SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, October 6, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office, Marksville, Louisiana, with the following members present:
Robin Moreau, President; Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chris Lacour, Chris Robinson, Jill Guidry, and Aimee Dupuy.
Absent: 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 Chris Lacour.
1. On motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Board Member Lynn Deloach read a resolution of respect to the late Dr. James Guillory, former school board member.
On motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Chris Lacour, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Dr. James Guillory. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Board Member Aimee Dupuy read a resolution of respect to the late Mary Laborde, former teacher and librarian.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Mary Laborde. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Board Member Chris Lacour read a resolution of respect to the late Carol Ann Jeansonne, former paraprofessional at Plaucheville Elementary School.
On motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Carol Ann Jeansonne. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Students of the Month for September. Mr. Dauzat stated that board members will present a plaque to each Student of the Month at their respective school.
Mr. Dauzat announced the Students of the Month at each school, as follows: Jalen Andrus, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Ja’Myria Jason, Cottonport Elementary School; Jaylen Belgard, Lafargue Elementary School; Faith Barton, Marksville Elementary School; Shermira Bell, Plaucheville Elementary School; Jayda Cooper, Riverside Elementary School; Jayreon Atkins, Avoyelles High School; Jordan Lewis, Bunkie Magnet High School; Lane Nugent, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Triston Dunbar, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Robin Moreau commended the students on this outstanding achievement.
6. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Teachers of the Month for September. Mr. Dauzat commended the teachers and presented each with a plaque, as follows:
Phyllis Morris, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Kayla Landry, Cottonport Elementary School; Shaun Reynaud, Lafargue Elementary School; Pam Laborde, Marksville Elementary School; Sara Wallace, Plaucheville Elementary School; Karli Rodriguez, Riverside Elementary School; Carrie Kimble, Avoyelles High School; Dylan West, Bunkie Magnet High School; Jeremy Bonnette, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Nettie Jeansonne, Marksville High School.
7. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat announced that Ms. Nicole Gagnard, Principal of Marksville Elementary School, was named 2020 Principal of the Year.
On behalf of the Board, President Robin Moreau congratulated Ms. Gagnard on this honor and achievement.
8. Superintendent’s Comments: Superintendent Blaine Dauzat confirmed that there was a cyber-attack on the school system’s computers. He stated that State police have narrowed down the exact file that corrupted the system. Mr. Dauzat further stated that the good news is that we were not hit as hard as other school districts that were attacked last year, largely due to safety protocols that were in place on our system. The National Guard Task Force has rebuilt our system from the ground up and provided us with the proper equipment to deter any future cyber-attacks. We had very little loss of data, and there are no signs of any privacy compromise (staff and students’ personal information). Hopefully, everything will be up and running again by Friday.
Superintendent Dauzat then announced that the October 1 enrollment numbers show the smallest decrease in years. He also stated that a tax renewal for schools will be on the ballot on December 5 and encouraged all to please vote “yes” to renew this vital tax for school funding. Superintendent Dauzat expressed concern regarding Hurricane Delta approaching our area and urged everyone to stay safe. He will be monitoring the track, strength, and timing of this storm and will make recommendations accordingly.
9. Ms. Demetria Alexander, Supervisor of Federal Programs, addressed the Board regarding a contract with Scientific Learning (Fast 4 Word).
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board approved a contract with Scientific Learning (Fast 4 Word) and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Board Member Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson of the Ad Hoc Committee, presented the following report:
Ad Hoc Committee Report
September 15, 2020
The Ad Hoc Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. at the School Board Office 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, Chris Lacour, and Jill Guidry, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance; other supervisors, coordinators, and principals.
Chairperson Aimee Dupuy presented a report on their visit to the Evangeline Parish Alternative School site.
Upon motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Ad Hoc Committee recommended that the Avoyelles Parish School Board operate its own alternative program.
The motion was adopted by the following vote:
Ayes: Lynn Deloach, Stanley Celestine, Jr., Aimee Dupuy, Rickey Adams, and Robin Moreau.
Nays: None.
Abstained: Chris Robinson.
The Ad Hoc Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson
Ad Hoc Committee
A motion was made by Aimee Dupuy to adopt the Ad Hoc Committee Report as presented by Chairperson Dupuy. However, there was no second, and much discussion ensued. All agreed that more brainstorming is needed on this idea regarding staffing, costs involved, etc. Chairperson Aimee Dupuy withdrew her motion. Instead, another Ad Hoc Committee Meeting was then scheduled for Tuesday, October 13, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. at the School Board Office. For those unable to attend, another meeting will be held on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. for review and discussion before the regular committee meetings commence.
11. Ms. Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
September 15, 2020
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at approximately 4:29 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson; Lynn Deloach, Chris Lacour, Rickey Adams, Robin Moreau, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were Latisha Small, Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chris Robinson, and Jill Guidry, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; other supervisors, coordinators, and principals.
1. Ms. Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor, reported that sales tax collections for the month of August, 2020, totaled $794,316.11. She stated that of this amount, the 1.5% sales tax generated $453,894.93, the 0.25% sales tax generated $113.473.71, and the building maintenance fund generated $226,947.47.
2. Committee Member Rickey Adams presented the monthly maintenance report on expenditures above $5000. There were no expenditures above $5000.
3. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented the Needs Assessment Report for the committee’s review.
4. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a report of year-to-date revenues and expenditures.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson
Finance Committee
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris Lacour, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairperson Dupuy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. In Chairman Rickey Adams’ absence, President Robin Moreau presented the Building and Lands Committee Report, as follows:
BUILDING AND LANDS COMMITTEE REPORT
September 15, 2020
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at approximately 4:50 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, Chris Lacour, 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. Mr. Terry Wickliffe was not present to address the Building and Lands Committee regarding the sale of the former Bunkie Middle School property; therefore, no action was taken on this matter.
2. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented an update report regarding Johnson Controls. The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
3. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding an update report on the FFA Camp.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Building and Lands Committee recommended that the Board move forward with the construction of the FFA Camp and give Superintendent Blaine Dauzat the authority to sign a fire marshall waiver. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a maintenance report update. The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
5. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented an update report on campsite leases.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to follow state guidelines for travel on Section 16 properties as it pertains to tire size. 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 Chris Lacour, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by President Moreau. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. Mr. Chris Robinson, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
BUS COMMITTEE REPORT
September 15, 2020
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at approximately 5:23 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Chris Robinson, Chairman; Chris Lacour, Latisha Small, Jill Guidry, Robin Moreau, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were Lynn Deloach, Rickey Adams, Stanley Celestine, Jr., and Aimee Dupuy, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; other supervisors, coordinators, and principals.
1. Mr. Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor, presented an update report on bus routes in the school district. The Bus Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Mr. Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor, presented an update on the Volkswagen Grant, which will be used to purchase propane buses. 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 Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman Robinson. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
14. Mr. Lynn Deloach, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
September 15, 2020
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, September 15, 2020, at approximately 5:47 p.m. 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 Lacour, Jill Guidry, and Chris Robinson, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; supervisors, coordinators, and principals.
1. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Executive Committee regarding procedures for Students of the Month and Teachers of the Month. The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Ms. Demetria Alexander, Supervisor of Federal Programs, addressed the Board regarding a contract with ACI Education Solutions.
Upon motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Executive Committee recommended to approve a contract for professional or technical services by and between AXI Education Solutions and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. 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 Chris Robinson, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Deloach. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Board regarding dates for the November meetings. Mr. Dauzat stated that the first Tuesday of the month falls on Election Day. Therefore, the Board members unanimously agreed to schedule the November regular meeting on November 10, 2020, and the Committee meetings on November 17, 2020.
16. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review, as follows:
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY
Appointment of Megan A. Smith, Pre-K paraprofessional, effective August 26, 2020.
Transfer/appointment of Victoria McDaniel, from Kindergarten teacher to Pre-K Title I teacher, effective September 4, 2020 through June 1, 2021.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Change in funding source for Ashley St. Romain, paraprofessional, from Title I to General Fund, effective September 22, 2020.
Change in funding source for Yulonda Washington, paraprofessional, from General Fund to Title I, effective September 22, 2020.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Reappointment of Shannon R. Beran, teacher, effective September 22, 2020 through June 1, 2021.
Reappointment of Erica Myers, teacher, effective September 22, 2020 through June 1, 2021.
Reappointment of Joni Meche, teacher, effective September 22, 2020 through October 23, 2021.
Reappointment of Avery Lemoine, teacher, effective September 22, 2020 through October 23, 2021.
Appointment of Raquel V. Lemoine, paraprofessional, effective September 3, 2020.
Resignation of Jennifer S. Tagliarino, teacher, effective October 1, 2020, for the purpose of retirement.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL
Transfer/appointment of Marcy Center from middle school science teacher to JAG teacher, effective August 20, 2020 through June 1, 2021.
Transfer/appointment of Hali Wanersdorfer from JAG teacher to computer lab teacher, effective August 20, 2020 through June 1, 2021.
Appointment of Ronald D. Washington, Jr., special education paraprofessional, effective August 20, 2020.
Appointment of Kayden Lamkin Soileau, bus driver, effective September 23, 2020.
Resignation of Charlene Laborde, bus driver, effective at the end of the day October 24, 2020, for the purpose of retirement.
Resignation of Ontario Watson, special education paraprofessional, effective at the end of the day ugust 6, 2020.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES
Appointment of Jean B. Andrus, teacher, effective September 29, 2020 through June 1, 2021.
Transfer/appointment of Nancy Savoy, food service technician, from Marksville Elementary School, effective September 8, 2020.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL
Appointment of Gwendolyn A. Lacombe, child-specific special education paraprofessional, effective September 29, 2020.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE
Renewal of an administrative contract for Demetria Alexander, Supervisor of Federal Programs, effective November 20, 2020 through November 19, 2022.
ADDENDUM
10/06/20
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD LEARNING CENTER
Resignation of Francine S. Sons, Title I Mobile Classroom teacher, effective December 18, 2020, for the purpose of retirement.
There being no further business, on motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Robin Moreau, President
Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-