SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, July 3, 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 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 Chris LaCour.
1. On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, June 5, 2018, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. President John Gagnard read a resolution of respect to the late Betty C. Bordelon, former teacher, instructional coach, assistant principal, and principal.
On motion by John Gagnard, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Betty C. Bordelon. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Board Member Jeralyn Young read a resolution of respect to the late Jackie Small, former teacher and coach.
On motion by Jeralyn Young, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Jackie Small. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat invited all Board Members to a luncheon at the Paragon Casino Buffet on Monday, July 16, 2018, to honor the “State Teacher of the Year” who is an Avoyelles native. Mr. Dauzat announced that summer school finished last week. The K-2 Reading Camp was phenomenal and High School JumpStart was a success; however, there were not many fourth and eighth grade participants. LEAP scores for grades 3-8 have arrived and will be revealed to the public on July 10. The Administrators’ Retreat will be held next week at LaSAS. The new 2018-2019 school year begins next month: Teachers are to report to their school on August 7, while students begin school on August 9.
5. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
June 19, 2018
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, June 19, 2018, at 4:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
James Gauthier, Chairman; Darrell Wiley, Lizzie Ned, Chris LaCour, John Gagnard, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were Jeralyn Young, Michael Lacombe, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; and Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor.
1. Mrs. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, presented a Truancy Intervention Report for the 2017-2018 school year.
The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Mrs. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, presented an update report regarding The Rapides Foundation Healthy Behaviors Grant/Wellness Policy.
The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
3. Mrs. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, addressed the Education Committee regarding renewing The Rapides Foundation Healthy Behaviors School Partnership Grant.
Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by John Gagnard, the Education Committee recommended to grant permission to renew The Rapides Foundation Healthy Behaviors School Partnership Grant for the 2018-2019 school year in the amount of $15,700 over 12 months. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Resolution by Chris LaCour, seconded by Darrell Wiley:
Be It Resolved that the Avoyelles Parish School Board does hereby authorize Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent of Schools, on the terms and conditions that he may deem advisable, to negotiate and execute grant agreements on behalf of the Board, and further the Avoyelles Parish School Board does hereby give him the power and authority to do all things necessary to implement, maintain, amend, or renew said documents with The Rapides Foundation. 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 Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Gauthier. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Mr. Michael Lacombe, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
June 19, 2018
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, June 19, 2018, at approximately 4:30 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; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
1. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat and Food Service Supervisor Jenny Welch addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding remodeling the cafeteria at Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a bid-opening committee report on two used buses and two used tractors, as follows:
Report of the Bid-Opening Report
Two Used Buses and Two Used Tractors
On Tuesday, May 22, 2018, a committee met at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office for the purpose of receiving bids to sell used buses/equipment.
Members serving on the committee were: John Gagnard, Board President; Michael Lacombe, Board Member; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
The committee acknowledged receipt of the following bids:
Bidder Bus # 140 Bus # 161 Mitsubishi Tractor John Deere Tractor
Morgan Marcotte $1000.50 $1100.50
Marksville, LA
Glenn Ducote $574.74 $774.74 $1074.44 $1074.74
Moncla Auto Sales
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by John Gagnard, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to accept the high bids. MOTION CARRIED.
3. Chairman Michael Lacombe discussed the roof at the Hessmer 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 Michael Lacombe, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
June 19, 2018
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, June 19, 2018, at 4:45 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 Jeralyn Young, Darrell Wiley, Lizzie Ned, and Michael Lacombe, Board Members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; and other central office supervisors.
1. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented the sales tax report for the month of May, 2018. Mrs. Bonnete stated that sales tax revenues for the month totaled $619,963.33. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $354,270.09, the 0.25% sales tax generated $88,558.19, and the building maintenance fund generated $177,135.05.
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 presented the monthly maintenance report for the month of May, as follows:
Floyd’s Construction Company, $12,575, for roof repairs at Marksville Elementary School.
Central Air, $6700, for gymnasium air conditioner repairs at Avoyelles High School.
4. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented an update and revision of the 2017-2018 General Fund, as follows:
Total Proposed Revenues: $38,114,789
Total Proposed Expenditures $39,050,541
Estimated 2017-2018 Deficit ($ 935,752)
Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Finance Committee recommended approval of the revisions to the 2017-2018 General Fund. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a 2018-2019 Budget review of the Special Revenue and Debt Service Funds.
There being no further business, on motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Chris LaCour, the meeting was adjourned.
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.
8. Mr. Darrell Wiley, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
June 26, 2018
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, June 26, 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 Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas was absent. Also present were James Gauthier, Chris LaCour, Lizzie Ned, and Michael Lacombe, Board Members; Dr. Karen Williams, Supervisor of Special Services; and Becky Spencer, Tech Coordinator.
1. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater requested approval of a contract between SHI International Corporation and the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Jeralyn Young, the Executive Committee recommended approval of a contract between SHI International Corporation and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Upon motion by Jeralyn Young, seconded by John Gagnard, the Executive Committee recommended approval of a contract between Edmentum and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Dr. Karen Williams, Supervisor of Special Services, addressed the Executive Committee regarding a contract for professional services between First Choice Therapy, Incorporated and the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Jeralyn Young, the Executive Committee recommended to table the contract for further study and receipt of more information from First Choice Therapy, Incorporated. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by John Gagnard, the Executive Committee recommended approval of a contract for professional or technical services between Ellen Brocato, ABA School Consultants, and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Jeralyn Young, the Executive Committee recommended approval of a contract between Soliant Health and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Jeralyn Young, the Executive Committee recommended approval of a contract between Sunbelt Staffing and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Upon motion by Jeralyn Young, seconded by Van Kojis, the Executive Committee recommended to renew The Rapides Foundation 2018-2019 Effective Schools Initiative Grant in the amount of $125,000 over 12 months. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Mrs. Becky Spencer, Tech Coordinator, addressed the Executive Committee regarding approval of the 2018-2019 Parent and Family Engagement Policy.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Jeralyn Young, the Executive Committee recommended approval of the 2018-2019 Parent and Family Engagement Policy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Mr. Chris LaCour, Board Member, addressed the Executive Committee regarding payment for legal services for the District Attorney’s office.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Jeralyn Young, the Executive Committee recommended to refer discussion on this matter to the July Board meeting. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented policies from Mr. James Prescott, Jr. of Forethought Consulting, Incorporated for the committee’s approval, as follows:
(a) File: BC School Board Meeting
(b) File: DJA Authorized Signature
(c) File: GBRIBA Family and Medical Leave
(d) File: JCAB Student Searches
(e) File: JGC Student Health Services
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Jeralyn Young, the Executive Committee recommended approval of the above policies as presented by Assistant Superintendent Prater. MOTION CARRIED.
11. Mr. Chris LaCour, Board Member, discussed the employment application process. The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Darrell Wiley, Chairman
Executive Committee
Regarding Item Number 9, due to District Attorney Charles Riddle not being able to attend tonight’s meeting, this item will be postponed until the next scheduled Executive Committee Meeting in July.
On motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Wiley. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Mr. Chris LaCour, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
Bus Committee Report
June 26, 2018
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, June 26, 2018, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Chris LaCour, Chairman; Michael Lacombe, Lizzie Ned, James Gauthier, and John Gagnard, President. Also present were Jeralyn Young, Darrell Wiley, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; and Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor.
1. Mr. Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor, presented an update of bus incident reports. Mr. Whiddon stated that there were not any accidents to report.
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 Van Kojis, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman LaCour. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Assistant Superintendent Thelma presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Appointment of Kayla B. Neal, teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through May 24, 2019; Appointment of Kaitlyn J. West, teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Appointment of Vetria L. Veal, teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Appointment of Amie C. Clark, teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Appointment of Brittany Bordelon, (TAT) teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; and Appointment of Peggy Joshua, (retired) Kindergarten teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Lesley L. Garvin, teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through May 24, 2019; Appointment of Ruby Hawkins, (retired) mild/moderate special education teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Appointment of Katelyn N. Snyder, Autism teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through May 24, 2019; Appointment of Lauren Ducote, (retired) part-time instructional coach, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Appointment of Sandi Y. Moreau, teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through May 24, 2019; Resignation of Lauren Ducote, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day May 24, 2018; Resignation of Sheila Goudeau, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 24, 2018, for the purpose of retirement; and Resignation of Billy T. Laird, bus driver, effective May 25, 2018, for the purpose of retirement.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Holly D. Bordelon, teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through May 24, 2019; and Transfer/appointment of Joscelyn W. Ebey, paraprofessional, from Cottonport Elementary School, effective August 7, 2018 (funded by regular education school base budget).
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Dannon W. Dieterich, teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through May 24, 2019; Appointment of Jessica G. Lemoine, teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Appointment of Gail Harvey, (retired) Dean of Students, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; and Appointment of Lauren G. Flook, (TAT) teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Michelle Raiford, teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Appointment of Alyce M. Gauthier, (TAT) teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Transfer/appointment of Tiffany Moreau, paraprofessional, from Riverside Elementary School, effective August 7, 2018 (funded by regular education school base budget); and Transfer/appointment of Christopher Dixon, custodian, from LaSAS, July 1, 2018, replacing Joann Garcia who retired.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Heather B. Pierite, teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through May 24, 2019; Appointment of Karli R. Kelone, teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Appointment of Josephine Stevenson, (retired) teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Appointment of Amber Voiselle, (TAT) teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; and Appointment of Lauren Ducote, (retired) part-time instructional coach, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Hali H.Wanersdorfer, teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through May 24, 2019; Appointment of Ryan J. Gremillion, teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through May 24, 2019; Appointment of Bailey M. Gauthier, teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Appointment of Justus Boone, teacher effective August 7, 2018 through September 4, 2018; Appointment of Heavin L. Chesne, (TAT) teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Appointment of Samantha Chapin, (TAT) teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Appointment of Logan G. Lemoine, Business teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Appointment of Allyn E. Ducote, (TAT) mild-moderate teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Appointment of Joel Tassin, (retired) content mastery teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; and Resignation of Joel Tassin, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day May 24, 2018.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Sabrina Washington, teacher, from Marksville High School, effective August 7, 2018 through May 24, 2019; Appointment of Louis I. Griffith, teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through May 24, 2019; Appointment of David Dyson, (retired) teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Appointment of Mallory A. Ogea, teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Appointment of Dylan J. West, teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Appointment of Matthew Murdock, (retired) Dean of Students, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Appointment of Laure’ A. Tubre, content mastery teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Resignation of Bianca Harvey, teacher, effective August 1, 2018; and Resignation of Cherrie A. Callahan, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day May 24, 2018.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Appointment of Summer N. Anderson, agriculture teacher, effective July 24, 2018 through June 30, 2019; Appointment of Desiree D.Guillot, teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through May 24, 2019; Appointment of Keri D. Desselle, teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Appointment of James J. Prejean, (retired) teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Appointment of Bonnie Leduc, (retired) teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; and Appointment of Angela N. Deville, (retired) content mastery teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of George G. Hathorn, (retired) teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Appointment of Myleka W. Harrington, teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Appointment of Devin A. Tipton, teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Appointment of Darryl Honor, CTTIE I manufacturing/machinery teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through May 24, 2019; Resignation of Stephanie Iles, teacher, effective August 1, 2018; Resignation of Beverly Daigrepont, food service technician, effective July 27, 2018, for the purpose of retirement; and Transfer/appointment of Corrie C. Wilson, food service technician, from Cottonport Elementary School, effective August 7, 2018, replacing Beverly Daigrepont who retired.
AVOYELLES PARISH PUPIL APPRAISAL CENTER: Appointment of Catherine D. Tyler, (retired) part-time Early Childhood teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL DISTRICT: Resignation of Kirby Roy, III, JAG teacher, effective July 31, 2018, for the purpose of retirement.
ADDENDUM(S)
7/3/2018
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Yolanda Evans, custodian, from Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy, effective July 2, 2018.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Resignation of Debbie Gaspard, guidance counselor, effective July 22, 2018.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Joseph B. Greenhouse, teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Appointment of Nuri M. Jeter, (TAT) teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; and Appointment of Megan E. Force, (TAT) teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE: Appointment of Mary Littleton, food service secretary, effective July 3, 2018, replacing Linda Sayer who retired.
11. Assistant District Attorney Derek Manual addressed the Board regarding Section 16 lands. Mr. Manual announced that because the issue of permits on Section 16 lands is a local ordinance and not a State law, the Louisiana State Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will not enforce it unless the Wildlife and Fisheries Commission approves it. Therefore, it is the District Attorney’s recommendation that the Board hire an off-duty deputy to enforce the ordinance for now. As Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, Board Member Michael Lacombe will contact the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission to discuss the matter, and this issue will be placed on the Building and Lands Committee agenda on July 17, 2018.
12. In miscellaneous business, Board Member Van Kojis inquired about a status update on the desegregation case. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat stated that the Board is still going back and forth with the government regarding documentation requests and obtaining consent to file all legal documents with the court for final approval. Training is also planned to address disparity in discipline.
There being no further business, on motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
John Gagnard, President
Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer