SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, August 6, 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 Chris Robinson.
1. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized summer school graduates for 2019, as follows:
Brianna Decarla Davis and Vondrick Shon Washington, Bunkie Magnet High School
On behalf of the Board, President Lynn Deloach commended the graduates on their achievement.
2. Upon motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, July 2, 2019, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Board Member Aimee Dupuy read a resolution of respect to the late Walter L. Lemoine, former teacher, coach, and coordinator.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Walter L. Lemoine. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized Dr. Paul Coreil, newly-appointed Chancellor of Louisiana State University - Alexandria. He thanked the Board for their support in the past and looks forward to continuing a great partnership with the Avoyelles Parish School Board in the future.
5. Ms. Heather Cloud, candidate for Louisiana State Senate, addressed the Board. As a parent and former educator herself, she pledged to fight for the TOPS program, teacher autonomy, and our greatest resource--our children--if elected.
6. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat announced that school will begin for students on Tuesday, August 13. The teachers and administrators have worked hard and planned all summer in preparation for the new school year. He stated they had a successful and productive workshop today, Wednesday will be an inservice day, and the teachers will be in their classrooms Thursday and Friday preparing for the first day of school for the students.
7. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, reported that a public hearing was held on Tuesday, August 6, 2019, at 4:00 p.m. to review the proposed budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019. Present for the hearing were Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; and Chris LaCour, Board Member.
President Lynn Deloach brought up for discussion the Board members’ financial workshop. He announced that Mr. Blake Knoll, owner of First Insurance Marksville, offered to treat the Board members at Fresh Catch Bistreaux for the workshop. The budget needs to be finalized by September 15. The Board agreed to set the workshop date for Friday, August 16, from 12 noon to 4:00 p.m.
8. Mrs. Aimee Dupuy, Chairwoman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
July 16, 2019
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, July 16, 2019, at 4:30 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; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor.
1. Mrs. Jaime Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented the sales tax report for the month of June, 2019. Mrs. Lacombe stated that sales tax revenues for the month totaled $676,625.88. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $386,643.47, the 0.25% sales tax generated $96,660.67, and the building maintenance fund generated $193,321.74.
2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat advised the Finance Committee that there were not any maintenance spending expenditures above $5,000 for the month of June, 2019.
3. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a review of the 2019-2020 Special Revenue Fund, Debts Service Funds, and Capital Project Funds budgets.
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
July 16, 2019
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, July 16, 2019, at 4:45 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; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and Brent Whiddon, Dexter Compton, and Celeste Voinche, Supervisors.
1. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding Section 16 property appraisals.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Building and Lands Committee recommended that bids for Section 16 property appraisals be accepted until August 6, 2019. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Board Member Stanley Celestine, Jr. addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding approving $1000 for beautification projects at Cottonport Elementary School.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to dedicate up to $1000 to each school for beautification projects. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Board Member Chris LaCour addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding tennis courts at Avoyelles High School.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to renovate the tennis courts at Avoyelles High School using reserve funds at a cost up to $16,000. 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 Aimee Dupuy, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Adams. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Latisha Small, the opening of bids to perform Section 16 property appraisals of campsite leases was added to the agenda. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Superintendent Blaine Dauzat announced there were three (3) bids submitted:
1) Ben Hargis: Range between $3500 - $4800 (price range due to inspection and research of properties);
2) Mike Haynes: Six (6) parcels at $1800 per parcel, for a total of $10,800;
3) Mike Bordelon: $4400 flat rate
A motion was made by Robin Moreau, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, that the Board accept the low bid of $4400 by Mike Bordelon to perform Section 16 property appraisals. The motion was adopted by the following vote (6-2-1):
Ayes: Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chris Robinson, Lynn Deloach, Robin Moreau, Rickey Adams, and Aimee Dupuy.
Nays: Latisha Small and Van Kojis.
Abstained: Chris LaCour.
10. Mr. Chris Robinson, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
Bus Committee Report
July 16, 2019
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, July 16, 2019, at 5:29 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. Also present were Stanley Celestine, Jr., Robin Moreau, Rickey Adams, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; 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.
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.
11. Mr. Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
July 16, 2019
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, July 16, 2019, at 5:33 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; Dexter Compton, Supervisor of Secondary Education; and Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education.
1. Mrs. Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education, presented a report on end-of-year DIBELS Benchmark Scores.
The Education Committee did not take any action.
2. Mrs. Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education, presented an update on the K-2 Reading Program.
The Education Committee did not take any action.
3. Chairman Stanley Celestine, Jr. addressed the Education Committee regarding school registration and class fees.
The Education Committee did not take any action.
4. Board Member Chris Robinson addressed the Education Committee regarding short “mental breaks” and the use of calisthenics taken at regular intervals during the school day.
The Education Committee did not take any action.
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. Mr. Robin Moreau, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
July 16, 2019
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, July 16, 2019, at 5:59 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, Van Kojis, and Aimee Dupuy, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Dexter Compton and Celeste Voinche, Supervisors.
1. Board Member Aimee Dupuy addressed the Executive Committee regarding adding School Resource Officers at every school.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Executive Committee regarding a proposal entitled “On the Mark Initiative”.
Upon motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Executive Committee recommended to enter into an agreement with Grade Results. The motion was adopted by the following vote: Ayes: Robin Moreau, Chris Robinson, Rickey Adams, and Lynn Deloach. Nays: None. Abstained: Stanley Celestine, Jr.
3. Upon motion by Stanley Celestine, Jr., seconded by Rickey Adams, the Executive Committee recommended to approve a contract between the Avoyelles Parish School Board and Scientific Learning. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Upon motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Executive Committee recommended to approve a contract between the Avoyelles Parish School Board and Educational Professional Services (E-Rate). MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Upon motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Executive Committee recommended to approve a contract between the Avoyelles Parish School Board and Detel for Managed Internal Broadband Services for the 2019-2020 school year. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Upon motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Executive Committee recommended to approve a contract between the Avoyelles Parish School Board and Ms. Tina Armand for new teacher mentor leader for the 2019-2020 school year. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Ms. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented a report on the Summer Food Service Program.
8. Upon motion by Stanley Celestine, Jr., seconded by Chris Robinson, the Executive Committee recommended to approve a contract between the Avoyelles Parish School Board and Edgear Software Services. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Committee Member Stanley Celestine, Jr. addressed the Executive Committee regarding strategies to increase productivity at board meetings.
Upon motion by Stanley Celestine, Jr., seconded by Rickey Adams, the Executive Committee recommended that all citizens wishing to address the Board approach the podium and state their name and address. These speakers are limited to three (3) minutes. Board members are limited to five (5) minutes. The time limits are at the discretion of the Board President or committee chair. Also, delegations of five (5) people are encouraged to appoint a spokesperson rather than all speak. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Committee Member Rickey Adams addressed the Executive Committee regarding the Bullying Policy.
Upon motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Executive Committee recommended to accept the proposed changes to the Bullying 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 Van Kojis, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report, with the exception of Item Number 2, as presented by Chairman Moreau. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
In reference to Item Number 2, discussion ensued due to information gathered on Grade Results since the Executive Committee meeting. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recommended that the Board not enter into an agreement with Grade Results.
A motion was made by Robin Moreau to accept Item Number 2 (enter into an agreement with Grade Results) of the Executive Committee Report. The motion died for lack of a second. Therefore, Item Number 2 of the Executive Committee Report was not adopted.
13. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Appointment of Gertrude Milligan, (retired) Kindergarten teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Appointment of Phyllis Morris, (retired) teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Appointment of LeAnn Dukes, teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Brittany D. Bordelon, (TAT) teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Appointment of Korey D. Coppage, (TAT) teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Resignation of Deanna Mitchell, teacher, effective July 22, 2019; Resignation of Amie Cazelot Clark, teacher, effective August 2, 2019; Resignation of Kayla Neal, teacher, effective August 2, 2019; Appointment of Thelma J. Page, food service technician, effective August 6, 2019; Appointment of Nancy A. Prater, food service technician, effective August 6, 2019; and Appointment of Amanda Martin, bus driver, effective August 6, 2019, due to the transfer of Shelley Fontenot.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of LaTausha J. Bryant, teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Sandra Smith, (retired) Kindergarten teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Appointment of Linda P. Carpenter, (retired) Early Interventionist teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Appointment of Yogesh Patel, (TAT) teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through September 6, 2019; Appointment of Tayressha J. Harmason, Early Interventionist paraprofessional, effective August 6, 2019; Appointment of Pamella M. Ford, special education paraprofessional, effective August 6, 2019; Appointment of Keante R. Wells, child-specific paraprofessional, effective August 6, 2019; Appointment of Thomas Boudreaux, bus driver, effective August 6, 2019, due to the transfer of Laurie Bordelon; and Resignation of Elaine Hudson, paraprofessional, effective at the end of the day August 1, 2019.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Nina R. Williams, teacher, effective at the end of the day August 5, 2019; Appointment of Jennifer L. Bryant, school-wide school base budget paraprofessional, effective August 6, 2019; Appointment of Catherine Diane Tyler, (retired) teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through September 27, 2019, replacing Susan L. Gates while on leave; and Appointment of Jamey A. Walker, computer lab paraprofessional, effective August 6, 2019.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Dana M. Lala, (TAT) teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Appointment of Judy G. Rivers, (retired) teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Appointment of Lauren G. Flook, (TAT) Kindergarten teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Appointment of Ronisha M. Coppage, (TAT) teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Transfer/appointment of Nikki Guidry, teacher, from 8 (g) to Title I, effective August 6, 2019 through May 21, 2020; Transfer/appointment of Natalie Curley, teacher, from regular education to 8 (g), effective August 6, 2019 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of La’Regis L. Guice, special education paraprofessional, effective August 6, 2019; and Resignation of Terri Firmin, bus driver, effective July 15, 2019, for the purpose of retirement.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Nikki M. Walton, teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Nicole L. Townsend, teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Alyce M. Gauthier, (TAT) teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; and Resignation of Jilianne Bonnette, paraprofessional, effective July 31, 2019.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Yvonne Bassett, (retired) teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Appointment of Karlie R. Kelone, teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; and Appointment of Amber Voiselle, (TAT) teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019;
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Garrett A. Boone, (TAT) teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Appointment of Rayford Jerome Andries, (TAT) teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Appointment of Andrew J. Dufour, (TAT) teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Appointment of Kathy M. Lemoine, (retired) teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Appointment of Joel Tassin, (retired) special education teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Appointment of Lyndsey M. Roy, (TAT) teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Transfer/appointment of Justus Boone, from regular education to business CTE teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through May 21, 2020; Transfer/appointment of Hali Wanersdorfer, from regular education to JAG teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Cheromie D. Hubbard, special education paraprofessional, effective August 6, 2019; Appointment of Roslan L. Barnes, special education paraprofessional, effective August 6, 2019; Appointment of Meegan M. Diaville, school base budget paraprofessional, effective August 6, 2019; Transfer/appointment of Ontario Watson, from special education to district school base budget, effective August 6, 2019; Appointment of Ivette P. Stirgus, food service technician, effective August 6, 2019; and Resignation of Aaron Greenhouse, paraprofessional, effective August 1, 2019.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Doris S. Leary, (retired) teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Appointment of Debra LeBlanc, (retired) teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Appointment of Elizabeth Willis, (retired) teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Appointment of Cherrie Callahan, (retired) special education self-contained teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Resignation of Louis I. Griffith, teacher, effective August 5, 2019; Appointment of McKenzie Bienvenu, (TAT) teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; and Resignation of Jodie S. Dauzat, teacher, effective at the end of the day August 5, 2019.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Appointment of Kerri Desselle, teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Appointment of William J. Moreau, teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Resignation of Brandon D. Sostand, agriculture teacher, effective July 31, 2019; and Appointment of Alayna M. Bordelon, food service technician, effective August 6, 2019.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Christy B. Gaspard, teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Appointment of Achille R. Gaudin, (TAT) teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Appointment of Nuri M. Jeter, (TAT) teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Appointment of Devin A. Tipton, First Responder/Medical Terminology teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Transfer/appointment of Laurie Bordelon, bus driver, from Cottonport Elementary School, effective August 6, 2019; Resignation of Jeremy P. Mayeux, teacher, effective August 2, 2019; and Resignation of Rosalie Pierite, paraprofessional, effective August 2, 2019.
AVOYELLES PARISH PUPIL APPRAISAL CENTER: Rescinding the resignation of Karen Marquardt, school psychologist, effective June 5, 2019, for the purpose of retirement; and Appointment of Nena L. Webster, (retired) Educational Diagnostician, effective July 23, 2019 through December 20, 2019.
ADDENDUM(S)
8/6/2019
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Shirleen A. Roy, special education paraprofessional, effective August 6, 2019; and Resignation of Lauren Janet Dufour, paraprofessional, effective August 1, 2019.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Jessica A. Ducote, special education paraprofessional, effective August 6, 2019.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Hannah L. McGuire, (TAT) teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Appointment of Brent W. Sanders, (TAT) teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; and Appointment of Dylan J. West, teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019.
There being no further business, on motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Chris LaCour, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
LYNN DELOACH, President
BLAINE DAUZAT, Secretary-Treasurer