SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

             The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, October 4, 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 Ms. Laura Hargis, Principal of Bunkie Magnet High School.

             The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America led by FFA members from LaSAS.

             1.          On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, September 6, 2016, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

             2.          Vice-President John Gagnard read a resolution of respect to the late Theresa Sue Bordelon, former teacher aide.

                          On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Theresa Sue Bordelon.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

             3.          Board Member James Gauthier read a resolution of respect to the late Joyce “Teen” Dupuy, former secretary at the Central Office. 

                          On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Joyce “Teen” Dupuy.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

             4.          Superintendent Blaine Dauzat stated that the release of School Performance Scores have been delayed until November due to the recent flooding. Also, he stated that Avoyelles High School has been awarded a $10,000 grant from Monsanto which will be presented this Friday night, October 7, at the Avoyelles High School football game during halftime.  Additionally, the Avoyelles Parish School Board has been awarded the Strategic Solutions Grant, a competitive grant from The Rapides Foundation, in the amount of $233,000 which will be used for literacy programs and intervention programs in the elementary schools.  Superintendent Dauzat also announced the following upcoming events: The Federal Programs Department will conduct the Parent and Family Community Collaboration Meeting on Thursday, October 6, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the School Board office for the public;  LaSAS will set up their annual petting zoo at the school campus on Wednesday, October 12, beginning at 8:30 a.m. for all Kindergarten and 1^st grade students in the parish; and Red Ribbon Week will be celebrated on October 24-28 in order to promote drug-free living.

             5.          Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Students of the Month for October.  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: Kaitlyn Lewis, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Kallie Bordelon, Cottonport Elementary School; Tanner Dupuy, Lafargue Elementary School; Abbie St. Romain, Marksville Elementary School; Geneva Weatherford, Plaucheville Elementary School; Nickolas Jeansonne, Riverside Elementary School; Kristen Nelson, Avoyelles High School; Devon Batiste, Bunkie Magnet High School; Breanna Wyatt, LaSAS; and Courtney Couvillion, Marksville High School. 

                          On behalf of the Board, President Darrell Wiley commended the students on their accomplishments.

             6.          Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater recognized the Teachers of the Month for September.  Mrs. Prater presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:

                          Meredith Melancon, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Laurie Lonidier, Cottonport Elementary School; Robin Williber, Lafargue Elementary School; Stacey Duncan, Marksville Elementary School; Guy Lemoine, Plaucheville Elementary School; Sarah Reech, Riverside Elementary School; Jake Howard, Avoyelles High School; Doris Leary, Bunkie Magnet High School; Felicia Armand, LaSAS; and Myleka Harrington, Marksville High School. 

                          On behalf of the Board, President Darrell Wiley commended the teachers on their accomplishments.

             7.          Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized Ms. Vicki Mayeux of Cottonport Elementary School for being named Louisiana Farm Bureau Teacher of the Year.

             8.          Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized students for their outstanding achievements, as follows:

                          State FFA Convention Results:

                          Emily Moreau, second place, Beef Production

                          William Gaspard, third place, Prepared Speech

William Gaspard, Ainsley Gaspard, Gabi Desselles, Ally Mills, and Elise Turner, second place, Agricultural Issues

                          Coralie Deloach, first place, Geaux Teach Agriculture

                          Madison Bernard, first place, Job Interview

                          Camille Humble, first place, Creed Speaking

                          Wyatt Mayeaux and Alex Poret, first place, Small Engines

                          The three first place winners were in the middle school category, and there were middle schools who had teams representing other parishes in these events. There were 19 students from LaSAS who attended the State Convention and did a great job representing the school.

                          At the current time, there are three students who have graduated from the LaSAS Welding Program.  They are at ABC in Baton Rouge.  Two have tested out and are preparing to go to work in July, and the third student will be testing out in August and going to work.  These students will be working on the Tiger Project in Lake Charles for Turner Industries.

             9.          Judge Chris Peters, Candidate for Third Circuit Court of Appeals, addressed the Board regarding his upcoming bid for Judge on the Court of Appeals.

             10.        Ms. Brenda Sampson of Exceptional Counseling Services addressed the Board regarding mental health care services.

                          A motion was made by Freeman Ford, seconded by Lizzie Ned, to amend the Interagency Mental Health Agreement to add Ms. Brenda Sampson’s Exceptional Counseling Services to the agreement, effective December 1, 2016. 

                          The motion was adopted by the following vote:

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

                                       Nays:                 Michael Lacombe.

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

Education Committee Report

September 20, 2016

                          The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, September 20, 2016, at 4:00 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 and Van Kojis, Board Members; Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education; and Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education.

                          1.          Chairman James Gauthier addressed the Education Committee regarding pre- and post-math scores of the Eureka Method.

                                       The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.

                          2.          Mrs. Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education, presented the 2016-2017 Pupil Progression Plan along with proposed changes.

                                       Upon motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Education Committee recommended to approve the proposed changes to the 2016-2017 Pupil Progression Plan.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

                          3.          Committee Member Michael Lacombe addressed the Education Committee regarding the Million-Word Reading Club.

                                       The Education 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 Van Kojis, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gauthier.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

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

Building and Lands Committee Report

September 20, 2016

                          The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, September 20, 2016, at 4:20 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. Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas was absent. Also present were Chris LaCour, John Gagnard, and Lizzie Ned, Board Members; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor.

                          1.          Mr. Arthur Lovall addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding usage of the gymnasium and cafeteria of the former Bunkie Middle School. 

                                       The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.

                          2.          Chairman Michael Lacombe addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding overlaying the Marksville High School and Bunkie Magnet High School tracks. 

                                       Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to authorize Mr. Steve Marcotte to obtain estimates to repair the tracks at Marksville High School and Bunkie Magnet High School and to install a new track at Avoyelles High School.    The motion was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, and Darrell Wiley.  Nays: None.  Abstained: James Gauthier.

                          3.          Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding building a handicap ramp at the Marksville High School Gymnasium.

                                       Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by James Gauthier, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to authorize Mr. Steve Marcotte to obtain bids to construct a handicap ramp at the Marksville High School gymnasium.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

                                       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

September 20, 2016

                          The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, September 20, 2016, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

                          Van Kojis, Chairman; John Gagnard, Chris LaCour, Darrell Wiley, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent.  Mr. Freeman Ford was absent.  Also present were James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, and Lizzie Ned, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; and Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance.

                          1.          Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented the sales tax report for the month of August, 2016. Mrs. Bonnette stated that sales tax revenues for the month of August totaled $599,206.67.  She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $342,415.97, the 0.25% sales tax generated $85,582.72, and the building maintenance fund generated $171,207.98.

           .

                                       Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by John Gagnard, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the sales tax report for the month of August as presented by Mrs. Bonnette.  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, reviewed the 2015-2016 General Fund Budget.

                          4.          Upon motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Finance Committee recommended to provide $250 each for five students to attend the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 17-22, 2016. (Students attending are: Gabriella Desselles, Rubi Smith, William Gaspard, Sara Flynn, and Elise Turner.)    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 Chris LaCour, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairman Kojis.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

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

Bus Committee Report

September  27, 2016

                          The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, September 27, 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.   Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas was absent.  Also present were Freeman Ford, James Gauthier, John Gagnard, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; 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 Lizzie Ned, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairwoman Ned.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

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

Executive Committee Report  

September 27, 2016

                          The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, September 27, 2016, at 4:10 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; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Debbie Bain, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance; Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education; and Brent Whiddon, Supervisor of Transportation. 

                          1.          Mr. Jimmy Sawtell with the Louisiana Technical College addressed the Executive Committee regarding the Adult Education program.

                                       Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Executive Committee recommended to transition the Adult Education program from the Avoyelles Parish School Board to CLTCC.

                                        The motion was adopted by the following vote:  Ayes: Chris LaCour, Freeman Ford, Lizzie Ned, and Darrell Wiley;  Nay: John Gagnard.

                          2.          Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented a revised “Avoyelles Parish School Student Drug Policy” for the committee’s consideration.

                                       Upon motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by John Gagnard, the Executive Committee recommended to accept the Student Drug Policy with changes as proposed.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

                          The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

                                                                              Chris LaCour, Chairman

                                                                              Executive Committee

                          Board Member Freeman Ford requested that the Board vote on the items of the Executive Committee Report separately.

                          A motion was made by Van Kojis, seconded by James Gauthier, that the Board adopt Item Number 1 of the Executive Committee Report–allow transition of the Adult Education Program from the Avoyelles Parish School Board to CLTCC--as presented by Chairman LaCour.  The motion failed by the following vote:

                                       Ayes:                 Van Kojis, Chris LaCour, and Lizzie Ned.

                                       Nays:                 Freeman Ford, James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Darrell Wiley, John Gagnard, and Michael Lacombe.

                          On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Board adopted Item Number 2 of the Executive Committee Report–approve the Student Drug Policy with changes as proposed--as presented by Chairman LaCour.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

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

PERSONNEL CHANGES

BUNKIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Change appointment date on Kaitlyn J. West, teacher, effective August 8, 2016 through May 25, 2017; Correction in funding source on Michelle Spikes, teacher, from 100% Title I to 90% Title I and 10% School Based Budget; and  Resignation of Cody J. Moras, bus driver, effective September 13, 2016.

COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Morgan O. James, (TAT) teacher, effective August 11, 2016 through September 14, 2016.

LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Correction of appointment for Shaun Reynaud, Administrative Assistant, effective July 25, 2016 through June 6, 2017; and Resignation of Sara Matthews, food service technician, effective at the end of the day October 31, 2016, for the purpose of retirement.

MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Faye Juneau, (retired) teacher, effective September 27, 2016 through December 21, 2016, replacing Samantha LeCroy while on leave;  Correction in funding source on Verna Johnson, teacher, from 100% Title I to 80% Title I and 20% School Based Budget; and Resignation of Jared E. Bordelon, bus driver, effective at the end of the day September 16, 2016.

PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Correction in funding source on Carolyn Savoie, teacher, from 100% Title I to 85% Title I and 15% School Based Budget; and Correction in funding source on Victoria Dufour, teacher, from 100% Title I to 50% Title I and 50% LA 4;

BUNKIE HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Michael Sumner, teacher, effective at the end of the day September 26, 2016.

LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Resignation of Wanda Clark, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day September 19, 2016.

MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL:  Resignation of Margaret Suzonne Alford, (retired) teacher, effective September 6, 2016; Resignation of Dr. Wendi D. Wilkerson, teacher, effective at the end of the day September 30, 2016.

ADDENDUM(S)

10/4/2016

BUNKIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Change in appointment status of Leann Randall to substitute teacher, effective September 12, 2016.

MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Jarvis L. Roberts, teacher, effective October 3, 2016 through May 25, 2017, replacing Wendi Wilkerson.

             17.        On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board agreed to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the recommendation of the Expulsion Appeal Committee. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

                          On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board reconvened in open public session at approximately 7:19 p.m.

                          A motion was made by James Gauthier, seconded by Chris LaCour, that the Board accept the recommendation made by Superintendent Blaine Dauzat in regards to the expulsion of the student as discussed in Executive Session.

                          Board Member Freeman Ford recused himself from the vote due to being related to the student involved.

                          The motion was adopted 7-1 by the following vote:

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

                                       Nays:                 Shelia Blackman-Dupas.

             There being no further business, on motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by John Gagnard, the meeting was adjourned.

                                                                 AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

                                                                 Darrell Wiley, President

                                                                 Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer