SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, January 10, 2017, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Chris LaCour, President; Lizzie Ned, Vice-President; Darrell Wiley, John Gagnard, Freeman Ford, James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, and Van Kojis.
Absent: Shelia Blackman-Dupas.
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 Lizzie Ned.
1. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented a plaque to outgoing President Darrell Wiley and outgoing Vice-President John Gagnard for serving for the period January 5, 2016 through December 31, 2016.
2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat advised the Board that the terms of office for the President and Vice-President of the Avoyelles Parish School Board have expired. He then called for nominations for the office of President.
Board Member James Gauthier placed the name of Chris LaCour in nomination for the Office of President. The nomination was seconded by Van Kojis. .
There were no other nominations. Board Member Freeman Ford moved that the nominations for the office of President be closed. The motion was seconded by Van Kojis.
Superintendent Blaine Dauzat requested that the Board members cast their votes. The vote was as follows:
Ayes: James Gauthier, Freeman Ford, Darrell Wiley, Chris LaCour, Lizzie Ned, Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Nays: None.
By a vote of 8-0, Mr. Chris LaCour was declared President of the Avoyelles Parish School Board for the 2017 school year.
3. President Chris LaCour called for nominations for the office of Vice-President.
Board Member Van Kojis placed the name of Lizzie Ned in nomination for the office of Vice-President. The nomination was seconded by Freeman Ford.
There were no other nominations. Board Member James Gauthier moved that nominations for the office of Vice-President be closed. This motion was seconded by John Gagnard.
President Chris LaCour requested that the Board members cast their votes. By a vote of 8-0, Ms. Lizzie Ned was elected Vice-President of the Avoyelles Parish School Board for the 2017 school year.
4. On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Monday, December 5, 2016, and the special Board meeting held on Thursday, December 15, 2016, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Board Member John Gagnard read a resolution of respect to the late Linda Lemoine, former teacher.
On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Linda Lemoine. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat announced that students returned to school from the Christmas holidays on January 9, 2017. Regarding the icy weather over the weekend, he stated that water pipes burst in three or four locations, but have been repaired. Also, some roofing was damaged in one school earlier last week from the tornado activity. Mr. Dauzat congratulated Ms. Nicole Gagnard for being named Assistant Principal at Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy.
7. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Students of the Month for January. 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: Dani Cole, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Colby Armand, Cottonport Elementary School; Cylee Andrews, Lafargue Elementary School; Bryce Foster, Marksville Elementary School; Addison Duplechin, Plaucheville Elementary School; Donte’ Stevenson, Riverside Elementary School; Alyssa Gremillion, Avoyelles High School; Jerrion Henry, Bunkie Magnet High School; Beau Coco, LaSAS; and Leonard Sampson, Jr., Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Chris LaCour commended the students on their accomplishments.
8. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater recognized the Teachers of the Month for December. Mrs. Prater presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:
Katie West, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Sheila Saucier, Cottonport Elementary School; Catlin Pitre, Lafargue Elementary School; Judy Mathews, Marksville Elementary School; Nikki Clark, Plaucheville Elementary School; Keithea Callihan, Riverside Elementary School; Micah Bordelon, Avoyelles High School; Daniel Greenhouse, Bunkie Magnet High School; Amy Pitre, LaSAS; and Jeremy Mayeux, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Chris LaCour commended the teachers on this outstanding achievement.
9. Mrs. Aloysia Ducote, Certified Public Accountant with Ducote and Company, presented a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2016. Ms. Ducote stated that her firm issued an unqualified opinion for fiscal year audit 2015-2016, and she noted no material instances of non-compliance with government auditing standards.
Ms. Ducote commended the Board as well as the staff for maintaining sound fiscal management policies.
On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the 2015-2016 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report as presented by Mrs. Ducote. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Board regarding the Red River Charter Academy proposal. Board members from RRCA were in attendance, headed by Ms. Pat Ours. The floor was open to discussion between both Boards.
On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board tabled the discussion until Tuesday, January 17, 2017, at 5:00 p.m. after the committee meetings. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Board regarding entering into an agreement with the Office of Mineral Resources.
RESOLUTION
BE IT RESOLVED that pursuant to a public notice, a regularly scheduled meeting of the Avoyelles Parish School Board was held on the 10th day of January, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. at 221 Tunica Drive West, Marksville, Louisiana, where the following resolution, upon duly seconded and passed, was adopted, to wit:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Avoyelles Parish School Board has determined that it is the owner of mineral interests in and under immovable property described in Exhibit “A”, attached hereto and made a part hereof;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Avoyelles Parish School Board has determined that it desires to take advantage of LS R.S. 30:152 (A), et seq, to authorize the Louisiana State Mineral and Energy Board to nominate the property described in Exhibit “A” for the state agency mineral lease;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Avoyelles Parish School Board, in legal session convened, that it does hereby direct and authorize the Louisiana State Mineral and Energy Board and the Office of Mineral Resources to accept nominations, advertise for, accept and award bids, and execute all oil, gas and mineral leases pertaining to the immovable property listed on the attached Exhibit “A”.
Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board adopted the resolution regarding mineral rights as presented by Superintendent Dauzat. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented a resolution declaring January as School Board Member Recognition Month.
Louisiana School Board Recognition Month
January 2017
Whereas, the education of Louisiana’s school-aged children is the foundation upon which the economic, social and intellectual capital of our state is built; and
Whereas, locally elected school boards play an important and vital role in a representative democracy, and decisions made by local boards of education directly influence instruction in Louisiana’s public schools; and
Whereas, these decisions affect the present and future lives of children, and also set direction to prepare all students to be competitive in a local, state, national, and global 21st century economy; and
Whereas, local school board members work with parents, businesses, educational professionals, all elected officials, and other community members to create the educational visions we want for our students; and
Whereas, this year’s theme – SCHOOL BOARDS MATTER! - reflects the relevance of local school board members as they advocate for public education with local, state, and federal leaders; and
Whereas, School Board Recognition Month, as proclaimed by Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, provides an opportunity to build stronger relationships between the thousands of people in Louisiana who champion the mission of public education and school board members; now, therefore,
Be it Resolved, the Avoyelles Parish School Board recognizes the contributions of the state’s local school boards to the academic success of its public school students and expresses its sincerest recognition to the local school board members for their focus on the well-being and achievement of children throughout the state; and
Be it Finally Resolved, the Avoyelles Parish School Board declares January 2017 as School Board Member Recognition Month and encourages local school districts and community leaders to appropriately recognize our state’s dedicated school board members.
On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board adopted the resolution regarding School Board Member Recognition Month as presented by Superintendent Dauzat. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. Upon motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Van Kojis, and unanimously carried, the Parish School Board of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana (the “Governing Authority”), has canvassed the returns and does hereby declare the result of the special election held in the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana;
PROCES VERBAL AND PROCLAMATION OF THE CANVASS OF THE VOTES CAST AT THE SPECIAL ELECTION IN THE PARISH OF AVOYELLES, STATE OF LOUISIANA, ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2016.
BE IT KNOWN AND REMEMBERED that on Tuesday, January 10, 2017, at five o’clock (5:00) p.m., at its regular meeting place, the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office, 221 Tunica Drive West, Marksville, Louisiana, 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, and being the authority ordering the special election held therein on Saturday, December 10, 2016, with a quorum being present, did examine the official certified tabulations of votes cast at the said election, and did examine and canvass the returns of said election, there having been submitted at said election 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?
The canvass of the results of the election showed that there was a total of 3,096 votes cast IN FAVOR OF the Proposition and a total of 3,687 votes cast AGAINST the Proposition, and that there was a majority of 591 votes cast AGAINST the Proposition as hereinabove set forth.
Therefore, the Governing Authority did declare and proclaim and does hereby declare and proclaim in open and public session that the Proposition as hereinabove set forth was duly DEFEATED by a majority of the votes cast by the qualified electors voting at the said special election.
THUS DONE AND SIGNED AT Marksville, Louisiana, on this, the 10th day of January, 2017.
/s/ Chris LaCour
President
ATTEST:
/s/ Blaine Dauzat
Secretary-Treasurer
14. Mr. Chris LaCour, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
December 13, 2016
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, December 13, 2016, at 4:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Chris LaCour, Chairman; Freeman Ford, John Gagnard, Lizzie Ned, Darrell Wiley, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; and Anthony Salario, Assistant District Attorney.
1. Upon motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Executive Committee recommended to grant permission for the East Baton Rouge Parish School Board to piggyback on the Board’s bid with Edgear for providing JCAMPUS Student Management Software System as per LA R.S. 39:1702 and R.S.1708. MOTION ADOPTED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, addressed the Executive Committee regarding employment of personnel. 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
A motion was offered by Chris LaCour, seconded by Darrell Wiley, that the Board adopt the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman LaCour. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. Mrs. Lizzie Ned, Chairwoman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report, with the items to be voted on separately:
Bus Committee Report
December 13, 2016
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, December 13, 2016, at 4:10 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; Brent Whiddon, Supervisor of Transportation; and Anthony Salario, Assistant District Attorney.
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. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented the bid-opening committee report on the sale of two used school buses.
Report of the Bid-Opening Committee
Sale of Two Used School Buses
A bid-opening committee met Tuesday, December 6, 2016, at 1:30 p.m. for the purpose of opening bids for the sale of two (2) used school buses.
Members serving on the committee were Michael Lacombe, Board Member; Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
The committee acknowledged a bid from St. Joseph High School in the amount of $500 for Bus Number 137.
Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Bus Committee recommended to sell the bus for $500.00 to St. Joseph High School. MOTION ADOPTED 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 Item Number 1 of the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairwoman Ned. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board rejected Item Number 2 of the Bus Committee Report (due to the only bid received being below the set minimum of $1500.00) and will readvertise the sale of the two used school buses with a minimum bid set at $750.00. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
16. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
December 13, 2016
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, December 13, 2016, at 4:20 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; Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education; and Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education.
1. Mrs. Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education, addressed the Education Committee regarding Creating Better Assessment.
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 Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gauthier. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
17. Mr. Michael Lacombe, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
December 13, 2016
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, December 13, 2016, at 4:35 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 Freeman Ford, Chris LaCour, John Gagnard, and Lizzie Ned, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; and Anthony Salario, Assistant District Attorney.
1. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented the bid-opening committee report on the leasing of the Bunkie Middle School Gymnasium.
Report of the Bid-Opening Committee
Lease of the Bunkie Middle School Gymnasium
A bid-opening committee met Tuesday, December 6, 2016, at 1:30 p.m. for the purpose of opening bids for the leasing of the Bunkie Middle School Gymnasium.
Members serving on the committee were Michael Lacombe, Board Member; Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
Mr. Marcotte reported that the committee did not receive any bids.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action.
2. Chairman Michael Lacombe addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding an update of the Marksville Elementary School Pre-K building.
3. Chairman Michael Lacombe addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding an update of the bid-opening at Plaucheville Elementary School.
4. Board Member Chris LaCour discussed the sewer system at Plaucheville Elementary School.
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 James Gauthier, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
18. Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
December 13, 2016
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, December 13, 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, Michael Lacombe, and Lizzie Ned, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; and Anthony Salario, Assistant District Attorney.
1. Mrs. Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented the sales tax report for the month of December, 2016. Mrs. Lacombe stated that sales tax revenues for the month of December totaled $591,896.99. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $338,228.76, the 0.25% sales tax generated $84,553.85, and the building maintenance fund generated $169,114.38.
Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Finance Committee recommended to accept the sales tax report as presented by Mrs. Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Upon motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Finance Committee recommended to approve requests for overnight travel as presented by Superintendent Dauzat. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Ms. Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor, discussed entering into a voluntary agreement for registration and collection of Louisiana local sales/use tax with Amazon.com.
Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Finance Committee recommended for Ms. Jaimie Lacombe and/or Mr. Blaine Dauzat to enter into a Voluntary Agreement with Amazon.com. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. The Finance Committee discussed a payment source for new bleachers at Bunkie Magnet High School.
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by John Gagnard, the Finance Committee recommended the use of Reserve Funds as the payment source for new bleachers at Bunkie Magnet High School. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a revised budget for the 2016-2017 fiscal year. Mrs. Bonnette stated that estimated revenues totaled $38,739,761 while estimated expenditures totaled $41,155,301. Furthermore, Mrs. Bonnette advised of a projected current year deficit in the amount of $2,415,541.
Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by John Gagnard, the Finance Committee recommended acceptance of the revised General Fund Budget for 2016-2017 as presented. 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 John Gagnard, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairman Kojis. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
19. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Appointment of Nicole M. Gagnard, Assistant Principal, effective January 5, 2017 through January 4, 2019; and Resignation of Nathan Guillory, bus driver, effective at the end of the day December 21, 2016.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Kayla D. Landry, teacher, effective January 5, 2017 through May 25, 2017, replacing Laurie Lonidier; and Appointment of Ashley Descant, food service technician, effective January 5, 2017, replacing Colleen Jacobs who retired.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Craig J. Normand, teacher, effective December 6, 2016.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Bailey M. Gauthier, (TAT) teacher, effective January 5, 2017 through May 25, 2017, replacing Kelsey McPherson; Appointment of Bryan D. Scott, (TAT) teacher, effective January 5, 2017 through May 25, 2017, replacing Clayton Franklin;
Resignation of Kelsey McPherson, (TFA) teacher, effective at the end of the day December 21, 2016;
Resignation of Wanda Kelone, food service technician, effective at the end of the day December 13, 2016; and Appointment of Shanell Sampson, food service technician, effective January 5, 2017, replacing Wanda Kelone who resigned.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Terry J. Laborde, teacher, effective December 9, 2016 through May 25, 2017, replacing Michael Sumner.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Rebecca Scioneaux, (TAT) teacher, effective December 12, 2016 through May 25, 2017; Resignation of Valerie L. Bayone-Bandy, teacher, effective at the end of the day December 21, 2016.
ADDENDUM(S)
1/10/2017
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Brice Hollis, paraprofessional, effective at the end of the day January 10, 2017.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Jacqueline Brown, financial secretary, effective January 26, 2017.
20. On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Board agreed to table the Executive Session on tonight’s agenda (discussion of pending tax litigation - Avoyelles Parish School Board versus Hampton Inn) until the Special Meeting to be held on Tuesday, January 17, 2017. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
There being no further business, on motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Van Kojis, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Chris LaCour, President
Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer