SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, September 6, 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: Shelia Blackman-Dupas and Lizzie Ned.
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 Board Member Van Kojis.
1. On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, August 2, 2016, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Representative Robert Johnson was recognized by President Darrell Wiley for the purpose of expressing legislative condolences to the family of the late Rufus Johnson.
3. Vice-President John Gagnard read a resolution of respect to the late Marian Braud, former teacher.
On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Marian Braud. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Students of the Month for September. 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: Maddie Ducote, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Gabrielle Hegger, Cottonport Elementary School; Isabella Wiley, Lafargue Elementary School; Aniya Simon, Marksville Elementary School; Dorian Campbell, Plaucheville Elementary School; Aariella Wallace, Riverside Elementary School; Jesse Armand, Avoyelles High School; Aubrie Ford, Bunkie High School; Kenneth Williams, LaSAS; and Noah Bordelon, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Darrell Wiley commended the students on their accomplishments.
5. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater recognized the Teachers of the Month for September. Mrs. Prater presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:
Sarah Armand, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Lauren Ducote, Cottonport Elementary School; Heather Hamilton, Lafargue Elementary School; Shelby Garrison, Marksville Elementary School; Michel Morgan, Plaucheville Elementary School; Yvonne Saucier, Riverside Elementary School; Renee Bell, Avoyelles High School; Perla Pagan, Bunkie High School; Wanda Clark, LaSAS; and ReSheda Gulley, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Darrell Wiley commended the teachers on their accomplishments.
6. Ms. Courtney Sampson addressed the Board regarding a mental health agreement.
7. Mr. Michael Lacombe, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
August l6, 2016
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, August 16, 2016, at 4:00 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, John Gagnard, and Lizzie Ned, Board Members; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education; Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor.
1. The Building and Lands Committee postponed a discussion regarding the GW Career Community Group concerning the purchase of the Bunkie Middle School Cafeteria due to the absence of a representative from the group.
2. The Building and Lands Committee postponed a discussion regarding property in Simmesport.
3. Mr. Todd Voiselle, representing the Moreauville Sports Club, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding Avoyelles High School.
Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to authorize Steve Marcotte to have five (5) acres of land--located behind the Avoyelles High School football field--appraised in order that the land may be leased to the Moreauville Sports Club. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by James Gauthier, the Building and Lands Committee agreed to add an item to the agenda. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to authorize Steve Marcotte to retain the services of an appraiser for the purpose of appraising property near Avoyelles High School, which is owned by Mr. Burt Rachal.
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 Freeman Ford, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
August 16, 2016
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, August 16, 2016, at 4:30 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, Michael Lacombe, and Lizzie Ned, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education; and Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education.
1. Mrs. Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented the sales tax report for the month of July, 2016. Mrs. Lacombe stated that sales tax revenues for the month of July totaled $666,759.75. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $381,005.66, the 0.25% sales tax generated $95,251.26, and the building maintenance fund generated $190,502.83.
Upon motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the sales tax report for the month of July as presented by Supervisor Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
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. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, reviewed the Food Service Fund Budget for 2015-2016.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Van Kojis, Chairman
Finance Committee
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairman Kojis. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
August 16, 2016
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, August 16, 2016, at 4:25 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 Chris LaCour, Freeman Ford, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education; and Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education.
1. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented preliminary enrollment figures.
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 John Gagnard, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gauthier. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Mr. Chris LaCour, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
August 23, 2016
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, August 23, 2016, at 4:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Chris LaCour, Chairman; Lizzie Ned, John Gagnard, Darrell Wiley, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. Freeman Ford was absent. Also present were James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Irma Andress, Director of Federal Programs; and Becky Spencer, Tech Coordinator.
1. Mrs. Becky Spencer, Tech Coordinator, presented an update on the Acceptable Usage Policy.
Upon motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by John Gagnard, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the updated Acceptable Usage Policy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Chairman Chris LaCour addressed the Executive Committee regarding permission to apply for State Capital Outlay money.
Upon motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Executive Committee recommended to apply for State Capital Outlay money.
The motion was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Chris LaCour, John Gagnard, and Darrell Wiley. Nays: Lizzie Ned.
3. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented policies submitted by Mr. James Prescott, Jr. of Forethought Consulting, Incorporated, as follows:
(a) File: IDFAA Drug Screening of Athletes and Extracurricular Participants
(b) File: JGFC Student Dismissal Precautions
Upon motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the policies as presented. 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 Van Kojis, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman LaCour. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Due to Mrs. Lizzie Ned, Chairwoman of the Bus Committee, being absent, President Darrell Wiley presented the following report:
Bus Committee Report
August 23, 2016
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, August 23, 2016, at 4:30 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. Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas was absent. Also present were 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 Chris LaCour, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by President Wiley. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Shelia M. Waddy, (retired) teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through December 21, 2016; Transfer/appointment of Sarah Armand, teacher, from Title I Pre-K to regular education school-based budget, effective August 8, 2016 through May 25, 2017; District transfer/appointment of Yolanda Evans, custodian, from Cottonport Elementary School, effective August 8, 2016; Transfer/appointment of Judy Ducote, paraprofessional, from Title I Pre-K to special education, effective August 8, 2016; and Resignation of Mark P. Vidrine, teacher, effective August 5, 2016,
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Rhonda Andress, teacher, from Marksville Elementary School, effective August 8, 2016 through May 25, 2017; Appointment of Sandra Smith, (retired) Kindergarten teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through December 21, 2016; Transfer/appointment of Adrienne B. Smith, teacher, from school-based budget teacher to Title I CSR teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through May 25, 2017; District transfer/appointment of Brandon J. Schroeder, (TAT) teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through December 21,2016; Transfer/appointment of Kelly Secrist, teacher, from Title I to school-based budget, effective August 8, 2016 through May 25, 2017; Transfer/appointment of Tiffany C. Rabalais, teacher, from Plaucheville Elementary School, effective August 8, 2016 through May 25, 2017; Resignation of Linda L. Long, (retired) teacher, effective August l8, 2016; Appointment of Jessie Harmason, bus driver, effective August 8, 2016, replacing Paul Arnouville; Appointment of Joshua Brouillette, bus driver, effective August 8, 2016, replacing Melissa Ford; District transfer/appointment of David Ross, custodian, from Plaucheville Elementary School, effective August 8, 2016; Resignation of Christian Williams, paraprofessional, effective August 8, 2016; and Resignation of Pamela S. Laborde, teacher, effective August 2, 2016;
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Krystle Reynaud, teacher, from regular education teacher to self-contained teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through May 25, 2017; and Appointment of Anita Kyle, food service technician, effective August 8, 2016, replacing Kimberly Cole who transferred to custodian.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Gertrude Milligan, (retired) Kindergarten teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through December 21, 2016; Appointment of Joseph Greenhouse, (TAT) teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through November 17, 2016; Transfer/appointment of Bessie Bannister, (retired) teacher, effective August 23, 2016; Transfer/appointment of Lisa Laborde, teacher, from Title I CSR to school-based budget, effective August 8, 2016 through May 25, 2017; Transfer/appointment of Verna Johnson, teacher, from school-based budget to Title I CSR teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through May 25, 2017; District transfer/appointment of Alis Chaudoir, teacher, from Riverside Elementary School, effective August 8, 2016 through May 25, 2017; Appointment of Ashley S. St.Romain, regular education paraprofessional, effective August 8, 2016; Resignation of Virginia Ardoin Gauthier, teacher, effective August 3, 2016; Resignation of Bessie Bannister, (retired) teacher, effective August 23, 2016; and Transfer/appointment of Vida James, paraprofessional, from Title I to regular education school-based budget, effective August 8, 2016.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Michelle R. Patterson, teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through May 25, 2017; Appointment of Candice L. Hardy, (TAT) teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through December 21, 2016; Resignation of Ronisha Coppage, teacher, effective August 5, 2016; Resignation of Roxanne Lemoine, teacher, effective July 31, 2016; Resignation of Alice Johnson, paraprofessional, effective at the end of the day August 31, 2016; and District transfer/appointment of Joan Garcia, custodian, from Marksville High School, effective August 8, 2016.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Susan Bordelon, teacher, from Title I Pre-K to regular education school-based budget, effective August 8, 2016 through May 25, 2017; Transfer/appointment of Tiffany Moreau, paraprofessional, from Title I Pre-K to special education, effective August 8, 2016; and Change in appointment status of Mackenzie Foreman to substitute teacher, effective August 8, 2016.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Clarisse Dugas, (retired) mild moderate special education teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through December 21, 2016; Appointment of Avery O. Lemoine, (TAT) teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through December 21, 2016; Appointment of Clayton D. Franklin, Jr., teacher, effective August 31, 2016 through May 25, 2017; Appointment of Brandy Lemoine, (TAT) teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through December 21, 2016.
BUNKIE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Doris Leary, (retired) teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through December 21, 2016; Appointment of Debra LeBlanc, (retired) teacher, effective September 6, 2016 through December 21, 2016; Appointment of Phyllis Morris, (retired) special education content mastery teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through December 21, 2016; Appointment of Dominita L. Drummer, custodian, effective August 8, 2016; Appointment of Teena Ponthier, Child Specific Special Education Paraprofessional, effective September 1, 2016; Resignation of Danielle Frazier, teacher, effective July 29, 2016; and Change appointment dates: Appointment of Daniel P. Stone, (retired) band director, effective August 8, 2016 through May 25, 2017.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Sabrina Washington, from teacher to instructional coach, effective August 8, 2016 through May 25, 2017, replacing Leigh Fryery who resigned; Appointment of Ellen P. Lester (retired) teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through December 21, 2016; Appointment of Cherrie Callahan (retired) mild/moderate self-contained teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through December 21, 2016; Appointment of John B. Vidrine, teacher, effective August 9, 2016 through May 25, 2017; Appointment of Brandy Kenney, teacher, effective August 22, 2016 through May 25, 2017; Transfer/appointment of Jonathon Landry, from regular classroom teacher to Journey to Careers teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through May 25, 2017; Change date of appointment for Myleka W. Harrington, teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through May 25, 2017; Correction in date of resignation for Loren Golmon-Soileau, teacher, effective August 5, 2016; Appointment of Dawn Manning, bus driver, effective August 8, 2016, replacing Joanna Ford; Appointment of Wendall Holmes, custodian, effective August 8, 2016; andAppointment of Lisa Laird, custodian, effective August 8, 2016.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE: Renewal of an administrative contract for Susan D. Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education, effective November 1, 2016 through October 31, 2018.
ADDENDUM(S)
9/6/2016
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of John Austin, from custodian to head custodian, effective August 30, 2016.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Margaret Suzonne Alford, teacher, effective September 6, 2016.
13. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat announced that school performance scores will be available in the Fall, approximately the second week of October. He announced that six (6) flood victims have enrolled in Avoyelles Parish schools. The Avoyelles Parish school system has donated sixty (60) desks to the East Baton Rouge Parish school system and loaned out five (5) buses to the State until mid-September. FEMA will reimburse the Avoyelles Parish school system for mileage and expenses related to the use of the buses. Mr. Dauzat also announced that the Rapides Foundation–which provides many educational grants annually–will be conducting a symposium on Wednesday, September 14, 2016, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Convention Center in Alexandria in celebration of the foundation, showcasing what they do for area schools as well as recognizing partnerships that have been created over the years.
14. On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by John Gagnard, 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 UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board reconvened in open session at approximately 5:42 p.m.
15. In miscellaneous business, Board Member Van Kojis announced he has been contacted by many angry parents, constituents, and alumni regarding recent changes in Homecoming festivities at Bunkie High School. He stated that although he supports Principal Laura Hargis and all of the staff at Bunkie High academically, he is not pleased at all with these proposed changes. Principal Hargis defended the matter and explained that the changes mostly involve the selection of the Homecoming Court, but she would be happy to discuss the matter further with anyone who is interested. President Darrell Wiley and the Board agreed that this is an administrative matter for Bunkie High and not a Board concern.
There being no further business, on motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Van Kojis, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Darrell Wiley, President
Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer