SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, September 5, 2017, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Chris LaCour, President; Lizzie Ned, Vice-President; Freeman Ford, Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Absent: Shelia Blackman-Dupas.
An Invocation was offered by Mr. Dexter Compton, Secondary Supervisor of Instruction.
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 Darrell Wiley, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, August 1, 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 James Gauthier read a resolution of respect to the late Cecilia Laborde, former paraprofessional.
On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Cecilia Laborde. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Board Member Darrell Wiley read a resolution of respect to the late Effie Desselle, former food service technician.
On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Effie Desselle. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Board Member James Gauthier read a resolution of respect to the late Nathan Guillory, former bus driver.
On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Nathan Guillory. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Board Member Van Kojis read a resolution of respect to the late Amy Adams, teacher.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Amy Adams. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Students of the Month for September. 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: Delvon Johnson, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Kalis Cobb, Cottonport Elementary School; Avery Ann Soileau, Lafargue Elementary School; Kamarion Smith, Marksville Elementary School; Bailee Batiste, Plaucheville Elementary School; Christopher Barnes, Riverside Elementary School; Bethany Bordelon, Avoyelles High School; William Scharpon, Bunkie Magnet High School; Tyler Short, LaSAS; and Deshaun Greenhouse, 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 September. Ms. Prater presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:
Patricia Riche, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Amy Adams, Cottonport Elementary School; Karen Laborde, Lafargue Elementary School; Stacy Bordelon, Marksville Elementary School; Sara Wallace, Plaucheville Elementary School; Carrie Kimble, Riverside Elementary School; Alisha Williams, Avoyelles High School; Perla Pagan, Bunkie Magnet High School; Bonnie LeDuc, LaSAS; and Trent Young, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Chris LaCour commended the teachers on their accomplishments.
8. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat announced that enrollment figures are down at this time. Mr. Dauzat stated that several budget cuts had to be made totaling $3.5 million in the past four months. As a result, classes are now larger, and there will be less travel approvals, etc. In another matter, Hurricane Harvey had minimal effects parish-wide, but many here have stepped up with relief efforts. Mr. Dauzat stated that some of our schools have “adopted” Texas schools, some have collected supplies to send to needed areas, and he praised Bunkie Magnet’s Beta Club and softball team who served meals to evacuees at the Mega Shelter in Alexandria. Mr. Dauzat announced that the Avoyelles Parish School Board now has a Facebook page, and 9 out of the 10 schools in the parish have their own Facebook pages as well. Mr. Dauzat stated this is an excellent way to reach more people with news and happenings regarding the school system. He also noted that all three high schools have local radio shows that air on specified days. Finally, Superintendent Dauzat provided Board members with a chart outlining the amount spent per student per parish throughout the state. He noted that Avoyelles Parish receives the second-to-least amount of funding per student in the state (68th out of 69 school districts). However, when school performance scores are divided by total dollars received per student, the Avoyelles Parish district actually ranks 43rd in the state.
9. Upon motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Board granted approval of the 2017-2018 Effective Schools Grant in the amount of $125,000 over 12 months beginning July 1, 2017. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Upon motion by John Gagnard, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board granted permission for the Superintendent to sign the Healthy Behaviors grant agreement (through the Rapides Foundation) and any other documents pertaining to the grant for the 2017-2018 school year. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a bid-opening committee report on the leasing of Pomme DeTerre Section.
Report of the Bid-Opening
Leasing of Pomme DeTerre Section
A bid-opening committee met on Tuesday, August 22, 2017, at 1:30 p.m. for the purpose of receiving bids for the leasing of the Pomme DeTerre Section.
Members serving on the committee were Chris LaCour, Board President; Darrell Wiley, John Gagnard and Michael Lacombe, Board Members; Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Collector; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
The committee acknowledged receipt of the following bid: Faucheux Law Firm, $20 per acre.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Board declined the bid due to it being less than the minimum bid required. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Right-of-ways on all Section 16 properties and the possibility of rebidding the Pomme DeTerre lease will be discussed at the next Building and Lands Committee Meeting.
12. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a bid-opening committee report on the leasing of Effie-Vick farmland.
Report of the Bid-Opening
Leasing of Effie-Vick farmland
A bid-opening committee met on Tuesday, August 22, 2017, at 1:30 p.m. for the purpose of receiving bids for the leasing of the Effie-Vick farmland.
Members serving on the committee were Chris LaCour, Board President; Darrell Wiley, John Gagnard and Michael Lacombe, Board Members; Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Collector; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
The committee acknowledged receipt of the following bid: Tarver Land Development, $35 per acre. Total amount received: $22,715.00.
On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board accepted the bid by Tarver Land Development in the amount of $35 per acre. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. Mr. Michael Lacombe, Chairman of the Ad Hoc Committee, presented the following report:
Ad Hoc Committee Report
August 29, 2017
The Ad Hoc Committee met on Tuesday, August 29, 2017, at 3:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Michael Lacombe, Board Member; John Gagnard, Board Member; Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent of Schools; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; and Kirby Roy, Athletic Coordinator.
The Ad Hoc Committee met for the purpose of discussing the cost to repair and/or fix the tracks at the three (3) parish high schools.
Cost figures are as follows:
∙ Marksville High School - cost of $120,000 for repairs
∙ Avoyelles High School - cost of $315,000 to fix
∙ Bunkie Magnet High School - cost of $289,500 for repairs
Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by John Gagnard, the Ad Hoc Committee recommended to use up to $125,000 of Needs Assessment funds ($276,000), leaving a balance of $151,000 for schools to spend during the Fall semester. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
There being no further business, on motion by Superintendent Blaine Dauzat, the meeting was adjourned.
Michael Lacombe, Chairman
A motion was offered by Michael Lacombe, seconded by John Gagnard, that the Board place the aforementioned track repairs on the Needs Assessment list.
Discussion ensued regarding identifying outside funding sources that could be utilized instead of the Needs Assessment Funds.
The motion failed by the following vote:
Ayes: Michael Lacombe, John Gagnard, and Freeman Ford.
Nays: Darrell Wiley, Chris LaCour, Lizzie Ned, and Van Kojis.
Abstained: James Gauthier.
On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board agreed to give the information on funding from outside sources to be used for three (3) new tracks to Athletic Director Kirby Roy for review and pursuit. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
14. Mr. Michael Lacombe, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
August 15, 2017
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, August 15, 2017, at 4:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Michael Lacombe, Chairman; Shelia Blackman-Dupas,Van Kojis, John Gagnard, and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. President Chris LaCour was absent. Also present were Freeman Ford, Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, and Lizzie Ned, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
1. The Building and Lands Committee discussed a request from Mayor Leslie Draper III to enter into an intergovernmental agreement for the lease-purchase of the Old Simmesport Elementary School (located on the corner of South Martin Luther King Drive and College Drive in Simmesport).
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by John Gagnard, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to authorize Maintenance Supervisor Steve Marcotte to enter into negotiations with Rev. Leslie Draper and the Town of Simmesport. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Sheriff Doug Anderson presented an update report regarding the former Career Development Center building in Cottonport.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
3. Mrs. Lizzie Ned, Board Member, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding an update on the Bunkie Magnet High School Auditorium Project.
Architect Jim Guillory presented an update report. The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
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.
15. Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
August 15, 2017
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, August 15, 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, and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. Chris LaCour, President, was absent. Also present were Darrell Wiley, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Lizzie Ned, and John Gagnard, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; and other supervisors and administrators.
1. Mrs. Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Collector, presented the sales tax report for the month of July, 2017. Mrs. Lacombe stated that sales tax revenues for the month of July totaled $697,902.12. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $398,801.21, the 0.25% sales tax generated $99,700.31, and the building maintenance fund generated $199,400.60.
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by James Gauthier, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the sales tax report for the month of July, 2017, as presented by Mrs. Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented requests for overnight travel.
Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the requests for overnight travel, as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a monthly maintenance spending report, as follows:
All Seasons Pressure Washing, $5950, to clean exterior buildings at Cottonport Elementary School;
Coburn’s Supply, $5029, rooftop air conditioner units at Plaucheville Elementary School
Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, then presented a Needs Assessment Report for the committee’s review.
4. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, reviewed an umbrella policy proposal for the committee’s consideration.
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Finance Committee recommended to accept the proposal from First Insurance for umbrella/excess liability coverage in the amount of $26,313. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. The Finance Committee discussed granting permission to purchase an additional special education bus using 2016 FEMA flood reimbursement money.
On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Finance Committee recommended to purchase an additional special education bus using 2016 FEMA flood reimbursement money. 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 Freeman Ford, the Board adopted the Finance Committee report as presented by Chairman Kojis. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
16. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
August 15, 2017
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, August 15, 2017, at 5:00 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 Michael Lacombe and Van Kojis, Board Members; Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education; and Dexter Compton, Secondary Supervisor of Education.
1. Chairman James Gauthier addressed the Education Committee regarding the criteria for referrals and suspension.
2. Mrs. Wendy Marchand, Testing Coordinator, addressed the Education Committee regarding LEAP 360.
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. Darrell Wiley, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
August 22, 2017
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, August 22, 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 of Schools. Also present were Michael Lacombe, John Gagnard, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Dr. Karen Williams, Brent Whiddon, and Jennifer Dismer, Supervisors.
1. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat requested approval of a contract for professional services by and between Ellen Brocato, ABA School Consultants, and the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the contract for professional services by and between Ellen Brocato, ABA School Consultants, and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. The Executive Committee reviewed new job descriptions for Adult Education, namely, Adult Education Instructor, Adult Education Admissions and Student Success Assistant, and Adult Education Custodian.
Upon motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Van Kojis, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the three (3) new job descriptions for the Adult Education Program. The motion was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Darrell Wiley, Lizzie Ned, Van Kojis, and Chris LaCour. Nays: James Gauthier.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Darrell Wiley, Chairman
Executive Committee
Board Member James Gauthier requested that the Board vote on the Executive Committee Report items separately.
On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board adopted Item Number 1 of the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Wiley. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board adopted Item Number 2 of the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Wiley by the following vote:
Ayes: Darrell Wiley, Lizzie Ned, Freeman Ford, Chris LaCour, Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Nays: James Gauthier.
18. Mr. John Gagnard, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
Bus Committee Report
August 22, 2017
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, August 22, 2017, at 4:15 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
John Gagnard, Chairman; Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Michael Lacombe, Chris LaCour, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent of Schools. Mr. Freeman Ford was absent. Also present were Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, Lizzie Ned, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; 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 Lizzie Ned, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gagnard. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
19. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Revision of date of appointment due to displacement of Diana Sheppard, (retired) teacher, effective August 7, 2017 through August 25, 2017.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Renewal of an administrative contract for Wendy Adams, Principal, effective September 7, 2017 through September 6, 2019; Revision of date of appointment due to displacement of Ruby Hawkins, (retired) special education teacher, effective August 7, 2017 through August 25, 2017; Resignation of Andrea G. Lemoine, teacher, effective August 2, 2017; Change funding source for Adrienne Smith teacher, from CSR Title I to school based budget, effective August 7, 2017 through May 24, 2018; Change funding source for Kelly S. Steel, teacher, from school based budget to CSR Title I, effective August 7, 2017 through May 24, 2018; Change funding source for Charlotte Kyle, paraprofessional, from Title I to school based budget, effective August 7, 2017; and Change funding source for Sarah Ducote, paraprofessional, from school based budget to Title I, effective August 7, 2017.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Revision of date of appointment due to displacement of Brooke Carter, (TAT) teacher, effective August 7, 2017 through August 25, 2017; Revision of date of appointment due to displacement of Gertrude Milligan, (retired) Kindergarten teacher, effective August 7, 2017 through August 25, 2017; Change funding source for Lori Boudreaux, teacher, from Pre-K 8(g) to school based budget, effective August 7, 2017 through May 24, 2018;Change funding source for Simone Voinche, teacher, from Pre-K Title I to Pre-K 8 (g), effective August 7, 2017 through May 24, 2018; and Resignation of Gertrude Milligan, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day August 25, 2017.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Revision of date of appointment due to displacement of Shelia Waddy, (retired) teacher, effective August 7, 2017 through August 25, 2017; Transfer/appointment of Kallie Riche, teacher, from regular education to special education inclusion, effective August 28, 2017 through May 24, 2018; Transfer/appointment of Sara Wallace, teacher, from Kindergarten to regular education, effective August 28, 2017 through May 24, 2018; Appointment of Valerie Chesne, teacher, effective September 8, 2017 through October 6, 2017; Resignation of Tara E. Gauthier, teacher, effective August 2, 2017; and Resignation of Porsha Bradley, teacher, effective August 22, 2017.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Joel Tassin, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day August 15, 2017; and Resignation of Jake Howard, agriculture teacher, effective at the end of the day August 25, 2017.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Dylan West, (TAT) teacher, effective August 7, 2017 through December 20, 2017; Appointment of Raylain Laurent, special education paraprofessional, effective August 7, 2017; and Appointment of Kerri C. Parrish, special education paraprofessional, effective August 7, 2017.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Appointment of Brandi J. Hanson, teacher, effective August 7, 2017 through May 24, 2018; Appointment of Bryan Jones, (TAT) teacher, effective August 7, 2017 through December 20, 2017; Appointment of Colton A. Brister, (TAT) teacher, effective August 7, 2017 through December 20, 2017; Appointment of Angela M. Deville, (retired) mild/moderate teacher, effective August 21, 2017 through December 20, 2017; Change in appointment date for Ward Bordelon, agriculture teacher, effective August 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018; Change in teaching assignment of Cheyenne Guillory, from mild/moderate to regular education teacher, effective August 7, 2017 through May 24, 2018; Transfer/appointment of Kerri Desselle, from school based budget to Title I paraprofessional, effective August 7, 2017; Resignation of Felicia Armand, teacher, effective at the end of the day August 7, 2017; and Resignation of Michelle Aymond, teacher, effective August 4, 2017.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Alana M. Pate, (TAT) teacher, effective August 16, 2017 through December 20, 2017; Appointment of Darryl Honor, Jr., CTTIE I teacher, effective August 7, 2017 through May 24, 2018; Appointment of Melvin Young, teacher, effective August 7, 2017 through May 24, 2018; Appointment of Brandon Horne, (TAT) First Responder teacher, effective August 7, 2017 through December 20, 2017; Appointment of Toni Barbin, school secretary, effective July 24, 2017, Pattrecia Darbonne; Resignation of Thomas Roy, (retired) teacher, effective May 25, 2017; and Resignation of Kristen Tamburo, teacher, effective at the end of the day August 25, 2017.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE STAFF: Renewal of an administrative contract for Dr. Karen Williams, Supervisor of Special Services, effective October 16, 2017 through October 15, 2019.
ADDENDUM(S)
9/5/2017
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Change in funding source for Caitlin St.Romain, teacher, from CSR Title 1 to school based budget, effective August 7, 2017 through May 24, 2018; and Change in funding source for Noel Rambo, teacher, from school based budget to CSR Title I, effective August 7, 2017 through May 24, 2018.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Correction in school assignment for Pat Joffrion, to part-time instructional coach at Avoyelles High School and Marksville High School, effective August 7, 2017 through May 24, 2018.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Isaac Adams, teacher, effective at the end of the day August 30, 2017.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Miranda Guillory, teacher, effective August 7, 2017 through May 24, 2018.
20. On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board agreed to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending litigation. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board reconvened in regular session at approximately 6:36 p.m.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board authorized Superintendent Blaine Dauzat and Director of Finance Mary Bonnette to enter into negotiations to settle the litigation matter discussed in Executive Session for an amount not to exceed the amount discussed in Executive Session. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
There being no further business, on motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Chris LaCour, President
Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer