2018-02-06

SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, February 6, 2018, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

John Gagnard, President; Darrell Wiley, Chris LaCour, James Gauthier, and Van Kojis.

Absent: Michael Lacombe, Vice-President; Freeman Ford, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and Lizzie Ned.

An Invocation was offered by Board Member Darrell Wiley.

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

1. On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, January 9, 2018, 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 Houston Brewer, former teacher.

On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Houston Brewer. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

3. Board Member Darrell Wiley read a resolution of respect to the late Lois Guillory, former teacher.

On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Lois Guillory. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

4. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Students of the Month for February. 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: Kaitlyn Lewis, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Gavin Coburn, Cottonport Elementary School; Josey Gaspard, Lafargue Elementary School; Mary Laborde, Marksville Elementary School; Parker Gauthier, Plaucheville Elementary School; Paris Johnson, Riverside Elementary School; Antonio Edwards, Avoyelles High School; Taylor Borrel, Bunkie Magnet High School; Jontae Bibbins, LaSAS; and Chelsea Michot, Marksville High School.

On behalf of the Board, President John Gagnard commended the students on their accomplishments.

5. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater recognized the Teachers of the Month for February. Ms. Prater commended the teachers and presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:

Hollie Torres, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Stephanie Belanger, Cottonport Elementary School; Kayla Laborde, Lafargue Elementary School; Brandi Lacombe, Marksville Elementary School; Maggi Pepiton, Plaucheville Elementary School; Amber Voiselle, Riverside Elementary School; Tiffany Rabalais, Avoyelles High School; Phyllis Morris, Bunkie Magnet High School; Carolyn Roy, LaSAS; and Roslyn Jones, Marksville High School.

On behalf of the Board, President John Gagnard commended the teachers on their accomplishments.

6. Mrs. Wendy Marchand, Data/Instructional Coordinator, recognized the 2017-2018 Student of the Year winners, as follows:

Elementary School Level - Grade 5

Maddie Ducote, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Melody Bordelon, Cottonport Elementary School; Kyra Jones, Lafargue Elementary School; Logan Ponthier, Marksville Elementary School; Rylee Dalgo, Plaucheville Elementary School; and Ariana Stevenson, Riverside Elementary School.

Middle School Level - Grade 8

Anna Gautreaux, Avoyelles High School; Daylan Juneau, Bunkie Magnet High School; Hanlin Riddle, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Aaliyah Hudson, Marksville High School.

High School Level - Grade 12

Vernisha Augustine, Avoyelles High School; Julia McCoy, Bunkie Magnet High School; Thomas Lejune, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Gracie Laborde, Marksville High School.

District Level Winners:

Melody Bordelon, Cottonport Elementary School; Hanlin Riddle, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Gracie Laborde, Marksville High School.

On behalf of the Board, President John Gagnard congratulated the 2018 Student of the Year Winners.

7. Ms. Dana Talley, Network-A Leader with the Louisiana State Department of Education, addressed the Board regarding updates on accountability, assessments, and changing standards to reflect higher LEAP and ACT score benchmarks, which will affect future school performance scores.

8. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat stated that, according to the new standards just mentioned by Ms. Talley, the Avoyelles Parish School District’s average grade is a “C”. In growth, all schools are graded as a “C” or higher, but in performance, all schools run the gamut from “A” through “F”. He praised the efforts of teachers, principals, and staff but also pledged to continue striving to improve all aspects of education for every student in the parish. Superintendent Dauzat announced that schools will be closed from Friday, February 9, through Tuesday, February 13, 2018. Classes will resume on Wednesday, February 14, 2018. Due to weather-related school closures in the recent past, both February 14 and March 23 (which were previously set to be staff development days) will be school days--students are to report to school on those days.

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

Finance Committee Report

January 23, 2018

The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 23, 2018, at 4:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

Van Kojis, Chairman; Shelia Blackman-Dupas, John Gagnard, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. Chris LaCour and Mr. James Gauthier were absent. Also present were Darrell Wiley and Michael Lacombe, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education; and Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance.

1. Mrs. Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented the sales tax report for the month of December, 2017. Mrs. Lacombe stated that sales tax revenues for the month totaled $572,792.22. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $327,316.14, the 0.25% sales tax generated $81,818.01, and the building maintenance fund generated $163,658.07.

Upon motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by John Gagnard, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the sales tax report for the month of December, 2017 as presented by Mrs. Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented requests for overnight travel.

Upon motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by John Gagnard, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the requests for overnight travel as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

3. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented his monthly maintenance spending report, as follows: Coburn Supply Company, Incorporated for Bunkie Magnet High School, $6,505.45, for replacement of an air conditioner unit.

4. Ms. Demetria Alexander, Supervisor of Federal Programs, addressed the Board regarding approval of Federal Programs E-Grants.

Upon motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by John Gagnard, the Finance Committee recommended approval of the Federal Programs E-Grants. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

5. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented the 2017-2018 General Fund Budget showing actual and prior year comparisons as of December 31, 2017.

The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

Van Kojis, Chairman

Finance Committee

On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board adopted the Finance Committee report as presented by Chairman Kojis. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

10. President John Gagnard presented the following report (in Chairman Michael Lacombe’s absence):

Building and Lands Committee Report

January 23, 2018

The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 23, 2018, at approximately 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

Michael Lacombe, Chairman; Darrell Wiley, Van Kojis, John Gagnard, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. Freeman Ford was absent. Also present were Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Board Member; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.

1. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented an update on a real estate contract regarding the sale of three School Board properties.

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

2. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented an update report regarding the Plaucheville Elementary School building.

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

3. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented an update report on auditorium bids for the Bunkie Magnet High School.

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 Van Kojis, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by President Gagnard. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

11. Mr. Chris LaCour, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:

Bus Committee Report

January 30, 2018

The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 30, 2018, at 4:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

Chris LaCour, Chairman; Michael Lacombe, James Gauthier, John Gagnard, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent of Schools. Mrs. Lizzie Ned was absent. Also present were Freeman Ford, Darrell Wiley, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; 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.

Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas was present at this point of the meeting.

2. Mr. Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor, presented an update report on the EPA Grant.

The Bus Committee did not take any action on this matter.

3. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Bus Committee regarding permission to sell salvaged school buses and equipment.

Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by James Gauthier, the Bus Committee recommended to grant permission to sell 10 salvaged school buses and equipment. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

The Bus Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

Chris LaCour, Chairman

Bus Committee

On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman LaCour. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

12. Mr. Darrell Wiley, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:

Executive Committee Report

January 30, 2018

The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 30, 2018, at 4:10 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

Darrell Wiley, Chairman; Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Freeman Ford, Van Kojis, John Gagnard, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were James Gauthier, Chris LaCour, and Michael Lacombe, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; and Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance.

1. Board Member Chris LaCour addressed the Executive Committee regarding instructional personnel report time.

Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Executive Committee recommended to change policy to read: “Arrival time for instructional personnel shall be determined by the principal based on school needs and in order to ensure proper supervision. The arrival time, duty assignments and times shall be listed in the school’s teacher handbook.” Also, the Executive Committee agreed to change School Board Central Office hours from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

2. Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Van Kojis, the Executive Committee recommended approval of a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement to provide for computer software maintenance and systems analysis. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

3. Upon motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by Van Kojis, the Executive Committee recommended approval of a Banking/Fiscal Agent Services Agreement. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

4. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the Executive Committee regarding approval of an RFP for an Insurance Consultant.

Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the RFP for an Insurance Consultant. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

5. Superintendent Dauzat addressed the Executive Committee regarding approval of a contract with Bunkie Magnet High School and Mastery Prep for ACT Boot Camp.

Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Van Kojis, the Executive Committee recommended approval of a contract with Bunkie Magnet High School and Mastery Prep for ACT Boot Camp. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

6. Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented revised job descriptions as follows:

(a) Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance

(b) Supervisor of Federal Programs

(d) Tech/CLU Coordinator

(e) Data Instructional Coordinator

(f) Educational Diagnostician

(g) Food Service Supervisor

(h) I.E.P. Facilitator

(i) Network Administrator

(j) School Nurse, R.N.

(k) Student Information Coordinator

Upon motion by Freeman Ford, seconded by Van Kojis, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the revised job descriptions as presented by Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

7. Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented revisions to the District-Wide Intensive Assistance Plan.

Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Freeman Ford, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the revisions to the District-Wide Intensive Assistance Plan as presented by Mrs. Prater. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

8. Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, requested approval of the Behavior Interventionist Evaluation Report.

Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the Behavior Interventionist Evaluation Report as presented. 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.

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

Education Committee Report

January 30, 2018

The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 30, 2018, at approximately 4:45 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

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

1. Mrs. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, addressed the Education Committee regarding school absences and a progress report with Judge William Bennett. Mrs. Dismer presented a report indicating student attendance for the month of January, 2018.

The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.

2. Mrs. Jennifer Dismer Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, also addressed the Education Committee regarding an update on discipline in the schools. Mrs. Dismer presented a report to the committee showing discipline data.

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 Chris LaCour, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gauthier. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

16. On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board granted permission to advertise for bids for janitorial supplies, paint, light bulbs, and air conditioner filters. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

17. On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board granted permission to advertise for bids for milk and milk products, bread and bakery products, food service supplies and equipment, non-hazardous waste disposal, grease trap maintenance, staple foods, and produce for the 2018-2019 school year. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

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

PERSONNEL CHANGES

BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Resignation of Victoria Maerz, teacher, effective January 5, 2018.

COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Rachel McWilliams, teacher, effective February 5, 2018 through March 5, 2018.

LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Gloria Andrews, food service technician, from LaSAS, effective February 5, 2018, replacing Anita Kyle.

MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Avery Lemoine, teacher, effective at the end of the day January 12, 2018.

PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Alyce Gauthier, (TAT) teacher, effective January 22, 2018 through May 24, 2018; Re-appointment of Valerie Chesne, teacher, effective February 14, 2018 through May 24, 2018; and Resignation of Larry J. Oliver, teacher, effective at the end of the day January 12, 2018.

AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Ronald D. Lemoine, custodian, effective June 30, 2018, for the purpose of retirement.

LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Re-appointment of Bryan C. Jones, (TAT) teacher, effective February 5, 2018 through March 5, 2018; Appointment of Shauntell Carmouche, food service technician, effective February 2, 2018; Change in funding source of Keri Desselle, paraprofessional, from Title I to school-based budget, effective January 4, 2018; Transfer/appointment of Anita Kyle, food service technician, from Lafargue Elementary School, effective January 29, 2018, replacing Zenobia Jackson who resigned; and Resignation of Zenobia Jackson, food service technician, effective at the end of the day January 11, 2018.

MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Sterling Stewart, teacher, effective at the end of the day January 31, 2018.

19. On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board agreed to go into Executive Session at approximately 6:02 p.m. for the purpose of discussing pending litigation. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board reconvened in open public session at approximately 6:20 p.m.

Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board granted authority to their attorney to negotiate a settlement up to the recommended amount, including all payments already made thus far, regarding the pending litigation discussed in Executive Session. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

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

AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

John Gagnard, President

Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer