SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, February 4, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Robin Moreau, President; Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chris Robinson, Van Kojis, and Aimee Dupuy.
Absent: Chris LaCour and Rickey Adams, Vice-President.
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 Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, January 14, 2020, 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 February. 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: Ryland Smith, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Bailey Lachney, Cottonport Elementary School; Bryson Brouillette, Lafargue Elementary School; Alaura McGlory, Marksville Elementary School; Tyler Moses, Plaucheville Elementary School; Jonathan Jones, Riverside Elementary School; Kellen Murphy, Avoyelles High School; Philip Perrin,III, Bunkie Magnet High School; Hanlin Riddle, LaSAS; and De’Shaftion Arvie, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Robin Moreau commended the students on their accomplishments.
3. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Teachers of the Month for February. Mr. Dauzat commended the teachers and presented a plaque to each student, as follows:
Phyllis Morris, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Stephanie Belanger, Cottonport Elementary School; Robin Weatherford, Lafargue Elementary School; Melissa Bordelon, Marksville Elementary School; Cecelia Nikki Clark, Plaucheville Elementary School; Sherry Reech, Riverside Elementary School; Cameron Adams, Avoyelles High School; Elizabeth Willis, Bunkie Magnet High School; Keri Desselle, LaSAS; and Misty Blanchard, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Robin Moreau commended the teachers on their accomplishments.
4. President Robin Moreau recognized students from the Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences who placed in State and National Competition, as follows:
(1) Conduct of Chapter Meeting (received silver emblem at Nationals). Participants include: William Manuel, Jasmine Soniat, Gabrielle Bonaventure, Olivia Gagnard, Heidi Gauthier, Caroline Spencer, and Tyler Mayeux.
(2) Agriscience Fair (received gold emblem at Nationals). Participants include: Jasmine Soniat and Gabrielle Bonaventure.
(3) Parliamentary Procedure (placed first at State and will move on to National in October). Participants include: Laila Chenevert, Jasmine Soniat, Montanna Dupuy, Kimberly Brouillette, Anna Laborde, and Ava Williber.
(4) Employment Skills (placed third in State). Participants include: Lauren Gauthier.
5. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat announced that school will be closed on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, for the Mardi Gras Holiday. Committee meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, February 18. He also stated that planning has begun for our celebration for remaining Number1 in the state over a four-year period for academic growth. This celebration will be held on Monday, March 23. Faculty meetings and staff development will occur in the morning, and then the celebration will begin at LaSAS afterwards.
6. Mr. Lynn Deloach, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report
:
Executive Committee Report
January 21, 2020
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Lynn Deloach, Chairman; Aimee Dupuy, Rickey Adams, Robin Moreau, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. Stanley Celestine, Jr. was absent. Also present were Latisha Small, Chris Robinson, and Aimee Dupuy, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; supervisors and coordinators.
1. Upon motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Executive Committee recommended to approve policies submitted by Mr. James Prescott, Jr. of Forethought Consulting, Incorporated, as follows:
(a) File: DFD Tax and Bond Election and Sales
(b) File: GAEAA Sexual Harassment
(c) File: GBN Dismissal of Employees
(d) File: GBRI Holidays
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Lynn Deloach, Chairman
Executive Committee
On motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Deloach. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Mrs. Aimee Dupuy, Chairwoman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
January 21, 2020
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at approximately 4:40 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Aimee Dupuy, Chairwoman; Lynn Deloach, Rickey Adams, Robin Moreau, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. Chris Lacour was absent. Also present were Latisha Small and Chris Robinson, 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 December, 2019. Mrs. Lacombe stated that sales tax revenues for the month totaled $649,282.90. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $371,018.97, the 0.25% sales tax generated $92,754.44, and the building maintenance fund generated $185,509.49.
2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat advised the Finance Committee that there were no maintenance spending expenditures above $5,000 for the month of December, 2019.
3. Upon motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the requests for overnight travel as presented by Superintendent Dauzat. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Mrs. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented the Needs Assessment Committee Report, as follows:
Three Board Member Screening Committee Report
January 7, 2020
The Three Board Member Screening Committee met at 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Robin Moreau, Aimee Dupuy, and Stanley Celestine, Jr., Board Members; Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent; Thelma J. Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; and Becky Spencer, Tech Coordinator.
Assistant Superintendent Thelma J. Prater presented the Superintendent’s Needs Assessment Committee Report, as follows:
Superintendent’s Needs Assessment Committee Report
December 6, 2019
The Superintendent’s Needs Assessment Committee met on Thursday, December 5, 2019, at 8:00 a.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Finance Director; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; and Becky Spencer, CLU/Tech Coordinator.
Ms. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, reviewed the 2019-2020 budget with the committee which provides for $158,322.00 for the first semester.
The committee recommended to approve the following requests:
(1) To deny all camera requests until the issues with the servers are fixed. MOTION CARRIED.
(2) To purchase 17 laptop computers in the amount of $17,009.86 for Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy. (Purchase Order 266) MOTION CARRIED.
(3) The committee recommended to deny the following requests for BELA:
(a) Thirty (30) Chromebooks in the amount of $9,452.98 (Title I purchased a cart last year)
(b) Ten (10) desktop computers in the amount of $8,729.50 (Title I purchased 14)
(c) Five (5) cameras in the amount of $5,838.00
MOTION CARRIED.
(4) To purchase 3 of the 10 requested Smart Interactive Boards in the amount of $10,920.90 for Cottonport Elementary School. (Purchase Order 267) MOTION CARRIED.
(5) To purchase 10 of the 20 requested laptop computers in the amount of $10,570.00 for Cottonport Elementary School. (Purchase Order 268) MOTION CARRIED.
(6) To deny the following requests for Cottonport Elementary School:
(a) Four (4) desktop computers in the amount of $3,417.56
(b) Thirty (30) Chromebooks in the amount of $9,452.98
(c) Gym bleachers in the amount of $100,000
(d) Removal of the fence in the front of the school
MOTION CARRIED.
(7) To purchase 10 Chromeboxes in the amount of $3,732.60 for Lafargue Elementary School. (Purchase Order 269) MOTION CARRIED.
(8) To purchase indoor speakers and intercoms in the amount of $4,585.00 for Lafargue Elementary School. (Purchase Order 270) MOTION CARRIED.
(9) To deny the requests for Lafargue Elementary School for the following:
(a) Thirty (30) Chromeboxes in the amount of $11,197.80 (Title I purchased a cart of 30)
(b) One (1) camera server (will be purchased using another funding source)
(c) Thirteen (13) laptops in the amount of $13,611.00
(d) Four (4) Interactive flat panel boards in the amount of $15,594.48.
MOTION CARRIED.
(10) To purchase seven (7) laptop computers in the amount of $6,184.36 for Marksville Elementary School. (Purchase Order 271) MOTION CARRIED.
(11) To purchase 30 iPads in the amount of $9,868.50 for Marksville Elementary School. (Purchase Order 272) MOTION CARRIED.
(12) To purchase three (3) Smartboards in the amount of $10,919.61 for Plaucheville Elementary School. (Purchase Order 273) MOTION CARRIED.
(13) To purchase five (5) desktop computers in the amount of $4,746.75 for Plaucheville Elementary School. (Purchase Order 274) MOTION CARRIED.
(14) To purchase 30 Chromebooks in the amount of $9,452.98 for Riverside Elementary School. (Purchase Order 275) MOTION CARRIED.
(15) To purchase 15 of the 30 requested desktops in the amount of $13,124.40 for Riverside Elementary School. (Purchase Order 276) MOTION CARRIED.
(16) To purchase 15 of the 30 requested desktop computers in the amount of $12,810.00 for Avoyelles High School. (Purchase Order 277) MOTION CARRIED.
(17) To refer the following requests for Avoyelles High School to the Maintenance Department: (a) Replace gutters on front of gym, (b) Renovate agriculture restrooms, and (c) Replace some catwalks that are leaking.
MOTION CARRIED.
(18) To deny the following requests for Avoyelles High School. (a) Upgrade 90 PC’s from Windows 7 to Windows 10 in the amount of $11,790.00, (b) Score table for basketball in the amount of $2,760.00, (c) Padding for back stop on baseball facility in the amount of $630.00, (d) Band bleachers on the football field in the amount of $4,255.00, and (e) Mount two (2) large televisions in the amount of $500-1000. MOTION CARRIED.
(19) To purchase 16 laptops in the amount of $15,074.24 for Marksville High School. (Purchase Order 278) MOTION CARRIED.
(20) To use the remaining $30,000.00 to concrete the parking area at Bunkie Magnet High School. (Purchase Order 279) MOTION CARRIED.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the Needs Assessment Committee Report as presented by Ms. Prater. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a report of year-to-date General Fund Revenues and Expenditures in comparison to the prior year budget.
6. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a report on investments.
7. Mr. Matthew Margaglio, CPA with Kolder, Slaven and Company, LLC, presented the audit report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the audit report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2019. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson
Finance Committee
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairwoman Dupuy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Due to the absence of Mr. Rickey Adams, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, President Robin Moreau presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
January 21, 2020
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at 5:03 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Rickey Adams, Chairman; Aimee Dupuy, Lynn Deloach, Robin Moreau, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. Stanley Celestine, Jr. was absent. Also present were Latisha Small and Chris Robinson, 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 bid-opening committee report on the sale of used vehicles, as follows:
Report of the Bid-Opening Committee
Sale of Used/Junk Vehicles
On Tuesday, January 14, 2020, a committee met at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office for the purpose of receiving bids to sell used/junk vehicles.
Members of the committee were: Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; and Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor.
The committee acknowledged receipt of the following bids:
Bus Number 171: 2000 Carpenter Bus - Minimum price: $500
Glenn Ducote/Moncla Auto Sales: $527.47
Bus Number 197: 2001 Freightliner Bus - Minimum price: $500
Glenn Ducote/Moncla Auto Sales: $627.47
Bus Number 161: 2000 Freightliner Bus - Minimum price: $500
Glenn Ducote/Moncla Auto Sales: $627.47
1986 GMC Box Van Classroom - Minimum price: $400
Glenn Ducote/Moncla Auto Sales: $627.47
Morgan Marcotte: $465.00
Bus Number 300: 1979 Ford Tractor Model 9110vv - Minimum Price: $3500
No Bid
Bus Number 306: 1979 Nabors Lustra Van Refrigerated Trailer - No Bid
Bus Number 301: 1983 Dodge Flat Bed - Minimum price: $300
Glenn Ducote/Moncla Auto Sales: $427.47
Morgan Marcotte: $375.00
Upon motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau , the Building and Lands Committee recommended to accept the highest bids and re-advertise the items for which no bids were received. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to grant permission to advertise for bids on janitorial supplies, paint and paint products, light bulbs, and air conditioner filters for the 2020-2021 school year. 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 Van Kojis, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by President Moreau for Chairman Adams. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Mr. Chris Robinson, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
Bus Committee Report
January 21, 2020
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at 5:06 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Chris Robinson, Chairman; Latisha Small, Robin Moreau, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. Chris Lacour and Mr. Van Kojis were absent. Also present were Lynn Deloach, Rickey Adams, and Aimee Dupuy, 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 Aimee Dupuy, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman Robinson. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Mr. Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
January 21, 2020
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, January 21, 2020, at approximately 5:18 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Latisha Small, Chris Robinson, Rickey Adams, Robin Moreau, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chairman, was absent. Also present were Lynn Deloach and Aimee Dupuy, 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.
President Robin Moreau chaired the meeting.
1. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented a report of initial findings on the financial effects of the four-day school week.
The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Mrs. Jenny Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, presented a report on the Avoyelles Virtual Alternative Program Semester 1.
The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Robin Moreau, President
Education Committee
On motion by Stanley Celestine, Jr., seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Celestine. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board granted permission to advertise for bids for milk, bread, food service supplies, non-hazardous waste disposal, grease trap maintenance, and staple food and produce. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Board regarding a contract with Elevate K-12.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Latisha Small, the Board accepted the contract with Elevate K-12 for the 2020 spring semester. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Transfer/appointment of Rene Bell, mild-moderate teacher, from Avoyelles High School, effective January 28, 2020.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Lorena L. Alderson, teacher, effective January 28, 2020 through May 21, 2020; and Resignation of April Book, teacher, effective at the end of the day January 21, 2020.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Discontinuance of active employment of Alis Chaudoir, teacher, effective January 21, 2020; and Resignation of Debra Lavalais, custodian, effective at the end of the day February 28, 2020, for the purpose of retirement.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL/PUPIL APPRAISAL CENTER: Appointment of Catherine D. Tyler, (retired) part-time adaptive physical education teacher at Marksville Elementary School and part-time Early Interventionist teacher at Pupil Appraisal Center, effective January 28, 2020 through May 21, 2020.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Correction in appointment of Melissa N. Mayeux, from paraprofessional to teacher (TAT), effective January 6, 2020 through May 21, 2020.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Rayford, Jerome Andries, teacher, effective at the end of the day January 23, 2020.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Appointment of Christina M. Dauzat, food service technician, effective January 21, 2020; and Resignation of Alayna Bordelon, food service technician, effective at the end of the day January 15, 2020.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Discontinuance of active employment of Christy Gaspard, teacher, effective at the end of the day December 20, 2019; and Resignation of Floyd S. Voinche, bus driver, effective February 21, 2020, for the purpose of retirement.
AVOYELES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE: Resignation of Priscilla Ducote, transportation/maintenance assistant, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2020, for the purpose of retirement.
There being no further business, on motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Van Kojis, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Robin Moreau, President
Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer