SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, April 2, 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 Aimee Dupuy.
1. Upon motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board adopted the minutes of the special Board meeting held Thursday, March 21, 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 Chris Robinson read a resolution of respect to the late Anthony Green, former teacher.
On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Anthony Green. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Students of the Month for April, 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: Tamiriyah Jackson, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Aubri Gauthier, Cottonport Elementary School; Kennedy Feazell, Lafargue Elementary School; Joseph Greenhouse, Jr., Marksville Elementary School; Rylee Laborde, Plaucheville Elementary School; Laila Litzsey, Riverside Elementary School; Seth Lemoine, Avoyelles High School; Amelia Quirk, Bunkie Magnet High School; Abigail Desselle, LaSAS; and Coralie Deloach, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Lynn Deloach commended the students on their accomplishments.
4. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Teachers of the Month for April. Superintendent Dauzat commended the teachers and presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:
Shuranda Williams, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Brooke Normand, Cottonport Elementary School; Renee Turner, Lafargue Elementary School; Julie Barbry, Marksville Elementary School; Michel Morgan, Plaucheville Elementary School; Yvonne Saucier, Riverside Elementary School; Renee Bell, Avoyelles High School; Jill Tassin, Bunkie Magnet High School; William Williber, LaSAS; and James Deshautelle, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Lynn Deloach commended the teachers on their accomplishments.
5. Mr. Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor, announced that the winner of the 2018-2019 PCAL Bus Driver of the Year is Mrs. Pam Debellevue. She has been a bus driver for over 20 years and was given a certificate, PCAL jacket, and $100 award for her outstanding service.
6. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat announced that state testing has begun and will continue practically through the end of the school year. He stated that testing for grades 5-8 will begin Thursday, April 4; LEAP tests for grades 3-4 will be held during the last week of April; and LEAP 2025 tests for grades 9-12 will start in May. Parents are encouraged to make sure all children receive plenty of rest. Besides breakfast and lunch, schools will also offer snacks and breaks to help all students succeed. He also stated that principals/staff meetings are being held in preparation for the four-day school week next fall.
7. Mr. Robin Moreau, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
March 18, 2019
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Monday, March 18, 2019, at 4:50 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, Chris LaCour, Aimee Dupuy, and Van Kojis, Board Members; 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. Mrs. Dawn Pitre, Supervisor of Special Services, addressed the Executive Committee regarding a contract with First Choice Therapy.
Upon motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the contract between First Choice Therapy and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Committee Member Chris Robinson discussed meals served on Lenten Fridays. The Executive Committee did not take any action his matter.
3. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented a contract with Instruction Partners for the committee’s review and approval.
Upon motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Executive Committee recommended to approve the contract with Instruction Partners and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Mr. Luke Welch, SIS Coordinator, presented a new School Calendar for the 2019-2020 school year to reflect a four-day school week.
Upon motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the 2019-2020 four-day school calendar. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Ms. Aimee Dupuy, Board Member, addressed the Executive Committee regarding community public relations for 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
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Moreau. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Mrs. Aimee Dupuy, Chairwoman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
March 18, 2019
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Monday, March 18, 2019, at 5:00 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; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Dawn Pitre, Dexter Compton, Celeste Voinche, Jennifer Dismer, and Jenny Welch, Supervisors.
1. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Finance Director, presented the sales tax report for the month of February, 2019. Mrs. Bonnette stated that sales tax revenues for the month totaled $559,004.71 She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $479,146.03, the 0.25% sales tax generated $79,857.78, and the building maintenance fund generated $159,715.64.
Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Finance Committee recommended to accept the sales tax report for the month of February, 2019 as presented by Mrs. Bonnette. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat advised the Finance Committee that there were two monthly maintenance spending expenditures above $5,000 for the month of February, 2019, as follows: (1) Sam’s Air Conditioning, $10,612.93 for boiler repair and maintenance at Cottonport Elementary School; and (2) Floyd’s Construction Company, Incorporated, $13,266.00 for air conditioning repair, replacement, and maintenance at Marksville Elementary School.
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. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, presented a bid-opening committee report on milk, bread, grease trap maintenance, non-hazardous waste disposal, and food services supplies. (A copy of the bids are on file at the office of the Food Service Supervisor.)
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Finance Committee recommended to accept the low bids for milk, bread, grease trap maintenance, non-hazardous waste disposal, and food service supplies. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, recognized insurance consultants for the purpose of presenting an update report.
6. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented revisions to the 2018-2019 budget and report of year-to-date 2018-2019 General Fund in comparison to the prior year budget, as follows:
January 31, 2019 March Revision
Estimated Revenues and Sources $22,545,534 $37,761,893
Estimated Expenditures $18,312,766 $36,170,345
and Other Uses $ 24,000 $ 2,211,084
$18,336,766 $38,381,429
Upon motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the revisions to the 2018-2019 budget and the report of year-to-date 2018-2019 General Fund. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Chairwoman Aimee Dupuy addressed the Finance Committee regarding a financial workshop.
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.
9. Mr. Rickey Adams, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
March 18, 2019
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Monday, March 18, 2019, at 5:40 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, Chris LaCour, Stanley Celestine, Jr., and Aimee Dupuy, Board Members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; Dawn Pitre, Celeste Voinche, and Dexter Compton, Supervisors.
1. Mr. J.T. Dunbar, Coach at Marksville High School, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding the Marksville High School Football Practice Field.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to spend up to $50,000 to purchase/prepare a practice field facility for Marksville High School. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a bid-opening committee report for a realtor.
Report of the Bid-Opening - Realtor
A bid-opening committee met Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at 1:30 p.m. for the purpose of opening bids for a realtor.
Members serving on the committee were: Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor.
The committee acknowledged receipt of the following bids: Chatelain Realty, 4% fee certified; and ExpRealty, 5% fee certified.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to accept the low bid submitted by Chatelain Realty in the amount of 4% fee certified. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a bid-opening committee report on janitorial supplies, paint, air conditioner filters, and light bulbs.
Report of the Bid-Opening
A bid-opening committee met Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at 1:30 p.m. for the purpose of opening bids for janitorial supplies, paint, air conditioner filters, and light bulbs.
A copy of the bids are on file at the office of the Maintenance Supervisor.
Upon motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to accept the low bids. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, requested approval from the Building and Lands Committee regarding Change Order Number 3 for the Bunkie Magnet High School stage addition.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Van Kojis, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to approve Change Order Number 3 for the Bunkie Magnet High School stage addition at a no-dollar change in the contract amount. 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.
10. Mr. Chris Robinson, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
Bus Committee Report
March 18, 2019
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Monday, March 18, 2019, at 6:07 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; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance 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. Mr. Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor, presented a Report of the Bus Ad Hoc Committee Meetings, as follows:
Report of the Ad Hoc Committee Meeting
February 28, 2019
On February 28, 2019 at 10:00 a.m., an Ad Hoc Committee met concerning substitute bus driver recruitment, with the following members present:
Brent Whiddon, Priscilla Ducote, Nicole Gagnard, Thelma Prater, Mary Bonnette, Darlene Knott, and Steve Marcotte.
The committee discussed the following possible solutions for substitute bus driver recruitment: (1) Completely fund all new driver training and certificates (currently $60); (2) Hire up to ten substitute bus aides as to be determined by Mr. Brent Whiddon and principal; (3) Hire four permanent nine-month positions to substitute drive and assist with maintenance; (4) Increase substitute driver pay from $24 to $30 and employee substitute driver pay from $32 to $38; and (5) Increase shuttle cost from $5 to $8 for round trip.
Costs are estimated to be as follows: (1) Average new hire rate: three months at $100 - $3600 annually; (2) Cost of 10 substitute aides: $5,268 each - $52,685 annually; (3) Four permanent floaters: $32,950 each - $131,800 annually; (4) Substitute driver increase: $20,000; Employee substitute driver increase - $5,000; and (5) Increase shuttle cost: $8,000.
Report of the Ad Hoc Committee Meeting
March 8, 2019
On March 8, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. an Ad Hoc Committee met concerning substitute bus driver recruitment, with the following members present:
Brent Whiddon, Priscilla Ducote, Nicole Gagnard, Thelma Prater, Mary Bonnette, and Darlene Knott. Mr. Steve Marcotte was absent.
The committee prioritized the following solutions: (1) Completely fund all new driver training and certifications. (Currently $100 - $3600 annually); (2) Increase substitute driver pay from $24 to $30 ($25,000 annually) and Employee substitute driver pay from $32 to $38; (3) Hire up to 10 substitute bus aides as to be determined by Transportation Supervisor and Principal - $52,685 annually; (4) Transfer five M to M substitute positions to permanent nine-month driver positions and one substitute bus aide position to permanent status - $185,000 annually; (5) Increase shuttle cost from $5 to $8 for round trip, no additional cost to Board; (6) Increase hourly pay for extra trips from $8 to $12 per hour, no additional cost to Board.
Possible saving of $8,000 may result from buddy system savings.
A motion was offered by Latisha Small to institute all changes recommended by the Ad Hoc Committee. The motion died for lack of a second.
Upon motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Bus Committee recommended to table this item. The motion was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Lynn Deloach, Aimee Dupuy, Chris Robinson, and Chris LaCour. Nays: Latisha Small.
The Bus Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Chris Robinson, Chairman
Bus Committee
On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman Robinson. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Mr. Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
March 18, 2019
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Monday, March 18, 2019, at 6:40 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; 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. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Education Committee regarding the Homework Policy.
Upon motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Education Committee recommended to adopt a Homework Policy to allow one week for all assignments other than studying for examinations. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Chairman Stanley Celestine, Jr. discussed faith-based partnerships and development of a council. The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
3. Chairman Stanley Celestine, Jr. addressed the Education Committee regarding an update on the magnet program at Bunkie Magnet High School. 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 Aimee Dupuy, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Celestine. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Appointment of Diana L. Sheppard, (retired) Administrative Assistant, effective March 11, 2019 through April 30, 2019; Resignation of Ilene Murdock, teacher, effective May 25, 2019, for the purpose of retirement; and Resignation of Michelle Gremillion, bus driver, effective May 23, 2019.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Termination of Bobby Morris, bus driver, effective March 14, 2019.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Michael Williams, custodian, effective February 28, 2019, replacing Bennett Dominick.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE: Change in appointment date for Jessica Gauthier, SIS Coordinator, effective May 8, 2019 through May 7, 2021.
ADDENDUM(S)
4/2/2019
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Marcie Carmouche, teacher, effective April 8, 2019 through May 10, 2019.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Cameron M. Adams, (TAT) teacher, effective April 23, 2019 through May 24, 2019.
13. In miscellaneous business, the Board agreed to schedule the April committee meetings on Thursday, April 11, 2019, due to the Easter holiday.
There being no further business, on motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Van Kojis, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Lynn Deloach, President
Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer