SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, January 8, 2019, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board office with the following members present:
Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, Chris LaCour, Robin Moreau, Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chris Robinson III, Rickey Adams, Van Kojis, and Aimee Dupuy.
Absent: None.
Due to the recent tragedy in which five students lost their lives in a horrific vehicle accident, Superintendent Blaine Dauzat asked for a separate moment of silence after each victim’s name was announced: Brieanna Descant, Cara Descant, Cierra Bordelon, Joel Cloud, and Jeremiah Warren.
An Invocation was offered by Mr. 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 Robin Moreau.
1. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat advised the Board that the terms of office for the President and Vice-President of the Avoyelles Parish School Board have expired. He then called for nominations for the office of President.
Board Member Aimee Dupuy placed the name of Mr. Lynn Deloach in nomination for the office of President. There were no other nominations.
Board Member Robin Moreau moved that the nominations for the office of President be closed. The motion was seconded by Aimee Dupuy.
Superintendent Blaine Dauzat requested that the Board members cast their votes. By a unanimous vote, Board Member Lynn Deloach was elected President of the Avoyelles Parish School Board for the 2019 school year.
President Lynn Deloach felt honored and thanked the Board members for their trust. He vowed to solidify all efforts into one common goal: The education of all children of our parish.
2. President Lynn Deloach called for nominations for the office of Vice-President.
Board Member Stanley Celestine, Jr. placed the name of Mr. Robin Moreau in nomination for the office of Vice-President. There were no other nominations.
Board Member Aimee Dupuy moved that nominations for the office of Vice-President be closed. This motion was seconded by Rickey Adams.
President Lynn Deloach requested that the Board members cast their votes. By a unanimous vote, Board Member Robin Moreau was elected Vice-President of the Avoyelles Parish School Board for the 2019 school year.
Vice-President Robin Moreau thanked the Board for their vote of confidence to serve as vice-president and pledged to perform his duties to the best of his abilities.
3. Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, December 4, 2018, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Board Member Chris Robinson read a resolution of respect to the late Audrey Jackson Eggins, former teacher.
On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Audrey Jackson Eggins. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Students of the Month for January. 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: Hailey Fisher, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Kylee Joshua, Cottonport Elementary School; Devan Guillory, Lafargue Elementary School; Amer Zalloum, Marksville Elementary School; Chloe Holcomb, Plaucheville Elementary School; Mollie Kimble, Riverside Elementary School; Reanna Couvillion, Avoyelles High School; Zeph Arnold, Bunkie Magnet High School; Beth Broussard, LaSAS; and Blake Daigrepont, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Lynn Deloach commended the students on their accomplishments.
6. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater recognized the Teachers of the Month for January. Ms. Prater commended the teachers and presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:
Vetria Veal, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Katelyn Snyder, Cottonport Elementary School; Steve Turner, Lafargue Elementary School; Cicely Jacob, Marksville Elementary School; Kristin Hukins, Plaucheville Elementary School; Karlie Kelone, Riverside Elementary School; HaliWanersdorfer, Avoyelles High School; Mallory Ogea, Bunkie Magnet High School; Bonnie LeDuc, LaSAS; and John T. Dunbar, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Lynn Deloach commended the teachers on their accomplishments.
7. Ms. Dana Talley with the Louisiana Department of Education addressed the Board. Ms. Talley stated that in terms of standards in curriculum and teachers’ resources, the emphasis is on making sure students understand what they are learning versus just following steps/procedures as well as exposing students to not only fiction but nonfiction as well in literature. Ms. Talley commended the Board on improving the school performance score from 61.5 in 2014-15 to 80.4 now (using the same formula), which is a growth of 15.8 points. She further stated that Avoyelles is ranked eighth in growth in the state.
8. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat announced that parishwide, they had productive staff development days yesterday and today. Mr. Dauzat stated that all faculties have been preparing for the students to return to school on Wednesday. He acknowledged that tomorrow will be a tough day due to the recent tragedy, but crisis teams and counselors are ready and will be available for students as well as staff. Superintendent Dauzat congratulated Mr. Deloach and Mr. Moreau and appreciated the comments made that everyone will move forward and make decisions based on what is best for the children. Superintendent Dauzat reiterated Ms. Talley’s comments, noting that the school performance scores actually showed growth of 18.9 points over a three-year period, which places Avoyelles at fifth in the state, and he emphasized that this is in spite of Avoyelles ranking last in the state in terms of resources.
9. Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
December 11, 2018
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at 4:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Van Kojis, Chairman; James Gauthier, Chris LaCour; John Gagnard, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas was absent. Also present were Jeralyn Young and Michael Lacombe, Board Members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; and Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor.
1. Mrs. Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented the sales tax report for the month of December, 2018. Mrs. Lacombe stated that sales tax revenues for the month totaled $607,544.75. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $347,168.57, the 0.25% sales tax generated $86,791.90, and the building maintenance fund generated $173,584.28.
Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by James Gauthier, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the sales tax report for the month of December, 2018 as presented by Mrs. Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented the monthly maintenance spending report of an expenditure above $5,000, as follows:
Juneau’s Cajun Air, LLC, $5,337.00 for summer air conditioner maintenance for all units at Avoyelles High School.
3. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented a request for overnight travel.
Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by John Gagnard, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the request for overnight travel, as presented by Superintendent Dauzat. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the Finance Committee regarding the purchase of an activity bus for LaSAS.
Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by John Gagnard, the Finance Committee recommended to purchase an activity school bus using LaSAS funds at a cost of up to $93,000. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a comparison of year-to-date general fund expenditures for 2018-2019.
Mrs. Bonnette also presented a General Fund budget revision, as follows:
Total revenues to the sources $37,727,336
Total expenditures and other uses $38,123,175
Projected Current Year Deficit ($ 395,839)
On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by James Gauthier, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the General Fund budget revision as presented by Mrs. Bonnette. 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. President Lynn Deloach presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
December 11, 2018
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at approximately 4:18 p.m. with the following members present:
Jeralyn Young and Van Kojis, Board Members: John Gagnard, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. Darrell Wiley, Chairman, and Ms. Shelia Blackman-Dupas were absent. Also present were Chris LaCour, James Gauthier, Michael Lacombe, and Lizzie Ned, Board members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Dexter Compton, Supervisor of Secondary Education; and Dawn Pitre, Supervisor of Special Services.
1. Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Jeralyn Young, the Executive Committee recommended to approval a contract for professional or technical services by and between Brett Long (grant writer) and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Jeralyn Young, the Executive Committee recommended to approve a Memorandum of Understanding between the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College on behalf of Louisiana State University Eunice (LSUE) and the Avoyelles Parish School Board regarding LSUE Dual Enrollment and the LSUE Academy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Mrs. Dawn Pitre, Supervisor of Special Services, presented revisions to the Special Education Personnel Evaluation Form.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Jeralyn Young, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the revisions to the Special Education Personnel Evaluation Form. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Lynn Deloach, President
On motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by President Deloach. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Mr. Chris LaCour, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
Bus Committee Report
December 11, 2018
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Chris LaCour, Chairman; Michael Lacombe, James Gauthier, Lizzie Ned; John Gagnard, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent of Schools. Also present were Jeralyn Young and Van Kojis, Board Members; and Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor.
1. Mr. Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor, presented an update of bus incident reports.
Upon motion by James Gauthier, seconded by Lizzie Ned, the Bus Committee recommended to immediately terminate any driver who leaves a child on a school bus. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Bus Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Chris LaCour, Chairman
Bus Committee
Superintendent Blaine Dauzat stated he spoke with Transportation Supervisor Brent Whiddon and noted that some teachers and coaches sometimes drive school buses for sporting events and extracurricular activities. They will research more on how this recommendation would affect those drivers and report back at the next Bus Committee Meeting.
On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman LaCour. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. President Lynn Deloach presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
December 11, 2018
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, December 11, 2018, at approximately 5:12 p.m. with the following members present:
Michael Lacombe, Chairman; Jeralyn Young, Van Kojis, John Gagnard, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were Chris LaCour, James Gauthier, and Lizzie Ned, Board Members; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
1. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented an update of the gymnasium/auditorium at Bunkie Magnet High School.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Board Member Lizzie Ned addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding the Bunkie Magnet High School Track.
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.
Lynn Deloach, President
On motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by President Deloach. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. The Board Members discussed conducting all five committee meetings on one day and considered the third Monday of each month. In the case of a holiday occurring on said Monday, the meeting date can be changed accordingly.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board set all regular meetings to be held on the first Tuesday of each month beginning at 5:00 p.m. and all five committee meetings to be held on the third Monday of each month beginning at 4:30 p.m., except on holidays. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
14. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Appointment of Sarah R. Corley, teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019, replacing Casie McClelland; and Resignation of Casie McClelland, teacher, effective at the end of the day December 20, 2018.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Cameron M. Adams, (TAT) Business teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through February 8, 2019, replacing Mark Wellman; Resignation of Mark Wellman, teacher, effective at the end of the day December 20, 2018, for the purpose of retirement; and Resignation of Kristin Lemoine, teacher, effective December 10, 2018.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Appointment of William J. Moreau, teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019, replacing Cheyenne Guillory who resigned; Appointment of Joni L. Meche, (TAT) teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019, replacing James Prejean; and Resignation of James Prejean, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day December 20, 2018.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Steven P. Dye, (TAT) Journey to Careers teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Appointment of Korey D. Coppage, (TAT) teacher, effective December 19, 2018 through May 24, 2019; and Resignation of Joanna Bielkiewicz, paraprofessional, effective February 4, 2019, for the purpose of retirement.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE: Resignation of Luke Welch, SIS Coordinator, effective June 30, 2019, for the purpose of retirement; and Appointment of Jessica B. Gauthier, SIS Coordinator, effective May 1, 2019 through May 30, 2021.
ADDENDUM(S)
1/8/2019
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Appointment of LeShelle A. Williams, teacher, effective January 9, 2019 through February 8, 2019.
In miscellaneous business, Board Member Stanley Celestine, Jr. thanked Ms. Nicole Gagnard of Marksville Elementary School and Ms. Liza Jacobs of Marksville High School for organizing today’s bus drive throughout the community.
Board Member Aimee Dupuy inquired about identification badges for school board members to wear when visiting schools or attending school-related functions.
There being no further business, on motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Robin Moreau, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
LYNN DELOACH, President
BLAINE DAUZAT, Secretary-Treasurer