SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, March 12, 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. 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 Rickey Adams.
1. Upon motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, February 5, 2019, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Vice-President Robin Moreau read a resolution of respect to the late Farrell Graser, former teacher.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Farrell Graser. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Board Member Chris Robinson read a resolution of respect to the late Walter Thomas Murray, former teacher.
On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Walter Thomas Murray. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Board Member Latisha Small read a resolution of respect to the late Dominick Bennett, former custodian.
On motion by Latisha Small, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Dominick Bennett. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Students of the Month for March, 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: Braleigh Prince, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Trae Guillot, Cottonport Elementary School; Bryson Brouillette, Lafargue Elementary School; La’Nyia Eggins, Marksville Elementary School; Maci Moreau, Plaucheville Elementary School; Kataliah Gipson, Riverside Elementary School; Ava Gremillion, Avoyelles High School; Asia Dupree, Bunkie Magnet High School; Kylee Voorhies, LaSAS; and Madison Barbry, 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 March. Ms. Prater commended the teachers and presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:
Brandi Bubenzer, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; April Book, Cottonport Elementary School; Chantelle Hataway, Lafargue Elementary School; Kayla Lemoine, Marksville Elementary School; Rachel Normand, Plaucheville Elementary School; Maggie Mury, Riverside Elementary School; Carrie Kimble, Avoyelles High School; Sabrini Washington, Bunkie Magnet High School; Julie Humble, LaSAS; and Sarah Dupont, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Lynn Deloach commended the teachers on their accomplishments.
7. Mrs. Wendy Marchand, Data/Instructional Coordinator, recognized the 2020 Teacher of the Year winners, as follows:
Elementary Level:
Connie Ducote, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Kelly Steele, Cottonport Elementary School; Valerie Bordelon, Lafargue Elementary School; Lisa Laborde, Marksville Elementary School; Brandy Dupont, Plaucheville Elementary School; and AmberVoiselle, Riverside Elementary School.
Middle School Level:
Marcy Center, Avoyelles High School; Ashley Flanders, Bunkie Magnet High School; Angela Deville, LaSAS; and Myleka Herrington, Marksville High School.
High School Level:
Brandy Lemoine, Avoyelles High School; Abigail Turner, Bunkie Magnet High School; Casey Nastasi, LaSAS; and Tina Anderson, Marksville High School.
District winners are: Lisa Laborde, Marksville Elementary School; Ashley Flanders, Bunkie Magnet High School; and Brandy Lemoine, Avoyelles High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Lynn Deloach congratulated the 2020 Teacher of the Year winners.
8. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized an administrative team from Caldwell Parish regarding their four-day school week. Transportation Director Jeff Farrar and Principal James Wells outlined some pros and cons of having a four-day school schedule. Pros include cheaper operating costs (including utilities, food service, paper goods, etc.), less fuel consumption, fewer bus repairs, incentive for recruiting certified teachers, having a free day for appointments/planning/remediation, and maintenance work can be done on the off day when students and staff are not there. Cons include a longer school day and possibly poor community support. Board members, teachers, principals, and community leaders in attendance voiced their concerns. Most were in favor of having a four-day school week, emphasizing that this would entice certified teachers to come work for the school system (several are already interested). Also, rearranging bus routes would help alleviate the problem of early pickup and late drop-off times. Still, some board members felt that additional time was needed to properly research this matter and obtain more community input.
A motion was offered by Rickey Adams, seconded by Robin Moreau, that the Board adopt a four-day school week for the Avoyelles Parish School District beginning in the 2019-2020 school year. The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Rickey Adams, Robin Moreau, Latisha Small, Chris Robinson, Lynn Deloach, Van Kojis, and Aimee Dupuy.
Nays: Chris LaCour and Stanley Celestine, Jr.
9. Board Member Chris LaCour recognized the Avoyelles Parish 4-H Ambassadors. Extension Agent Sheena Grote announced that, in light of the new four-day school week, she will work with all schools to have 4-H activities planned for students on Mondays. The 4-H Ambassadors thanked the Board for improvements recently made to the 4-H barn and presented the Board with a plaque showing their appreciation.
10. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat stated that he and his staff will make the transition to the four-day school week as smooth as possible, and teacher recruitment will begin immediately. He also announced that since the Avoyelles Parish School System was named as Louisiana’s Fastest Growing School District, a celebration and fun day for all staff will be held at LaSAS on Friday, March 22, 2019. State and local dignitaries will be in attendance, and there will be food and activities for all to enjoy. Also, Mr. Dauzat stated that ACT tests were completed today, and state testing and EOC tests will begin soon. Discussion will be held soon regarding block scheduling for the high school in light of the four-day school week being adopted tonight.
