adopted by the following vote: AYES: Van Kojis, John Gagnard, Freeman Ford, and Darrell Wiley. NAYS: Chris LaCour.

The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

Van Kojis, Chairman

Finance Committee

A motion was made by Van Kojis, seconded by John Gagnard, that the Board adopt the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairman Kojis.

The motion was adopted by the following vote:

Ayes: Van Kojis, John Gagnard, Freeman Ford, Chris LaCour, James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Darrell Wiley, and Michael Lacombe.

Nays: Lizzie Ned.

14. The following resolution was offered by James Gauthier and seconded by Van Kojis:

RESOLUTION

A resolution ordering and calling a special election to be held in the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana, to authorize the levy of a sales and use tax therein; making application to the State Bond Commission in connection therewith; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.

BE IT RESOLVED by the Parish School Board of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana (the “Governing Authority”), acting as the governing authority of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana (the “ Parish”), for school purposes, that:

SECTION 1. Election Call. Subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission, and under the authority conferred by Article VI, Section 29 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974 and Act No. 180 of the 2016 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature, the applicable provisions of Chapter 5, Chapter 6-A and Chapter 6-B of the Louisiana Election Code, and other constitutional and statutory authority, a special election is hereby called and ordered to be held in the Parish on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2016, between the hours of seven o’clock (7:00) a.m., and eight o’clock (8:00) p.m., in accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 18:541, and at the said election there shall be submitted to all registered voters qualified and entitled to vote at the said election under the Constitution and laws of this State and the Constitution of the United States, the following proposition, to-wit:

PARISH SCHOOL BOARD PROPOSITION

(1% SALES TAX)

Shall the Parish School Board of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana (the “Parish School Board”), under the provisions of Article VI, Section 29 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, and other constitutional and statutory authority, be authorized to levy and collect a tax of one percent (1%) (the “Tax”) (an estimated $4,000,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the Tax for an entire year) upon the sale at retail, the use, the lease or rental, the consumption, and the storage for use or consumption, of tangible personal property and on sales of services in the Parish of Avoyelles, all as defined by law, in perpetuity, commencing January 1, 2017, with the proceeds of the Tax (after paying the reasonable and necessary expenses of collecting and administering the tax), to be dedicated and used for the payment of salaries and benefits for the employees of the Parish School Board?

SECTION 2. Publication of Notice of Election. A Notice of Special Election shall be published in the Marksville Weekly News, a newspaper of general circulation within the Parish, published in Marksville, Louisiana, and being the official journal of the Parish, once a week for the four consecutive weeks, with the first publication to be made not less than forty-five (45) days nor more than ninety (90) days prior to the date of the election, which Notice shall be substantially in the form attached hereto as “Exhibit A” and incorporated herein by reference the same as if it were set forth herein in full.

SECTION 3. Canvass. This Governing Authority shall meet at its regular meeting place, the Avoyelles Parish School Board, 221 Tunica Drive West, Marksville, Louisiana, on TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 2017, AT FIVE O’CLOCK (5:00) P.M., and shall then and there in open and public session proceed to examine and canvass the returns and declare the result of said special election.

SECTION 4. Polling Places. The polling places set forth in the aforesaid Notice of Special Election are hereby designated as the polling places at which to hold the said election, and the Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners, respectively, will be the same persons as those designated in accordance with law.

SECTION 5. Election Commissioners: Voting Machines. The officers designated to serve as Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners pursuant to Section 4 hereof, or such substitutes therefore as may be selected and designated in accordance with La. R.S. 18:1287, shall hold the said special election as herein provided, and shall make due returns of said election for the meeting of the Governing Authority to be held on Tuesday, January 3, 2017, as provided in Section 3 hereof. All registered voters in the Parish will be entitled to vote at the special election, and voting machines shall be used.

SECTION 6. Authorization of Officers. The Secretary-Treasurer of the Governing Authority is hereby empowered, authorized and directed to arrange for and to furnish to said election officers in ample time for the holding of said election, the necessary equipment, forms and other paraphernalia essential to the proper holding of said election and the President and/or Secretary-Treasurer of the Governing Authority are further authorized, empowered and directed to take any and all further action required by State and/or Federal law to arrange for the election.

SECTION 7. Furnishing Election Call to Election Officials. Certified copies of this resolution shall be forwarded to the Secretary of State, the Clerk of Court, and Ex-Officio Parish Custodian of Voting Machines of Avoyelles Parish and the Registrar of Voters of Avoyelles Parish, as notification of the special election, in order that each may prepare for said election and perform their respective functions as required by law.

SECTION 8. Application to State Bond Commission. Application is made to the State Bond Commission for consent and authority to hold the special election as herein provided, and in the event said election carries for further consent and authority to levy and collect the sales and use tax provided for therein. A certified copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to the State Bond Commission on behalf of this Governing Authority, together with a letter requesting the prompt consideration and approval of this application.

Section 9. Additional Notice Requirement. This Governing Authority made the announcement with respect to the adoption of this resolution required by La. R.S. 42:19.1, at its public meeting on Tuesday, June 7, 2016, and published said announcement in the Official Journal on Thursday, June 16, 2016.

The resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote theron was as follows:

MEMBERS YEAS NAYS ABSENT ABSTAINING

Freeman Ford __X__ ____ ______ ________

Darrell Wiley __X__ ____ ______ ________

Chris LaCour __X__ ____ ______ ________

James Gauthier __X__ ____ ______ ________

Shelia Blackman-Dupas __X__ ____ ______ ________

Lizzie Ned __X__ ____ ______ ________

Michael Lacombe __X__ ____ ______ ________

Van Kojis __X__ ____ ______ ________

John Gagnard __X__ ____ ______ ________

And the resolution was declared adopted on this, the 2^nd day of August, 2016.

/s/ Blaine Dauzat /s/ Darrell Wiley

Secretary-Treasurer President

15. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, stated that a public hearing was held Tuesday, August 2, 2016, at 4:00 p.m. to review the proposed budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016.

Present for the hearing were Superintendent Blaine Dauzat, Finance Director Mary Bonnette, and Principal Amy Volentine.

A motion was offered by John Gagnard, seconded by Van Kojis, that the Board adopt the 2016-2017 Consolidated Budget as presented. The motion was unanimously adopted by the Board.

16. On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board authorized Superintendent Blaine Dauzat to sign the 2016-2017 Healthy Behaviors School District Partnership Project. MOTION CARRIED.

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

PERSONNEL CHANGES

COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Amy M. Dauzat, non-categorical paraprofessional, effective August 8, 2016, replacing Shantelle Clark who retired; Appointment of Ruby L. Hawkins, (retired) special education inclusion teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through December 21, 2016; Appointment of Linda L. Long, (retired) teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through December 21, 2016, replacing Amy M. Adams; and Resignation of Amy M. Adams, teacher, effective August 1, 2016.

LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Shaun Reynaud, from Data Coach to Administrative Assistant, effective August 8, 2016 through May 25, 2017; Appointment of April Lee Brown, Behavior Specialist paraprofessional, effective August 8, 2016; and Appointment of Victoria M. Dauzat, food service technician, effective August 8, 2016.

MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Tiffany S. Ritchie, physical education teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through May 25, 2017, replacing Quintin Demouy who retired;

and Resignation of Quintin Demouy, teacher, effective May 21, 2016, for the purpose of retirement.

PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Roxanne L. Couvillion, teacher, from Lafargue Elementary School, effective August 8, 2016 through May 25, 2017; Transfer/appointment of Kim Adams, Assistant Principal, from Lafargue Elementary School, effective July 13, 2016; Appointment of Brandon J. Schroeder, teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through December 21, 2016; and Resignation of Chrissie L. Jeansonne, Instructional Coach, effective August 1, 2016.

RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Samaria Davis Allen, teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through May 25, 2017.

AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Meagan E. Best, teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through May 25, 2017; Appointment of Bessie Bannister, (retired) teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through December 21, 2016; Resignation of Jessica Leger, teacher, effective July 18, 2016; Resignation of Bonnie Johnson, food service technician, effective at the end of the day May 20, 2016, for the purpose of retirement.

LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Appointment of Richard Lee Hinton, Jr., teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through May 25, 2017; and Resignation of Judith Williams, teacher, effective August 1, 2016.

BUNKIE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Dylan J. West, (TAT) teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through December 21, 2016; Appointment of Isaac C. Adams, (TAT) physical education teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through December 21, 2016; Resignation of Freddie Hallman, teacher/coach, effective August 4, 2016; Appointment of Jacqueline Brown, financial secretary, effective July 25, 2016 through October 25, 2016, replacing Jill Guidry; and Transfer/appointment of Melissa Wiley, from food service technician at Marksville High School to food service manager, effective August 8, 2016.

MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Suzonne M. Alford, teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through May 25, 2017; Appointment of Cynthia D. Brennan, band director, effective August 8, 2016 through May 25, 2017; Resignation of Jessica Morgan-Nelson, teacher, effective August 1, 2016; Resignation of Anthony Augustine, Sr., teacher/coach, effective May 20, 2016; Resignation of Loren A. Golmon-Soileau, teacher, effective July 26, 2016; and Resignation of Marsha Herrera, paraprofessional, effective May 21, 2016, for the purpose of retirement.

AVOYELLES PARISH PUPIL APPRAISAL CENTER: Transfer/appointment of Linda Carpenter, from Cottonport Elementary School, to Early Interventionist teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through May 25, 2017, replacing Susie O’Brien who retired; and Change in retirement date for Laura Susan F. O’Brien, Early Interventionist teacher, effective at the end of the day May 20, 2016.

ADDENDUM(S)

8/2/2016

LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Kim Cole, from food service technician to custodian, effective August 8, 2016.

PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Brittney A. King, (TAT) teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through December 21, 2016; Transfer/appointment of Claudine Jackson-Rogers, from sixth grade teacher to instructional coach, effective August 8, 2016 through May 25, 2017; and Appointment of Rebecca L. Clark, teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through May 25, 2017.

LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Appointment of Wanda Clark (retired) teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through September 19, 2016, replacing Krysten Cannatella.

MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Renewal of an administrative contract for Marvin Hall, Principal, effective August 6, 2016 through August 5, 2018.

18. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat reported that six out of the ten schools are now fully staffed, with the remaining four schools having only a few vacancies each. School will begin on Thursday, August 11, but the staff will report to work on Monday, August 8. School performance scores are almost all in, and thus far, eight out of the ten schools have showed positive growth. Professional development over the summer has been very successful.

19. On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board agreed to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing litigation (Stephen “Duke” Allgood versus Roch Bordelon and Avoyelles Parish School Board). MOTION CARRIED.

On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board reconvened in open public session at approximately 6:20 p.m.

There being no further business, on motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the meeting was adjourned.

AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Darrell Wiley, President

Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer