SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, October 2, 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, and Van Kojis.
Absent: Shelia Blackman-Dupas and Lizzie Ned.
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 Michael Lacombe.
1. Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Michael Lacombe, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, September 4, 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 Theresa Guillot Chatelain, former teacher.
On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Theresa Guillot Chatelain. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Students of the Month for October. 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: Kadrianna Butler, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Linsey Mose, Cottonport Elementary School; Laney Cooper, Lafargue Elementary School; Madison Mott, Marksville Elementary School; Akria Jenkins, Plaucheville Elementary School; Raelynn Gaspard, Riverside Elementary School; Lykeria Tykler, Avoyelles High School; Hunter Rodriguez, Bunkie Magnet High School; Jaden Smith, LaSAS; and Michael Tassin, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President John Gagnard commended the students on their accomplishments.
4. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater recognized the Teachers of the Month for October. Ms. Prater commended the teachers and presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:
Katie West, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Kelly Steele, Cottonport Elementary School; Jennifer Nicholas, Lafargue Elementary School; Dannon Dauzat, Marksville Elementary School; Samantha Mire, Plaucheville Elementary School; Shawnita Scott, Riverside School; Alisha Williams, Avoyelles High School; Cherrie Callahan, Bunkie Magnet High School; Casey Natasi, LaSAS; and Alex Perkins, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President John Gagnard commended the teachers on their accomplishments.
5. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat stated that, per policy, all student athletes are to be drug tested before their season begins and are also subject to random drug tests throughout the year. He announced that all football players of all three high school football teams have passed their drug tests. School performance scores will finally be released on November 8. The budget surplus supplements should be disbursed no later than October 12, 2018. Mr. Chris Lemoine was welcomed as the new network administrator for the School Board. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat gave an explanation of the TIF (Teacher Incentive Fund) grant. He explained that this is money that the federal government gave to the state to distribute in high-need struggling schools for the purpose of attracting and retaining teachers in hard-to-fill positions.
6. In Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas’ absence, Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Board regarding the development of a policy which would allow all School Board members to serve as President. Board Member Van Kojis pointed out that current policy does allow any Board member to serve as President with a majority vote by the Board. Therefore, no action was taken regarding this matter.
7. Mr. James Gauthier, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
September 18, 2018
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, September 18, 2018, at 4:00 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 Jeralyn Young, Michael Lacombe, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Dawn Pitre, Supervisor of Special Education; Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education; Dexter Compton, Supervisor of Secondary Education; and Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance.
1. Mrs. Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education, updated the Education Committee on the TIF Grant.
The Education Committee did not take any action.
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
September 18, 2018
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, September 18, 2018, at 4:16 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 and Chris LaCour, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
1. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a report on appraisals of the former Marksville Middle School and former Bunkie Middle School.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to have Maintenance Supervisor Steve Marcotte present these appraisals to parties interested in buying the former Marksville Middle School and/or former Bunkie Middle School. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Chairman Michael Lacombe presented a report of the Ad Hoc Committee regarding energy management, as follows:
Report of the Ad Hoc Committee on
Energy Management
The Ad Hoc Committee for Energy Management met at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, September 6, 2018, at the School Board Office.
Members present were Michael Lacombe, Chairman; Chris LaCour, Board Member; Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
The Ad Hoc committee discussed hiring a third party evaluator.
Upon motion by Blaine Dauzat, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Ad Hoc Committee recommended to retain the services of a third party evaluator to assist in the overall procurement of a firm which will assist in the process of selecting an energy management program. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Ad Hoc Committee respectfully requests the adoption of this report.
Michael Lacombe, Chairman
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to accept the proposal as stated from Energy Consulting Services. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Van Kojis, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to approve Change Order Number 1 in the increased amount of $5,937.00 for rerouting of a sewer and water line for the stage addition at Bunkie Magnet High School. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Mr. Chris LaCour, Board Member, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding land at Old River for the purpose of Wildlife and Fisheries building a floating dock.
Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by John Gagnard, the Building and Lands Committee recommended that Maintenance Supervisor Steve Marcotte research ownership of the property and report back to the Board. 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 Van Kojis, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board agreed to enter into negotiations with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries regarding the construction, operation, and maintenance of a floating dock plus vacant lot at Old River. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Citizens interested in purchasing the former Bunkie Middle School cafeteria (and possibly other property at the site) had questions about the recent appraisal amounts. As Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, Mr. Michael Lacombe offered to contact the appraiser for an itemization of the findings, and he will report back to the interested parties and Board.
9. Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
September 18, 2018
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, September 18, 2018, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Van Kojis, Chairman; James Gauthier, Chris LaCour, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, John Gagnard, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were Jeralyn Young, Darrell Wiley, and Michael Lacombe, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor;
1. Mrs. Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented the sales tax report for the month of August, 2018. Mrs. Lacombe stated that sales tax revenues for the month totaled $610,191.56. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $348,681.04 , the 0.25% sales tax generated $87,170.00, and the building maintenance fund generated $174,340.52.
Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the sales tax report for the month of August, 2018 as presented by Mrs. Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented the monthly maintenance spending report of expenditures above $5,000, as follows:
(1) Ducote’s Painting, $5,800.00 for painting seven classrooms, two restrooms, and two hallways at Bunkie Magnet High School
(2) Perry Laborde, $14,050.00 to repair 22 classrooms, caulking, repair four offices, gym walls, and repair 70 posts on walkway at Marksville High School
(3) Floyd’s Construction, $8,805.00 for roof repair to Room 25, 28, and 26 at Marksville Elementary School
(4) Moreau’s Material Yard, $5,700.00 for limestone for driveway at Marksville High School
3. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented requests for overnight travel.
Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by John Gagnard, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the requests for overnight travel as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat discussed the purchase of playground equipment for Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy.
Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by James Gauthier, the Finance Committee recommended to place a cap of $25,000 on any approved playground equipment for elementary schools. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Finance Committee regarding FFA Federation funds.
Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Finance Committee recommended to spend up to $25,000 for each high school and LaSAS Junior High on the Agriculture Department, utilizing FFA funds. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Van Kojis, Chairman
Finance Committee
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board adopted the Finance Committee report as presented by Chairman Kojis. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Mr. Chris LaCour, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
Bus Committee Report
September 25, 2018
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, September 25, 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 Jeralyn Young, Darrell Wiley, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; and Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance.
1. Mr. Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor, presented an update of bus incident reports.
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 Darrell Wiley, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman LaCour. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Mr. Darrell Wiley, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
September 25, 2018
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, September 25, 2018, at 4:30 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; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education; Dexter Compton, Supervisor of Secondary Education; Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance; and Dawn Pitre, Supervisor of Special Services.
1. Mrs. Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education, presented a professional technical services agreement between the Avoyelles Parish School Board and Spalding Education International.
Upon motion by Jeralyn Young, seconded by Van Kojis, the Executive Committee recommended to approve a Services Agreement between the Avoyelles Parish School Board and Spalding Education International. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented a copy of a “Request for Proposals” for Grant Writing and Development Services on a contract basis.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Jeralyn Young, the Executive Committee recommended to receive proposals for a grant writer. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat discussed requesting that the District Attorney file a motion to dismiss the desegregation case (Holmes versus Avoyelles Parish School Board bearing Civil Action 12,721 on the docket of the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana.)
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by John Gagnard, the Executive Committee recommended to instruct the District Attorney to file a motion to dismiss the case. 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 Michael Lacombe, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Wiley. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Avoyelles Parish District Attorney Charles Riddle, III announced that he was informed that the United States Department of Justice will not oppose the dismissal of the desegregation case. The Petition to Dismiss will be presented to Judge Dee Drell tomorrow morning. Board Member Michael Lacombe expressed great appreciation to Mr. Riddle for his tireless efforts in bringing this 50 plus year lawsuit to conclusion. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat also thanked Mr. Riddle in addition to the Board and staff for working together to reach this historic moment in time. Board Member Van Kojis expressed his wish that the school system will never revert back to a segregated state ever again. Mr. Riddle assured everyone that all changes implemented to get to this point will remain in effect indefinitely.
12. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Discontinuance of service of Marcie Carmouche, teacher, effective August 24, 2018; and Appointment of Andria L. Brouillette, bus driver, effective September 10, 2018, replacing Marquis Hawkins who resigned.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Change in funding source for Gilda R. Compton, (retired) teacher, from school base budget to special education, effective August 7, 2018 through December 20, 2018; and Discontinuance of service of Rachel T. McWilliams, teacher, effective August 7, 2018.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Termination of employment of Phyllis Jeansonne, food service technician, effective at the end of the day September 7, 2018.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Change in funding source for Cicely Jacob, teacher, from Title I CSR to school base budget, effective August 7, 2018 through May 24, 2019; Change in funding source for Pamela Laborde, teacher, from school base budget to Title I CSR, effective August 7, 2018 through May 24, 2019; and Resignation of Samantha LeCroy, teacher, effective at the end of the day September 12, 2018.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Discontinuance of service of Angel G. Guidroz, teacher, effective at the end of the day September 21, 2018.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Jared E. Bordelon, bus driver, effective September 10, 2018
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Elizabeth Higginbotham, teacher, effective September 17, 2018 through December 20, 2018; and Re-appointment of Justus D. Boone, teacher, effective October 8, 2018 through November 2, 2018.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Change in appointment date for Myleka W. Harrington, teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through May 24, 2019; Change in appointment date for Benjamin W. Schonfarber, Jr., teacher, effective August 7, 2018 through May 24, 2019; Change in appointment date for Mariah Fine, teacher, effective September 19, 2018 to October 19, 2018; and Discontinuance of service of Tiffany B. Vidrine, teacher, effective August 13, 2018.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE: Appointment of Jennifer Dismer, Acting Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, effective August 13, 2018 through June 30, 2019, replacing Debbie Bain while on leave; Appointment of Christopher J. Lemoine, Network Administrator, effective October 1, 2018; and Renewal of an administrative contract for Demetria Alexander, Supervisor of Federal Programs, effective November 20, 2018 through November 19, 2020.
There being no further business, on motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
JOHN GAGNARD, President
BLAINE DAUZAT, Secretary-Treasurer