11. Mrs. Aimee Dupuy, Chairwoman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
February 18, 2019
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Monday, February 18, 2019, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present: Aimee Dupuy, Chairwoman; Robin Moreau, Chris LaCour, Rickey Adams, Lynn Deloach, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. 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 January, 2019. Mrs. Bonnette stated that sales tax revenues for the month totaled $786,543.47. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $449,453.60, the 0.25% sales tax generated $112,363.07, and the building maintenance fund generated $224,726.80.
Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Finance Committee recommended to accept the sales tax report for the month of January, 2019 as presented by Mrs. Bonnette. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat advised the Finance Committee that there were no monthly maintenance spending expenditures above $5,000 for the month of January, 2019.
3. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented requests for overnight travel.
Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the requests for overnight travel as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Mrs. Becky Spencer, Technology Coordinator, addressed the Finance Committee regarding applying for E-rate funding for internet access.
5. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the Finance Committee regarding revisions to the 2018-2019 Food Service and Special Revenue Fund Budgets, as follows:
School Food Service:
Total Revenues: $3,573,348
Total Expenditures: $3,877,339
Other Sources/Uses 376,490
Surplus $ 72,499
Title I Title II Preschool IDEA-B Title V
Total Revenues $3,420,705 528,621 60,858 1,714,797 141,672
Total Expenditures $3,420,705 528,621 60,858 1,714,797 141,672
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Finance Committee recommended approval of revisions to the 2018-2019 Food Service and Special Revenue Fund Budgets. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a report of year-to-date 2018-2019 General Fund and Nursing Fund expenditures in comparison to the prior year.
Mrs. Bonnette reviewed the year-to-date revenues and expenditures for the General Fund and Nursing Fund, as follows:
General Fund: Nursing Fund:
Total Revenues as of 12/31/18 $19,559,759 $120,360
Total Expenditures as of 12/31/18 $15,541,371 $231,636
Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Finance Committee recommended approval of the year-to-date expenditures for the General Fund and Nursing Fund. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Aimee Dupuy, Chairwoman
Finance Committee
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board adopted the Finance Committee report as presented by Chairwoman Dupuy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Mr. Rickey Adams, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
February 18, 2019
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Monday, February 18, 2019, at 5:00 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. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding approval of an RFP Document for Energy Efficiency Contract Services and to proceed with advertising for proposal.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Van Kojis, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to grant approval of the RFP Document for Energy Efficiency Contract Services and to proceed with advertising for proposal. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Mr. Brad Augustine, President of Red River Charter Academy, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding leasing the former Mansura Middle School.
A motion was offered by Van Kojis to deny a request to lease the former Mansura Middle School to the Red River Charter Academy. The motion died for lack of a second.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to look into a negotiation between the Avoyelles Parish School Board and Red River Charter Academy to lease Mansura Middle School. The motion was adopted by the following vote: Yeas: Rickey Adams, Chris Robinson, and Lynn Deloach; Nays: Van Kojis.
3. Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Building and Lands Committee agreed to add an item to the agenda. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to approve a change order for the increased amount of $4,041.00 to change an electric projection screen to a rear projection screen for the stage addition at Bunkie Magnet High School. 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 Robin Moreau, that the Board approve the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Adams. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. Mr. Chris Robinson, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
Bus Committee Report
February 18, 2019
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Monday, February 18, 2019, at 5:45 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Chris Robinson, Chairman; Aimee Dupuy, Latisha Small, Chris LaCour, Lynn Deloach, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent of Schools. 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 Building and Lands Committee regarding substitute bus drivers.
Upon motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Bus Committee recommended to instruct the transportation supervisor to form a committee to study this issue. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Bus Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Chris Robinson, Chairman
Bus Committee
On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman Robinson. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
14. Mr. Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
February 18, 2019
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Monday, February 18, 2019, at 6:06 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chairman; Latisha Small, Aimee Dupuy, Chris LaCour, Lynn Deloach, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. 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 emergency contact list which all parents/guardians are required to complete prior to the school year.
The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Vice-President Robin Moreau addressed the Education Committee regarding K-8 and community schools.
The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
3. Chairman Stanley Celestine, Jr. addressed the Education Committee regarding social-emotional learning programs.
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 Rickey Adams, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Celestine. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. Mr. Robin Moreau, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
February 18, 2019
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Monday, February 18, 2019, at approximately 6:38 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; Dawn Pitre, Supervisor of Special Services; and Luke Welch, SIS Coordinator.
1. Ms. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, presented a cost analysis report of Alternative Education Programs run by Ombudsman versus the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
Upon motion by Stanley Celestine, Jr., seconded by Rickey Adams, the Executive Committee recommended to table this issue. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Ms. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, presented the 2019-2020 Avoyelles Parish Student Handbook for the committee’s review.
Upon motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Executive Committee recommended to accept all changes to the Avoyelles Parish Student Handbook for the 2019-2020 school year. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Executive Committee regarding the 2019-2020 School Calendar.
Upon motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Executive Committee recommended to adopt the 2019-2020 school calendar as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Robin Moreau, Chairman
Executive Committee
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Moreau. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board removed Item Number 1 of the Executive Committee Report from the table so that discussion could be held.
Ms. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, presented a proposal for an elementary program to be added to the AVAP Program with a dedicated classroom for up to ten (10) elementary students. The AVAP Program would also be extended to a six-hour day. The home economics building at the former Hessmer High School could be utilized for the elementary students. This site has internet capability for laptop computers as well as playground equipment which can be utilized for physical education.
Superintendent Blaine Dauzat noted that a special meeting is scheduled on Monday, March 18, 2019, at 4:00 p.m. to discuss the Red River Charter Academy proposal. Further discussion on this elementary AVAP proposal will be added to that agenda as well.
16. President Lynn Deloach addressed the Board regarding a proposal from the Red River Charter Academy (RRCA) to lease the former Mansura Middle School. Terms of the proposed lease include: 45-year lease “as-is” with purchase option, $3000 per month, RRCA assumes all maintenance costs, and both parties can opt-out on June 1 of each year with a 90-day notice. RRCA would operate as a Type-II charter. District Attorney Charles Riddle, III stated that he would like to meet with RRCA’s attorneys to discuss some legal issues noted in the proposed lease, with the Board’s approval. Verbal approval was given. He also recommended that a lease appraisal be done before the Board makes a decision on this matter. A special meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 18, at 4:00 p.m. to vote on RRCA’s proposal.
On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board authorized Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, to secure a lease appraisal performed before Monday, March 18, 2019. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
17. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Appointment of Jennifer Lachney, bus driver, effective February 19, 2019, replacing April Ducote who retired; and Resignation of Mariah Fine, teacher, effective at the end of the day February 8, 2019.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Transfer of funding source for Jessica D. Dauzat, teacher, from School Based Budget to Title I CSR, effective August 7, 2018 through May 24, 2019; and Transfer of funding source for Holly Bordelon, teacher, from Title I CSR to School Based Budget, effective August 7, 2018 through May 24, 2019.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Marcie A. Carmouche, teacher, effective March 6, 2019 through April 5, 2019.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Leon Coleman, bus driver, effective February 7, 2019; and Resignation of Paulette A. Jeansonne, paraprofessional, effective May 25, 2019, for the purpose of retirement.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Cameron M. Adams, (TAT) teacher, effective March 11, 2019 through April 12, 2019; and Resignation of Tayressha Harmason, paraprofessional, effective at the end of the day February 15, 2019.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Joanna Ford, bus driver, effective February 14, 2019.
ADDENDUM(S)
3/12/2019
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: End of contract renewal of LeShelle A. Williams, teacher, effective March 11, 2019.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Tomika J. Simmons, (TAT) teacher, effective March 11, 2019 through May 24, 2019.
18. At this time, an Executive Session was scheduled for the purpose of discussing extending the Superintendent’s contract. However, Superintendent Blaine Dauzat requested that this item be held in open session. The superintendent’s current contract expires on December 31, 2020. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat requested that his contract be extended to December 31, 2022. He noted that this date is when the current board members’ terms expire, and he would like to continue working with this Board in moving the district forward. Board members, principals, staff members, and community members in attendance praised Mr. Dauzat’s efforts thus far, noting his many accomplishments, tremendous leadership skills, dedication to the whole school system, and passion for always putting the students’ best interests first. Although they agreed with these sentiments, some board members felt it is too soon to be discussing a contract extension, especially considering they have only worked together for three months thus far.
A motion was offered by Rickey Adams, seconded by Latisha Small, that the Board extend Superintendent Blaine Dauzat’s contract for two years, ending December 31, 2022. The motion was approved by the following vote:
Ayes: Rickey Adams, Latisha Small, Chris LaCour, Chris Robinson, and Van Kojis.
Nays: Stanley Celestine, Jr., Lynn Deloach, Robin Moreau, and Aimee Dupuy.
There being no further business, on motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Van Kojis, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Lynn Deloach, President
Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer