The estimated cost of this election as determined by the Secretary of State based upon the provisions of Chapter 8-A of Title 18 and actual costs of similar elections is $35,800.SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, July 7, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. at the Marksville High School Auditorium, Marksville, Louisiana, with the following members present:
Robin Moreau, President; Rickey Adams, Vice-President; Lynn Deloach, Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chris LaCour, Chris Robinson, and Aimee Dupuy.
Absent: Latisha Small and Van Kojis.
An Invocation was offered by Board Member Lynn Deloach.
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 Rickey Adams, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, June 9, 2020, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Ms. Aimee Dupuy, Board Member, read a resolution of respect to the late Edward Conway, former bus driver.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Edward Conway, former bus driver. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat discussed upcoming plans for the new school year beginning August 5 in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. Mr. Dauzat announced that there are currently three options, namely, if Louisiana goes back into Phase I, schools will be 100% virtual/online classes, if Louisiana remains in Phase II as it is currently, it is possible that half of the students will attend school in person on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and the other half of students will attend on Wednesdays and Fridays, with virtual/online classes at home on the alternating days, and if Louisiana advances into Phase III, school will open as usual, but parents will still have the option of virtual/online classes. In a recent survey, over 50% of the respondents chose the virtual option, so this will be offered. Again, the final decision has not been made yet and is still dependent on the Covid-19 pandemic situation in the coming weeks. Calendar changes will be addressed at the next upcoming committee meetings on July 20. President Robin Moreau commented that he would prefer school start after Labor Day, which would allow more time to pass for cases to possibly decrease. Superintendent Dauzat agreed and pointed out that it would also allow more time for the students’ netbooks to come in.
4. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Board regarding granting a right-of-way at Old River property.
On motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board granted approval of a right-of-way at Old River property. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat read aloud a letter of resignation from District 8 School Board Member Van Kojis. Mr. Dauzat stated that Mr. Kojis was resigning due to medical reasons, effective August 31, 2020. The remaining board members will appoint an interim member from District 8 in the near future until a special election can be held in November to fill the open seat.
6. Mr. Justin Dufour, 4-H Agent, addressed the Board regarding a request to renew a Memorandum of Understanding between the Avoyelles Parish School Board and the LSU Agriculture Center to fund the 4-H Programs.
On motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board agreed to refer this item to the Finance Committee for further review and consideration. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Ms. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, presented a report on the School Food Service Administrative Review. Ms. Welch stated that two school sites were inspected during the review and no issues were found. The inspectors complimented the schools and staff on a job well done.
8. Ms. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, addressed the Board regarding the 2020-2021 Healthy Behavior School District Partnership Grant with The Rapides Foundation.
On motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board granted permission to accept the 2020-2021 Healthy Behavior School District Partnership Grant with The Rapides Foundation; and that the Avoyelles Parish School Board does hereby authorize Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent, on the terms and conditions that he may deem advisable, to negotiate and execute grant agreements on behalf of the Board, and further we do hereby give him the power and authority to do all things necessary to implement, maintain, amend or renew said documents with The Rapides Foundation. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Ms. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, addressed the Board regarding acceptance of the “Share Our Strength - No Kid Hungry Campaign” Grant.
On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board agreed to accept the “Share Our Strength - No Kid Hungry Campaign” Grant. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Ms. Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education, addressed the Board regarding the 2020-2021 Effective Schools Grant with The Rapides Foundation.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board granted permission to accept the 2020-2021 Effective Schools Grant with The Rapides Foundation. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Ms. Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education, requested approval of a contract with Amplify and the Avoyelles Parish School Board as well as a contract with ZLEARN and the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris Lacour, the Board granted approval of a contract with Amplify for the Avoyelles Parish school district. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Board granted approval of a contract with ZLEARN and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Ms. Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education, addressed the Board regarding the approval of a contract for professional service and professional development with AXI Education Solutions and the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board approved a contract for professional service and professional development with AXI Education Solutions and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. Ms. Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education, addressed the Board regarding the approval of a contract for professional service or technical services with Amy Porter and the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Chris Lacour, the Board approved a contract for professional service or technical services with Amy Porter and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
14. Ms. Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education, addressed the Board regarding the approval of a contract with Curriculum Associates and the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris Lacour, the Board agreed to approve a contract with Curriculum Associates and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. Ms. Jessica Gauthier, SIS Coordinator, addressed the Board regarding approval of a contract agreement with Edgear.
On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board granted approval of a contact agreement with Edgear. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
16. Ms. Dawn Pitre, Supervisor of Special Services, requested approval of a contract for professional or technical services by and between Ellen Brocato, ABA Consultants and the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board granted approval of a contract for professional or technical services by and between Ellen Brocato, ABA Consultants and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
17. The following resolution was offered by Chris Robinson and seconded by Rickey Adams, and the MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY:
A resolution ordering and calling special elections to be held in (i) the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana, for school purposes, to authorize the levy of a sales and use tax therein and (ii) Parishwide School District of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana, to authorize the levy of a special tax therein; making application to the State Bond Commission in connection therewith; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
BE IT RESOLVED by the Parish School Board of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana (the "Governing Authority"), acting as the governing authority of (i) the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana, for school purposes, and (ii) Parishwide School District of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana (the "Parish and District"), that:
SECTION 1. Election Call. Subject to the approval of the State Bond Commission, and under the authority conferred by the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, including Article VI, Sections 29 and 32 thereof, the applicable provisions of the Louisiana Election Code, and other constitutional and statutory authority, special elections are hereby called and ordered to be held in the Parish and District on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020, between the hours of seven o'clock (7:00) a.m. and eight o'clock (8:00) p.m., in accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 18:541, and at the said elections there shall be submitted to all registered voters qualified and entitled to vote at the said elections under the Constitution and laws of this State and the Constitution of the United States, the following propositions, to-wit :
PARISH SCHOOL BOARD PROPOSITION
(1/4% SALES TAX RENEWAL)
Shall the Parish School Board of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana (the "Parish"), under the provisions of Article VI, Section 29 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, and other constitutional and statutory authority, be authorized to levy and collect a tax of one-fourth percent (l/4%) (the "Tax") (an estimated $1,000,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the Tax for an entire year) upon the sale at retail, the use, the lease or rental, the consumption, and the storage for use or consumption, of tangible personal property and on sales of services in the Parish, all as defined by law, for a period of ten (10) years, commencing January 1, 2022, with the proceeds thereof (after paying the reasonable and necessary expenses of collecting and administering the Tax), to be dedicated for the payment of salaries and benefits for the employees of the Parish School Board, provided that the School Board shall not be authorized to levy and collect the Tax unless the proposed Avoyelles Parishwide School District millage on this ballot is also approved by the electorate?
PARISHWIDE SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPOSITION
(MILLAGE RENEWAL)
Shall Parishwide School District of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana (the "District"), levy and collect a special tax of ten (10) mills on all of the property subject to taxation in said District (an estimated $1,520,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2022 and ending with the year 2031, for the payment of salaries and benefits for the employees of the Parish School Board, provided that the District shall not be authorized to levy and collect the Tax unless the proposed Avoyelles School Board sales tax on this ballot is also approved by the electorate?
SECTION 2. Publication of Notice of Elections. A Notice of Special Elections shall be published in the Marksville Weekly News, a newspaper of general circulation within the Parish and District, published in Marksville, Louisiana, and being the official journal of the Parish and District, once a week for four consecutive weeks, with the first publication to be made not less than forty-five (45) days nor more than ninety (90) days prior to the date of the elections, which Notice shall be substantially in the form attached hereto as "Exhibit A" and incorporated herein by reference the same as if it were set forth herein in full.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, prior to the publication of the Notice of Elections, the President is authorized and directed to make any amendments to the foregoing propositions that may be required to comply with any state or federal regulatory agencies.
SECTION 3. Canvass. This Governing Authority shall meet at its regular meeting place, the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office, 221 Tunica Drive West, Marksville, Louisiana, on TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2021, at FIVE O'CLOCK (5:00) P.M., and shall then and there in open and public session proceed to examine and canvass the returns and declare the results of the said special elections.
SECTION 4. Polling Places. The polling places for the precincts in the Parish are hereby designated as the polling places at which to hold the said election, and the Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners, respectively, will be the same persons as those designated in accordance with law.
SECTION 5. Election Commissioners; Voting Machines. The officers designated to serve as Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners pursuant to Section 4 hereof, or such substitutes therefor as may be selected and designated in accordance with La. R.S. 18:1287, shall hold the said special elections as herein provided, and shall make due returns of said elections for the meeting of the Governing Authority to be held as provided in Section 3 hereof. All registered voters in the Parish and District will be entitled to vote at the special elections and voting machines shall be used.
SECTION 6. Authorization of Officers. The Secretary-Treasurer of the Governing Authority is hereby empowered, authorized, and directed to arrange for and to furnish to said election officers in ample time for the holding of said elections, the necessary equipment, forms and other paraphernalia essential to the proper holding of said elections and the President and/or Secretary-Treasurer of the Governing Authority are further authorized, empowered, and directed to take any and all further action required by State and/or Federal law to arrange for the elections.
SECTION 7. Furnishing Election Call to Election Officials. Certified copies of this resolution shall be forwarded to the Secretary of State, the Clerk of Court and Ex-Officio Parish Custodian of Voting Machines of Avoyelles Parish and the Registrar of Voters of Avoyelles Parish, as notification of the special elections, in order that each may prepare for said elections and perform their respective functions as required by law.
SECTION 8. Application to State Bond Commission. Application is made to the State Bond Commission for consent and authority to hold the special elections as herein provided, and in the event said elections carry for further consent and authority to continue to levy and collect the sales and use tax and to continue to levy and collect the special tax provided for therein. A certified copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to the State Bond Commission on behalf of this Governing Authority, together with a letter requesting the prompt consideration and approval of this application.
This resolution having been submitted to a vote, the vote thereon was as follows:
MEMBERS YEAS NAYS ABSENT ABSTAINED
Robin Moreau __X__ _____ _____ _____
Latisha S. Small _____ _____ __X__ _____
Chris Lacour __X__ _____ _____ _____
Stanley Celestine, Jr. __X__ _____ _____ _____
Christopher Robinson __X__ _____ _____ _____
Rickey Adams __X__ _____ _____ _____
Van Kojis _____ _____ __X__ _____
Aimee B. Dupuy __X__ _____ _____ _____
And the resolution was declared adopted on this, the 7th day of July, 2020.
/s/ Blaine Dauzat /s/ Robin Moreau
Secretary-Treasurer President
NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTIONS
Pursuant to the provisions of a resolution adopted by the Parish School Board of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana (the "Governing Authority"), acting as the governing authority of (i) the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana, for school purposes and (ii) Parishwide School District of the Parish of Avoyelles , State of Louisiana (the "Parish and District") , on July 7, 2020, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that special elections will be held within the Parish and District on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020, and that at the said elections there will be submitted to all registered voters in the Parish and District qualified and entitled to vote at the said elections under the Constitution and Laws of the State of Louisiana and the Constitution of the United States, the following propositions, to-wit:
PARISH SCHOOL BOARD PROPOSITION
(1/4% SALES TAX RENEWAL)
Shall the Parish School Board of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana (the "Parish") , under the provisions of Article VI, Section 29 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, and other constitutional and statutory authority, be authorized to levy and collect a tax of one-fourth percent (l/4%) (the "Tax") (an estimated $1,000,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the Tax for an entire year) upon the sale at retail, the use, the lease or rental, the consumption, and the storage for use or consumption, of tangible personal property and on sales of services in the Parish, all as defined by law, for a period of ten (10) years, commencing January 1, 2022, with the proceeds thereof (after paying the reasonable and necessary expenses of collecting and administering the Tax), to be dedicated for the payment of salaries and benefits for the employees of the Parish School Board, provided that the School Board shall not be authorized to levy and collect the Tax unless the proposed Avoyelles Parishwide School District millage on this ballot is also approved by the electorate?
PARISHWIDE SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPOSITION (MILLAGE RENEWAL)
Shall Parishwide School District of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana (the" District"), levy and collect a special tax of ten (10) mills on all of the property subject to taxation in said District (an estimated $1,520,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2022 and ending with the year 2031, for the payment of salaries and benefits for the employees of the Parish School Board, provided that the District shall not be authorized to levy and collect the Tax unless the proposed Avoyelles School Board sales tax on this ballot is also approved by the electorate?
Said special elections will be held at each and every polling place in the Parish of Avoyelles, which polls will open at seven o'clock (7:00) a.m. and close at eight o'clock (8:00) p.m., in accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 18:541.
The polling places at the precincts in the Parish are hereby designated as the polling places at which to hold the said election, and the Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners, respectively, shall be those persons designated according to law.
The estimated cost of this election as determined by the Secretary of State based upon the provisions of Chapter 8-A of Title 18 and actual costs of similar elections is $35,800.
Notice is further given that a portion of the monies collected from the tax described in the Proposition shall be remitted to certain state and statewide retirement systems in the manner required by law.
The said special elections will be held in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 5, Chapter 6-A and Chapter 6-B of Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority, and the officers appointed to hold the said elections, as provided in this Notice of Special Elections, or such substitutes therefor as may be selected and designated in accordance with La. R.S. 18:1287, will make due returns thereof to said Governing Authority, and NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Governing Authority will meet at its regular meeting place, the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office, 221 Tunica Drive West, Marksville, Louisiana, on TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2021, at FIVE O'CLOCK (5:00) P.M., and shall then and there in open and public session, proceed to examine and canvass the returns and declare the results of the said special elections. All registered voters of the Parish and District are entitled to vote at said special elections and voting machines will be used.
THUS DONE AND SIGNED at Marksville, Louisiana, on this, the 7th day of July, 2020.
ATTEST:
/s/ Robin Moreau
President
/s/ Blaine Dauzat
Secretary-Treasurer
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF AVOYELLES
I, the undersigned Secretary-Treasurer of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana (the "Governing Authority"), the governing authority of (i) the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana, for school purposes and (ii) Parishwide School District of the Parish of Avoyelles , State of Louisiana (the "Parish and District"), do hereby certify that the foregoing pages constitute a true and correct copy of the proceedings taken by the Governing Authority on July 7, 2020, ordering and calling special elections to be held in (i) the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana, for school purposes, to authorize the levy of a sales and use tax therein and (ii) Parishwide School District of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana, to authorize the levy of a special tax therein; making application to the State Bond Commission in connection therewith; and providing for other matters in connection therewith.
IN FAITH WHEREOF, witness my official signature at Marksville, Louisiana, on this, the 7th day of July, 2020.
Secretary-Treasurer
NOTICE OF SPECIAL ELECTIONS
Pursuant to the provisions of a resolution adopted by the Parish School Board of the Parish of Avoyelles , State of Louisiana (the "Governing Authority"), acting as the governing authority of (i) the Parish of Avoyelles , State of Louisiana, for school purposes and (ii) Parishwide School District of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana (the "Parish and District"), on July 7, 2020, NOTICEIS HEREBY GIVEN that special elections will be held within the Parish and District on SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5, 2020, and that at the said elections there will be submitted to all registered voters in the Parish and District qualified and entitled to vote at the said elections under the Constitution and Laws of the State of Louisiana and the Constitution of the United States, the following propositions, to-wit:
PARISH SCHOOL BOARD PROPOSITION (1/4% SALES TAX RENEWAL)
Shall the Parish School Board of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana (the "Parish"), under the provisions of Article VI, Section 29 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974 , and other constitutional and statutory authority, be authorized to levy and collect a tax of one-fourth percent (1/ 4%) (the "Tax") (an estimated $1,000 ,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the Tax for an entire year) upon the sale at retail, the use, the lease or rental, the consumption, and the storage for use or consumption, of tangible personal property and on sales of services in the Parish, all as defined by law, for a period of ten (10) years, commencing January 1, 2022, with the proceeds thereof (after paying the reasonable and necessary expenses of collecting and administering the Tax), to be dedicated for the payment of salaries and benefits for the employees of the Parish School Board, provided that the School Board shall not be authorized to levy and collect the Tax unless the proposed Avoyelles Parishwide School District millage on this ballot is also approved by the electorate?
PARISHWIDE SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPOSITION (MILLAGE RENEWAL)
Shall Parishwide School District of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana (the "District"), levy and collect a special tax of ten (10) mills on all of the property subject to taxation in said District (an estimated $1,520,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the tax for an entire year), for a period of ten (10) years, beginning with the year 2022 and ending with the year 2031, for the payment of salaries and benefits for the employees of the Parish School Board, provided that the District shall not be authorized to levy and collect the Tax unless the proposed Avoyelles School Board sales tax on this ballot is also approved by the electorate?
Said special elections will be held at each and every polling place in the Parish of Avoyelles, which polls will open at seven o'clock (7:00) a.m. and close at eight o'clock (8:00) p.m., in accordance with the provisions of La. R.S. 18:541.
The polling places at the precincts in the Parish are hereby designated as the polling places at which to hold the said election, and the Commissioners-in-Charge and Commissioners, respectively, shall be those persons designated according to law.
The estimated cost of this election as determined by the Secretary of State based upon the provisions of Chapter 8-A of Title 18 and actual costs of similar elections is $35,800.
Notice is further given that a portion of the monies collected from the tax described in the Proposition shall be remitted to certain state and statewide retirement systems in the manner required by law.
The said special elections will be held in accordance with the applicable provisions of Chapter 5, Chapter 6-A, and Chapter 6-B of Title 18 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950, as amended, and other constitutional and statutory authority, and the officers appointed to hold the said elections, as provided in this Notice of Special Elections, or such substitutes therefor as may be selected and designated in accordance with La. R.S. 18:1287, will make due returns thereof to said Governing Authority, and NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the Governing Authority will meet at its regular meeting place, the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office, 221 Tunica Drive West, Marksville, Louisiana, on TUESDAY, JANUARY 5, 2021, at FIVE O'CLOCK (5:00) P.M., and shall then and there in open and public session proceed to examine and canvass the returns and declare the results of the said special elections. All registered voters of the Parish and District are entitled to vote at said special elections and voting machines will be used.
THUS DONE AND SIGNED at Marksville, Louisiana, on this, the 7th day of July, 2020.
ATTEST:
/s/ Robin Moreau
President
/s/ Blaine Dauzat
Secretary-Treasurer
18. Ms. Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee, presented the following report:
Ad Hoc Committee Report
Tuesday, June 23, 2020
The Ad Hoc Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met at 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 23, 2020, at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson; Rickey Adams, Lynn Deloach, Chris Robinson; Robin Moreau, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. Stanley Celestine, Jr. was absent.
Chairperson Aimee Dupuy stated that the purpose of the Ad Hoc Committee is to research different types of alternative program options and present their findings to the full Board at its October meeting.
A discussion ensued to determine the goals of each committee member for this committee, as follows:
∙ Offering vocational opportunities
∙ What staff members are necessary?
∙ Counseling/mental health
∙ High school percentage returned who graduated from AVAP
Chairperson Dupuy announced that the next Ad Hoc Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 20, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. Supervisor Celeste Voinche and high school principals will be in attendance at the meeting.
Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson
Ad Hoc Committee
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board accepted the Ad Hoc Committee Report as presented by Chairperson Dupuy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
19. Mr. Brent Whiddon, Supervisor of Transportation, addressed the Board regarding the bus driver pool. Board Member Chris Robinson inquired about precautions being taken due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Mr. Whiddon responded that these issues (i.e. screening, social distancing, number of students on the bus, etc.) are still being discussed regarding feasibility while still following CDC guidelines for the health and safety of the students and staff.
20. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Board regarding the demolition of the old FFA Camp in Mansura and construction of a new camp, all of which will utilize FFA funds.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board approved the demolition of the old FFA Camp in Mansura and the beginning of plans for construction of a new camp. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
21. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented policies from Mr. James Prescott, Jr. of Forethought Consulting, Incorporated, as follows:
(1) File: EBBD Emergency Closing of Schools
(2) File: GBAA Compensation Guidelines/Overtime
(3) File: GBRIBC Emergency Family & Medical Leave Act (EFMLA) Emergency Paid Sick Leave (COVID-19 Pandemic)
On motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board granted approval to adopt the policies as submitted by Mr. Prescott and presented by Mrs. Bonnette. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
22. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented an update report on Energy Management.
23. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented the monthly maintenance spending report to the Board. Mr. Dauzat advised that bookkeeping records indicated there were no maintenance expenditures above $5000 during the month of June, 2020.
24. On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Board approved requests for overnight travel as presented by Superintendent Blaine Dauzat. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
25. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Transfer/appointment of Rebecca S. Clark, teacher, from Plaucheville Elementary School, effective August 3, 2020 through May 21, 2021; Appointment of Brittany D. Bordelon, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Courtney D. Brown, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Peggy Joshua, (retired) Kindergarten teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Janet Bordelon, special education bus driver, effective August 3, 2020, replacing Virgin Daigrepont who retired; Appointment of Heather Desselle, bus driver, effective August 3, 2020, replacing Ed Rachel who retired; and Resignation of Malcolm Smoot, teacher, effective August 1, 2020.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Ashley Ducote, Administrative Assistant, effective July 20, 2020 through June 4, 2021; Appointment of Nicole K. Bordelon, teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through May 21, 2021; Appointment of Stephanie M. Davis, teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Alexis C. Armand, teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Tomika T. Simmons, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Ruby Hawkins, (retired) mild-moderate teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Brianna P. Vaccaro, (TAT) mild-moderate teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Lane Ducote, bus driver, effective August 3, 2020,replacing Lorraine Ducote; and Resignation of LaTausha Bryant, teacher, effective August 1, 2020.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Marcy P. Bonnette, Assistant Principal, effective July 20, 2020 through July 19, 2022; Transfer/appointment of Shaun Reynaud, teacher, from Assistant Principal, effective August 3, 2020 through May 21, 2021; Transfer/Appointment of Adrienne B. Smith, teacher, from Cottonport Elementary School, effective August 3, 2020 through May 21, 2021; Appointment of Melanie Carrier, bus driver, effective August 3, 2020, replacing Dawn Manning; and Transfer/appointment of Dawn Lacombe, bus driver, from Avoyelles High School, effective August 3, 2020.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Leslie Carmouche, teacher, from Instructional Coach, effective August 3, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Transfer/appointment of Kayla D. Lemoine, teacher, from Title I CSR teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through May 21, 2020; Appointment of Melissa O. Bordelon, teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Ronisha M. Coppage, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Lauren G. Flook, Kindergarten teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Transfer/appointment of Angela Hale, special education paraprofessional, from Marksville High School, effective August 3, 2020; and Appointment of Vela Courtney, bus driver, effective August 3, 2020, replacing Jamie Barbry.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Alyce G. Bonnette, teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Donald A. Antie, teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Melissa N. Mayeux, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Joni Lee Meche, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through September 4, 2020; Appointment of Shannon F. Beran, teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through September 4, 2020; Transfer/appointment of Joshua Brouillette, bus driver, from Riverside Elementary School, effective August 3, 2020, replacing Darlene Knott; and Transfer/appointment of Sara Gaspard, bus driver, from Avoyelles High School, effective August 3, 2020.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Karli R. Kelone, teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through May 21, 2021; Appointment of Amber C. Voiselle, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Clint Daigrepont, bus driver, effective August 3, 2020, replacing Leon Coleman; and Appointment of Derrick Duncan, bus driver, effective August 3, 2020, replacing Josh Brouillette.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Melanie N. Williams, teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through May 21, 2021; Appointment of Cameron M. Adams, teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Elizabeth Goza, teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Lyndsey M. Roy, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Amanda P. Ebey, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Allyn E. Ducote, (TAT) mild moderate teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Cody Moras, bus driver, effective August 3, 2020; Appointment of Stanley Andrus, bus driver, effective August 3, 2020, replacing Sara Gaspard; Transfer/appointment of Andrea Brouillette, bus driver, from Bunkie Magnet High School, effective August 3, 2020; Transfer/appointment of Mary Lorraine Ducote, special education bus driver, from Cottonport Elementary School, effective August 3, 2020; and Resignation of Garrett Boone, teacher, effective at the end of the day June 24, 2020.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Kourtny K. Bordelon, teacher, from Plaucheville Elementary School, effective August 3, 2020 through May 21, 2021; Appointment of Dylan West, teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through May 21, 2021: Appointment of David E. Dyson, (retired) teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of McKenzie Bienvenu, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Megan E. Owen, teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through May 21, 2021; Transfer/appointment of Earl Smith, bus driver, from Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy, effective August 3, 2020; Appointment of Vickie Messer, bus driver, effective August 3, 2020, replacing Andrea Brouillette; and Appointment of Helen M. Frazier, bus driver, effective August 3, 2020, replacing Amanda Martin.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Appointment of Donna G. Saucier, teacher, effective August 1, 2020 through May 21, 2021; Appointment of William Moreau, teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through May 21, 2021; Appointment of Michael J. Roy, teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through May 21, 2021; Appointment of Michelle B. Lemoine, teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through May 21, 2021; Appointment of Bonnie LeDuc, (retired) Business teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Angela N. Deville, (retired) special education teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; and Resignation of Virginia Laborde, teacher, effective July 31, 2020.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Brent A. Barbre, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Nuri M. Jeter, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Malik R. Perry, teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Alana Pate, teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Misty Blanchard, teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Helena L. Ellis, teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Steven P. Dye, (TAT) Quest for Success teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Joseph Greenhouse, Business teacher, effective August 3, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Sheena R. Grote, (TAT) Agriculture teacher, effective July 1, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Transfer/appointment of Beatrice Benjamin, special education paraprofessional, from Marksville Elementary School, effective August 3, 2020; Transfer/appointment of Deidre Ponthieux, special education bus driver, from Marksville Elementary School, effective August 3, 2020; Resignation of Payton Neville, teacher, effective July 31, 2020; Resignation of Deborah Sue Wiley, teacher, effective June 23, 2020; Resignation of A.J. Gaudin, IV, teacher, effective August 1, 2020; and Resignation of Marilou Sotto-Garin, special education teacher, effective July 19, 2020.
ADDENDUM(S)
7/7/2020
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY/COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Transfer/appointment of Candice Hardy, from teacher to instructional coach, effective August 3, 2020 through May 31, 2021.
26. President Robin Moreau read a statement to the public regarding social media. In his letter, he announced that comments made by a board member or employee on social media do not reflect the views of the Avoyelles Parish School Board as a whole nor the views of Superintendent Blaine Dauzat nor any other board member or employee. President Moreau declared that the Avoyelles Parish School Board’s stance is equal representation of all people in the school district.
There being no further business, on motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Rickey Adams, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Robin Moreau, President
Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer