SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Robin Moreau, President; Rickey Adams, Vice-President; Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, Chris LaCour, Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chris Robinson, 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 LaCour.
1. On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, February 4, 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 March. 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: Hayden Guillory, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Lenon Johnson, Cottonport Elementary School; Brooklyn Dominick, Lafargue Elementary School; Kenley Miller, Marksville Elementary School; Aubri Douzart, Plaucheville Elementary School; Ethan LeBlanc, Riverside Elementary School; Jalisa Harris, Avoyelles High School; Ashanti Richard, Bunkie Magnet High School; De’Andre Williams, LaSAS; and Deanna Carmouche, 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 March. Mr. Dauzat commended the teachers and presented a plaque to each student, as follows:
Valarie Chesne, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Lauren Ducote, Cottonport Elementary School; Sherry Parker, Lafargue Elementary School; Simone Voinche, Marksville Elementary School; Sydney Newton, Plaucheville Elementary School; Wanda Brown, Riverside Elementary School; Ryan Gremillion, Avoyelles High School; Katelyn Hines-Hillman, Bunkie Magnet High School; Carolyn Roy, LaSAS; and Steven Dye, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Robin Moreau commended the teachers on their accomplishments.
4. Ms. Jessica Gauthier, SIS Coordinator, recognized the 2020 Student of the Year winners, as follows:
Elementary School Level - Grade 5
Rylie Ferguson, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Kane Ricaud, Cottonport Elementary School; Alijah Augustine, Lafargue Elementary School; Abigail St. Romain, Marksville Elementary School; Jordan Priester, Plaucheville Elementary School; and Zariah Toralba, Riverside Elementary School.
Middle School Level - Grade 8
Hunter Lemoine, Avoyelles High School; Molly Venable, Bunkie Magnet High School; Anna Center, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Issac Desoto, Marksville High School.
High School Level - Grade 12
Danielle Ducote, Avoyelles High School; Kelsey Spencer, Bunkie Magnet High School; Lauren Gauthier, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Coralie Deloach, Marksville High School.
Mrs. Gauthier announced that the District winners are Jordan Priester, Plaucheville Elementary School; Anna Center, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Coralie Deloach, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Robin Moreau commended the Students of the Year on this outstanding achievement.
5. Board Member Chris Robinson recognized Christopher Spears, graduate of Avoyelles High School who attended Jump Start Summer Program/Dual Enrollment through Central Louisiana Technical Community College. Christopher is now employed as a travel CNA, assigned to New York. His employer is so impressed with his training that they will cover the costs of his schooling to become a registered nurse. Another student, one from Bunkie Magnet High School, will be graduating in May and simultaneously earning an Associate’s Degree in welding. Louisiana has prioritized the Jump Start Summer Program, and these are just a few of the many success stories of students who have benefitted from this wonderful program.
6. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat announced that ACT testing for juniors and seniors will be held on March 17, 2020. Also, he stated that LEAP testing for the third through eighth grades is also scheduled in the near future. Regarding the coronavirus (COVID-19), Superintendent Dauzat reassured everyone that the Avoyelles Parish School Board is following the guidelines from the CDC and the Department of Education. All schools are stocked with disinfectant, hand sanitizers, and hand soap. All employees and students are reminded to wash their hands often and avoid touching their faces whenever possible. Panic is unwarranted; all proper precautions are being taken, and the situation is being monitored.
7. Mr. Van Kojis, Chairman of the Expulsion Appeal Committee, presented the following report:
Expulsion Appeal Committee Recommendation
February 18, 2020
The Expulsion Appeal Committee met on Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at 3:30 p.m. in Room C of the Avoyelles Parish School Board office with the following members present:
Van Kojis, Expulsion Committee Chairperson; Robin Moreau; and Latisha Small.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau and seconded by Latisha Small, the committee recommended the expulsion of Student 1 be upheld but that the probation term be revised to 14 more successful days beginning February 19, 2020. The motion was passed with a unanimous vote.
On motion by Van Kojis, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board agreed to accept the Expulsion Appeal Committee’s recommendations. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Mr. Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
February 18, 2020
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chairman; Latisha Small, Chris Robinson, Rickey Adams, Robin Moreau, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were Lynn Deloach, Van Kojis, 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.
1. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Education Committee regarding initial findings on the academic effects of the four-day school week.
Superintendent Dauzat presented four-day week information on scores received thus far.
The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. President Robin Moreau addressed the Education Committee regarding the Midland High School (located in Acadia Parish) four-day school schedule.
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 Van Kojis, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Celestine. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Mr. Lynn Deloach, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
February 18, 2020
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met at approximately 4:48 p.m. Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Lynn Deloach, Chairman; Aimee Dupuy, Stanley Celestine, Jr., Rickey Adams, Robin Moreau, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were Latisha Small, Chris Robinson, and Van Kojis, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; supervisors and coordinators.
1. Board Member Chris Robinson addressed the Executive Committee regarding the fingerprinting process.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Board Member Chris Robinson addressed the Executive Committee regarding the Truancy Court. Ms. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, presented an update report.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
3. Ms. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, presented a revised copy of File: GAMB - Employee Dress Code for the committee’s review and consideration.
Upon motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Executive Committee recommended to adopt the changes to the employee dress code as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Ms. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, presented a proposed 2020-2021 School Calendar for the committee’s approval.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Executive Committee recommended to accept the 2020-2021 school calendar as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Ms. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, presented the 2020-2021 Student Handbook for the committee’s approval.
Upon motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the 2020-2021 Student Handbook as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Mrs. Becky Spencer, Tech Coordinator, addressed the Executive Committee regarding an E-Rate Contract between the Avoyelles Parish School Board and Conterra.
Upon motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Executive Committee recommended the approval of an E-Rate Contract between the Avoyelles Parish School Board and Conterra. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Upon motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Executive Committee recommended to approve a contract for professional and technical services between the Avoyelles Parish School Board and Curriculum Associates, LLC. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Upon motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Executive Committee recommended to approve a contract for professional and technical services between the Avoyelles Parish School Board and Brett Long, Grant Writer. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Upon motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Executive Committee recommended to grant permission for the East Feliciana Parish School Board to piggyback on the Board’s bid with Edgear for providing JCAMPUS Student Management Software System, as per Louisiana Revised Statute 39:1702 and Revised Statute 1708. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Executive Committee recommended to grant approval for the Superintendent to award the 2020-2021 E-Rate Category II Project and negotiate and properly execute the contract. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Lynn Deloach, Chairman
Executive Committee
On motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report with the exception of Item Number 5, as presented by Chairman Deloach. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
In reference to Item Number 5 of the Executive Committee Report, discussion was held regarding “Hair”, Page 26 of the Student Handbook, Item 23a, which states, “Wigs are not acceptable except for medical reasons.” Board Member Chris Robinson requested to strike out this line.
On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Board adopted Item Number 5 of the Executive Committee Report as amended–with the line in the Student Handbook “Wigs are not acceptable except for medical reasons” stricken out. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Mrs. Aimee Dupuy, Chairwoman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
February 18, 2020
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at approximately 5:15 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson; Lynn Deloach, Rickey Adams, Robin Moreau, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. Chris LaCour was absent. Also present were Latisha Small, Stanley Celestine, Jr., Van Kojis, and Chris Robinson, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; and other supervisors.
1. Mrs. Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented the sales tax report for the month of January, 2020. Mrs. Lacombe stated that sales tax revenues for the month totaled $822,605.59. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $470,060.54, the 0.25% sales tax generated $117,514.78, and the building maintenance fund generated $235,030.27.
2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat advised the Finance Committee that there were no maintenance spending expenditures above $5,000 for the month of January, 2020.
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.
4. 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.
5. Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the grant budget revisions for the 2019-2020 school year. 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 Robinson, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairwoman Dupuy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Mr. Rickey Adams, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
February 18, 2020
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at 5:39 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Rickey Adams, Chairman; Aimee Dupuy, Lynn Deloach, Stanley Celestine, Jr., Robin Moreau, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were Latisha Small, Van Kojis 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, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding the FFA Camp.
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 Rickey Adams, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Adams. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Mr. Chris Robinson, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
Bus Committee Report
February 18, 2020
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at 5:51 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Chris Robinson, Chairman; Latisha Small, Van Kojis, Robin Moreau, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. Chris LaCour was absent. Also present were Stanley Celestine, Jr., 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.
2. Chairman Chris Robinson addressed the Bus Committee regarding the salary schedule for bus aides.
Mr. Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor, discussed this matter with the committee.
The Bus Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Chris Robinson, Chairman
Bus Committee
On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman Robinson. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. President Robin Moreau addressed the Board regarding the terms of leases with past due accounts.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Van Kojis, the Board authorized its attorney to immediately evict all delinquent campsite lessors, giving them 10 days to pay full restitution or vacate the premises–those evicted will be responsible for paying all restitution including all court costs incurred; also, regarding all camp leases from this point forward, if delinquent at the 45-day and 90-day points, the Board hereby authorizes its attorney to proceed with legal action to evict. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
14. Board Member Chris Robinson addressed the Board regarding discipline issues at Avoyelles High School. He stated he will provide Superintendent Dauzat with names of concerned parents who have voiced complaints recently and requested that he investigate this matter.
15. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Board regarding setting the date for the Board meeting in April. The regularly scheduled meeting falls on April 7, but schools will be closed for the Easter holiday break on that day.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board rescheduled the April regular meeting of the Avoyelles Parish School Board to Tuesday, April 14, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
16. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Change in appointment status for Christian J. Odum, from regular classroom teacher to substitute teacher, effective January 8, 2020.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Brandi L. Williams, (TAT) teacher, effective February 18, 2020 through March 18, 2020; and Resignation of Lesley Garvin, teacher, effective at the end of the day February 12, 2020.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Gene Normand, bus driver, from Marksville High School, effective February 1, 2020; and Resignation of Elmer R. Simon, custodian, effective at the end of the day March 20, 2020, for the purpose of retirement.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Sherman Bell, bus driver, from Avoyelles High School, effective February 1, 2020.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Nicole Bordelon, teacher, effective at the end of the day January 31, 2020.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL: Renewal of an administrative contract for Contina A. Pierite, Assistant Principal, effective February 29, 2020 to February 28, 2022.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Transfer/appointment of Melissa Terrell, from paraprofessional to school secretary, effective March 3, 2020.
ADDENDUMS
3/10/2020
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Kathy Mezzacapo, bus driver, effective at the end of the day May 21,2020, for the purpose of retirement.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Charlotte Johnson, custodian, effective March 3, 2020, replacing Debra Lavalais who retired.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of John Smith, bus driver, effective March 10, 2020.
There being no further business, on motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Van Kojis, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Robin Moreau, President
Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer