SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, October 3, 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, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Absent: None.
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 Lizzie Ned.
1. On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, September 5, 2017, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. President Chris LaCour read a resolution of respect to the late Daniel Maillet, former teacher and guidance counselor.
On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Daniel Maillet. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Students of the Month for October. 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: Trey Jeansonne, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Ross Gaspard, Cottonport Elementary School; Kyra Jones, Lafargue Elementary School; Aniya Simon, Marksville Elementary School; Gavin Wallace, Plaucheville Elementary School; Rilee Deshotel, Riverside Elementary School; Anna Gautreaux , Avoyelles High School; Baylee Lemoine, Bunkie Magnet High School; Tamara Wiley, LaSAS; and Morgan Lacour, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Chris LaCour commended the students on their accomplishments.
4. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater recognized the Teachers of the Month for October. Ms. Prater presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:
Michelle Spikes, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Charlotte Kyle, Cottonport Elementary School; Denny Spikes, Lafargue Elementary School; Leslie Carmouche, Marksville Elementary School; Jennifer Barbry, Plaucheville Elementary School; Erin Lacour, Riverside Elementary School; Nettie Jeansonne, Avoyelles High School; Bianca Harvey, Bunkie Magnet High School; Amy Pitre, LaSAS; and Sabrina Washington, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Chris LaCour commended the teachers on their accomplishments.
5. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized Mr. Shane Desselles, who is seeking to retrieve his personal belongings from leased School Board property. The Board recommended that Mr. Desselles contact the present lease owner to make arrangements to retrieve his belongings.
6. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat announced that the budget for the 2016-17 school year had a $1.5 million deficit. Cuts were made, which reduced the deficit to only $12,000. However, the deficit for the 2017-2018 school year is projected to return to $1.5 million. Mr. Dauzat also noted that enrollment is down in Pre-K and Kindergarten, but there has been an increased number of students enrolled in the high schools.
7. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
September 19, 2017
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, September 19, 2017, at 4:00 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; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education; Dexter Compton, Secondary Supervisor of Education; and Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance.
1. Chairman James Gauthier addressed the Education Committee regarding discipline data.
Ms. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, presented a report to the committee.
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.
8. Mr. Michael Lacombe, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
September 19, 2017
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, September 19, 2017, at 4:25 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 Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, and Lizzie Ned, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
1. Chairman Michael Lacombe addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding Section 16 right-of-ways.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. The Building and Lands Committee discussed advertising for bids on the Pomme de Terre Section.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by John Gagnard, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to re-bid the Pomme de Terre section with a minimum bid of $25 per acre. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. President Chris LaCour addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding a walking track at Avoyelles High School.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to enter into a cooperative endeavor agreement with the Town of Moreauville to allow them to lease the land to upgrade the walking track for a period of 99 years, on the condition that the land is to be used specifically for the walking track. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding permit holders with criminal backgrounds.
The Building and Lands Committee referred this matter to the Executive Committee.
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.
9. Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
September 19, 2017
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, September 19, 2017, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Van Kojis, Chairman; James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, Chris LaCour, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. Freeman Ford was absent. 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; and other supervisors and administrators.
1. Mrs. Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Collector, presented the sales tax report for the month of August, 2017. Mrs. Lacombe stated that sales tax revenues for the month of August totaled $607,522.73. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $347,219.86 , the 0.25% sales tax generated $6,692.94, and the building maintenance fund generated $173,609.93. .
Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by James Gauthier, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the sales tax report for the month of August, 2017, as presented by Mrs. Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented requests for overnight travel.
Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Michael Lacombe, 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:
∙ Cottonport Elementary School
Cleaning and repairs to air conditioner units
$6,005.00
∙ Marksville Elementary School
Cleaning and repairs to air conditioner units
$5,780.00
∙ Marksville Elementary School
Construction of catwalk to Pre-K Building
$7,840.00
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.
10. Mr. John Gagnard, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
Bus Committee Report
September 26, 2017
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, September 26, 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 of Schools. Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas was absent. Also present were Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, Lizzie Ned, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; Dr. Karen Williams, Supervisor of Special Services; Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education; Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance; and Dexter Compton, Supervisor of Secondary Education.
1. Mr. Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor, presented an update of bus incident reports.
The Bus Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Mr. Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor, addressed the Bus Committee regarding notification that the EPA Clean Diesel Grant was denied for the Avoyelles Parish public school district due to the population requirement not being met.
Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Bus Committee recommended to purchase 10 new buses as per general fund budget. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, discussed bus turn around agreements.
Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Bus Committee recommended to approve the formal document drawn up by the District Attorney concerning bus turn arounds. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
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.
11. Mr. Darrell Wiley, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
September 26, 2017
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, September 26, 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, 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, Celeste Voinche, Dexter Compton, and Jennifer Dismer, Supervisors.
1. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Executive Committee to discuss the possibility of entering into an agreement with Smiles To Go.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Executive Committee recommended to refer the Memorandum of Understanding with Smiles To Go to the Board’s local attorney and bring this matter to the full Board at their October meeting. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented policies from Mr. James Prescott, Jr. of Forethought Consulting, Incorporated, as follows:
(a) File: JDA Corporal Punishment
(b) File: JGCD Administration of Medication
Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Van Kojis, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the policies as submitted by Mr. Prescott. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. President Chris LaCour discussed entering into or renewing an agreement between the Town of Simmesport and the Avoyelles Parish School Board for the baseball facility located behind Riverside Elementary School.
4. The Executive Committee discussed pending litigation over destruction of Section 16 property.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Executive Committee recommended that anyone with pending charges pertaining to Section 16 violations is banned until all charges are resolved. 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 James Gauthier, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Wiley. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Board regarding the possibility of entering into an agreement with the Smiles To Go program. A short discussion ensued.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Board rejected the Smiles To Go program. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Appointment of Amie C. Clark, (TAT) teacher, effective September 1, 2017 through December 20, 2017; and Change in dates of employment of Leann Randall Dukes, teacher, from August 7, 2017 to October 6, 2017.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Amy Dauzat, special education paraprofessional, from Bunkie Magnet High School, effective August 7, 2017.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Change in funding source for Stacy Bordelon, teacher, from school base budget to non-categorical Pre-K, effective August 7, 2017 through May 24, 2018; Change in funding source for Melissa Marcotte, paraprofessional, from Title I Pre-K to special education, effective August 7, 2017; Appointment of Tammy M. Eves, school secretary, effective October 2, 2017, replacing Sonya S. Gagnard who resigned; and Resignation of Sonya S. Gagnard, school secretary, effective September 11, 2017.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Joel Tassin, (retired) special education teacher, effective September 13, 2017 through December 20, 2017; Appointment of Janine Mury, (retired) mild moderate special education teacher, effective September 26, 2017 through December 20, 2017, replacing Shawn Reiszner; Resignation of Rebecca F. Scioneaux, teacher, effective at the end of the day September 8, 2017; and Resignation of Shawn Reiszner, teacher, effective September 22, 2017.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Dezarae Lachney, special education paraprofessional, from Marksville Elementary School, effective August 7, 2017.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE: Change in funding source for Rebecca Spencer, Technology Coordinator, from 100% Title II to 42% Title II and 58% TIF, effective July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018; and Change in funding source for Wendy Marchand, Data/Instructional Coordinator, from 75% Title I and 25% General Fund to 32% Title I,10% General Fund, and 58% TIF, effective July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD PUPIL APPRAISAL CENTER: Appointment of Kathleen Rabalais, (retired) Educational Diagnostician, effective September 18, 2017 through December 20, 2017, replacing Ava Hernandez while on leave.
ADDENDUMS
10/3/2017
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Re-appointment of Leann J. (Randall) Dukes, teacher, effective October 7, 2017 through November 7, 2017.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Valerie Chesne, teacher, effective October 7, 2017 through November 7, 2017.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Resignation of Alyce Gauthier, teacher, effective at the end of the day October 6, 2017.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Ellen Lester, teacher, effective at the end of the day September 29, 2017.
14. At 5:59 p.m., on motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board agreed to go into Executive Session for the purpose of conducting an Expulsion Hearing. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Board reconvened in open public session at approximately 7:03 p.m.
A motion was made by Van Kojis, seconded by Darrell Wiley, that the Board uphold Superintendent Blaine Dauzat’s decision regarding the expulsion discussed in Executive Session.
A substitute motion was made by Freeman Ford, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, that the charge against the student be amended to “attempting to possess a firearm”. The motion failed by the following vote:
Ayes: Freeman Ford, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and Lizzie Ned.
Nays: Darrell Wiley, Chris LaCour, Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Abstained: James Gauthier.
The original motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Darrell Wiley, to uphold Superintendent Blaine Dauzat’s decision was then voted upon, and the motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Darrell Wiley, Chris LaCour, Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Nays: Freeman Ford, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and Lizzie Ned.
Abstained: James Gauthier.
There being no further business, on motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Freeman Ford, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Chris LaCour, President
Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer