SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, September 1, 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; Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chris LaCour, Jill Guidry, and Aimee Dupuy.
Absent: Chris Robinson.
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 Jill Guidry.
1. On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, August 4, 2020, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Board President Robin Moreau read a resolution of respect to the late Carolyn Mosely, paraprofessional at Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy.
On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Latisha Small, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Carolyn Mosely. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Board Member Jill Guidry read a resolution of respect to the late Beverly M. Couvillion, former teacher.
On motion by Latisha Small, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Beverly M. Couvillion. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat announced that after a five and one-half month hiatus, some students returned to school for one day; however, schools closed again due to Hurricane Laura. Mr. Dauzat stated that today was the second day of school for students in Group A; and Thursday will be the first day of school for students in Group B. Furthermore, he stated that approximately 5200 students have been registered in Avoyelles Parish public schools. Mr. Dauzat said that it is difficult to obtain a true head count of students at this time; however, the total of students from both Group A and Group B plus the virtual students who have logged on will be counted on Friday for an unofficial count. The official count by the state will be done in October. Superintendent Dauzat also stated that due to Hurricane Laura, power was out across the region for several days and, as a result, the parish’s hotspot backup batteries died down. He advised that Detel is working on getting all 50 hotspots operational again, and currently 23 out of the 50 are up and running. Superintendent Dauzat then gave kudos to the entire technology department for an outstanding job they have done
5. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, was scheduled to address the Board regarding the repair of a right-of-way located in the Brouillette area. However, this item was already addressed during the Building and Lands Committee Meeting held on August 18, 2020.
6. Mr. Dexter Compton, Supervisor of Secondary Education, presented a contract with Curriculum Associates and the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Latisha Small, the Board approved a contract with Curriculum Associates and the Avoyelles Parish School Board, funded by Redesign. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board approved the Louisiana Compliance and System Survey. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board approved the Louisiana Compliance and System Survey for the Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Mrs. Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education, presented the Pupil Progression Plan for the 2020-2021 school year, for the Board’s consideration.
On motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board approved the Pupil Progression Plan for the 2020-2021 school year. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Ms. Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee, presented the following report:
Ad Hoc Committee Report
August 18, 2020
The Ad Hoc Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. at the Marksville High School Auditorium, Marksville, Louisiana, with the following members present:
Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson; Rickey Adams, Lynn Deloach, Chris Robinson, Stanley Celestine, Jr., Robin Moreau, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were Latisha Small and Jill Guidry, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor; other supervisors and principals.
The Ad Hoc Committee heard from a representative with Ombudsman. A question and answer session followed.
Specific topics discussed were:
Personnel credentials?
What does a typical day consist of?
How are IEPs handled?
How is counseling provided?
Who does the counseling?
Is he/she in-house?
Is a survey/question and answer done with each student and/or parent when a student is sent to AVAP?
Does a high school student who has vocational classes have the opportunity to address their needs?
Chairperson Dupuy announced that the next Ad Hoc Committee meeting will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15, 2020.
Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson
Ad Hoc Committee
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board adopted the Ad Hoc Committee Report as presented by Chairperson Dupuy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Mr. Rickey Adams, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
Building and Lands Committee Report
August 18, 2020
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, at approximately 4:24 p.m. at the Marksville High School Auditorium 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, Chris Robinson, and Jill Guidry, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; other supervisors, coordinators, and principals.
1. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding the faculty parking lot at Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to put a limestone parking lot and then obtain quotes in order to pour a cement lot. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding purchasing limestone for the Garfish Section.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Building and Lands Committee recommended that the Board purchase limestone up to 20 loads or $13,000 in order to repair the road discussed in the Garfish Section. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Building and Lands Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Rickey Adams, Chairman
Building and Lands Committee
On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Adams. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Mr. Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
Education Committee Report
August 18, 2020
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, at approximately 4:42 p.m. at the Marksville High School Auditorium 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, Jill Guidry, and Aimee Dupuy, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Celeste Voinche and Dexter Compton, Supervisors; other supervisors, coordinators, and principals.
1. Chairman Stanley Celestine addressed the Education Committee regarding district re-brand.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Education Committee recommended that Mr. Celestine name/create a committee to re-brand the district. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Chairman Stanley Celestine discussed the development and implementation of a parish-wide teacher recruitment initiative.
The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
3. Chairman Stanley Celestine discussed the creation of an equity coalition.
The Education Committee agreed that Ms. Latisha Small will co-chair the committee along with an employee appointed by Superintendent Dauzat.
4. A motion was made by Robin Moreau, seconded by Rickey Adams, requesting that an item be added to the agenda regarding an update on the transportation department. The committee voted unanimously to add the item.
Mr. Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor, informed the committee of actions taken recently by the transportation department to ensure a smooth start of the school year.
The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chairman
Education Committee
On motion by Stanley Celestine, Jr., seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Celestine. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Mr. Lynn Deloach, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
Executive Committee Report
August 18, 2020
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, at approximately 5:12 p.m. 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, Jill Guidry, and Chris Robinson, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; supervisors, coordinators, and principals.
1. Mrs. Bonnette, Director of Finance, requested approval of a contract between Fontenot Benefits and Actuarial Consulting and the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
Upon motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the contract between Fontenot Benefits and Actuarial Consulting and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Ms. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, presented an update on the virtual food box contract with ForeComm Solutions.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Lynn Deloach, Chairman
Executive Committee
On motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Latisha Small, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Deloach. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. Ms. Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
Finance Committee Report
August 18, 2020
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, August 18, 2020, at approximately 5:45 p.m. at the Marksville High School Auditorium 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., Chris Robinson, and Jill Guidry, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; supervisors, coordinators, and principals.
1. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, reported that sales tax collections for the month of July, 2020 totaled $838,419.68. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $479,097.00, the 0.25% sales tax generated $119,774,17, and the building maintenance fund generated $239,548.51.
2. Committee member Rickey Adams presented the monthly maintenance report on expenditures above $5000.
3. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a budget report for 2019-2020.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson
Finance Committee
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Latisha Small, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairperson Dupuy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
14. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Change in appointment date of Josephine Stevenson, (retired) teacher, effective August 20, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Resignation of Sarah G. Corley, teacher, effective August 4, 2020; and Resignation of Brandi Bubenzer, teacher, effective August 10, 2020.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Ruby Hawkins, (retired) special education teacher, effective August 20, 2020 to October 29, 2020; Change in appointment date of Stephanie M. Davis, teacher, effective August 20, 2020 through June 1, 2021; Change in appointment date of Alexis C. Armand, teacher, effective August 20, 2020 through June 1, 2021; Appointment of Ashley L. Ducote, Assistant Principal, effective August 24, 2020 through August 23, 2022; Transfer/appointment of Natalie Drouin, speech therapist, effective August 20, 2020 through June 1, 2021; and Change in funding source for Shirleen Roy, from special education to regular education paraprofessional, effective August 20, 2020.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Jessica L. Chatelain, teacher, effective August 20, 2020 through June 1, 2021; and Change in appointment date for Melissa O. Bordelon, teacher, effective August 20, 2020 through June 1, 2021.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Change in funding source for Amanda Plauche, from Pre-K to school-wide paraprofessional, effective August 20, 2020; Appointment of Brandi B.Chatelain, teacher, effective August 20, 2020 through June 1, 2021; Change in appointment date of Sarah E. Landry, teacher, effective August 20, 2020 through June 1, 2021; Appointment of Kayla D. Romero, Title I Pre-K paraprofessional, effective August 20, 2020; Appointment of Courtney W. Mayeux, school-wide paraprofessional, effective August 20, 2020; Appointment of Lauren E. Moulard, Title I lab paraprofessional, effective September 8, 2020, replacing Kay Lewis; Resignation of Kay T. Lewis, teacher, effective August 12, 2020; and Resignation of Tiffany Moreau, paraprofessional, effective August 12, 2020.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Samaria Allen, teacher, effective August 12, 2020; and Appointment of Samaria Allen, teacher, effective September15, 2020 through June 1, 2021.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Roman A. Redfearn, teacher, effective August 20, 2020 through Decemer18, 2020; Appointment of Kenneth Joseph McGee, custodian, effective August 18, 2020; Resignation of Michelle Andries, teacher, effective August 1, 2020; and Resignation of Jill Guillot, bus aide, effective at the end of the day August 1, 2020.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Lisa M. Mayeux, Theatre Arts teacher, effective August 26, 2020 through June 1, 2021; and Resignation of Celeste M. Guillot Dauzat, teacher, effective August 20, 2020, for the purpose of retirement.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Tracy Linscomb, Business teacher, effective August 20, 2020 through June 1, 2021; Appointment of Yogesh Patel, teacher, effective August 20, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Brandon J. Speer, teacher, effective August 20, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Gabrielle M. Savoy, teacher, effective August 20, 2020 through December 18, 2020, replacing Myleka Harrington who resigned; Appointment of Morgan T. Thornhill, teacher, effective August 20, 2020 through December18, 2020, replacing Brent Barbre who resigned; and Transfer/appointment of Jarvis Roberts, teacher, from regular education to mild-moderate special education, effective August 20, 2020, through June 1, 2021, replacing Marilou Garin.
AVOYELLES PARISH PUPIL APPRAISAL CENTER: Appointment of Catherine Diane Tyler, (retired) part-time Early Interventionist teacher, effective August 20, 2020 through December 18, 2020; Appointment of Micaela R. Dauzat, speech pathologist, effective August 24, 2020 through June 1, 2021. replacing Gwen Descant who retired, funding source - 23% IDEA and 77% general fund; Transfer/appointment of Brooke Normand, speech pathologist, from Cottonport Elementary School, effective August 20, 2020 through June 1, 2021, general fund funding source; Resignation of Gwen Descant, speech pathologist, effective August 12, 2020, for the purpose of retirement.
ADDENDUM(S)
9/1/2020
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Resignation of Chauntell Carmouche, food service technician, effective August 3, 2020.
There being no further business, on motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Latisha Small, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Robin Moreau, President
Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer