SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Chris LaCour, President; Freeman Ford, Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Absent: Vice-President Lizzie Ned and 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 John Gagnard.
1. On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, February 7, 2017, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Board Member Darrell Wiley read a resolution of respect to the late John Rolan Bordelon.
On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late John Rolan Bordelon. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Board Member John Gagnard read a resolution of respect to the late Eugene Dauzat, former school bus driver.
On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Eugene Dauzat. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. President Chris LaCour read a resolution of respect to the late Linda Ducote, food service technician.
On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Linda Ducote. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat announced that state testing will be coordinated over a five-week period. On March 21, the ACT will be offered to eleventh and twelfth grade students. During the first week of April through the first week of May, the LEAP test will be given to fifth through eighth grade students. On May 1-5, the third and fourth graders will take the standard paper tests. Beginning the last week of April through the end of school, high school end-of-course testing will be completed. Also, Superintendent Dauzat recognized Mrs. Susan Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education, who is retiring after 36 years of service to the Avoyelles Parish School System. Superintendent Dauzat also announced that Red River Charter Academy has submitted a charter application, and he will be forwarding the application to a third-party evaluator for their recommendation, as required by law. Board Member Van Kojis commented that whenever a charter school applies, it costs the Board thousands of dollars for a third-party evaluation, and this money could be better used, i.e. to pay a teacher’s salary. He stated the evaluation should be paid by the charter school applying and not the Board.
6. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Students of the Month for March. 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: Jamerian Robinson, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Phynex Juneau, Cottonport Elementary School; Rae’la Carter, Lafargue Elementary School; Seth Couvillion, Marksville Elementary School; Cheyenne Lemoine, Plaucheville Elementary School; A’nyah Wallace, Riverside Elementary School; Terry Byrd, Avoyelles High School; Madison Rogers, Bunkie Magnet High School; Ethan Kimball, LaSAS; and Courtney Gagnard, 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:
Vetrica Veal, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Sheila Goudeau, Cottonport Elementary School; Nina Williams, Lafargue Elementary School; Rachel Miles, Marksville Elementary School; Lisa Deshautelle, Plaucheville Elementary School; William Beebe, Riverside Elementary School; Ann Lemoine, Avoyelles High School; Paul Newton, Bunkie Magnet High School; Julie Humble, LaSAS; and Barry Vidrine, 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 2016-17 Teacher of the Year winners, as follows:
Elementary Level:
Vanessa Batiste, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Sheila Saucier, Cottonport Elementary School; Jessica Juneau, Lafargue Elementary School; Judy Matthews, Marksville Elementary School; Guy Lemoine, Plaucheville Elementary School; and Yvonne Saucier, Riverside Elementary School.
Middle School Level:
Meagan Best, Avoyelles High School; Daniel Greenhouse, Bunkie Magnet High School; Angie Pastor, LaSAS; and Melvin Trent Young, Marksville High School.
High School Level:
Abigail Schnibbe, Avoyelles High School; Lisa Borrell, Bunkie Magnet High School; Kristie Parker, LaSAS; and Corey Bannister, Marksville High School.
District Winners:
Vanessa Batiste, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Angela Pastor, LaSAS; and Corey Bannister, Marksville High School.
9. President Chris LaCour recognized Board Member John Gagnard for being elected District IV Board of Director for the Louisiana School Boards Association.
10. Mrs. Irma Andress, Director of Federal Programs, recognized Mr. Darryl Deshotel of DETEL for sponsoring eleven (11) Teacher Technology grants and a one-time senior scholarship.
11. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a report of the bid-opening committee on the sale of buses.
Report of the Bid-Opening Committee
Sale of Buses
A bid-opening committee met Tuesday, February 14, 2017, at 1:30 p.m. at the School Board Office for the purpose of receiving bids to sell two (2) used buses.
Members of the committee were: John Gagnard, Board Member; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jaimie Lacombe, Supervisor; and Steve Marcotte, Supervisor.
The committee acknowledged receipt of the following bids:
Bidder Bus Number 137 Bus Number 136
St. Joseph School $755.00 No Bid
Moncla Auto Sales, LLC $750.00 **** $357.47
**** Wrecked on front and parts missing
On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board accepted the highest bids as presented by Mr. Marcotte. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Mr. Michael Lacombe, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
February 14, 2017
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, February 14, 2017, at 4:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Michael Lacombe, Chairman; Van Kojis, Chris LaCour, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas and Mr. John Gagnard were absent. Also present were Freeman Ford, Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, and Lizzie Ned, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education; and Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor.
1. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding the Moncla Community Center lease.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to continue the lease to the Moncla Community Center granted that they pay the rent due to bring it current and provide proof of insurance. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, discussed re-advertising for bids for use of the Bunkie Gymnasium (former Bunkie Middle School).
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to re-advertise for bids for use of the Bunkie Gymnasium (former Bunkie Middle School). MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding bidding of the Bayou Jeansonne section.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to advertise for bids on the Bayou Jeansonne section with a $20 per acre minimum and stipulate that the Board can withdraw due to a land swap or a right-of-way for five (5) years. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. The Building and Lands Committee discussed a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the State of Louisiana for the Grassy Lake Section.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to accept the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries’ recommendation and have attorneys draw up the new agreement. 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 Van Kojis, 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
February 14, 2017
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, February 14, 2017, at 4:30 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 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; 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 January, 2017. Mrs. Lacombe stated that sales tax revenues for the month of January totaled $760,005.61. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $434,329.73, the 0.25% sales tax generated $108,511.01, and the building maintenance fund generated $217,164.87.
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the sales tax report for the month of January, 2017, as presented by Mrs. Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by James Gauthier, 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, addressed the Finance Committee regarding a report on revised grant budgets for 2016-2017. Mrs. Bonnette presented the amount of the total expenditures for Title I, Title II, Carl Perkins, and IDEA B, as follows:
Title I $2,735,260.00
Title II $ 721,796.00
Carl Perkins $ 81,433.00
IDEA B $1,634,923.00
On motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Finance Committee recommended approval of the revisions for the Title I, Title II, Carl Perkins, and IDEA B grant budgets for 2016-2017. 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.
14. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
February 14, 2017
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, February 14, 2017, at approximately 4:35 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
James Gauthier, Chairman; Darrell Wiley, Lizzie Ned, Chris LaCour, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. John Gagnard was absent. 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; Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; Luke Welch, SIS Coordinator; and Anthony Salario, Assistant District Attorney.
1. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Education Committee regarding Summer School, 2017.
Upon motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Education Committee recommended to continue summer school. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Chairman James Gauthier recognized the elementary academic coaches for the purpose of updating the Education Committee on “Every Student Succeeds When Every Student Reads”.
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 Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gauthier. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. Mr. Darrell Wiley, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
February 21, 2017
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at 4:00 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; and Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor.
1. Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Executive Committee granted permission for the St. James 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 CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Darrell Wiley, Chairman
Executive Committee
On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Wiley. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
16. Mr. John Gagnard, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
BUS COMMITTEE REPORT
February 21, 2017
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at approximately 4:08 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; and Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor.
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 Freeman Ford, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gagnard. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
17. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Change in Funding Source on Lena Moore, paraprofessional, from school-based budget to Title I, effective August 8, 2016.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Brandon J. Schroeder, (TAT) teacher, effective February 6, 2017 through March 6, 2017.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Gay Nell Bryant, food service manager, effective March 18, 2017, for the purpose of retirement.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Lolita Bordelon, food service technician, effective at the end of the day May 24, 2017, for the purpose of retirement.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Richard Bottini, teacher, effective February 15, 2017; and Resignation of Bryan Scott, teacher, effective February 20, 2017.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Appointment of Tonya M. Comeaux, teacher, effective March 1, 2017 through May 25, 2017.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Mallory A. Ogea, (TAT) special education teacher, effective March 1, 2017 through May 25, 2017.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE: Resignation of Susan D. Welch, Supervisor of Secondary Education, effective June 30, 2017, for the purpose of retirement.
ADDENDUM(S)
3/7/2017
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Mary Ribera, paraprofessional, effective May 24, 2017, for the purpose of retirement.
18. On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Board agreed to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the renewal of the Superintendent’s contract and also for the purpose of discussing pending tax litigation (Avoyelles Parish School Board versus Hampton Inn). MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board reconvened in open public session at approximately 6:09 p.m.
On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board agreed to extend the Superintendent’s contract to December 31, 2020, at the current rate of pay. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
No action was taken regarding the pending tax litigation (Avoyelles Parish School Board versus Hampton Inn) as discussed in Executive Session.
19. In miscellaneous business, Ms. Connie Gagnard expressed concern that an older bus was used for the State Beta Convention in Lafayette recently and had broken down, requiring another bus to be sent as a replacement. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat stated that, per policy, only the newest buses are to be utilized for out-of-parish events, and he reassured her that all principals will be instructed to follow this policy moving forward.
There being no further business, on motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Van Kojis, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Chris LaCour, President
Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer