SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Lizzie Ned, Vice-President; Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Absent: Chris LaCour, President; and Freeman Ford.
An Invocation was offered by 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 James Gauthier.
1. On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, April 4, 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 Michael Lacombe read a resolution of respect to the late James Burton Saucier, former teacher and coach.
On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late James Burton Saucier. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Board Member John Gagnard read a resolution of respect to the late Louise Pierre, former teacher.
On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Louise Pierre. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Vice-President Lizzie Ned read a resolution of respect to the late Althea Dupar, former teacher, assistant principal, and principal.
On motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Althea Dupar. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat stated that President Chris LaCour apologized for being absent at this meeting tonight due to a family emergency. Mr. Dauzat announced that testing has been ongoing in all schools since March and has been going well. He applauded the staff members who helped out with problems during the recent storms. Mr. Dauzat introduced Mr. Dexter Compton as the new Instructional Supervisor beginning in June. This week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and Mr. Dauzat commended all teachers for their hard work and dedication, and he expressed his hope that everyone show their respect, admiration and appreciation for all teachers this week.
6. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Students of the Month for May. 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: Joseph Green, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Tyler Couvillion, Cottonport Elementary School; Caleb Hubbard, Lafargue Elementary School; Zachary Moras, Marksville Elementary School; Tristan Jones, Plaucheville Elementary School; A’Donya Williams, Riverside Elementary School; Ashlyn Tabor, Avoyelles High School; Maddison Kidder, Bunkie Magnet High School; Garrett Gauthier, LaSAS; and Matthew Gillam, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, Vice-President Lizzie Ned commended the students on their accomplishments.
At this point in time, at approximately 5:25 p.m., Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas entered the meeting.
7. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater recognized the Teachers of the Month for May. Ms. Prater presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:
Kayla Neal, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Katelyn Snyder, Cottonport Elementary School; Stephanie Bordelon, Lafargue Elementary School; Tammy Tassin, Marksville Elementary School; Samantha Mire, Plaucheville Elementary School; Maxine Mury, Riverside Elementary School; Marcy Center, Avoyelles High School; Mary Marcotte, Bunkie Magnet High School; Virginia Laborde, LaSAS; and Roslyn Jones, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, Vice-President Lizzie Ned commended the teachers on their accomplishments.
8. Ms. Esther Boe of the Cooperative Extension Service recognized 4-H students from several parish schools. Each student highlighted projects completed throughout this past year, and they spoke of their accomplishments through 4-H and how they helped their communities.
9. Mrs. Irma Andress, Director of Federal Programs, presented a bid-opening committee report on the VoIP telephone system in the public school district. Mrs. Andress announced that no bids meeting the specifications were submitted. Since the filing deadline is May 11, there is no time to re-advertise for bids. Therefore, she will meet with Detel to automatically renew the current contract.
10. On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board agreed to receive proposals for official journal of the Board for the period July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Vice-President Lizzie Ned recognized Ms. Gilda Compton of the Bunkie Community Committee regarding Dr. Isiah Warner. Ms. Compton announced several upcoming events honoring Dr. Warner, LSU Boyd Professor and a native of Bunkie.
12. Vice-President Lizzie Ned addressed the Board regarding the Bunkie Magnet High School Auditorium project. Recently, Ms. Ned encountered many questions from the community, and it is her opinion that the Board should put this project on hold until further studies can be done.
A motion was offered by Van Kojis to postpone the project until 2019 in order to have more time to study the issue and determine the amount of funds available.
Discussion ensued. Board Attorney Charles Riddle reminded the Board that Judge Drell already approved starting this project earlier if the funds are available, which they are. He questioned the reason for requesting a delay.
Mr. Kojis withdrew his motion. The Board took no further action on this matter.
13. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Board regarding the Red River Charter Academy application. Ms. Leigh Fryery of Red River Charter Academy announced that the third party evaluator, Ten Square, did recommend approval of the application.
A motion was offered by Van Kojis, seconded by Michael Lacombe, that the Board reject Red River Charter Academy’s application.
The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Nays: Shelia Blackman-Dupas and Lizzie Ned.
14. Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
April 11, 2017
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, April 11, 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 John Gagnard, Board Member; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; and Anthony Salario, Assistant District Attorney.
1. Mr. Tom Hudson and Ms. Carmel Breaux of Norris Insurance Consultants, Incorporated addressed the Finance Committee regarding 2017 Policy Renewals and Proposals, as follows:
Casualty:
Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Finance Committee recommended to renew PCAL’s package in 2016 with guaranteed rates for a three (3) year term (2016-2019); and to obtain quotes for an umbrella policy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Property:
Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Finance Committee recommended to renew the property policy for one (1) year at current rates. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Workers’ Compensation:
Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Finance Committee recommended to renew the workers’ compensation policy for one (1) year at a rate increase of up to 5%. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Student Accident:
Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Finance Committee recommended to renew the student accident insurance for one (1) year at a rate increase of 3%. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Mrs. Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented the sales tax report for the month of April, 2017. Mrs. Lacombe stated that sales tax revenues for the month of April totaled $573,434.14. She stated that, of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $327,680.65, the 0.25% sales tax generated $81,913.17, and the building maintenance fund generated $163,840.32.
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the sales tax report for the month of March, 2017, as presented by Mrs. Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. 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.
4. Mrs. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, presented a report of the bid-opening committee on milk, bread, food service supplies and equipment, non-hazardous waste, and grease trap maintenance.
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Finance Committee recommended to accept the bid-opening committee reports as presented by Supervisor Jenny Welch. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, CPA, Director of Finance, presented revisions to the LaSAS and Food Service Budgets for 2016-2017.
Mrs. Bonnette stated that the LaSAS Budget indicated estimated revenues in the amount of $2,764,227 and estimated expenditures totaled $2,609,705. Also, the total other uses of funds showed an estimated amount of $70,000. The ending fund balance reflected an estimated amount of $1,223,629.29.
Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the revisions to the LaSAS Budget for 2016-2017. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Also, Mrs. Bonnette stated that the Food Service Budget indicated estimated revenues in the amount of $3,594,244 and estimated expenditures totaled $3,844,474. Also, the total other sources of funds showed an estimated amount of $486,490 and an estimated net change in fund balance in the amount of $236,260. The ending fund balance reflected an estimated amount of $768,726.76.
Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the revisions to the Food Service Budget for 2016-2017. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Van Kojis, Chairman
Finance Committee
Board Member Michael Lacombe requested that the Board vote on Item Number 1 of the Finance Committee Report separately from the rest.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted Items 2-5 of the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairman Kojis. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A motion was made by Van Kojis, seconded by James Gauthier, that the Board adopt Item Number 1 of the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairman Kojis.
Discussion ensued. Mr. Kojis withdrew his motion. The Board unanimously voted to rescind the motion.
On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board agreed to table Item Number 1 of the Finance Committee Meeting until the next Finance Committee meeting in May. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
April 11, 2017
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
James Gauthier, Chairman; John Gagnard, Chris LaCour, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mrs. Lizzie Ned and Mr. Darrell Wiley were absent. Also present were Freeman Ford, Michael Lacombe, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education; and Becky Spencer, Coordinator.
1. Mrs. Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education, addressed the Education Committee regarding Summer School 2017 and the Summer Reading Camp.
The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Ms. Becky Spencer and Ms. Wendy Marchand, Coordinators, addressed the Education Committee regarding NEST (New Educator Support Team).
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.
16. Mr. Michael Lacombe, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
April 11, 2017
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, April 11, 2017, at 4:55 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Michael Lacombe, Chairman; Van Kojis, John Gagnard, Chris LaCour, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas was absent. Also present were Freeman Ford and James Gauthier, 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 Section 16 land located in the Vick area.
Upon motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to advertise this section for bids with a minimum of $35 per acre. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding the Plaucheville Elementary School Media Center data wiring funding.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by John Gagnard, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to use the surplus funds from the project to pay for the wiring. 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 offered by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Van Kojis, that the Board adopt the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Lacombe. The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, and John Gagnard.
Nays: Lizzie Ned.
Abstained: Shelia Blackman-Dupas.
17. Mr. Darrell Wiley, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
April 25, 2017
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, April 25, 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 Michael Lacombe and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Irma Andress, Director of Federal Programs; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; Becky Spencer, Coordinator; and Richard Robinson, Network Administrator.
1. Mrs. Becky Spencer, Tech Coordinator, presented an updated Internet Policy for the Executive Committee’s consideration.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by James Gauthier, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the updates of the Internet Policy as presented by Coordinator Spencer. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented an update on the TIF Grant.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Darrell Wiley, Chairman
Executive Committee
On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Wiley. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
18. Mr. Darrell Wiley, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
May 2, 2017
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, May 2, 2017, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Darrell Wiley, Chairman; Lizzie Ned, James Gauthier, Van Kojis, and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. President Chris LaCour was absent. Also present were Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard, Board Members.
1. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat advised the Executive Committee that there is one (1) Corinne Saucier Scholarship available for a student in the public schools who will be attending Northwestern State University. Mr. Dauzat advised the committee that he was in receipt of three applications, as follows:
Shelie Canoe, Avoyelles High School
Haley LaPrairie, Bunkie Magnet High School
Taylor Myers, Avoyelles High School
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Executive Committee recommended to award the Corinne Saucier Scholarship to Haley LaPrairie. 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 John Gagnard, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Wiley. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
19. Mr. John Gagnard, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
Bus Committee Report
April 25, 2017
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, at approximately 4:40 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
John Gagnard, Chairman; Michael Lacombe, Chris LaCour, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas and Mr. Freeman Ford were absent. Also present were Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, Lizzie Ned, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; 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 Van Kojis, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gagnard. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
20. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Resignation of Diana L. Sheppard, (retired) Dean of Students, effective at the end of the day May 25, 2017; Resignation of Peggy Joshua, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day May 25, 2017; and Resignation of Shelia Waddy, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day May 25, 2017.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Ruby Hawkins, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day May 25, 2017; and Resignation of Lauren Ducote, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day May 25, 2017.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Mary Littleton, food service manager, from Marksville High School, effective March 1, 2017.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Gertrude Milligan, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day May 25, 2017.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Lyman E. Hayes, special education teacher, effective at the end of the day May 25, 2017.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Josephine Stevenson, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day May 25, 2017.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Phyllis Morris, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day May 25, 2017; Resignation of Mary Marcotte, teacher, effective July 31, 2017, for the purpose of retirement; and Transfer/appointment of Jaleise Hegger, food service manager, from Cottonport Elementary School, effective March 1, 2017.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Resignation of Krysten H. Cannatella, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 25, 2017.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Leslie Davis, teacher, effective August 2, 2017.
Resignation of Sharon Hobbs, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 25, 2017; Transfer/appointment of Melissa Wiley, food service manager, from Bunkie Magnet High School, effective March 1, 2017.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE: Appointment of Dexter Compton, Instructional Supervisor, effective June 1, 2017, through May 31, 2019, replacing Mrs. Susan Welch who retired.
ADDENDUM(S)
05/02/2017
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ADADEMY: Transfer/appointment of Jennifer Sabree, teacher, from LaSAS, effective May 1, 2017 through May 25, 2017, replacing Shanna West who resigned.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Abigail K. Schnibbe, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 25, 2017.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Resignation of Rene C. Corley, teacher, effective September 9, 2017, for the purpose of retirement; and Resignation of Wanda Ducote, custodian, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2017, for the purpose of retirement.
21. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat stated that Ms. Betty Prier has requested permission to address the Board regarding a personnel matter.
A motion was offered by Michael Lacombe, seconded by John Gagnard, that this matter be brought to the next Executive Committee meeting.
Discussion ensued, and Mr. Lacombe rescinded his motion. The grant writer agreed to revise the job description of the position in the contract.
There being no further business, on motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Lizzie Ned, Vice-President
Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer