SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, March 6, 2018, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
John Gagnard, President; Michael Lacombe, Vice-President; Darrell Wiley, Chris LaCour, James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and Van Kojis.
Absent: Freeman Ford and Lizzie Ned.
An Invocation was offered by Mr. Dexter Compton, Supervisor of Secondary Education.
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 Chris LaCour, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, February 6, 2018, 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 March. 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: Jayla Brown, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Seth Normand, Cottonport Elementary School; Michael Lavalais, Lafargue Elementary School; La’Mari Pierite, Marksville Elementary School; Kirstyn Hudson, Plaucheville Elementary School; Zariah Toralba, Riverside Elementary School; Alyssa Francois, Avoyelles High School; Bronson Davis, Bunkie Magnet High School; Ja’Traven Lloyd, LaSAS; and Deanna Carmouche, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President John Gagnard commended the students on their accomplishments.
3. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater recognized the Teachers of the Month for March. Ms. Prater commended the teachers and presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:
Chrissy Grayson, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Elizabeth Willis, Cottonport Elementary School; Shay Bradley, Lafargue Elementary School; Lori Boudreaux, Marksville Elementary School; Rebecca Clark, Plaucheville Elementary School; Sarah Reech, Riverside Elementary School; Brandi Lemoine, Avoyelles High School; Carla Moreau, Bunkie Magnet High School; Virginia Laborde, LaSAS; and Corey Bannister, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President John Gagnard commended the teachers on their accomplishments.
4. Mrs. Wendy Marchand, Data/Instructional Coordinator, recognized the 2017-2018 Teacher of the Year winners, as follows:
Elementary Level:
Vetria Veal, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Adrienne Smith, Cottonport Elementary School; Joshua Timothy, Lafargue Elementary School; Leslie Carmouche, Marksville Elementary School; Jennifer Barbry, Plaucheville Elementary School; and Carrie Kimble, Riverside Elementary School.
Middle School Level:
Nettie Jeansonne, Avoyelles High School; Doris Leary, Bunkie Magnet High School; Tonya Gauthier, LaSAS; and Dolly Rousseau, Marksville High School.
High School Level:
Quiana (Renee) Bell, Avoyelles High School; George Mitchell, Bunkie Magnet High School; Michelle Roy, LaSAS; and Tina Anderson, Marksville High School.
District level winners are: Adrienne Smith, Cottonport Elementary School; Nettie Jeansonne, Avoyelles High School; and Michelle Roy, LaSAS.
On behalf of the Board, President John Gagnard congratulated the 2018 Teacher of the Year Winners.
5. Mr. Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor, and Mr. Neil Gatly, representative of Edwards Risk Management, addressed the Board regarding recognizing the PCAL Bus Driver of the Year. Ms. Shelia Callihan was named 2017-2018 Bus Driver of the Year for Avoyelles Parish and she was also named PCAL State Bus Driver of the Year for her outstanding leadership, attitude, driving ability, perseverance, and student/parent relationships.
6. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat announced that the desegregation case is winding down. Final reports are due within the next several weeks, and then there will be a 60-day waiting period for the plaintiff and federal government to make any objections. In other news, next month’s regular School Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 10, due to the first Tuesday of April being a school holiday. Also, Mr. Dauzat stated that the Avoyelles Parish school system has been awarded a school redesign grant in the amount of $170,503 for the first year of Educational Resource Strategies (ERS).
Superintendent Dauzat also addressed the Board and the public regarding a safety/security incident that occurred at one of the schools earlier in the day. Mr. Dauzat stated that a student had made threats of a shooting, but that student has been taken into custody. Also, he said that no other students were in any danger, and no weapons were found. Superintendent Dauzat stated that the safety of all students is of the utmost importance, so ALL threats will be taken extremely seriously and dealt with very harshly.
7. On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board granted permission to advertise for bids for the 2017-2018 audit. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a report of the bid-opening committee report for insurance consulting services.
Report of the Bid-Opening Committee
Proposals for Insurance Consultant
Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2019
A committee met on February 20, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. consisting of Mrs. Jaimie Lacombe, Chief Accountant/Sales Tax Supervisor; Mr. Michael Lacombe and Mr. John Gagnard, Board Members; and Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Finance Director, for the purpose of opening bids for insurance consulting services for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019.
Two bids were received as follows: Scott Fazzio, $14,400; and Norris Consulting Services, $14,996.
The committee agreed to take the proposals under advisement and prepared a rubric to rank each proposal based on pricing, qualifications, references, and bid method.
Upon review of both bidders, the committee agreed to award the contract to Scott Fazzio for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019.
The committee recommends the adoption of this report.
On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board awarded the bid to Scott Fazzio, providing that he obtain his insurance consulting license by May 1, 2018. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a report of the bid-opening committee for the stage addition to the Bunkie Magnet High School gymnasium.
Report of the Bid-Opening Committee
Bunkie Magnet High School Gymnasium
A bid-opening committee met on Tuesday, February 27, 2018, at 2:00 p.m. in the Board Room of the School Board Office for the purpose of opening bids for the stage addition to the Bunkie Magnet High School gymnasium. The committee consisted of Mr. Michael Lacombe and Ms. Lizzie Ned, Board Members; Mrs. Jaimie Lacombe, Chief Accountant/Sales Tax Supervisor; Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; and Mr. Jim Guillory, Architect.
The committee acknowledged receipt of the following bids: M.D. Descant, LLC, $707,000.00; Scallan Contractors, $938,680.00; and The Migues Deloach Company, $811,800.00.
On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Board awarded the low bid to M.D. Descant, LLC for the stage addition to the Bunkie Magnet High School gymnasium, with $80,000 derived from the Capital Outlay Fund, plus any excess funds needed--up to $100,000--to be derived from Reserve Funds, stipulating that the Reserve Funds be replenished. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented an Intergovernmental Agreement for the old Simmesport Elementary School for the Board’s consideration.
A copy was provided to the Board for their review.
Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board agreed to accept the Intergovernmental Agreement as presented by Superintendent Blaine Dauzat. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Mr. Michael Lacombe, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
February 20, 2018
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at 4:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Michael Lacombe, Chairman; Freeman Ford, Van Kojis, John Gagnard, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. Darrell Wiley was absent. Also present were Chris LaCour, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and Lizzie Ned, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
1. Mr. Arthur Lovall, Citizen of Bunkie, addressed the Board regarding the rental of the former Bunkie Middle School. The committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding permission to begin generating funding for a weight room at Avoyelles High School at no cost to the Board.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by John Gagnard, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to give Avoyelles High School permission to raise the funds for a weight room. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a bid-opening report for a Licensed Commercial Real Estate Broker to conduct the sale of unused school properties, as follows:
Report of the Bid-Opening Committee
Licensed Commercial Real Estate Broker
To Conduct Sale of Unused School Properties
On Tuesday, February 6, 2018, a bid-opening committee met for the purpose of receiving quotes/qualifications for a Licensed Commercial Real Estate Broker to conduct the sale of unused school properties.
Members of the committee were: Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; Ms. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Ms. Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; and Mr. John Gagnard, Board President.
The committee acknowledged receipt of a bid from Bridgette Joffrion, Post Office Box 584,Cottonport, Louisiana, with a Commission Charge of 4.75%.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by John Gagnard, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to contract with Bridgette Joffrion, Licensed Commercial Real Estate Broker, to conduct the sale of unused school 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 Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
February 20, 2018
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at approximately 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Van Kojis, Chairman; Chris LaCour, James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, John Gagnard, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were Lizzie Ned and Michael Lacombe, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
1. Mrs. Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented the sales tax report for the month of January, 2018. Mrs. Lacombe stated that sales tax revenues for the month totaled $782,611.31. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $447,206.70, the 0.25% sales tax generated $111,801.26, and the building maintenance fund generated $223,603.35.
Upon motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the sales tax report for the month of January, 2018 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 Chris LaCour, 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: (1) Interface Security Systems, Plaucheville Elementary School, $13,175, for security/wiring Media Center; and (2) Central Air, Marksville High School, $7,250, for rewiring wall packs in gymnasium.
4. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented the 2017-2018 General Fund Budget showing actual and prior year comparisons as of January 31, 2018.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Van Kojis, Chairman
Finance Committee
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Board adopted the Finance Committee report as presented by Chairman Kojis. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
February 20, 2018
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at approximately 5:32 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
James Gauthier, Chairman; Chris LaCour, Lizzie Ned, John Gagnard, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. Darrell Wiley was absent. Also present were Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Michael Lacombe, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education; and Dexter Compton, Supervisor of Secondary Education.
1. Mrs. Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education, presented revisions to the 2017-2018 Pupil Progression Plan.
Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Education Committee recommended to approve the revisions to the 2017-2018 Pupil Progression Plan. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
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.
14. Mr. Darrell Wiley, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
February 27, 2018
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, February 27, 2018, at 4:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Darrell Wiley, Chairman; Van Kojis, and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Freeman Ford, and John Gagnard, President, were absent. Also present were James Gauthier, Chris LaCour, Lizzie Ned, and Michael Lacombe, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
Chairman Wiley appointed Michael Lacombe as chairman in order that a quorum could be reached and business could be held.
1. Representatives from Petro-Guard addressed the Executive Committee regarding possible oil leases.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Executive Committee recommended to support the effort to lease Section 16, Township 2 South, Range 2 East to Petro-Guard. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Mr. Luke Welch, SIS Coordinator, presented the 2018-2019 School Calendar for the Executive Committee’s consideration.
Mr. Welch reported that the Calendar Committee met on February 7, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. at the School Board Office for the purpose of establishing the 2018-2019 school calendar. There were 34 people in the committee consisting of administrators, teachers, paraprofessional, and parents representing every school. The committee devised the calendar.
Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Van Kojis, the Executive Committee recommended to adopt the 2018-2019 School Calendar as presented by Mr. Welch. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Mrs. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, presented revisions of the Avoyelles Parish School Board graduation requirements for the 2018-2019 school year.
Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Van Kojis, the Executive Committee recommended to revise Policy IHF - Graduation Requirements as stated. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Ms. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, presented the 2018-2019 Student Handbook for the Executive Committee’s approval.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Executive Committee recommended to adopt the 2018-2019 Student Handbook as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Board Member Chris LaCour addressed the Executive Committee regarding legal representation of the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
6. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented File: DFAA - Industrial Tax Exemptions, as presented by Mr. James Prescott, Jr. of Forethought Consulting, Incorporated.
Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Van Kojis, the Executive Committee recommended to approve Policy DFAA - Industrial Tax Exemptions. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Darrell Wiley, Chairman
Executive Committee
A motion was made by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Van Kojis, that the Board adopt the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Wiley. The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Darrell Wiley, Van Kojis, Chris LaCour, James Gauthier, John Gagnard, and Michael Lacombe.
Nays: Shelia Blackman-Dupas.
15. Mr. Chris LaCour, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
Bus Committee Report
February 27, 2018
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, February 27, 2018, at 4:47 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Chris LaCour, Chairman; Michael Lacombe, James Gauthier, Lizzie Ned, and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent of Schools. Mr. John Gagnard, President, was absent. Also present were Freeman Ford, Darrell Wiley, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, 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.
2. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Bus Committee about including surplus buses in an auction.
Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by James Gauthier, the Bus Committee recommended to allow Mr. Marcotte to include in an auction Avoyelles Parish School Board surplus buses that run. 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 James Gauthier, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman LaCour. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
16. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Gloria Andrews, food service technician, effective at the end of the day March 29, 2018.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Stacy Baudin, teacher, from first grade to Kindergarten, effective August 25, 2017 through May 24, 2018.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Appointment of Christopher Dixon, custodian, effective February 1, 2018.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Brent A. Barbre, (TAT) teacher, effective February 19, 2018 through May 24, 2018; and Resignation of Marvin Hall, Principal, effective February 16, 2018.
ADDENDUM(S)
3/6/2018
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Rachel McWilliams, teacher, effective March 6, 2018 through April 10, 2018.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Shirley A. Mamou, teacher, effective at the end of the day March 29, 2018.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Contina Pierite, Assistant Principal, effective March 1, 2018 through February 28, 2020; and Resignation of Hope Ducote, custodian, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2018, for the purpose of retirement.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Re-appointment of Bryan Jones, (TAT) teacher, effective March 6, 2018 through April 10, 2018.
There being no further business, on motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Van Kojis, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
John Gagnard, President
Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer