SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, December 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, Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chris Robinson, Van Kojis, and Aimee Dupuy.
Absent: Rickey Adams.
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. On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, November 5, 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 Austin Spencer, student at the Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences. Mr. Dauzat announced that Austin placed second at the FFA National Convention held in Indianapolis this past October.
3. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Students of the Month for December. 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: Jaelynn Redmon, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Madelyn Fontenot, Cottonport Elementary School; Kylee Lemoine, Lafargue Elementary School; Aniya Simon, Marksville Elementary School; Amelie Wallace, Plaucheville Elementary School; Avia Simoneaux, Riverside Elementary School; Benjamin Melder, Avoyelles High School; Macie St. Romain, Bunkie Magnet High School; Garret Firmin, LaSAS; and Daniel Miller, 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 December. Mr. Dauzat commended the teachers and presented a plaque to each student, as follows:
Courtney Brown, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Brianna Vaccaro, Cottonport Elementary School; Brittany Beaubouef, Lafargue Elementary School; Dana Lala, Marksville Elementary School; Kallie Riche, Plaucheville Elementary School; William Beebe, Riverside Elementary School; KK Lemoine, Avoyelles High School; Sabrina Washington, Bunkie Magnet High School; Tracy Armand, LaSAS; and Sheena Grote, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Lynn Deloach commended the teachers on their accomplishments.
5. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat announced that LEAP testing has begun for high school students. These were previously referred to as End-of-Course (EOC) tests.
Also, Superintendent Dauzat stated that the Board’s attorney, District Attorney Charles Riddle, called him today regarding the current legal agreement with Burger King in regards to sales tax collection. Mr. Riddle recommended that this item be added to tonight’s meeting agenda for discussion.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board added an item to the agenda regarding the Burger King sales tax issue. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat explained that Burger King, being located on sovereign nation ground, is exempt from mandatory sales tax collection. However, an agreement was negotiated ten (10) years ago with the Avoyelles Parish School Board whereby Burger King would pay parish sales tax but not city sales tax. This agreement expires on December 31, 2019. They are requesting to extend this agreement by three (3) years.
On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board authorized Superintendent Blaine Dauzat to extend the sales tax exemption agreement with Burger King by three (3) years. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. President Lynn Deloach presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
November 19, 2019
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at 4:30 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; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; and other supervisors.
1. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a report on advertising for the rental of the Bunkie Detention Center. Mr. Marcotte indicated that the committee did not receive any bids.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Chairman Rickey Adams addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding purchasing another lawn mower for Plaucheville Elementary School.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
3. Board Member Van Kojis addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding hiring a range rider.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
The Building and Lands Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Rickey Adams, Chairman
Building and Lands Committee
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by President Deloach. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Mr. Chris Robinson, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
Bus Committee Report
November 19, 2019
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, November 19, 2019 at 4:39 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; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; and other supervisors.
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 Chris LaCour, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman Robinson. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Mr. Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
November 19, 2019
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at approximately 4:43 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; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Dexter Compton, Supervisor of Secondary Education; Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education; and other supervisors.
1. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Education Committee regarding educational use of financial resources.
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 Robin Moreau, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Celestine. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Mr. Robin Moreau, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
November 19, 2019
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at approximately 4:55 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 other supervisors.
1. Mr. Dexter Compton, Supervisor of Secondary Education, addressed the Executive Committee about entering into a contract with the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
Upon motion by Stanley Celestine, Jr., seconded by Rickey Adams, the Executive Committee recommended to enter into a contract with the Louisiana Workforce Commission and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Executive Committee regarding approval of a Student Fee Schedule which is a new policy.
Upon motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the fee schedule as proposed, as follows: MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Fee Schedule for Elementary Schools: Registration, $25
Fee Schedule for High Schools: Registration, $25; Core Class, $25; I.D., $5; Physical Education Uniforms, $20; Graduation, $15; Locker (optional), $10; Parking, $10; Band, $50; and CPR (optional), $25.
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.
11. Mrs. Aimee Dupuy, Chairwoman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
November 19, 2019
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at approximately 5:15 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; Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; and other supervisors.
1. Mrs. Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented the sales tax report for the month of October, 2019. Mrs. Lacombe stated that sales tax revenues for the month totaled $735,679.48. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $420,388.36, the 0.25% sales tax generated $105,096.94, and the building maintenance fund generated $210,194.18.
Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the sales tax report as presented by Supervisor Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat advised the Finance Committee that there were two (2) maintenance spending expenditures above $5,000 for the month of October, 2019, as follows:
(1) Avoyelles Glass, $5380, for fencing at Marksville High School
(2) Teacher’s Pet, $8450, for toilet partitions at Bunkie Magnet High School
3. Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the requests for overnight travel as presented by Superintendent Dauzat. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented revisions to the 2019-2020 General Fund Budget.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the revisions to the 2019-2020 General Fund Budget, as follows: MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Total Revenues ----------------------- $36,671,270
Total Expenditures ------------------- $39,434,756
Estimated Current Year Deficit ---- $ 2,763,486
5. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a report of year-to-date General Fund in comparison to the prior year budget.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the report of year-to-date General Fund in comparison to the prior year budget. 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. Board Member Van Kojis addressed the Board regarding changing the date of the January School Board meeting to the second Tuesday of the month.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board hereby rescheduled the January Regular Meeting to January 14, 2020, and the January Committee Meetings to January 21, 2020. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Appointment of Brittany Bordelon, (TAT) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Courtney Brown, (TAT) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Malcolm Smoot, teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Valerie Chesne, teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Phyllis Morris, (retired) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Peggy Joshua, (retired) Kindergarten teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Gertrude Milligan, (retired) Kindergarten teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Patricia Riche, (retired) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020, replacing Korey Coppage; Appointment of Earl Smith, bus driver, effective November 1, 2019, replacing Edward Rachal who retired; and Resignation of Korey Coppage, teacher, effective at the end of the day December 3, 2019.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Lauren Ducote, (retired) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Sandra Smith, (retired) Kindergarten teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Ruby Hawkins, (retired) Mild-Moderate teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Brianna P. Vaccaro, (TAT) Mild-Moderate teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Linda Carpenter, (retired) Early Interventionist teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; and Resignation of Heavin L. Chesne, teacher, effective at the end of the day December 20, 2019.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Catherine D. Tyler, (retired) teacher, effective December 3, 2019 through January 24, 2020, replacing Kayla Laborde.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Melissa O. Bordelon, teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Caitlyn T. Woodard, (TAT) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Ronisha M. Coppage, (TAT) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Dana M. Lala, (TAT) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Judy G. Rivers, (retired) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Lauren G. Flook, Kindergarten teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Alyce M. Gauthier, (TAT) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Donald A. Antie, teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; and Appointment of Tomika T. Simmons, (TAT) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Josephine Stevenson, (retired) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Yvonne S. Bassett, (retired) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Karli R. Kelone, teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Amber Voiselle, (TAT) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; and Resignation of Betty Rabalais, bus driver, effective at the end of the day February 3, 2020, for the purpose of retirement.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Kathy M. Lemoine, (retired) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Carrie Kimble, teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Lyndsey M. Roy, (TAT) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Cameron M. Adams, (TAT) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Amanda P. Ebey, (TAT) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Jerome Andries, (TAT) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Garrett A. Boone, (TAT) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Michelle M. Andries, (TAT) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Elizabeth L. Goza, teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Chelsea M. Garin, teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Allyn E. Ducote, (TAT) Mild-Moderate teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Joel Tassin, (retired) Content Mastery Special Education teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Abbie C. Manuel, teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020, replacing Marion K. Lemoine; Resignation of Marion K. Lemoine, teacher, effective at the end of the day December 20, 2019, for the purpose of retirement; and Resignation of Paula Lemoine, bus driver, effective at the end of the day March 12, 2020.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Doris S. Leary, (retired) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Debra F. LeBlanc, (retired) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Elizabeth A. Willis, (retired) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of David E. Dyson, (retired) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Dylan J. West, teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of McKenzie Bienvenu, (TAT) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Mallory A. Ogea, Business/ELA teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Cherrie Callahan, (retired) Self-contained teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Resignation of Matthew Murdock, Dean of Students, effective at the end of the day December 20, 2019; and Resignation of Amanda Martin, bus driver, effective at the end of the day November 12, 2019.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Appointment of Keri Desselle, teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of William J. Moreau, teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Heather L. Breithaupt, (TAT) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Joni L. Meche, (TAT) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Bonnie LeDuc, (retired) Business teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; and Appointment of Angela N. Deville, (retired) Content Mastery Special Education teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Alana Pate, teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Brent A. Barbre, teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Nuri M. Jeter, (TAT) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Misty Blanchard, teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Payton W. Neville, (TAT) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of George G. Hathorn, (retired) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Malik R. Perry, (TAT) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Achille R. Gaudin, (TAT) teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Steven P. Dye, (TAT) Journey to Careers teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Joseph Greenhouse, Business teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Sheena R. Grote, (TAT) Agriculture teacher, effective January 6, 2020 through June 30, 2020;
AVOYELLES PARISH PUPIL APPRAISAL CENTER: Appointment of Nena L.Webster, (retired) Educational Diagnostician (IDEA-B), effective January 6, 2020 through June 4, 2020; Appointment of Janine S. Mury, (retired) Educational Diagnostician, effective January 6, 2020 through June 4, 2020.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE: Appointment of Steven R. Ryder, Sr., maintenance employee, effective November 6, 2019, replacing Lynn Moreau who retired.
TITLE II LEARNING CENTER: Change in funding source for Kristi Bordelon, Technology Facilitator, from 40% Title I and 60% Title II to 45% Title I and 55% Title II.
There being no further business, on motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Robin Moreau, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Lynn Deloach, President
Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer