SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, February 7, 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, James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Absent: Shelia Blackman-Dupas and Freeman Ford.
An Invocation was offered by Board Member James Gauthier.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America led by the elementary school Students of the Year.
1. On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, January 10, 2017, and the special Board meeting held on Tuesday, January 17, 2017, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Vice-President Lizzie Ned read a resolution of respect to the late Patricia Ann Ambres Walker, former teacher.
On motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Patricia Ann Ambres Walker. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Vice-President Lizzie Ned read a resolution of respect to the late Ruth McGlory Pearson, former teacher.
On motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Ruth McGlory Pearson. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Board Member Van Kojis read a resolution of respect to the late Rolanda Griffin, paraprofessional at Bunkie Magnet High School.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Rolanda Griffin. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat stated that East Baton Rouge School Board Superintendent Dr. Warren Drake thanked the Avoyelles Parish School Board for allowing them to piggyback on the JCampus bid last month. Mr. Dauzat announced that testing will be done online this year for grades 5-8 during the month of April and for grades 9-12 during the month of May. The third and fourth graders will still take LEAP tests in the conventional way on paper. Mr. Dauzat informed everyone that the Mardi Gras holidays will be observed from Friday, February 24, through Tuesday, February 28, and there will also be no school for students on March 1 due to staff development.
6. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Students of the Month for February. 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: Kaleb Dobbins, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Naveaha Frazier, Cottonport Elementary School; Christopher Lord, Lafargue Elementary School; America Ocegueda, Marksville Elementary School; Aushton Duskin, Plaucheville Elementary School; Charles Wright, Riverside Elementary School; Trevon Pate, Avoyelles High School; Jakobe Creppel, Bunkie Magnet High School; Nathan Lucas, LaSAS; and Ce’Drea Thornton, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Chris LaCour commended the students on their accomplishments.
7. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater recognized the Teachers of the Month for February. Mrs. Prater presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:
Peggy Joshua, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Amy Adams, Cottonport Elementary School; Sarah Bordelon, Lafargue Elementary School; Nikki Guidry, Marksville Elementary School; Carolyn Savoie, Plaucheville Elementary School; Wanda Brown, Riverside Elementary School; Nettie Jeansonne, Avoyelles High School; Leta Fletcher, Bunkie Magnet High School; Krysten Cannatella, LaSAS; and Leslie Davis, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Chris LaCour commended the teachers on their accomplishments.
8. Ms. Demetria Alexander, Supervisor of Federal Programs, recognized the 2016-2017 Student of the Year winners, as follows:
Elementary School Level - Grade 5
Said Frias, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Kaelyn Deshautelle, Cottonport Elementary School; Avery Soileau, Lafargue Elementary School; Ethan Pitre, Marksville Elementary School; Jake Gauthier, Plaucheville Elementary School; and Kailee Litzey, Riverside Elementary School.
Middle School Level - Grade 8
Austin Boudreaux, Avoyelles High School; Jordan Lewis, Bunkie Magnet High School; Camille Humble, LaSAS: and Luay Sarama, Marksville High School.
High School Level - Grade 12
Taylor Myers, Avoyelles High School, Bailey Richard, Bunkie Magnet High School; Roark Gaspard, LaSAS; and Cole Milligan, Marksville High School.
District Level Winners:
Ethan Pitre, Grade 5, Marksville Elementary School; Camille Humble, Grade 8, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Roark Gaspard, Grade 12, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences.
On behalf of the Board, President Chris LaCour congratulated the 2016-2017 Student of the Year winners.
9. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, for achieving the Certified Administrator of School Finance and Operations Certification by the Association for School Business Officials International.
10. On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board granted permission to advertise for bids for milk and milk products, bread and bakery products, food service supplies and equipment, non-hazardous waste disposal, grease trap maintenance, staple foods, and produce for the 2017-2018 school year. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board granted permission to advertise for bids for janitorial supplies, paint, light bulbs, and air conditioner filters for the 2017-2018 school year. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. President Chris LaCour recognized Mr. Allen Holmes, who expressed his concern about possible extension of the look-back period in regards to the Avoyelles Parish School Board’s unitary status.
13. Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
January 17, 2017
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 17, 2017, at 4:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Van Kojis, Chairman; Freeman Ford, James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, Chris LaCour, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were Darrell Wiley, Lizzie Ned, and John Gagnard, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education; Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education; Luke Welch, SIS Coordinator; 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 $589,447.82. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $336,827.38, the 0.25% sales tax generated $84,206.75, and the building maintenance fund generated $168,413.69.
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by James Gauthier, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the sales tax report for the month of December, 2016, as presented by Mrs. Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Finance Committee recommended to approve requests for overnight travel as presented by Superintendent Dauzat. 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 Michael Lacombe, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairman Kojis. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
14. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
January 17, 2017
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 17, 2017, at approximately 4:05 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
James Gauthier, Chairman; Darrell Wiley, Lizzie Ned, John Gagnard, Chris LaCour, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were Freeman Ford, Michael Lacombe, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education; Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education; Karen Williams, Special Services Supervisor; Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor; Luke Welch, SIS Coordinator; and Anthony Salario, Assistant District Attorney.
1. Mrs. Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education, presented an update report on SECO (Students Exploring Career Opportunities).
2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Education Committee regarding the upcoming School Redesign Summit. Mr. Dauzat stated that the summit is designed to introduce participants to organizations that will provide services to struggling schools to assist in improving their school performance scores during the 2018-2019 school year.
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.
15. Mr. Michael Lacombe, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
January 17, 2017
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 17, 2017, at approximately 4:25 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Michael Lacombe, Chairman; John Gagnard, Van Kojis, Chris LaCour, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas was absent. Also present were Freeman Ford, Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, and Lizzie Ned, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Irma Andress, Director of Federal Programs; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; Celeste Voinche, Jenny Welch, Karen Williams, and Jaimie Lacombe, Supervisors.
1. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented an update report on the Bunkie Magnet High School auditorium, bleachers, and track.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the State of Louisiana for the Grassy Lake Section.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by John Gagnard, the Building and Lands Committee recommended that the Board attorney rewrite the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement to grant access of the south side of Bayou Natchitoches to the Wildlife and Fisheries and to allow the hunting club with a lease to place a gate on the north side. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, discussed quotes for the Bunkie Magnet High School Gymnasium bleacher replacement.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by John Gagnard, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to accept the low price quote from Hahn Enterprises in the amount of $43,094.00 to replace the bleachers at the Bunkie Magnet High School Gymnasium, funded by reserve funds. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Building and Lands Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Michael Lacombe, Chairman
Building and Lands Committee
A motion was made by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Van Kojis, that the Board adopt the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Lacombe.
Mr. Tony Vidrine, representing the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, went on record to oppose having gates erected at the north and south boundary lines of this particular Section 16 property. Discussion ensued.
Board Member Michael Lacombe withdrew his motion.
On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board adopted Item Number 1 and Item Number 3 of the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Lacombe and the Board tabled Item Number 2 and sent it back to the Building and Lands Committee. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
16. Mr. John Gagnard, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
Bus Committee Report
January 31, 2017
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, January 31, 2017, at 4:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
John Gagnard, Chairman; Freeman Ford, Michael Lacombe, Chris LaCour, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas was absent. Also present were Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, Lizzie Ned, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Brent Whiddon, Supervisor of Transportation; Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education; and Luke Welch, SIS Coordinator.
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.
John Gagnard, Chairman
Bus Committee
On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gagnard. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
17. Mr. Darrell Wiley, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
January 31, 2017
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, January 31, 2017, at 4:10 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Darrell Wiley, Chairman; Lizzie Ned, James Gauthier, Van Kojis, Chris LaCour, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were Freeman Ford, Michael Lacombe, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Debbie Bain, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance; Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education; and Luke Welch, SIS Coordinator.
1. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Executive Committee regarding a 30-minute stipulation for committee meetings.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by James Gauthier, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the 30-minute stipulation to committee meetings, other than the first one of a meeting day. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Mrs. Debbie Bain, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, presented recommended changes to the proposed 2017-2018 Student Handbook, as follows:
- To be eligible for participation in graduation ceremonies, a student must have taken the ACT and Workkeys assessment.
- Page 32 remove paragraph C except
Summer school graduates shall not be considered for honors and shall not be ranked in that year’s graduating class.
LSUA courses:
If a student withdraws from more than one post-secondary course for a term, then the student will be ineligible to participate in post-secondary courses in the following term.
The present Avoyelles Parish school calendar consists of 172 school days. In order to comply with the provisions of paragraph 1 above, a high school student on a seven-period schedule missing 14 days of school in any course in which he/she is enrolled shall not receive credit for that course. High school students on a block schedule missing 7 days of school in any course in which he/she is enrolled shall not receive credit for that course.
Upon motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Van Kojis, the Executive Committee recommended to accept all changes to the 2017-2018 Student Handbook as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Mr. Luke Welch, SIS Coordinator, presented a proposed 2017-2018 School Calendar, for the committee’s consideration.
Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Van Kojis, the Executive Committee recommended approval of the 2017-2018 School Calendar as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Executive Committee recommended approval of policies submitted by Mr. James Prescott, Jr. of Forethought Consulting, Incorporated, as follows:
(a) File: DJAA Authorized Signatures
(b) File: JBC School Admission
(c) File: JBCC Student Assignment
(d) File: JCDAC Dangerous Weapons
(e) File: JGCD Administration of Medication
(f) File: JQE Expectant and Parenting Students
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Darrell Wiley, Chairman
Executive Committee
On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Wiley. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
18. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Resignation of Desaree Schexnyder, teacher, effective at the end of the day February 3, 2017; and Transfer/appointment of Lisa Gauthier, bus driver, from Cottonport Elementary School, effective January 17, 2017, replacing Joshua Brouillette.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Bernadette M. Rivas, paraprofessional, effective at the end of the day December 21, 2016.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Dana Brouillette, bus driver, from Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy, effective January 17, 2017, replacing Jamie Barbry; and Transfer/appointment of Jamie Barbry, bus driver, effective January 17, 2017, replacing Jared Bordelon.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Joshua Brouillette, bus driver, from Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy, effective January 17, 2017, replacing Donna Barr; Transfer/appointment of Frederick Harrell, bus driver, effective January 17, 2017, replacing Ted Turner; and Transfer/appointment of Donna Barr, bus driver, effective January 17, 2017, replacing Frederick Harrell.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Jaime E. Cisneros, teacher, effective January 30, 2017 through May 25, 2017, replacing Minnie Lafargue who retired; and Resignation of Shantella L. Barton, teacher, effective at the end of the day January 25, 2017, for the purpose of retirement.
AVOYELLLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE: Renewal of administrative contract for Jennifer Welch, Food Service Supervisor, effective March 24, 2017 through March 23, 2019; Renewal of administrative contract for Brent W. Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor, effective March 23, 2017 through March 22, 2019; and Resignation of Irma Andress, Director of Federal Programs, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2017, for the purpose of retirement.
ADDENDUMS
2/7/2017
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Change of work assignment for Kenneth Ford, from physical education teacher to regular classroom teacher, effective February 6, 2017, replacing Vetria Veal; and Transfer/appointment of Vetria Veal, teacher, effective February 6, 2017, replacing Desaree Schexnyder who resigned.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Caitlin G. St.Romain, teacher, effective February 1, 2017 through May 25, 2017, replacing Brittany Beaubouef while on leave.
19. On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board granted permission to allow Sabine Parish School Board to piggyback on the milk product bid. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
20. On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board agreed to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing litigation (workers’ compensation claim). MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board reconvened in open public session at approximately 6:40 p.m.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board agreed to settle the workers’ compensation claim for an amount not to exceed the amount discussed in Executive Session. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
There being no further business, on motion by Van Kojis, seconded by John Gagnard, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Chris LaCour, President
Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer