SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

             The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in special session Tuesday, January 17, 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. 

             1.          President Chris LaCour called for any discussion or comments with regards to the Red River Charter Academy proposal.  Mr. LaCour requested that the Board and audience discuss and comment on new information only, in view of the fact that the proposal had been discussed at previous committee meetings and Board meetings.

                          Furthermore, President LaCour stated that at their May 3, 2016 School Board meeting (Resolution Number 14), the Board had accepted The Ten Square Group’s recommendation to deny Red River Charter Academy’s charter application by a vote of 7 members in favor of the motion and two members voted against the motion.  He further stated that only a member on the prevailing side of the last vote may offer a motion.

                          A discussion ensued from members of the Avoyelles Parish School Board, members of the Red River Charter Academy Board, and citizens in the audience.

                          At the end of the discussion, President LaCour called for a motion.  Since no motion was offered by a Board member, Mr. LaCour stated that the last vote taken at the May 3, 2016 meeting continues to stand, specifically, that the Avoyelles Parish School Board denies Red River Charter Academy’s charter application.

             2.          On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board agreed to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending tax litigation (Avoyelles Parish School Board versus Hampton Inn.)  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

                          The Board reconvened in open public session at approximately 6:02 p.m.

                          On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board reconvened in open public session. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

                          On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board agreed to allow Assistant District Attorney Anthony Salario to negotiate with the party involved in pending tax litigation (Avoyelles Parish School Board versus Hampton Inn) in an effort to settle for the amount discussed in Executive Session.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

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

                                                                 AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

                                                                 Chris LaCour, President

                                                                 Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer