SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, May 1, 2018, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
John Gagnard, President; Michael Lacombe, Vice-President; Jeralyn Young, Darrell Wiley, Chris LaCour, James Gauthier, Lizzie Ned, and Van Kojis.
Absent: Shelia Blackman-Dupas.
An Invocation was offered by Board Member Chris LaCour.
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 Michael Lacombe, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, April 10, 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 Van Kojis read a resolution of respect to the late Joy L. Nash, former food service supervisor.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Joy L. Nash. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Board Member Lizzie Ned read a resolution of respect to the late Elnora W. Wilson, former food service technician at Bunkie Middle School.
On motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Elnora W. Wilson. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Students of the Month for May. 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: Lindy Aney, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; D’Zyrion Thomas, Cottonport Elementary School; Tanner Dupuy, Lafargue Elementary School; Sharow Bradford, Marksville Elementary School; Lexi Chenevert, Plaucheville Elementary School; Alexis Gremillion, Riverside Elementary School; Abigail Patterson, Avoyelles High School; Contravous Jenkins, Bunkie Magnet High School; Maddie Bordelon, LaSAS; and Joseph Banks, 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 May. Ms. Prater commended the teachers and presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:
Amie Clark, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Amanda Gauthier, Cottonport Elementary School; Steve Turner, Lafargue Elementary School; Rachel Miles, Marksville Elementary School; Michel Morgan, Plaucheville Elementary School; Aimee Moreau, Riverside Elementary School; Kellie Guilbeau, Avoyelles High School; Ashley Flanders, Bunkie Magnet High School; Robin Moreau, LaSAS; and John Vidrine, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President John Gagnard commended the teachers on their accomplishments.
6. Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
April 17, 2018
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at 4:00 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 Darrell Wiley, Lizzie Ned and Michael Lacombe, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; and Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor; Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education; Dexter Compton, Supervisor of Secondary Education; and other central office supervisors.
1. Mrs. Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented the sales tax report for the month of March, 2018. Mrs. Lacombe stated that sales tax revenues for the month totaled $545,381.40. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $311,646.71, the 0.25% sales tax generated $77,911.33, and the building maintenance fund generated $155,823.36.
Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the sales tax report for the month of March, 2018 as presented by Mrs. Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented requests for overnight travel.
Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the requests for overnight travel as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat reported that the monthly maintenance spending report showed no expenditures above $5000.00.
4. Mrs. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, presented a bid-opening committee report on milk, bread, food service supplies and equipment, non-hazardous waste disposal, and grease trap maintenance.
Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by James Gauthier, the Finance Committee recommended to accept the bid-opening committee report as presented by Supervisor Jenny Welch. MOTION CARRIED.
5. Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented the Needs Assessment Committee Report, as follows:
Superintendent’s Needs Assessment Committee Report
March 28, 2018
The Superintendent’s Needs Assessment Committee met on Wednesday, March 28, 2018, at 2:15 p.m. at the School Board Office, with the following members present:
Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; and Blake Guillot, Network Administrator.
(1) Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, reviewed the 2017-2018 budget with the Committee which provides for $155,707 for the second semester.
A motion was offered by Blaine Dauzat, seconded by Steve Marcotte, to approve the 2017-2018 budget as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
(2) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat, seconded by Mary Bonnette, to allocate all Needs Assessment funds for the second semester to go toward all safety items requested by the schools, to include the request by Plaucheville Elementary for computer desks with partitions for the new media lab and to go before the Board to ask for any additional funds if the requests exceed the allotted Needs Assessment funds for the second semester. MOTION CARRIED.
(a) The committee recommended to purchase eight (8) Motorola two-way radios in the amount of $1,319.92 for Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy. (Purchase Order 229)
(b) The committee recommended to purchase a security fence in the amount of $2,500 for Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy. (Purchase Order 230)
(c) The committee recommended to purchase ten (10) walkie talkies in the amount of $1,589.40 for Cottonport Elementary School. (Purchase Order 231)
(d) The committee recommended to purchase seven (7) cameras and installation in the amount of $6,492 for Cottonport Elementary School. (Purchase Order 232)
(e) The committee recommended to purchase a security fence in the amount of $9,000 for Cottonport Elementary School. (Purchase Order 233)
(f) The committee recommended to purchase security cameras in the amount of $6,238 for Lafargue Elementary School. ( Purchase Order 234)
(g) The committee recommended to purchase security doors for the front of the school in the amount of $13,000 for Lafargue Elementary School. (Purchase Order 235)
(h) The committee recommended to purchase a security fence in the amount of $6,500 for Lafargue Elementary School. (Purchase Order 236)
(i) The committee recommended to purchase security cameras in the amount of $18,431.50 for Marksville Elementary School. (Purchase Order 237)
(j) The committee recommended to purchase a security fence in the amount of $3,200 for Marksville Elementary School. (Purchase Order 238)
(k) The committee recommended to purchase computer desks with partitions to be used in the new computer lab in the amount of $4,160 for Plaucheville Elementary School. (Purchase Order 239)
(l) The committee recommended to purchase security entrance in the amount of $13,190 for Plaucheville Elementary School. (Purchase Order 240)
(m) The committee recommended to purchase security cameras in the amount of $6,904.50 for Riverside Elementary School. (Purchase Order 241)
(n) The committee recommended to purchase seven (7) Motorola two-way radios in the amount of $1,259.93 for Riverside Elementary School. (Purchase Order 242)
(o) The committee recommended to purchase security cameras in the amount of $18,590 for Avoyelles High School. (Purchase Order 243)
(p) The committee recommended to purchase security speakers in the amount of $4,565 for Avoyelles High School. (Purchase Order 244)
(q) The committee recommended to purchase fencing that will completely enclose the campus in the amount of $10,500 for Avoyelles High School. (Purchase Order 245)
(r) The committee recommended to allow the Maintenance Department to handle the request for a buzzer front entrance for Avoyelles High School.
(s) The committee recommended to purchase security cameras in the amount of $11,787 for Bunkie Magnet High School. (Purchase Order 246)
(t) The committee recommended to purchase a sliding gate in the amount of $3,157.94 for Bunkie Magnet High School. (Purchase Order 247)
(u) The committee recommended to purchase front security doors in the amount of $8,525.84 for Bunkie Magnet High School. (Purchase Order 248)
(v) The committee recommended to allow the Maintenance Department to handle the request to install panic bars on all red gates for Bunkie Magnet High School.
(w) The committee recommended to purchase security entrance to block the front office from the main hall in the amount of $13,000 for Marksville High School. (Purchase Order 251)
(x) The committee recommended to allow the Maintenance Department to handle the request for removal of hardware on gym windows and paint the inside of the gym for Marksville High School.
(3) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat, seconded by Mary Bonnette, the committee recommended to purchase the following items for LaSAS and use the school’s funds to pay for the requests. MOTION CARRIED.
(a) Two-way radios in the amount of $2,640.24. (Purchase Order 249)
(b) Security cameras in the amount of $6,155. (Purchase Order 250)
(4) Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat, seconded by Thelma Prater, the committee recommended to deny all other requests that were not safety items for the schools. MOTION CARRIED.
(a) Classroom projectors and ceiling mounts in the amount of $13,249 for Marksville Elementary School.
(b) Five (5) desktop computers in the amount of $4,715 for Riverside Elementary School.
(c) Double gates on both sides of campus and two walk-in entrances with automatic gates controlled by the office in the amount of $23,375 for Avoyelles High School.
(d) Rubber flooring cover to protect the gym floor in the amount of $5,000 to $8,000 for Avoyelles High School.
(e) Band bleacher on the football field in the amount of $2,760 for Avoyelles High School.
(f) Creating a window in the secretary’s office to view the main front gate for Bunkie Magnet High School. No quote was submitted with request.
(g) Automatic flusher in the restrooms for Marksville High School - No quote was submitted with the request.
(h) Camera in the seventh and eighth grade hallway for Marksville High School - Maintenance department is evaluating the request - No quote was submitted with the request.
Total for security items is $159,748 plus $4,160 for desks with partitions requested by Plaucheville Elementary School equals a grand total of $163,908. The difference between the grand total of $163,908 and the Needs Assessment allotment of $155,707 is $8,201. The Superintendent’s Needs Assessment Committee is requesting $8,201 from the general fund to honor all security requests and the Plaucheville Elementary School media center request.
There being no further business, upon motion by Blaine Dauzat and seconded by Mary Bonnette, the meeting was adjourned.
Thelma J. Prater
Assistant Superintendent
NEEDS ASSESSMENT REPORT
Three Board Members Screening Committee
April 13, 2018
The Needs Assessment Committee met on Friday, April 13, 2018, at 8:00 a.m. at the School Board Office, with the following members present:
Jeralyn Young, Board Member; Michael P. Lacombe, Board Member; Van Kojis, Board Member; Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
The committee was presented with a copy of the “Superintendent’s Needs Assessment Committee Report” which met on March 28, 2018.
The following action was taken by the committee:
(1) Ms. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, reviewed the 2017-2018 budget with the Committee which provides for $155,707 for the second semester.
On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Van Kojis, the Needs Assessment Committee recommended to approve the 2017-2018 budget. MOTION CARRIED.
(2) On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Jeralyn Young, the Needs Assessment Committee recommended to allocate all Needs Assessment funds for the second semester to go toward all safety items requested by the schools, to include the request by Plaucheville Elementary for computer desks with partitions for the new media lab and to go before the Board to ask for any additional funds if the requests exceed the allotted Needs Assessment funds for the second semester. MOTION CARRIED.
(a) The committee recommended to purchase eight (8) Motorola two-way radios in the amount of $1,319.92 for Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy. (Purchase Order 229)
(b) The committee recommended to purchase a security fence in the amount of $2,500 for Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy. (Purchase Order 230)
(c) The committee recommended to purchase ten (10) walkie talkies in the amount of $1,589.40 for Cottonport Elementary School. (Purchase Order 231)
(d) The committee recommended to purchase seven (7) cameras and installation in the amount of $6,492 for Cottonport Elementary School. (Purchase Order 232)
(e) The committee recommended to purchase a security fence in the amount of $9,000 for Cottonport Elementary School. (Purchase Order 233)
(f) The committee recommended to purchase security cameras in the amount of $6,238 for Lafargue Elementary School. (Purchase Order 234)
(g) The committee recommended to purchase security doors for the front of the school in the amount of $13,000 for Lafargue Elementary School. (Purchase Order 235)
(h) The committee recommended to purchase a security fence in the amount of $6,500 for Lafargue Elementary School. (Purchase Order 236)
(i) The committee recommended to purchase security cameras in the amount of $18,431.50 for Marksville Elementary School. (Purchase Order 237)
(j) The committee recommended to purchase a security fence in the amount of $3,200 for Marksville Elementary School. (Purchase Order 238)
(k) The committee recommended to purchase computer desks with partitions to be used in the new computer lab in the amount of $4,160 for Plaucheville Elementary School. (Purchase Order 239)
(l) The committee recommended to purchase security entrance in the amount of $13,190 for Plaucheville Elementary School. (Purchase Order 240)
(m) The committee recommended to purchase security cameras in the amount of $6,904.50 for Riverside Elementary School. (Purchase Order 241)
(n) The committee recommended to purchase seven (7) Motorola two-way radios in the amount of $1,259.93 for Riverside Elementary School. (Purchase Order 242)
(o) The committee recommended to purchase security cameras in the amount of $18,590 for Avoyelles High School. (Purchase Order 243)
(p) The committee recommended to purchase security speakers in the amount of $4,565 for Avoyelles High School. (Purchase Order 244)
(q) The committee recommended to purchase fencing that will completely enclose the campus in the amount of $10,500 for Avoyelles High School. (Purchase Order 245)
(r) The committee recommended to allow the Maintenance Department to handle the request for a buzzer front entrance for Avoyelles High School.
(s) The committee recommended to purchase security cameras in the amount of $11,787 for Bunkie Magnet High School. (Purchase Order 246)
(t) The committee recommended to purchase a sliding gate in the amount of $3,157.94 for Bunkie Magnet High School. (Purchase Order 247)
(u) The committee recommended to purchase front security doors in the amount of $8,525.84 for Bunkie Magnet High School. (Purchase Order 248)
(v) The committee recommended to allow the Maintenance Department to handle the request to install panic bars on all red gates for Bunkie Magnet High School.
(w) The committee recommended to purchase security entrance to block the front office from the main hall in the amount of $13,000 for Marksville High School. (Purchase Order 251)
(x) The committee recommended to allow the Maintenance Department to handle the request for removal of hardware on gym windows and paint the inside of the gym for Marksville High School.
(3) On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Jeralyn Young, the Needs Assessment Committee recommended to purchase the following items for LaSAS and use the school’s funds to pay for the requests. MOTION CARRIED.
(a) Two-way radios in the amount of $2,640.24. (Purchase Order 249)
(b) Security cameras in the amount of $6,155. (Purchase Order 250)
(4) On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Jeralyn Young, the Needs Assessment Committee recommended to deny all other requests that were not safety items for the schools. MOTION CARRIED.
(a) Classroom projectors and ceiling mounts in the amount of $13,249 for Marksville Elementary School.
(b) Five (5) desktop computers in the amount of $4,715 for Riverside Elementary School.
(c) Double gates on both sides of campus and two walk-in entrances with automatic gates controlled by the office in the amount of $23,375 for Avoyelles High School.
(d) Rubber flooring cover to protect the gym floor in the amount of $5,000 to $8,000 for Avoyelles High School.
(e) Band bleacher on the football field in the amount of $2,760 for Avoyelles High School.
(f) Creating a window in the secretary’s office to view the main front gate for Bunkie Magnet High School. No quote was submitted with request.
(g) Automatic flusher in the restrooms for Marksville High School - No quote was submitted with the request.
(h) Camera in the seventh and eighth grade hallway for Marksville High School - Maintenance department is evaluating the request - No quote was submitted with the request.
Total for security items is $159,748 plus $4,160 for desks with partitions requested by Plaucheville Elementary School equals a grand total of $163,908. The difference between the grand total of $163,908 and the Needs Assessment allotment of $155,707 is $8,201. The Superintendent’s Needs Assessment Committee is requesting $8,201 from the general fund to honor all security requests and the Plaucheville Elementary School media center request.
Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Jeralyn Young, the Needs Assessment Committee recommended to allocate $8,201 from the general fund to honor all security request and the Plaucheville Elementary School media center request. MOTION CARRIED.
There being no further business, upon motion by Van Kojis and seconded by Jeralyn Young, the meeting was adjourned.
Thelma J. Prater
Assistant Superintendent
On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by John Gagnard, the Finance Committee recommended to accept the Needs Assessment Committee Report as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, reviewed the General Fund 2017-2018 year-to-date actual revenues and expenditures.
Mrs. Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor, reviewed the School Food Service Fund and LaSAS actual and revised budget for 2017-2018 noting estimated funding, as follows:
Fund Estimated Revenues Estimated Expenditures Fund Balance
Food Service $3,962,589 $3,844,599 $ 886,717
LaSAS $2,972,235 $2,766,572 $1,815,114
Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented an update on the property insurance RFQ as recommended by Mr. Scott Fazzio.
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.
7. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
April 17, 2018
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
James Gauthier, Chairman; Darrell Wiley, Chris LaCour, Lizzie Ned, John Gagnard, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. 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 a report regarding Summer Programs - 2018 for the school district.
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
April 17, 2018
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at 4:45 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Michael Lacombe, Chairman; Jeralyn Young, Darrell Wiley, Van Kojis, John Gagnard, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were James Gauthier, Chris LaCour, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and Lizzie Ned, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; and Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance.
1. The Building and Lands Committee discussed a proposal for the sale of the former Marksville Middle School located in Fifth Ward.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Jeralyn Young, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to accept the offer to sell the former Marksville Middle School with the stipulation it not be used as a school.
The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Michael Lacombe, Jeralyn Young, Van Kojis, and John Gagnard.
Nays: Darrell Wiley.
The Building and Lands Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Michael Lacombe, Chairman
Building and Lands Committee
A motion was made by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Lizzie Ned, that the Board adopt the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Lacombe.
The prospective buyer of the former Marksville Middle School property, along with the real estate agent, addressed the Board of the buyer’s intentions of turning the property into a family-oriented film studio/creative art center. Several residents of the Fifth Ward Community expressed their objections to the sale of the property to this buyer due to their concerns of pornography being filmed there. Assistant District Attorney Anthony Salario advised that stipulations can be made a part of the sales agreement to protect the integrity of the community.
Mr. Lacombe then amended his motion, seconded by Lizzie Ned, that the Board adopt the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Lacombe with the stipulations that the Board allow the District Attorney’s Office to set provisions of the sale, namely, that the property never be used as a school, that the buyer never allows pornography on the site, and any other provisions that would serve in the best interest of the School Board and Fifth Ward community.
The motion failed by the following 6-2 vote:
Ayes: Michael Lacombe and Lizzie Ned.
Nays: Jeralyn Young, Darrell Wiley, Chris LaCour, James Gauthier, John Gagnard, and Darrell Wiley.
Absent: Shelia Blackman-Dupas.
Board Member Chris LaCour stated he would be open to revisit this matter if the District Attorney’s Office would prepare the sales document with said provisions added and possibly have a small group of Fifth Ward citizens along with the prospective buyer review it together.
9. Mr. Darrell Wiley, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
April 24, 2018
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at 4:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Darrell Wiley, Chairman; Jeralyn Young, Van Kojis, John Gagnard, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas was absent. Also present were James Gauthier, Chris LaCour, and Michael Lacombe, Board Members; Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education; Dexter Compton, Supervisor of Secondary Education; Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor; and Becky Spencer, TECH Coordinator.
1. Mrs. Becky Spencer, Tech Coordinator, presented a copy of a contract for professional or technical services between EDLIO and the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Jeralyn Young, the Board recommended to approve the contract with EDLIO and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Mrs. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, presented the “Food Service Administrative Review”.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
3. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented a copy of a contract with Criterion Education, LLC, and the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
Upon motion by Jeralyn Young, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board recommended to approve the contract with Criterion Education, LLC, and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented a copy of a contract with ERS (Education Research Strategies) and the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Jeralyn Young, the Board recommended to approve the contract with ERS (Education Research Strategies) and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Executive Committee regarding Business Case Analysis with Schneider Electric.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Jeralyn Young, the Executive Committee recommended to allow Schneider Electric to proceed with a business case analysis of the Avoyelles Parish public school system. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by John Gagnard, the Executive Committee, agreed to go into Executive Session to discuss applicants for the Corinne Saucier Scholarship. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by John Gagnard, the Executive Committee agreed to reconvene in regular session. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Jeralyn Young the Executive Committee recommended to award the Corinne Saucier Scholarship to Rayne Canoe. 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 Chris LaCour, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Wiley. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Mr. Chris LaCour, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
Bus Committee Report
April 24, 2018
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at 4:25 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Chris LaCour, Chairman; Michael Lacombe, James Gauthier, and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent of Schools. Mrs. Lizzie Ned was absent. Also present were Jeralyn Young, Darrell Wiley, and Van Kojis, Board Members; 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.
2. Board Member Darrell Wiley addressed the Bus Committee regarding bus routes.
The Bus Committee did not take any action on this matter.
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.
11. President John Gagnard presented the following report:
Expulsion Appeals Committee Meeting
April 24, 2018
The Expulsion Appeals Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present: John Gagnard, Appeal Committee Chairman; Jeralyn Young, Appeal Committee Member; and Michael Lacombe, Appeal Committee Member.
Upon motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Jeralyn Young, the Committee recommended that the expulsion of the student discussed be affirmed. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Expulsion Appeals Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
John Gagnard, Chairman
Expulsion Appeals Committee
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board adopted the Expulsion Appeals Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gagnard. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat stated that testing is underway at all schools and is going well. Mr. Dauzat further stated that for the most part, grades 5-8 are finished with Leap testing. Grades 3-4 Leap tests and grades 9-11 EOC testing are underway this week. High school graduations are scheduled as follows: May 15-Marksville High, May 16-Avoyelles High, May 17-Bunkie Magnet High, and May 18-LaSAS.
13. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the Board regarding voluntary sales tax collection agreements.
On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board granted permission to the Sales Tax Collector to enter into voluntary collection agreements on behalf of the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
14. Mr. Marcus Johnson, Candidate for State Representative, addressed the Board and announced his candidacy.
15. On motion by Lizzie Ned, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board granted permission to receive proposals for official journal of the Board for the period beginning July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
16. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a bid-opening committee report on the annual audit for fiscal year ending June 30, 2018.
Report of the Bid-Opening Committee
Audit for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2018
A committee met on April 17, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. consisting of Jaimie Lacombe, Chief Accountant/Sales Tax Supervisor; Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent of Schools; Errol Laborde; and Mary Bonnette, Finance Director for the purpose of opening bids for the annual financial audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2018.
One bid was received from Ducote and Company, LLC for the following:
Audit: $31,500
Agreed-upon procedures -
School performance measures: $ 7,500
Legislative auditor agreed-upon
Procedures $ 9,500
Total $48,500
On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board awarded the bid to Ducote and Company, LLC, in the amount of $48,500 for an audit for fiscal year ending June 30, 2018. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
17. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Renewal of an administrative contract for Shalonda Berry, Assistant Principal, effective June 1, 2018 through May 31, 2020.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Renewal of an administrative contract for Sara Venable, Assistant Principal, effective July 1, 2018 through June 20, 2020.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Renewal of an administrative contract for Shaun Reynaud, Administrative Assistant, effective July 24, 2018 through June 7, 2019.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Change in funding source for Noel Rambo, teacher, from Class Size Reduction to School Based Budget, effective January 16, 2018 through May 24, 2018; Resignation of Judy R. Mathews, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 24, 2018, for the purpose of retirement; and Resignation of Taylor Barbin Brouillette, teacher, effective June 1, 2018.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Renewal of an administrative contract for Kim Adams, Assistant Principal, effective July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2020; Resignation of Joan Garcia, custodian, effective June 29, 2018, for the purpose of retirement; and Resignation of Alice P. Virgin, paraprofessional, effective at the end of the day May 23, 2018, for the purpose of retirement.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Renewal of an administrative contract for Ashley Robinson, Assistant Principal, effective July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2020; and Resignation of Eugenia R. Desselle, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 24, 2018, for the purpose of retirement.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Renewal of an administrative contract for Cindy Schaub, Assistant Principal, effective June 1, 2018 through May 31, 2020.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE: Renewal of an administrative contract for Luke Welch, SIS Coordinator, effective July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2020.
18. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Board regarding Kerotest Manufacturing Corporation.
Resolution by Van Kojis, seconded by Chris LaCour:
Whereas, Kerotest Manufacturing Corporation first established its Louisiana manufacturing facility in Mansura, Louisiana in 1989; and is a significant manufacture of polyethylene valves utilized for the transportation of natural gas and water.
Whereas, in 1983, Kerotest became owned by its employees through an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) which shares are provided to employees as a part of their remuneration for work performed.
Whereas, in fiscal year 2016, Kerotest averaged 121 employees at its Mansura facility, with a payroll of $3.965M. In fiscal year 2017, it averaged 154 employees at its Mansura facility, with a payroll of $4.468M.
Now, Therefore Be It Resolved that Kerotest proposes to add a 30,000 square foot addition to its existing Mansura facility, at an estimated cost of $1.5M; and proposes to acquire new manufacturing equipment, at a cost in excess of $2.8M to expand its Louisiana production capacity, resulting in the employment of 50 plus employees.
Be It Further Resolved that the Avoyelles Parish School Board wholeheartedly supports a plant expansion of Kerotest Manufacturing Corporation.
The motion was unanimously adopted by the Board.
There being no further business, on motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Chris LaCour, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
John Gagnard, President
Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer