SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

            The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, December 4, 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, Chris LaCour, James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, Lizzie Ned, and Van Kojis.

            Absent:   Darrell Wiley.

            An Invocation was offered by Vice-President Michael Lacombe.

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

            1.         Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Wednesday, November 7, 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 December. 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: Jeremy Christmas,  Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Layla Augustine, Cottonport Elementary School; Katie Lachney, Lafargue Elementary School; Kyla Desselles, Marksville Elementary School; Lyle Guillory, Plaucheville Elementary School; Matthew Barfield, Riverside Elementary School; Ma’Kaila Kyle, Avoyelles High School; Jayla James, Bunkie Magnet High School; Brandon Wright, LaSAS; and Leonard Sampson, 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 December.  Ms. Prater commended the teachers and presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:

                        Courtney Brown, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Margaret Borrel. Cottonport Elementary School; Linda Gagnard, Lafargue Elementary School; Lisa Laborde, Marksville Elementary School; Patti Rebouche, Plaucheville Elementary School; Mary Allen, Riverside Elementary School; Ryan Gremillion, Avoyelles High School; Ashley Flanders,  Bunkie Magnet High School; Brandon Sostand, LaSAS; and Brent Barbre, Marksville High School. 

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

            4.         Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented a plaque to outgoing President John Gagnard and outgoing Vice-President Michael Lacombe for their service and dedication to the Board for the period of January 9, 2018 through December 31, 2018. 

            5          Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented a plaque to outgoing members of the Avoyelles Parish School Board for their service and dedication, as follows: Jeralyn Young, Darrell Wiley, James Gauthier, Shelia Blackman-Dupas, John Gagnard, Michael Lacombe, and Lizzie Ned.

            6.         Superintendent Blaine Dauzat announced that LEAP tests for high school students are ongoing this week and next week.  Christmas break begins on December 20, 2018.  Teachers will have staff development on January 7-8, 2019, and students will return to school on January 9, 2019. 

                        Superintendent Dauzat thanked all outgoing Board members for their service.  He praised the Board for the historical accomplishment of finally closing the desegregation case, guaranteeing equal education for all students. Mr. Dauzat further stated that this Board has overseen the district make huge strides, ranking 52^nd in the state (compared to 65^th in the past) despite having the lowest funding in the state.  President John Gagnard told Superintendent Dauzat that it was a pleasure working with him.  Vice-President Michael Lacombe stated that, as a Board member, he has made many personal friends, including teachers, principals, and staff members, and it has been a fun ride for the past eight years.  Mrs. Shelia Blackman-Dupas thanked God and her family for allowing her to serve on the Board for so long and said she has no regrets for any decisions she made; she is obsessed with education and hopes she was a good representative for the entire parish and a good role model for the younger generation; and she respects each Board member despite any differences of opinion.  Mrs. Lizzie Ned also thanked God for allowing her to serve 12 years on the Board and 37 years as a teacher.  She stated that she enjoyed working with all Board members, never had any animosity towards anyone, is proud that the Board was able to raise substitute teachers’ pay and bring retirees back, and will always advocate for children’s education. Mr. James Gauthier said he is proud of the tremendous strides made by the Board and staff, including free lunches for every student, but he is also worried about this generation’s lack of respect for teachers and their sense of entitlement/lack of ambition to work hard and make something of themselves. He stated he thoroughly enjoyed his work and will miss everyone.  Mr. Chris LaCour stated he has made personal connections with every Board member and learned from each one, but he looks forward to the new Board members coming in and hopes to have the same relationship with them and be able to teach them as well.  Mr. Van Kojis stated he also made friends with all Board members despite disagreements and feels privileged to continue serving his district. He emphasized that the old and new Board members must all work together to get things done.  Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater thanked all Board members for their support given to the central office staff and admired the Board for working as a team.

            7.         On motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Board granted permission to enter into a one-year contract with Kolder, Slaven, and Company, LLC for audit services for the 2018-2019 fiscal year (07/01/18 - 06/30/19).  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

            8.         Mr. Chris  LaCour, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:

Bus Committee Report

November 13, 2018

                        The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, November 13,  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, 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 James Gauthier, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman LaCour.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

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

Finance Committee Report

November 13, 2018

                        The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, November 13, 2018, at 4:15 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 and Michael Lacombe, Board Members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor.

                        1.         Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented the sales tax report for the month of October, 2018.  Mrs. Bonnette stated that sales tax revenues for the month totaled $659,685.25.  She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $376,962.91, the 0.25% sales tax generated $94,240.88, and the building maintenance fund generated $188,481.46.

                                    Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by James Gauthier, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the sales tax report for the month of October, 2018 as presented by Mrs. Bonnette. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

                        2.         Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented the monthly maintenance spending report of expenditures above $5,000, as follows:

                                    (1)        Bordelon Electric, $5079.00 for repairs at Plaucheville Elementary School

                                    (2)        Stafford Deshotel, $5000.00 for various repairs at Bunkie Magnet High School

                        3.         Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented the Federal Programs E-Grants for the 2018-2019 school year.

                                    Upon motion by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Finance Committee recommended approval of the Federal Programs E-Grants for the 2018-2019 school year.  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 Lizzie Ned, the Board adopted the Finance Committee report as presented by Chairman Kojis.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

            10.       Mrs. Dawn Pitre, Supervisor of Special Services, discussed Behavioral Health Providers’ procedures.

                        On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Shelia Blackman-Dupas, the Board accepted the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding Act 696 of the Louisiana State Legislature, as recommended by Mrs. Dawn Pitre.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

            11.       Board Member Chris LaCour addressed the Board regarding gymnasium bleachers at Avoyelles High School.  Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, announced that he received three quotes to replace the bleachers.

                        On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by James Gauthier, the Board authorized the replacement of gymnasium bleachers at Avoyelles High School to be awarded to the contractor with the lowest quote of $68,500.00 using reserve funds.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

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

PERSONNEL CHANGES

BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY:  Re-appointment of Kaitlyn J. West, teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Vetria L. Veal, teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Amie C. Clark, teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Brittany D. Bordelon, (TAT) teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Casie B. McClelland, (TAT) teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Peggy Joshua, (retired)  Kindergarten teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Gertrude Milligan, (retired) Kindergarten teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Mariah M. Fine, teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through February 8, 2019; Appointment of Courtney D. Brown, (TAT) teacher, effective November 26, 2018 through December 20, 2018; Re-appointment of Courtney D. Brown, (TAT) teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; and Resignation of Bryce Alger, teacher, effective at the end of the day November 15, 2018.

COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Elizabeth Willis, (retired) teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Sandra Smith, (retired) Kindergarten teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Gilda R. Compton, (retired) mild moderate teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Margaret Borrel, (retired) mild moderate teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Ruby Hawkins, (retired) mild moderate teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Lauren Ducote, (retired) part-time Instructional Coach, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; and Appointment of Dawn Lacombe, bus driver, effective November 27, 2018, replacing James Williams.

LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Change in funding source for Angie Lemoine, paraprofessional, effective August 7, 2018, from LA-4 to general fund.

MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Lalisa B. Scallan, teacher, effective November 13, 2018 through May 24, 2019, replacing Samantha LeCroy who resigned; Re-appointment of Jessica G. Lemoine, teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Ronisha M. Coppage, (TAT) teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019;  Re-appointment of   Lauren G. Flook, (TAT) teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Gail Harvey, (retired)  Dean of Students, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; and Resignation of Verna Johnson, teacher, effective at the end of the day November 16, 2018, for the purpose of retirement.

PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Michelle Raiford, teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; and Re-appointment of Alyce M. Gauthier, (TAT) teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019.  

RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Karli R. Kelone, teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Josephine Stevenson, (retired), teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Amber Voiselle, (TAT), teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Yvonne S. Bassett, (retired), teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Janet Geralyn Moreau, (retired) teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; and Re-appointment of Lauren Ducote, (retired) part-time Instructional Coach, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019.  

AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL:  Re-appointment of Bailey M. Gauthier, teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Justus Boone, teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Samantha Chapin, teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of  Lyndsey M. Roy, (TAT) teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Kathy M. Lemoine, (retired) teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Logan G. Lemoine, Business teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Joel M. Tassin, (retired) Content Mastery teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Heavin L. Chesne, (TAT) teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Carrie L. Kimble, teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Allyn E. Ducote, (TAT) Mild Moderate teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Elizabeth Higginbotham, teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019;  Appointment of Kristin D. Lemoine, teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; and Resignation of Wayne Armand, bus driver, effective at the end of the day December 21, 2018, for the purpose of retirement.

BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL:  Re-appointment of Doris Leary, (retired) teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Debra LeBlanc, (retired) teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Phyllis Morris, (retired) teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of David Dyson, (retired) teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Mallory A. Ogea, teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Dylan J. West, teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of McKenzie Bienvenu, (TAT) teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Matthew Murdock, (retired) Dean of Students, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Cherrie Callahan, (retired) self-contained teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; and Re-appointment of Laure’ A. Tubre, Content Mastery teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019.  

LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Re-appointment of James Prejean, (retired) teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019:  Re-appointment of Bonnie LeDuc, (retired) Business Education teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Angela N. Deville, (retired) Content Mastery teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; and Re-appointment of Kerri Desselle, teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019.  

MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL:  Re-appointment of George G. Hathorn, (retired) teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of  Brent A. Barbre , (TAT) teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Nuri M. Jeter, (TAT) teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Alana Pate, teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Ralph H. Hines, (retired) teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Payton W. Neville, (TAT) teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Misty Blanchard, (TAT) teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Kristen L. Burnett, (TAT)  teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Re-appointment of Joseph Greenhouse, Business teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; and Re-appointment of Devin A. Tipton, First Responder/Medical Terminology teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019.  

AVOYELLES PARISH PUPIL APPRAISAL CENTER: Re-appointment of Catherine D. Tyler, (retired) part-time Early Childhood teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; and Re-appointment of Nena Webster, (retired) Educational Diagnostician, effective January 7, 2019 through June 7, 2019.  

ADDENDUM(S)

12/3/2018

MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Kristen Burnett, teacher, effective at the end of the day November 30, 2018.

                        There being no further business, on motion by Michael Lacombe, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the meeting was adjourned.

                                                                        AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

                                                                        JOHN GAGNARD, President

                                                                        BLAINE DAUZAT, Secretary-Treasurer