SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

 

            The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Wednesday, November 7, 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, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and Van Kojis.

 

            Absent:   Lizzie Ned.

 

            An Invocation was offered by Board Member Van Kojis.

                                               

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

 

            1.         Upon motion by Darrell Wiley, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, October 2, 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 November. 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: A’Quarion Jackson, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Qua’von Bacon, Cottonport Elementary School; Dazlynn Tabor, Lafargue Elementary School; Aniya Simon, Marksville Elementary School; Jordan Augustine, Plaucheville Elementary School; Eri’shae Mason, Riverside Elementary School; Eric Waters, Avoyelles High School; Contravous Jenkins, Bunkie Magnet High School; Lauren Gauthier, LaSAS; and Hannah Broussard, 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 November.  Ms. Prater commended the teachers and presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:

 

                        Candice Hardy, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Elizabeth Willis, Cottonport Elementary School; Michelle Gauthier, Lafargue Elementary School; Stacey Duncan, Marksville Elementary School; Kourtny Bordelon, Plaucheville Elementary School; Amber Voiselle, Riverside School; Lyndsey Roy, Avoyelles High School; Katelyn Hillman, Bunkie Magnet High School; Tracey Armand, LaSAS; and Myleka Harrington, Marksville High School. 

 

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

 

            4.         Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the run-off candidates and newly-elected school board members in attendance: Marian Gonzales, Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, Robin Moreau, Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chris Robinson, (Lizzie Ned was absent), Rickey Adams, and Aimee Dupuy, along with unopposed returning board members Chris LaCour and Van Kojis.  Mr. Dauzat congratulated all of the winners, expressed confidence that they will serve their districts well, and was eager to start working with the new Board.  Also, Superintendent Dauzat announced that school and district performance scores for the 2017-18 school year will be released statewide tomorrow.  The Avoyelles Parish School District remains at a grade of “C” for the third straight year, ranked 52nd in the state in district scoring, and tied for ninth place in the state for growth.

 

            5.         Board Member Shelia Blackman-Dupas presented an Expulsion Appeal Committee Report, as follows:

 

Expulsion Appeal Committee Report

October 16, 2018

 

                        The Expulsion Committee met on Tuesday, October 16, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. with the following members present: Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Appeal Committee Chairperson; John Gagnard, Appeal Committee Member; and Michael Lacombe, Appeal Committee Member.

 

                        Upon motion by Michael Lacombe and seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the committee recommended the expulsion of Student 1 be affirmed with a modification that Student 1's expulsion term be reduced to 45 school days.  It was reiterated that Student 1 would not be allowed to return to Avoyelles High School as long as the two teachers battered are appointed to Avoyelles High School.  The motion passed with a unanimous vote.

 

                        On motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board accepted the Expulsion Appeal Committee Report as presented by Chairperson Dupas.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

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

 

Finance Committee Report 

October 16, 2018

 

                        The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, October 16, 2018, at 4:00 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; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education; Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance; Dexter Compton, Supervisor of Secondary Education; and Rebecca Spencer, Technology Coordinator.

 

                        1.         Mrs. Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented the sales tax report for the month of September, 2018.  Mrs. Lacombe stated that sales tax revenues for the month totaled $618,658.60.  She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $353,526.27, the 0.25% sales tax generated $88,369.20, and the building maintenance fund generated $176,763.13.

 

                                    Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the sales tax report for the month of September, 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) Stafford Deshotel, $5,040.00 for paint and window repair at Avoyelles High School;

 

                                    (2) Avoyelles High School, $5,642.00 for various maintenance expenses, lawn mower repair, and PA system repair at Avoyelles High School;

 

                                    (3) Avoyelles Glass, $10,691.00 for repair on all classroom doors at Plaucheville Elementary School.

                                                                       

                        3.         Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented requests for overnight travel.

 

                                    Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by John Gagnard, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the requests for overnight travel as presented.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

                        4.         Upon motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Finance Committee recommended to provide $250.00 to William Manual and $250.00 to Austin Spencer, students at LaSAS, to attend the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis on October 24-27, 2018, utilizing FFA funds.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

                        5.         Mrs. Becky Spencer, Technology Coordinator, presented the E-rate technology budget for the 2018-2019 school year.

 

                        6.         Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, reviewed the 2017-2018 financial reports for LaSAS and the food service department.

 

                        7.         Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, reviewed the budget and actual year-to-date financials for 2018-2019.  Also, Mrs. Bonnette presented a comparison of prior year general fund financials.

 

                        8.         Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a report on the 2018-2019 Ten-Year Plan.

 

                        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

October 16, 2018

 

                        The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, October 16, 2018, at 4:30 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, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and Van Kojis, Board Members; 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. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, presented an update on attendance procedures.

 

                                    The Education Committee did not take any action.

 

                        2.         Mrs. Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education, presented an update on Professional Development Day, October 22, 2018.

 

                                    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 

  October 16, 2018

 

                        The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met  Tuesday, October 16, 2018, at approximately 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, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and Chris LaCour, Board Members; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.

 

                        1.         Mr. Steve  Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a report on proposals received for a range rider.  Mr. Marcotte indicated that he did not receive any proposals for a range rider.

 

                                    The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action.

 

                        2.         Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a report of the bid-opening committee for the sale of used buses/vehicles.

 

Report of the Bid-Opening - Used Buses/Equipment

 

                                    On Tuesday, October 9, 2018, a committee met at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office for the purpose of receiving bids to sell used buses/equipment.

 

                                    Members of 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:

 

                                    Douglas Donaghey: Bus Number 173, $600.00

                                    Martin  Donaghey, Bus Number 134, $600.00; and Bus Number 148, $600.00

 

                                    On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Darrell Wiley, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to sell the buses to the highest bidder and to allow Mr. Marcotte to negotiate the sale of the remaining buses.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

                        3.         Mr. Marvin Crawford and Ms. Linda Thomas, President of George Washington Carver Community Center, addressed the Executive Committee regarding the former Bunkie Middle 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 Chris LaCour, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Lacombe.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

                        Superintendent Blaine Dauzat introduced Ms. Brigitte Joffrion, realtor, who presented a Buy/Sell Agreement from George Washington Carver Community Center to purchase the cafeteria and 0.5 acres of land at the former Bunkie Middle School in the amount of $19,125.00 with a request that the Board pay closing costs.

 

                        On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Board accepted the Buy/Sell Agreement as presented by Ms. Joffrion but with the stipulation that the School Board will not pay closing costs.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

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

 

Executive Committee Report 

October 30, 2018

 

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

 

                        Darrell Wiley, Chairman; Jeralyn Young, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Van Kojis; John Gagnard, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent.  Also present were James Gauthier, Chris LaCour, and Michael Lacombe, Board Members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor.

 

                        1.         Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Jeralyn Young, the Executive Committee recommended to approve a contract with Fontenot Benefits and Actuarial Consulting for GASB 75 evaluation in the amount of $7500 with funding derived from the general fund.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

                        2.         Upon motion by Jeralyn Young, seconded by John Gagnard, the Executive Committee recommended to approve a Memorandum of Understanding with Louisiana State University - Alexandria for the dual enrollment program.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

                        3.         Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Jeralyn Young, the Executive Committee recommended to approve a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between Central Louisiana Technical Community College and the Avoyelles Parish School District.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

                        4.         Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Jeralyn Young, the Executive Committee recommended to approve a contract between Follett Destiny Solution and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

                        5.         Upon motion by Jeralyn Young, seconded by Van Kojis, the Executive Committee recommended to approve policies submitted by Mr. James Prescott, Jr. of Forethought Consulting, Incorporated, as follows:

 

                                    (a)        File: IFBGA                   Computer

                                    (b)        File: JCDAF                  Bullying and Hazing

                                    (c)        File: JCDAG                 Threats of Terrorism or Violence

                                    (d)        File: IHAD                     Parent Conferences

                                    (e)        File: JGCE                    Child Abuse

                                    (f)         File: JR            Student Privacy and Education Records

                                               

                        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  

October 30, 2018

 

                        The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, October 30, 2018, at 4:14 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, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, and Van Kojis, Board Members; 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.

 

                        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.       Mrs. Jaimie Lacombe, Chief Accountant/Sales Tax Supervisor, presented a bid-opening committee report for a grant writer.

 

Report of Bid-Opening for a Grant Writer

 

                        A committee met on October 30, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. consisting of Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Jaimie Lacombe, Chief Accountant/Sales Tax Supervisor; Michael Lacombe, Board Vice-President; John Gagnard, Board President; and Mary Bonnette, Finance  Director for the purpose of opening bids for a grant writer.

 

                        One bid was received from Brett Long at a fee of $500 per month and 11% of each grant not to exceed $50,000 annually. The committee took this under advisement and bidder negotiated a fee of $250 per month up to six months unless documentation is provided that three grants have been applied for.    The subsequent payments of $250 monthly will be contingent upon the submission of grants.  In addition, bidder will credit the $250 monthly retainer from all grants received.  Once a grant is received, the bidder will refund the monthly retainer to the Board resulting in a net cost of 11% for each grant.

 

                        On motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board accepted the proposal presented by Mrs. Lacombe.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

 

            12.       President John Gagnard addressed the Board regarding the Annual Superintendent’s Evaluation.  Each year, current Board Members rate the Superintendent’s job performance annually in seven categories: Educational Leadership, Staff Relations, Public Relations, Working Relationship with the Board of Education, Financial Direction, Management of Facilities/Grounds/Equipment, and Personal Qualities.  This year, the results reflect an overall rating of Superintendent Blaine Dauzat’s job performance at 84.4%  (3.376 out of 4.000 points).  President John Gagnard read several comments made by Board Members on their evaluation forms.  Vice-President Michael Lacombe thanked Superintendent Blaine Dauzat for his hard work and true dedication to the students, staff, and administration of the entire Avoyelles Parish School Board system.

           

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

 

PERSONNEL CHANGES

 

BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY:  Appointment of Thomas B. Alger, (TAT) teacher, effective October 22, 2018 through November 27, 2018; Transfer/appointment of Mariah Fine, teacher, from Marksville High School, effective October 31, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Resignation of Patty Riche, teacher, effective at the end of the day October 11, 2018, for the purpose of retirement; Resignation of Edwina R. Lewis, teacher, effective at the end of the day October 18, 2018; Rescinding appointment of Andria L. Brouillette, bus driver, effective September 10, 2018; and Appointment of Shelley Fontenot, bus driver, effective October 8, 2018, replacing Marquis Hawkins.

 

COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Rhonda Andress, teacher, from regular education to Early Interventionist, effective October 1, 2018 through May 24, 2019; and Appointment of Laurie Bordelon, bus driver, effective October 25, 2018.  

 

MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL:  Termination of employment of Mathilda Lachney, food service technician, effective October 2, 2018; and Change in funding source for Yulonda Washington, paraprofessional, from Pre-K special education to school-based budget, effective November 1, 2018.

 

PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Roxanne Laborde-Couvillion, teacher, effective at the end of the day January 10, 2019, for the purpose of retirement.

 

RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Casey Goudeau, paraprofessional, effective at the end of the day October 26, 2018.

 

AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL:  Re-appointment of Justus D. Boone, teacher, effective November 5, 2018 through December 20, 2018.

 

BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL: Discontinuance of employment of James Greer, teacher, effective August 1, 2018; and Resignation of Judy Adams Ducote, paraprofessional, effective December 21, 2018, for the purpose of retirement.

                                                                                   

LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES:  Transfer/appointment of Andrea DeMars, paraprofessional, from  Marksville Elementary School, effective August 9, 2018.

 

MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL:  Appointment of Misty L. Blanchard, (TAT) teacher, effective October 22, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Appointment of Kristen L. Burnett, (TAT) teacher, effective October 17, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Change in bus route for Danielle Bordelon, bus driver, to Johnny Carmouche’s route, effective October 25, 2018; and Transfer/appointment of Joanna Ford, bus driver, from Cottonport Elementary School, effective October 25, 2018.

 

AVOYELLES PARISH PUPIL APPRAISAL CENTER: Appointment of Nena Webster, (retired) Educational Diagnostician, effective October 15, 2018 through December 20, 2018.

 

ADDENDUM(S)

11/7/2018

 

MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL:  Appointment of Malcolm J. Smoot, teacher, effective November 2, 2018 through May 24, 2019.

 

            14.       In miscellaneous business, Board Member Darrell Wiley suggested that committee meetings for November and December be held on one day each month instead of two separate days due to the new Board taking office in January and also due to the holiday season.

 

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

 

                                                                        AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

 

                                                                        JOHN GAGNARD, President

 

                                                                        BLAINE DAUZAT, Secretary-Treasurer