SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, February 5, 2019, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Lynn Deloach, President; Robin Moreau, Vice-President; Latisha Small, Chris LaCour, Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chris Robinson, Rickey Adams, Van Kojis and Aimee Dupuy.
Absent: None.
An Invocation was offered by Mr. Dextor 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. Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, January 8, 2019, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Board Member Aimee Dupuy read a resolution of respect to the late Ronnie Jeansonne, former teacher.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Ronnie Jeansonne. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Board Member Chris LaCour read a resolution of respect to the late Ernest Mayeux, retired custodian.
On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Ernest Mayeux. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Students of the Month for February, 2019. 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: Camden Patterson, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Bethanie Guillory, Cottonport Elementary School; Landry Dupuy, Lafargue Elementary School; Blain Trapp, Marksville Elementary School; Kayleen Armand, Plaucheville Elementary School; Rain Carmouche, Riverside Elementary School; Brandon Levy, Avoyelles High School; Haley Doughty, Bunkie Magnet High School; Austin Spencer, LaSAS; and Sydney Bordelon, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Lynn Deloach commended the students on their accomplishments.
5. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater recognized the Teachers of the Month for February. Ms. Prater commended the teachers and presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:
Amie Clark, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Lesley Garvin, Cottonport Elementary School; Heather Hamilton, Lafargue Elementary School; Simone Voinche, Marksville Elementary School; Sara Wallace, Plaucheville Elementary School; Josephine Stevenson, Riverside Elementary School; Logan Lemoine, Avoyelles High School; Dylan West, Bunkie Magnet High School; Amy Pitre, LaSAS; and Cynthia Brennan, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Lynn Deloach commended the teachers on their accomplishments.
6. Mrs. Wendy Marchand, Data/Instructional Coordinator, recognized the 2019 Student
of the Year winners, as follows
Elementary School Level - Grade 5
Jayla Brown, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Lydia Mose, Cottonport Elementary School; Dayton Pennington, Lafargue Elementary School; Isabella Harrell, Marksville Elementary School; Aubree Patterson, Plaucheville Elementary School; and Olivia Jenkins, Riverside Elementary School.
Middle School Level - Grade 8
Morgan Blanchard, Avoyelles High School; Reyohnna Mitchell, Bunkie Magnet High School; Breanna McDowell, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Kassidy Lachney, Marksville High School.
High School Level - Grade 12
Garrett Gautreaux, Avoyelles High School; Mitchell Hukins, Bunkie Magnet High School; William Gaspard, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Leonard Sampson, Jr., Marksville High School.
Mrs. Marchand announced that the District winners are Dayton Pennington, Grade 5, Lafargue Elementary School; Breanna McDowell, Grade 8, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and William Gaspard, Grade 12, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences.
On behalf of the Board, President Lynn Deloach commended the Students of the Year on this outstanding achievement.
7. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized William Manuel and Austin Spencer, students at LaSAS, for placing fourth at the National FFA Convention.
8. Announcements:
1) Superintendent Blaine Dauzat explained the process of closing schools due to weather. In the past, the determination of whether or not to close schools was done in the early morning hours once weather conditions were actually happening. Now, parents prefer to know earlier (the night before) in order to make childcare arrangements. In the case of the most recent closure last week, by all weather reports, the chances were extremely high that frozen precipitation was imminent. Therefore, the decision was made to close schools. Ultimately, the forecasted weather event did not occur, but it is better to err on the side of caution in these situations for the safety of all.
2) Superintendent Dauzat stated that truancy meetings have been successful recently. Over 100 people were in meetings yesterday. There has been great cooperation from the sheriff, district attorney, and judges, and he thanked everyone involved, including Ms. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance.
3) Superintendent Dauzat announced that the Avoyelles Parish School District received recognition for being the Number 1 Growing District in the State of Louisiana for the past three years. He congratulated all teachers, principals, and administrators for their hard work and continuing efforts.
9. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized Mr. Scott Russell, Regional Vice-President of Ombudsman Education Services, regarding an update of the Avoyelles Virtual Alternative School. Mr. Russell outlined the current plan and the proposed changes to the program, and he answered questions from the Board and the audience. The Board will take this proposal under advisement, with the contract expiration coming up in June.
10. On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board granted permission to advertise for bids for milk and milk products, bread and bakery products, food service supplies and equipment, non-hazardous waste disposal, grease trap maintenance, staple foods, and produce for the 2019-2020 school year. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Board regarding a new policy entitled File: GBK-P, Hearing Procedures for Employee Discipline.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board adopted the policy File: GBK-P as outlined by Superintendent Dauzat. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Board regarding the contract with a realtor. Discussion ensued regarding whether to renew the current contract, extend the contract temporarily, or advertise for bids.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board granted permission to extend the contract with the current realtor for a period of two (2) months and, in the meantime, advertise for bids for realtor. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. Mr. Rickey Adams, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
January 22, 2019
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 22, 2019, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Rickey Adams, Chairman; Robin Moreau, Chris Robinson, Van Kojis, Lynn Deloach, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were Latisha Small, Stanley Celestine, Jr., and Aimee Dupuy, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
1. Vice-President Robin Moreau addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding the leasing of the former Fifth Ward High School.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to approve the lease and enter into an agreement with the Fifth Ward Community Center. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented an update on the contract date of Bunkie Magnet High School Auditorium stage construction.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
3. Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to advertise for bids for janitorial supplies, paint, air conditioner filters, and light bulbs. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Board Member Aimee Dupuy addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding the Marksville Elementary School roof.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
5. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented an update on the Bunkie Middle School lease.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Van Kojis, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to terminate the Bunkie Middle School lease. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Building and Lands Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Rickey Adams, Chairman
Building and Lands Committee
A motion was offered by Rickey Adams, seconded by Chris LaCour, that the Board approve the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Adams.
Discussion ensued regarding the Bunkie Middle School lease issue (Item Number 5). Mr. Arthur Lovall, current leaseholder, addressed the Board regarding his struggles with financing and lack of resources. He also presented a petition with over 200 signatures (consisting of students and parents) urging the Board not to terminate the lease. Mr. Lovall argued that he is trying to keep the students off the streets by giving them a place to go for tutoring, exercise, and basketball programs. Maintenance Supervisor Steve Marcotte and Board Member Van Kojis pointed out that due to Mr. Lovall not paying the water bill, there has been no running water in the facility since October, which presents a significant health hazard. Also, the ratio of adult supervision to students was questioned. Mr. Lovall asked for more time to get his finances in order. Several Board Members countered that, although they appreciate Mr. Lovall’s dedication and initiative, he has consistently failed to fulfill his obligations of the lease over the past four years. Mr. Marcotte revealed that there have been others interested in leasing the property for student activities as well.
An amendment to the motion was offered by Latisha Small, seconded by Chris Robinson, to approve the Building and Lands Committee Report except Item Number 5 and keep the current Bunkie Middle School lease active for a period of four (4) months. This motion failed by the following vote:
Yeas: Latisha Small, Chris Robinson, and Stanley Celestine, Jr.
Nays: Rickey Adams, Chris LaCour, Robin Moreau, Van Kojis, and Aimee Dupuy.
The original motion (offered by Rickey Adams, seconded by Chris LaCour, to approve the Building and Lands Committee report as presented) was then voted upon. This motion passed by the following vote:
Yeas: Rickey Adams, Chris LaCour, Stanley Celestine, Jr., Lynn Deloach, Robin Moreau, Van Kojis, and Aimee Dupuy.
Nays: Latisha Small and Chris Robinson.
14. Mr. Chris Robinson, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
Bus Committee Report
January 22, 2019
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 22, 2019, at approximately 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Chris Robinson, Chairman; Aimee Dupuy, Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent of Schools. Mr. Chris LaCour was absent. Also present were Stanley Celestine, Jr., Robin Moreau, Rickey Adams, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; 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.
2. Chairman Chris Robinson addressed the Bus Committee regarding the number of substitute bus drivers.
The Bus Committee did not take any action on this matter.
The Bus Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Chris Robinson, Chairman
Bus Committee
On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman Robinson. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. Mr. Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
January 22, 2019
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 22, 2019, at approximately 5:21 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chairman; Latisha Small, Aimee Dupuy, Lynn Deloach, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. Chris LaCour was absent. Also present were Robin Moreau, Chris Robinson, Rickey Adams, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; 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. Board Member Chris Robinson addressed the Education Committee regarding the Parish Spelling Bee.
The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Committee Member Aimee Dupuy addressed the Education Committee regarding a Principal Roundtable.
The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
3. Committee Member Aimee Dupuy also discussed a Teacher/Support Staff Roundtable.
The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
4. Chairman Stanley Celestine, Jr. discussed a Parent/Community Roundtable.
The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
5. Chairman Stanley Celestine, Jr. addressed the Education Committee regarding District and School Website Utilization.
The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chairman
Education Committee
On motion by Stanley Celestine, Jr., seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Celestine. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
16. Mr. Robin Moreau, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
January 22, 2019
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 22, 2019, at approximately 5:48 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Robin Moreau, Chairman; Chris Robinson, Stanley Celestine, Jr., Rickey Adams; Lynn Deloach, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were Latisha Small, Aimee Dupuy, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; 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. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented policies submitted by Mr. James Prescott, Jr. of Forethought Consulting, Incorporated, as follows:
(a) File: GBK Employee Discipline
(b) File: GBN Dismissal of Employees
(c) File: DFD Tax and Bond Elections and Sales
(d) File: DJE Purchasing
(e) File: GAEAA Sexual Harassment
(f) File: GBC Recruitment
(g) File: GBD Employment of Personnel
(h) File: GBDA Employment of Retired Personnel
(i) File: GBRIB Sick Leave
(j) File: GBRIC Maternity and Adoptive Leave
(k) File: JBCC Student Assignment
Upon motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Executive Committee recommended approval of the above policies as presented by Superintendent Dauzat. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Committee Member Stanley Celestine, Jr. addressed the Executive Committee regarding social media policies/messaging.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
3. Committee Member Rickey Adams addressed the Executive Committee regarding a four-day school week.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Robin Moreau, Chairman
Executive Committee
Discussion ensued regarding the four-day school week proposal. Points brought to attention were student pick-up and drop-off times, students receiving meals less days per week, effects on test scores, teacher recruitment, and community groups/churches offering options for students on the off day. Caldwell Parish currently runs a four-day school week successfully. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat will invite representatives from the Caldwell Parish school district to come here soon for their input and to answer questions regarding this issue.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Moreau. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
17. Mrs. Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
January 22, 2019
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 22, 2019, at approximately 6:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present: Aimee Dupuy, Chairman; Robin Moreau, Rickey Adams; Lynn Deloach, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. Chris LaCour was absent. Also present were Latisha Small, Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chris Robinson, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; and Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance.
1. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Finance Director, presented the sales tax report for the month of December, 2018. Mrs. Bonnette stated that sales tax revenues for the month totaled $575,642.42. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $330,583.36, the 0.25% sales tax generated $82,234.42, and the building maintenance fund generated $162,824.64.
2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat advised the Finance Committee that there were not any monthly maintenance spending expenditures above $5,000 for the month of December.
3. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented requests for overnight travel.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the requests for overnight travel as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Mr. Matthew Margaglio of Kolder, Slaven and Company, LLC presented the annual audit report for fiscal year 2017-2018. Mr. Margaglio stated that his firm issued an unqualified opinion for fiscal year audit 2017-2018, and he noted no material instances of non-compliance with government auditing standards.
The auditor also noted that an instance of misappropriation of funds occurred in September, 2017 which was investigated, prosecuted and restitution is being paid. Preventative measures are being taken in order to prevent recurrence. Also a prior period adjustment of approximately $58 million was made to fund balance due to the increase in OPEB (Post employment benefits) as mandated by GASB (Government Accounting and Standards Board.)
5. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a report of year-to-date expenditures in comparison to the prior year.
Mrs. Bonnette reviewed the year-to-date revenues and expenditures for the General Fund as of 11/30/2018 and compared to 11/30/2017.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson
Finance Committee
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the Finance Committee report as presented by Chairwoman Dupuy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
18. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Resignation of Audrey Frazier, food service technician, effective at the end of the day March 8, 2019, for the purpose of retirement.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Sandi Moreau, teacher, effective at the end of the day January 18, 2019; and Resignation of Erin Lacour, teacher, effective February 4, 2019.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Noel Rambo, teacher, effective January 21, 2019.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Donald A. Antie, Jr., (TAT) teacher, effective January 14, 2019 through May 24, 2019.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of James J. Prejean, (retired) teacher, effective January 8, 2019 through February 8, 2019; Transfer/appointment of Marion M. Lemoine, from JAG teacher to ELA teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; Transfer/appointment of Tiffany C. Rabalais, from ELA teacher to JAG teacher, effective January 7, 2019 through May 24, 2019; and Resignation of Alisha Williams, teacher, effective at the end of the day January 13, 2019.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of April Ducote, bus driver, effective January 9, 2019, for the purpose of retirement.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Angie Hale, special education paraprofessional, effective February 5, 2019, replacing Joanna Bielkiewicz who retired.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE: Correction in appointment date of Jessica G. Gauthier, SIS Coordinator, effective May 1, 2019 through April 30, 2021; Renewal of an administrative contract for Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor, effective March 23, 2019 through March 22, 2021; and Renewal of an administrative contract for Jennifer Welch, Food Service Supervisor, effective March 24, 2019 through March 23, 2021.
ADDENDUM(S)
2/5/2019
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Re-appointment of Leshelle A. Williams, teacher, effective February 11, 2019 through March 8, 2019.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Change in funding source for Sherry Reech, teacher, from 100% school base budget to 100% Title I CSR, effective August 7, 2018 through May 24, 2019; and Change in funding source for Kelly S. Steele, teacher, from 100% Title I to 100% school based budget, effective August 7, 2018 through May 24, 2019. Transfer/appointment of Rhonda M. Andress, teacher, from Pre-K special education to regular education, effective February 1, 2019 through May 24, 2019.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Martha A. Charles, food service technician, effective February 1, 2019, replacing Phyllis Jeansonne.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Nancy F. Savoy, food service technician, effective February 1, 2019, replacing Mathilda Lachney.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Marcie A. Carmouche, teacher, effective February 1, 2019 through March 1, 2019.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Cameron M. Adams, (TAT) teacher, effective February 11, 2019 through March 8, 2019; and Resignation of James Prejean, teacher, effective February 1, 2019.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Benjamin W. Schonfarber, Jr., teacher, effective at the end of the day January 31, 2019.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD LEARNING CENTER: Change in funding source for Kristi Bordelon, technology facilitator, from 100% Title II to 70% Title II and 30% Title I, effective August 7, 2018 through May 24, 2019.
19. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Board regarding the date of the regular School Board meeting in March. The scheduled meeting date falls on the Mardi Gras holiday.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board agreed to move the March regular School Board meeting to March 12, 2019. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
20. Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board unanimously agreed to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing a personnel matter regarding the Superintendent’s role. The time was approximately 6:58 p.m.
On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board reconvened in open public session at approximately 7:58 p.m.
There being no further business, on motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Latisha Small, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Lynn Deloach, President
Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer