2017-11-07

SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, November 7, 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 Board Member John Gagnard.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America led by Board Member Darrell Wiley.

1. On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, October 3, 2017, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Students of the Month for November. 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: Reilly Ducote, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Tamerrian Prater, Cottonport Elementary School; Makhia Greenhouse, Lafargue Elementary School; Abby Ledger, Marksville Elementary School; Larry Louis, Plaucheville Elementary School; Audrelle Turner, Riverside Elementary School; Derrick Jenkins, Avoyelles High School; Dwight Johnson, Bunkie Magnet High School; Kevin Johnson, LaSAS; and Kayla Ramos, Marksville High School.

On behalf of the Board, President Chris LaCour commended the students on their accomplishments.

3. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater recognized the Teachers of the Month for November. Ms. Prater presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:

Peggy Joshua, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Kayla Landry, Cottonport Elementary School; Heather Hamilton, Lafargue Elementary School; Kenneth Ford, Marksville Elementary School; Rev. Larry Oliver, Plaucheville Elementary School; Mary Allen, Riverside Elementary School; K K Lemoine, Avoyelles High School; Jill Tassin, Bunkie Magnet High School; Casey Nastasi, LaSAS; and Christine Lyles, Marksville High School.

On behalf of the Board, President Chris LaCour commended the teachers on their accomplishments.

4. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat announced that the annual Parental Involvement Fair will be held on Thursday, November 9, 2017, at LJ’s Casino. A program will be presented beginning at 6:00 p.m., along with music, booths, and a meal.

Also, Superintendent Dauzat announced that the state released the district performance scores earlier today. Overall, the Avoyelles Parish district maintained a “C” grade. He stated that five of the schools improved, and five of schools showed a decrease. He noted that out of 112 schools in the entire state that were branded as the top gaining schools, Marksville Elementary was one of them, which is outstanding! Superintendent Dauzat also announced that a millage renewal is on the ballot in the November 18 election. Mr. Dauzat stressed that this is a renewal, NOT a new tax, and he urged the public not to let rumors and personal vendettas against board members hurt the future of education of our children. Without this renewal, catastrophic cuts will need to be made. He emphatically urged everyone to vote “yes” to continue to support education.

5. Dr. Gary Jones was scheduled to present his annual report on the Avoyelles Parish School Board desegregation plan at this time. However, he was not able to attend the meeting.

6. Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas presented a report of the expulsion appeal committee. The Board will vote on each item separately.

Expulsion Appeal Committee Report

October 31, 2017

(A) The Expulsion Committee met on Tuesday, October 31, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. with the following members present: Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Appeal Committee Chairperson; James Gauthier, Appeal Committee Member; and Michael Lacombe, Appeal Committee Member.

Upon motion by Mr. James Gauthier and seconded by Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the committee recommended the expulsion of Student Number 1 be affirmed with a modification that Student Number 1 be moved to AVAP for the duration of the expulsion term with a 30-day possible probationary release. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.

On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board accepted the Expulsion Committee’s recommendation regarding Student Number 1 as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

(B) The Expulsion Committee met on Tuesday, October 31, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. with the following members present: Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Appeal Committee Chairperson; James Gauthier, Appeal Committee Member; and Michael Lacombe, Appeal Committee Member.

Upon motion by Mr. James Gauthier and seconded by Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the committee recommended the expulsion of Student Number 2 be affirmed with a modification that Student Number 2 be moved to AVAP for the duration of the 88-day expulsion term. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.

On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board accepted the Expulsion Committee’s recommendation regarding Student Number 2 as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

( C ) The expulsion committee met on Tuesday, October 31, 2017, at 12:00 p.m. with the following members present: Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Appeal Committee Chairperson; James Gauthier, Appeal Committee Member; and Michael Lacombe, Appeal Committee Member.

Upon motion by Mr. James Gauthier and seconded by Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the committee recommended to expulsion of Student Number 3 be affirmed with a modification that Student Number 3 be released from AVAP at the conclusion of 30 school days from the date of the expulsion, October 12, 2017. The motion passed with a unanimous vote.

On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Board accepted the Expulsion Committee’s recommendation regarding Student Number 3 as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

7. Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:

Finance Committee Report

October 24, 2017

The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, October 24, 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 Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Lizzie Ned and John Gagnard, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; 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 October, 2017. Mrs. Lacombe stated that sales tax revenues for the month totaled $663,187.56. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $378,973.11 , the 0.25% sales tax generated $94,727.90, and the building maintenance fund generated $189,486.55.

Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the sales tax report for the month of October, 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 James Gauthier, 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:

∙ Bordelon Electric, Plaucheville Elementary School, $8,189.66, cleaning and repairs to air conditioner units

4. Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented the “Board Members’ Needs Assessment Committee Report,” as follows:

Board Members’ Needs Assessment Committee Report

September 20, 2017

The Board Members’ Needs Assessment Committee met on Wednesday, September 20, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. at the School Board Office, with the following members present:

Shelia Blackman-Dupas, John Gagnard, and James Gauthier, Board Members; Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; and Richard Robinson, Network Administrator.

Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented the “Superintendent’s Needs Assessment Committee Report” for the committee’s review. The following action was taken by the committee as indicated in bold:

BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY

(1) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat and seconded by Thelma Prater, the committee recommended to deny the request for 14 Smartboards in the amount of $64,623.86. MOTION CARRIED.

(2) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat and seconded by Thelma Prater, the committee recommended to purchase 14 projectors in the amount of $14,623.28. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order 229)

Upon motion by James Gauthier and seconded by Shelia Blackman Dupas, the committee recommended to purchase 14 projectors in the amount of $14,623.28 for Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy. MOTION CARRIED.

(3) Upon motion by Steve Marcotte and seconded by Mary Bonnette, the committee recommended to purchase security cameras up to the amount of $5,000.00 to cover the back area viewing the gymnasium. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order 230)

Upon motion by John Gagnard and seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the committee recommended to purchase security cameras up to the amount of $5,000.00 to cover the back area viewing the gymnasium at Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy. MOTION CARRIED.

COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

(4) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat and seconded by Thelma Prater, the committee recommended to purchase 30 Chrome Books and one charging cart in the amount of $7,481.49. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order 213)

Upon motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas and seconded by John Gagnard, the committee recommended to purchase 30 Chrome Books and one charging cart in the amount of $7,481.49 for Cottonport Elementary School. MOTION CARRIED.

(5) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat and seconded by Thelma Prater, the committee recommended to purchase 14 laptops in the amount of $2,885.12. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order 212)

Upon motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas and seconded by James Gauthier, the committee recommended to purchase 14 laptops in the amount of $2,885.12 for Cottonport Elementary School. MOTION CARRIED.

(6) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat and seconded by Thelma Prater, the committee recommended to deny the request to purchase two (2) Smartboards in the amount of $9,461.98. MOTION CARRIED.

LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

(7) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat and seconded by Mary Bonnette, the committee recommended to purchase 30 Chrome books in the amount of $7,481.49. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order 215)

Upon motion by James Gauthier and seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the committee recommended to purchase 30 Chrome books in the amount of $7,481.49 for Lafargue Elementary School. MOTION CARRIED.

(8) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat and seconded by Mary Bonnette, the committee recommended to purchase five (5) projectors in the amount of $2,082.25. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order 214)

Upon motion by John Gagnard and seconded by James Gauthier, the committee recommended to purchase five (5) projectors in the amount of $2,082.25 for Lafargue Elementary School. MOTION CARRIED.

(9) Upon motion by Steve Marcotte and seconded by Mary Bonnette, the committee recommended to purchase one (1) Smartboard in the amount of $4,730.99. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order 231)

Upon motion by James Gauthier and seconded by John Gagnard, the committee recommended to purchase one (1) Smartboard in the amount of $4,730.99 for Lafargue Elementary School. MOTION CARRIED.

MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

(10) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat and seconded by Thelma Prater, the committee recommended to purchase 25 laptops in the amount of $5,152.00. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order 216)

Upon motion by Shelia Blackman Dupas and seconded by James Gauthier, the committee recommended to purchase 25 laptops in the amount of $5,152.00 for Marksville Elementary School. MOTION CARRIED.

(11) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat and seconded by Thelma Prater, the committee recommended to purchase 10 of the 25 requested projectors up to the amount of $11,000.00. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order 217)

Upon motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas and seconded by John Gagnard, the committee recommended to purchase 10 of the 25 requested projectors up to the amount of $11,000.00 for Marksville Elementary School. MOTION CARRIED.

(12) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat and seconded by Thelma Prater, the committee recommended to refer the request of a security fence between Marksville Elementary and Marksville High Schools to the Maintenance Department. MOTION CARRIED.

PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

(13) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat and seconded by Steve Marcotte, the committee recommended to purchase two (2) Smartboards in the amount of $9,462.00. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order 219)

Upon motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas and seconded by James Gauthier, the committee recommended to purchase two (2) Smartboards in the amount of $9,462.00 for Plaucheville Elementary School. MOTION CARRIED.

(14) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat and seconded by Steve Marcotte, the committee recommended to defer the requests for 35 desktop computers in the amount of $34,300.00 to the Spring Needs Assessment Committee. MOTION CARRIED.

(15) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat and seconded by Steve Marcotte, the committee recommended to purchase three (3) security cameras in the amount of $2,285.00. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order 218)

Upon motion by John Gagnard and seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the committee recommended to purchase three (3) security cameras in the amount of $2,285.00 for Plaucheville Elementary School. MOTION CARRIED.

RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

(16) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat and seconded by Mary Bonnette, the committee recommended to deny the request to purchase a Gym - I - Nee (playground equipment) in the amount of $2,960.00. MOTION CARRIED.

Board Members Shelia Blackman-Dupas and James Gauthier opposed the recommendation.

(17) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat and seconded by Mary Bonnette, the committee recommended to deny the request to purchase 30 Chrome Books in the amount of $7,481.49. MOTION CARRIED.

(18) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat and seconded by Mary Bonnette, the committee recommended to purchase four (4) projectors in the amount of $1,665.80. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order 220)

Upon motion by John Gagnard and seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the committee recommended to purchase four (4) projectors in the amount of $1,665.80 for Riverside Elementary School. MOTION CARRIED.

(19) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat and seconded by Mary Bonnette, the committee recommended to purchase two (2) Smartboards in the amount of $9,461.98. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order 221)

Upon motion by James Gauthier and seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the committee recommended to purchase two (2) Smartboards in the amount of $9,461.98 for Riverside Elementary School. MOTION CARRIED.

AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL

(20) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat and seconded by Thelma Prater, the committee recommended to purchase one (1) security camera server in the amount of $7,476.00. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order 222)

Upon motion by James Gauthier and seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the committee recommended to purchase one (1) security camera server in the amount of $7,476.00 for Avoyelles High School. MOTION CARRIED.

(21) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat and seconded by Thelma Prater, the committee recommended to purchase security cameras up to the amount of $10,000.00. (The original request was for 25 cameras in the amount of $20,650.00.) MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order 223)

Upon motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas and seconded by James Gauthier, the committee recommended to purchase security cameras up to the amount of $10,000.00 for Avoyelles High School. MOTION CARRIED.

(22) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat and seconded by Thelma Prater, the committee recommended to deny the request to purchase 30 Chrome books and one (1) cart. MOTION CARRIED.

(23) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat and seconded by Thelma Prater, the committee recommended to deny the request to purchase bleachers in the gymnasium in the amount of $85,000.00. MOTION CARRIED.

BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL

(24) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat and seconded by Thelma Prater, the committee recommended to purchase 11 security cameras in the amount of $11,476.00. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order 224)

Upon motion by James Gauthier and seconded by John Gagnard, the committee recommended to purchase 11 security cameras in the amount of $11,476.00 for Bunkie Magnet High School. MOTION CARRIED.

(25) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat and seconded by Thelma Prater, the committee recommended to deny the request for 76 desks with book rack in the amount of $9,566.63. MOTION CARRIED.

LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

(26) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat and seconded by Mary Bonnette, the committee recommended to purchase nine (9) security cameras in the amount of $5,558.00 to be funded by LaSAS funds. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order 225)

Upon motion by John Gagnard and seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the committee recommended to purchase nine (9) security cameras in the amount of $5,558.00 to be funded by LaSAS funds. MOTION CARRIED.

(27) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat and seconded by Mary Bonnette, the committee recommended to purchase a front fence and removal of existing fence in the amount of $9,503.00, to be funded by LaSAS funds. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order 226)

Upon motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas and seconded by James Gauthier, the committee recommended to purchase a front fence and removal of the existing fence in the amount of $9,503.00, to be funded by LaSAS funds. MOTION CARRIED.

MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL

(28) Upon motion by Steve Marcotte and seconded by Blaine Dauzat, the committee recommended to purchase four (4) security cameras in the amount of $2,285.00. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order 227)

Upon motion by John Gagnard and seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the committee recommended to purchase four (4) security cameras in the amount of $2,285.00 for Marksville High School. MOTION CARRIED.

(29) Upon motion by Steve Marcotte and seconded by Blaine Dauzat, the committee recommended to repaint the gymnasium floor in the amount of $23,000.00. MOTION CARRIED. (Purchase Order 228)

Upon motion by John Gagnard and seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the committee recommended to repaint the gymnasium floor in the amount of $23,000.00 for Marksville High School. MOTION CARRIED.

There being no further business, upon motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas and seconded by John Gagnard, the meeting was adjourned.

Thelma J. P rater

Assistant Superintendent

Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the “Board Members’ Needs Assessment Report” as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

5. Mrs. Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor, reviewed the 2016-2017 Year End Reports. Mrs. Lacombe stated that the General Fund beginning fund balance for 2016-2017 totaled $9,882,735 and the ending fund balance was $9,870,958, which gives a ($11,777) deficit for year ending 2016-2017.

Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Finance Committee recommended approval of the 2016-2017 Year End Reports as presented by Supervisor Lacombe. 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.

8. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:

Education Committee Report

October 24, 2017

The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, October 24, 2017, at 4:18 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

James Gauthier, Chairman; Lizzie Ned, John Gagnard, Chris LaCour, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. Darrell Wiley was absent. Also present were Freeman Ford, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Michael Lacombe, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education; Dexter Compton, Supervisor of Secondary Education; and Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance.

1. Chairman James Gauthier addressed the Education Committee regarding excessive absences. This was for informational purposes only. The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter. The members agreed to revisit this matter at the next month’s Education committee meeting.

2. Mrs. Wendy Marchand, Data Instructional Coordinator, addressed the Education Committee regarding the new Accountability System. This was for informational purposes only. 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 Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gauthier. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

9. Mr. Michael Lacombe, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:

Building and Lands Committee Report

October 24, 2017

The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, October 24, 2017, at 4:54 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

Michael Lacombe, Chairman; Shelia Blackman-Dupas,Van Kojis, John Gagnard, Chris LaCour, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were Freeman Ford, James Gauthier, and Lizzie Ned, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.

1. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a bid-opening committee report on the Pomme de Terre Section.

Bid-Opening Committee Report

Pomme de Terre Section

A bid-opening committee met Wednesday, October 18, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at the School Board with the following members present: Michael Lacombe, Board Member; Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.

The committee did not receive any bids.

Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by John Gagnard, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to rebid the property with a minimum bid of $20 per acre with a one-year term.

After further discussion, Mr. Kojis withdrew his motion.

Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by John Gagnard, the Building and Lands committee recommended to allow Maintenance Supervisor Steve Marcotte to negotiate a lease with all interested parties. The motion was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Michael Lacombe, Van Kojis, John Gagnard, and Chris LaCour. Nays: Shelia Blackman-Dupas.

2. Chairman Michael Lacombe addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding a Section 16 land swap with the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.

The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.

3. Chairman Michael Lacombe presented a progress report to the Building and Lands Committee regarding a grant for tracks for the three high schools.

The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.

4. Chairman Michael Lacombe addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding an update on the three School Board properties that are up for sale, namely, (1) Bunkie Prison, (2) Fifth Ward School, and (3) Simmesport Middle School.

Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to give Supervisor Steve Marcotte permission to advertise for proposals to hire a realtor to handle the sale of these properties. 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 James Gauthier, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Since the time of the Building and Lands Committee Meeting, Maintenance Supervisor Steve Marcotte and Board Member Michael Lacombe did make contact with the previous lease holders of the Pomme de Terre section, and they are interested in leasing the property at $20 per acre.

A motion was made by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Darrell Wiley, that the Board accept the offer to lease the Pomme de Terre section, namely “Alligator Bayou,” at $20 per acre for a one-year term to commence immediately. The motion passed by the following vote:

Ayes: Michael Lacombe, Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, Chris LaCour, Lizzie Ned, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.

Nays: Freeman Ford.

Abstained: Shelia Blackman-Dupas.

10. Mr. John Gagnard, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:

Bus Committee Report

October 24, 2017

The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, October 24, 2017, at 6:05 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

John Gagnard, Chairman; Freeman Ford, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Michael Lacombe, Chris LaCour, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were James Gauthier, Lizzie Ned, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance 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.

2. Mr. Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor, addressed the Bus Committee regarding an Avoyelles Parish School Board Bus Idling Policy.

Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Bus Committee recommended to adopt the Avoyelles Parish School Board Bus Idling Policy. 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 Van Kojis, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gagnard. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

11. On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board approved the Louisiana Compliance and System Survey. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

12. On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board approved the Louisiana Compliance and System Survey for the Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

13. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:

PERSONNEL CHANGES

BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Transfer/appointment of Megan W. Brown, teacher, from Kindergarten to third grade, effective November 6, 2017 through May 24, 2018; and Appointment of Gertrude Milligan, (retired) Kindergarten teacher, effective November 6, 2017 through December 20, 2017.

MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Change in appointment date for Tammy Eves, school secretary, effective September 29, 2017.

PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Valerie A. Chesne, teacher, effective November 8, 2017 through December 7, 2017.

AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Rachael M. Martin, special education paraprofessional, effective October 3, 2017.

BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Jacqueline S. Murdock, business teacher, effective at the end of the day February 1, 2018, for the purpose of retirement.

MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Eric Dauzat, Acting Principal, effective October 2, 2017 through November 27, 2017; Appointment of Celeste Guillot Dauzat, teacher, effective October 23, 2017 through May 24, 2018, replacing Miranda Guillory; and Resignation of Miranda Guillory, teacher, effective at the end of the day October 12, 2017.

AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE: Resignation of Richard Robinson, Network Administrator, effective at the end of the day October 27, 2017.

14. President Chris LaCour addressed the Board regarding the date of the December School Board meeting.

On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board agreed to change the date of the December School Board Meeting to Monday, December 4, 2017, at 5:00 p.m. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

15. On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board agreed to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending litigation. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

The Board entered Executive Session at approximately 5:55 p.m.

On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by John Gagnard, the Board reconvened in open public session at approximately 6:13 p.m.

On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board agreed to authorize Superintendent Blaine Dauzat to enter into discussions with Red River Charter Academy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

There being no further business, on motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the meeting was adjourned.

AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Chris LaCour, President

Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer