SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, May 7, 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 Robin Moreau, seconded by Latisha Small, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, April 2, 2019, 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 May, 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: Noah Dupree, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Tyliah Williams, Cottonport Elementary School; Jalen Brown, Lafargue Elementary School; Sharow Bradford, Marksville Elementary School; Owen Gauthier, Plaucheville Elementary School; Ethan LeBlanc, Riverside Elementary School; A’tasia Rideau, Avoyelles High School; Ty`anna Dupree, Bunkie Magnet High School; Cameron Nicholas, LaSAS; and Jaalexis Wright, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Lynn Deloach commended the students on their accomplishments.
3. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater recognized the Teachers of the Month for May. Ms. Prater commended the teachers and presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:
Travis Armand, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Adrienne Smith, Cottonport Elementary School; Paula Scanlan, Lafargue Elementary School; Brandi Lacombe, Marksville Elementary School; Rebecca Clark, Plaucheville Elementary School; William Beebe, Riverside Elementary School; Samantha Chapin, Avoyelles High School; Amanda Fontenot , Bunkie Magnet High School; Ward Bordelon, LaSAS; and Sheri Bourgeois, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Lynn Deloach commended the teachers on their accomplishments.
4. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized students who were named to the Academic All-State Teams, as follows:
Avoyelles High School: Football - Jacob Landry and Antonio Edwards; Softball - Alyssa Gremillion and Gabby Jones.
Bunkie Magnet High School: Football - Mitchell Hukins (Composite 1A - 5A), Blaine Spencer (2A), and Koby Galland (2A); Baseball - Mitchell Hukins (Composite 1A - 5A), Blaine Spencer (2A), and Koby Galland (2A); and Softball - Madison Juneau (Composite 1A - 5A) and Taylor Borrel (Composite 1A - 5A).
Marksville High School: Football - Leonard Sampson, Jr.
5. President Lynn Deloach recognized members of the 4-H Shooting Sports Team.
6. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat stated that state testing for grades 3-8 has wrapped up for the most part. High school LEAP tests (formerly called EOC exams) began last week and continues this week. In regards to the four-day school week next year, instructional time will be maximized as much as possible. A decision has been made to keep block scheduling in the high schools for at least one school year and then possibly revisit the issue afterwards.
7. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat announced that the Board has reviewed four (4) applications for the Corinne Saucier Scholarship, which is awarded annually to a student who will be attending Northwestern State University.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board awarded the Corrine Saucier scholarship to Madelyn Marcotte, student at Marksville High School. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board granted permission to receive proposals for official journal of the Board for the period beginning July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented a Sales and Use Tax Collection and Administration resolution for the Board’s consideration.
Sales and Use Tax Collection and Administration Resolution
Whereas, the Article VII, Section 3 of the Louisiana Constitution provides that local sales and use taxes are to be collected by a single collector in each parish;
Whereas, Article VII, Section 3 also provides for the use of a parish commission or one of the local political subdivisions to serve as the single parish collector of local sales and use taxes;
Whereas, the authority to “collect” local sales and use taxes has been determined by the Courts to include the authority to administer the collection, including making decisions as to when to audit persons or businesses thought to be unlawfully evading taxation or, in some cases, collecting sales taxes on transactions and failing to fully remit them to the local collector;
Whereas, School Boards serves as the single parish collector of local sales and use taxes in over thirty (30) parishes;
Whereas, pre-filed in the 2019 Regular Session in HB 57, which proposes to amend the LA Constitution to allow the Legislature to repeal the authority of local governments to control the collection of local sales taxes and place that authority with the State, a concept often referred to as State Central Collection;
Whereas, State Central Collection would have the State taking possession of local tax revenues, withholding an administrative fee, then disbursing the balance down to the School Board or other local taxing authority;
Whereas, State Central Collection poses too great a risk that local education tax dollars will not be promptly disbursed or that the administrative fee withheld by the State may become a means of resolving State fiscal issues;
Whereas, repealing or diminishing the Constitutional authority for local collection of local sales and use taxes will impair the ability of those local collectors to perform the necessary function of auditing vendors to ensure compliance with the legal obligation to collect and remit local sales taxes:
Whereas, given the vital role that proper, effective, and efficient collection of local sales and use taxes plays in the operation of school districts and the education of children, the Louisiana School Boards Association has always fought any efforts to repeal, reduce or constrain the authority of the local collector to collect local sales and use taxes, regardless of who has offered the proposal;
Now Therefore, Be It Resolved that the Avoyelles Parish School District, by action of its duly elected governing authority, does hereby urge and request the Louisiana Legislature, and in particular the Legislative Delegation of Avoyelles Parish, to oppose HB 57 and any other Legislative effort to reject any proposal to repeal or impair local sales and use taxes;
Be It Further Resolved, that the Avoyelles Parish School District, by action of its duly elected governing authority, does hereby urge and request the Louisiana Legislature, and in particular the Legislative Delegation of Avoyelles Parish to reject any proposal that repeals, reduces or constrains the authority of the local collector to collect local sales and use taxes;
Finally, Be It Resolved, that a copy of this Resolution be provided to each member of the Legislative Delegation of Avoyelles Parish and the Governor of the State of Louisiana.
Upon motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board adopted the Sales and Use Tax Collection and Administration Resolution. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Board regarding the start time for committee meetings.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Latisha Small, the Board agreed to set the monthly committee meetings on the third Tuesday of each month, with the first one beginning at 4:30 p.m., the next one beginning when the first ends, each running consecutively. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board authorized the creation of a No-wake Zone during times of high water on portions of Spring Bayou which the School Board owns. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Mr. Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
April 11, 2019
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Thursday, April 11, 2019, at 4:30 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, 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. Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Education Committee recommended to approve a contract between the Avoyelles Parish School Board and Instruction Partners, funded by IDEA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
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.
13. Mr. Robin Moreau, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
April 11, 2019
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Thursday, April 11, 2019, at 4:37 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Robin Moreau, Chairman; Chris Robinson, Stanley Celestine, Jr., Lynn Deloach, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. Rickey Adams was absent. 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. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, addressed the Executive Committee regarding a Supper Program for the 2019-2020 school year.
Upon motion by Stanley Celestine, Jr., seconded by Chris Robinson, the Executive Committee recommended to approve a Supper Program for the 2019-2020 school year. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Upon motion by Stanley Celestine, Jr., seconded by Chris Robinson, the Executive Committee recommended to grant permission to reapply for The Rapides Foundation Healthy Behaviors Grant. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented a resolution in support of the proposed increase in the 2019-2020 MFP by BESE for the upcoming Legislature.
Upon motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Executive Committee recommended to adopt the resolution in support of the proposed increase in the 2019-2020 MFP by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, as follows:
Resolution - Increase in the 2019-2020 MFP
Whereas, the Minimum Foundation Program (MFP) establishes the state funding component of the K-12 public education system in Louisiana, and the Legislature is required to fully fund the formula;
Whereas, there was no increase in the base per pupil for the school years of 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12, 2012-13, and 2013-14;
Whereas, in the 2014 Regular Session, the MFP base per pupil increased from $3,855 to $3,961for the 2014-15 school year;
Whereas, had the MFP base per pupil been increased each year by the anticipated 2.75%, the 2019-2020 MFP would be $5,056;
Whereas, BESE has unanimously recommended a 1.375% increase in the base per pupil of 2019-2020, raising the base per pupil from $3,961 to $4,015;
Whereas, BESE’s recommendation also includes additional funding in Level 3 of the MFP dedicated to an increase in salary for teachers and support workers in the amount of $1,000 and $500, respectively;
Whereas, the Avoyelles Parish School Board has been absorbing ever increasing operational costs, from health insurance, to technology, to security of students, to curriculum to align with the state standards, and increasing demands of the state accountability system, without increased state funding;
Whereas, BESE’s unanimously recommended MFP will benefit local school districts in every parish, as well as every public charter school in the state;
Whereas, the Avoyelles Parish School Board appreciates that BESE’s recommended MFP divides the increased funding between a dedicated teacher and support worker pay raise and an increase in per pupil funding will still help meet the ever-increasing costs of providing a public education;
Now, Therefore, Be It Resolved that the Avoyelles Parish School Board supports the unanimously approved MFP adopted by BESE to increase the MFP Level 1 per pupil by 1.375% and to provide funding for a dedicated teacher and support worker pay raise in Level 3 of the MFP;
Be It Further Resolved that the Avoyelles Parish School Board urges the Legislature to approve the unanimously approved MFP by BESE for the 2019-2020 school year;
Finally, Be It Further Resolved that the Avoyelles Parish School Board directs the Superintendent to forward a copy of this resolution to each member of the Avoyelles Parish Legislative delegation and to Governor John Bell Edwards.
4. Upon motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Executive Committee recommended to revise File: AF - School Day and File: GBA - Contracts and Compensation, as presented by Superintendent Dauzat. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Mrs. Dawn Pitre, Supervisor of Special Services, addressed the Executive Committee regarding revisions to the Lice Policy, as follows:
The following guidelines shall be adhered to in the control of head lice in Avoyelles Parish schools: (1) Any student found to have positive evidence of head lice shall be sent home that day of school, (2) The student shall be excluded from school one (1) day excused for treatment and removal of lice. (3) Adequate treatment and removal of all nits can be achieved within one (1) day. Any day(s) beyond one (1) day shall be counted as an unexcused absence(s) on an incident by incident basis. The principal may authorize an extension of the excused absence period when conditions warrant. (4) If a student is found with just nits (eggs), they will remain at school. A letter will be sent home with the child informing the parent of the findings. It will also include proper treatment and removal instructions. (5) A classroom will be checked only if three (3) or more students in the classroom have been found to have lice/nits. (6) Designated personnel at the school shall be responsible for checking students to be certain that hair is free of all lice before readmittance to school. A student must be accompanied to school by his/her parent, guardian, or responsible party prior to readmission.
Upon motion by Stanley Celestine, Jr., seconded by Chris Robinson, the Executive Committee recommended to adopt all changes to the Lice Policy. 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 Aimee Dupuy, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Moreau. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
14. Mrs. Aimee Dupuy, Chairwoman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
April 11, 2019
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Thursday, April 11, 2019, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present: Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson; 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, Director of Finance, presented the sales tax report for the month of March, 2019. Mrs. Bonnette stated that sales tax revenues for the month totaled $583,979.76. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $333,702.67, the 0.25% sales tax generated $83,425.75, and the building maintenance fund generated $166,851.34.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Finance Committee recommended to accept the sales tax report for the month of March, 2019 as presented by Mrs. Bonnette. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat advised the Finance Committee that there was one monthly maintenance spending expenditure above $5,000 for the month of March, 2019, as follows: Central Air, $5,800.00 for repair at Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy.
3. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented requests for overnight travel.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the requests for overnight travel as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Mrs. Dawn Pitre, Supervisor of Special Services, addressed the Finance Committee regarding purchasing a vision screener to be paid with General Funds.
Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Finance Committee recommended to purchase a vision screener to be paid by the General Fund. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. 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.
6. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented proposed grant budget revisions for 2018-2019.
Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the proposed grant budget revisions for 2018-2019. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Vice-President Robin Moreau addressed the Finance Committee regarding the total cost to operate AVAP to include cost per pupil and funding source.
Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a report.
President Lynn Deloach stated that he will form an Ad Hoc Committee to study options for an alternative school.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Aimee Dupuy, Chairwoman
Finance Committee
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board adopted the Finance Committee report as presented by Chairwoman Dupuy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. Mr. Chris Robinson, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
Bus Committee Report
April 11, 2019
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Thursday, April 11, 2019, at 5:30 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.
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.
16. Mr. Rickey Adams, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
April 11, 2019
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Thursday, April 11, 2019, at approximately 6:00 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, 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. Vice-President Robin Moreau addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding campsite leases.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to request Mr. Steve Marcotte to obtain quotes for a new appraisal of all Section 16 and Old River sections. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Building and Lands Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Rickey Adams, Chairman
Building and Lands Committee
On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board approved the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Adams. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
17. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Resignation of Kaitlyn West, teacher, effective August 2, 2019
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Monique Gaspard, Interim Principal, effective May 6, 2019 through May 30, 2019; Appointment of Shalonda Berry, Principal, effective June 1, 2019 through May 31, 2021, replacing Jessica Gauthier; and Appointment of Andria Brouillette, bus driver, effective April 24, 2019, replacing Dawn Lacombe who transferred to Avoyelles High School.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Renewal of an administrative contract for Laura Hargis, Principal, effective June 1, 2019 through May 31, 2021.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Renewal of an administrative contract for Michael Rachal, Principal, effective May 18, 2019 through May 17, 2021; Renewal of an administrative contract for Scott Balius, Administrative Assistant, effective July 23, 2019 through June 5, 2020; Transfer/appointment of Dawn Lacombe, bus driver, from Cottonport Elementary School, effective January 6, 2019; and Termination of Crystal Decuir, bus driver, effective April 15, 2019.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL: Renewal of an administrative contract for Chuck Normand, Principal, effective June 1, 2019 through May 31, 2021.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Renewal of an administrative contract for Amy C. Volentine, Assistant Principal, effective July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Malcolm Smoot, teacher, effective April 3, 2019; and Resignation of Brandy Kenney, teacher, effective April 17, 2019.
AVOYELLES PARISH PUPIL APPRAISAL CENTER: Resignation of Barbara B. Loukadakis, Social Worker, effective at the end of the day May 31, 2019, for the purpose of retirement; Resignation of Karen Marquardt, school psychologist, effective July 21, 2019, for the purpose of retirement.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE: Renewal of an administrative contract for Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Secondary Education, effective June 1, 2019 through May 31, 2021; Renewal of an administrative contract for Dexter Compton, Supervisor of Secondary Education, effective June 1, 2019 through May 31, 2021; Renewal of an administrative contract for Wendy Marchand, Data/Instructional Coordinator, effective July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021; Renewal of an administrative contract for Rebecca Spencer, Tech/CLU Coordinator, effective July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021; Appointment of Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, effective July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2021, replacing Ms. Debbie Bain who retired; and Resignation of Debbie C. Bain, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, effective at the end of the day June 28, 2019, for the purpose of retirement.
ADDENDUM(S)
5/7/2019
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Britnee Daranda-Cazalot, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 24, 2019.
18. On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris LaCour, at approximately 6:15 p.m., the Board agreed to go into Executive Session for the purpose of consideration of early release of a student from expulsion and entry into the Avoyelles Parish school system. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board reconvened in open public session at approximately 6:27 p.m.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board denied the request of early release of the student from expulsion and entry into the Avoyelles Parish School System. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
There being no further business, on motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Lynn Deloach, President
Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer