SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, September 3, 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, Chris Robinson, Rickey Adams, Van Kojis, and Aimee Dupuy.
Absent: Stanley Celestine, Jr.
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 Latisha Small.
1. On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, August 6, 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 Daniel Graham, former bus driver.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Daniel Graham. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Board Member Rickey Adams read a resolution of respect to the late Mary Voiselle, former paraprofessional.
On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Mary Voiselle. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Students of the Month for September. 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: Tahj Robinson, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; D’Marion Smith, Cottonport Elementary School; Dayton Pennington, Lafargue Elementary School; Harper Dupont, Marksville Elementary School; Caleb Dupont, Plaucheville Elementary School; Reid Leger, Riverside Elementary School; Kylie Duhon, Avoyelles High School; Samireane Williams, Bunkie Magnet High School; Beth Broussard, LaSAS; and Jailah Moore, 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 September. Ms. Prater commended the teachers and presented a plaque to each student, as follows:
Candice Hardy, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Heavin Chesne, Cottonport Elementary School; Valerie Bordelon, Lafargue Elementary School; Nikki Guidry, Marksville Elementary School; Kara Lemoine, Plaucheville Elementary School; Yvonne Bassett, Riverside Elementary School; Allyn Ducote, Avoyelles High School; Star Higginbotham, Bunkie Magnet High School; Amy Pitre, LaSAS; and Sheri Bourgeois, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Lynn Deloach commended the teachers on their accomplishments.
6. Mr. Jonathan Loveall, Candidate for Board of Elementary and Secondary Education Member for District 8, addressed the Board regarding the upcoming election. As a public school teacher himself, he pledged common sense testing reform, education funding reform, teacher diversity, and charter school accountability.
7. Mr. Daryl Deshotel, Candidate for State Representative, District 28, addressed the Board regarding the upcoming election. Mr. Deshotel stated that he strongly believes that education is the pillar of our community, and his goal is to increase economic development to create jobs in the parish.
8. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat stated that an enrollment count was done today showing 199 fewer students enrolled compared to last year at this time. As far as the four-day school week is concerned, everything seems to be going well: Instruction time is being protected, the afternoon “super snack” is a success, the homework rule is helping, bus routes are being adjusted to minimize late arrivals home, and there has been positive feedback from the community. There is very good news regarding preliminary school performance scores, although they are not available to the public just yet. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat proudly announced that Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy was named a Top Growth School, meaning 58% of the students at BELA met maximum growth per state standards.
9. On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Latisha Small, the Board approved the Louisiana Compliance and System Survey. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board approved the Louisiana Compliance and System Survey for the Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the Board regarding the adoption of the Consolidated Budget for the 2019-2020 school year.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board agreed to adopt the Consolidated Budget for the 2019-2020 school year, as follows:
12. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a preliminary final report on the 2018-2019 budget, which showed a $1.8 million surplus.
13. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Board regarding a request to distribute a portion of the 2018-2019 surplus to Avoyelles Parish School Board employees. He proposed to utilize $500,000 to pay off bus loans (saving interest); give all certificated teachers a one-time payment of $1000 and all support personnel a one-time payment of $500 in supplemental pay; and place the remainder of the surplus (approximately $700,000) into the Reserve Fund.
A motion was made by Van Kojis, seconded by Chris LaCour, that the Board implement the Superintendent’s plan to distribute the 2018-2019 budget surplus as outlined above.
Discussion ensued among Board members, and staff members commented from the audience. While all were in favor of recognizing the teachers and support personnel and appreciating their tremendous work, some were concerned about the projected deficit for the upcoming school year.
Board Member Van Kojis then amended his motion, seconded by Chris LaCour, that the Board remove the bus payoff of $500,000 at this time and present it to the Finance Committee; give certificated teachers a one-time supplemental payment of $1000 and support personnel a one-time supplemental payment of $500; and place the remainder (approximately $1.2 million) into the Reserve Fund.
The motion failed by the following vote:
Ayes: Van Kojis, Chris LaCour, Latisha Small, and Chris Robinson.
Nays: Lynn Deloach, Robin Moreau, Rickey Adams, and Aimee Dupuy.
The original motion by Mr. Kojis was then voted upon. That motion failed by the following vote:
Ayes: Van Kojis, Chris LaCour, Latisha Small, and Chris Robinson.
Nays: Lynn Deloach, Robin Moreau, Rickey Adams, and Aimee Dupuy.
Board Member Aimee Dupuy suggested that the Board table this issue and revisit it after the October enrollment count.
14. Mr. Robin Moreau, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
August 20, 2019
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, August 20, 2019, at 4:30 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; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jaimie Lacombe, Dexter Compton, Celeste Voinche, Brent Whiddon, and Steve Marcotte, Supervisors.
1. Upon motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Executive Committee recommended to approve payment of a contract between the Avoyelles Parish School Board and Procurify in the amount of $8,899.00. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Upon motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Executive Committee recommended to approve policies submitted by Mr. James Prescott, Jr. of Forethought Consulting, Incorporated, as follows:
File: IDDFA Special Education Advisory Council
File: JGCF Behavioral Health Services for Students
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Mrs. Dawn Pitre, Supervisor of Special Education, addressed the Executive Committee regarding permission to renew a contract with Audio Optical Systems of Austin, Incorporated for a Kurzwell 3000 District Site License renewal in the amount of $12,225.00.
Upon motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Executive Committee recommended to renew a contract with Audio Optical Systems of Austin, Incorporated for a Kurzwell 3000 District Site License renewal in the amount of $12,225.00 funded by IDEA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. A motion was offered by Chris Robinson, seconded by Rickey Adams, to add an item to the agenda. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ms. Amy Dodge addressed the committee concerning her child’s attendance at LaSAS. 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.
15. Mrs. Aimee D. Dupuy, Chairwoman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
August 20, 2019
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, August 20, 2019, at 4:45 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 July, 2019. Mrs. Lacombe stated that sales tax revenues for the month totaled $668,333.88. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $381,849.07, the 0.25% sales tax generated $95,560.28, and the building maintenance fund generated $190,924.53.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Finance Committee approved the Finance Committee Report as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat advised the Finance Committee that there was one maintenance spending expenditures above $5,000 for the month of July, 2019, as follows:
Perry Laborde, $11,000.00 to paint the main building at Lafargue Elementary School.
3. Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the requests for overnight travel, as presented by Superintendent Dauzat. 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 Robin Moreau, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairwoman Dupuy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
16. Mr. Rickey Adams, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
August 20, 2019
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, August 20, 2019, at 4:48 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. The Building and Lands Committee discussed leasing the gymnasium at the former Avoyelles Parish Vocational Training Center/Bunkie Detention Center.
Upon motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to have the property appraised for rental value. MOTION CARIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Board Member Chris LaCour addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding the term of Pomme de Terre lease.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Van Kojis, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to extend this lease for six (6) months, through June 30, 2020. 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 adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Adams. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
17. Mr. Chris Robinson, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
Bus Committee Report
August 20, 2019
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, August 20, 2019, at 5:04 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; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; 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.
18. Mr. Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chairman of the Education Committee, was absent tonight; therefore, President Lynn Deloach presented the following report on his behalf:
Education Committee Report
August 20, 2019
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, August 20, 2019, at 5:09 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 an overview of the 2019-2020 Rapides Foundation Effective Schools Grant.
The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Vice-President Robin Moreau addressed the Education Committee regarding the use of instructional coaches at struggling elementary schools.
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 Robin Moreau, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by President Deloach. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
19. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Appointment of Samuel Johnson, custodian, effective August 28, 2019, replacing Albert R. Dossman who retired; Resignation of Albert R. Dossman, custodian, effective August 8, 2019, for the purpose of retirement; and Resignation of Edward J. Rachal, bus driver, effective at the end of the day December 20, 2019, for the purpose of retirement.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Rescinding the appointment of Yogesh Patel, teacher, effective at the end of the day August 23, 2019.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Change in funding source for Jessica Gauthier, paraprofessional from 8(g) to Title I, effective August 6, 2019; and Resignation of Jessica Lemoine, teacher, effective at the end of the day August 15, 2019.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Change in funding source for Maxine Mury, teacher, from Title I to school base budget, effective August 6, 2019 through May 21, 2020; Change in funding source for Sherry Reech, teacher, from Title I to school base budget, effective August 6, 2019 through May 21, 2020; and Change in funding source for Jina Crouse, paraprofessional, to Title I computer lab, effective August 6, 2019.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Carrie L. Kimble, teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Appointment of Allyn E. Ducote, (TAT) special education teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; and Resignation of Kaitlyn McQuillin, teacher, effective at the end of the day August 20, 2019.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Mallory A. Ogea, Business/ELA teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Change in appointment dates for Laure’ A. Tubre, special education teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through May 21, 2020; Resignation of Sharon Gonzales, bus aide, effective August 16, 2019; and Resignation of Rodney Spears, custodian, effective at the end of the day August 23, 2019.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Alana Pate, teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Appointment of Misty Blanchard, (TAT) teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Appointment of Payton Neville, (TAT) teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; Appointment of Joseph Greenhouse, Journey to Careers teacher, effective August 6, 2019 through December 20, 2019; and Appointment of Chance E. Daigre, teacher, effective August 13, 2019 through December 20, 2019.
AVOYELLES PARISH PUPIL APPRAISAL CENTER: Resignation of Penny Hale, special
education infant teacher, effective at the end of the day November 8, 2019, for the purpose of.
retirement.
ADDENDUM(S)
9/3/2019
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Felice Edwards, teacher, effective at the end of the day September 13, 2019.
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