SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, November 10, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office, Marksville, Louisiana, with the following members present:
Robin Moreau, President; Rickey Adams,Vice-President; Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, Chris LaCour, Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chris Robinson, Jill Guidry, 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 Stanley Celestine, Jr.
1. On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, October 6, 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 Latisha Small read a resolution of respect to the late Martra Sullivan, former teacher.
On motion by Latisha Small, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Martra Sullivan. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Board Member Jill Guidry read a resolution of respect to the late Janet Bordelon, bus driver at Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Janet Bordelon. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Students of the Month for October. 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:
Kaitlyn Lewis, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Malia Johnson, Cottonport Elementary School; Kynnedi Winters, Lafargue Elementary School; Da’Quan Smith, Marksville Elementary School; Bryatt Dixon, Plaucheville Elementary School; Mason Leblanc, Riverside Elementary School; Alencia Mayeux, Avoyelles High School; Tara Laborde, Bunkie Magnet High School; Keyonce Friels, LouisianaSchool for the Agricultural Sciences; and Craig Wallace, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Robin Moreau commended the students on this outstanding achievement.
5. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Teachers of the Month for October, as follows:
Vetria Veal, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Brianna Vaccaro, Cottonport Elementary School; Holly Bordelon, Lafargue Elementary School; Brooke Anderson, Marksville Elementary School; Sarah Landry, Plaucheville Elementary School; Sarah Troncale, Riverside Elementary School; Allyn Ducote, Avoyelles High School; Laure Ducote, Bunkie Magnet High School; Amy Pitre, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Gabrielle Savoy, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Robin Moreau commended the teachers for their dedication and exceptional work.
6. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat made the following announcements. 1) Superintendent Dauzat stated that he is in receipt of last year’s ACT Test Results. Mr. Dauzat said that the first time in four years, the average scores showed a decline. However, students did lose two opportunities to take the exam due to the Covid-19 pandemic. 2) In a similar matter, with the school system following CDC guidelines, school performance scores will be affected secondary to 14-day quarantines of both students and teachers. Superintendent Dauzat affirmed that the school system will continue to face these challenges but will always put the health and safety of the students and staff first. 3) Superintendent Dauzat further stated that there are two tax renewals on the upcoming ballot in December, and these tax renewals are crucial for the school system’s operation. 4) With Veterans’ Day being tomorrow, Superintendent Dauzat recognized all U.S. veterans in attendance, who were then met with applause in appreciation of their service.
7. Ms. Becky Spencer, Technology Coordinator, addressed the Board regarding a request to submit proposals for the E-Rate Category 2 contract for products and services.
Upon motion by Chris LaCour, seconded by Latisha Small, the Board approved the request to submit proposals for the E-Rate Category 2 contract. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Chairperson Aimee Dupuy presented the Ad Hoc Committee Reports of October 13 and October 20, 2020, as follows:
AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORT
October 13, 2020
The Ad Hoc Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. in the Board Room with the following members present:
Chairperson Aimee Dupuy, Lynn Deloach, Stanley Celestine, Jr., Robin Moreau, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. Chris Robinson arrived at 2:00 p.m. Vice-President Rickey Adams was absent. Also present were Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jenny Dismer, Jenny Welch, Celeste Voinche, Dexter Compton, Dawn Pitre, and Jaimie Lacombe, Supervisors; and others.
The only item on the agenda was a working session regarding how to open/run AVAP locally. Discussion ensued. An outline of which staff would be hired to run the school and costs associated with it was created. Also, the purchase of a virtual platform/curriculum for the students to use was also discussed. Startup costs, including technology and cafeteria needs, were then figured. Mrs. Welch and Mrs. Spencer will present approximate amounts of these costs to the Ad Hoc Committee at its next meeting on October 20, 2020.
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson
Ad Hoc Committee
AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORT
October 20, 2020
The Ad Hoc Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at 4:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Chairperson Aimee Dupuy, Rickey Adams, Lynn Deloach, Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chris Robinson, Robin Moreau, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were Chris Lacour and Jill Guidry, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jenny Dismer, Jenny Welch, Celeste Voinche, Dexter Compton, and Dawn Pitre, Supervisors; Becky Spencer, Technology Coordinator; and other supervisors and coordinators.
Mrs. Becky Spencer, Technology Coordinator, and Mrs. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, addressed the Ad Hoc Committee regarding start-up costs for technology services and cafeteria needs to open/run AVAP locally.
The Ad Hoc Committee did not take any action.
As there was no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson
Ad Hoc Committee
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the Ad Hoc Committee Reports of both October 13, 2020, and October 20, 2020 as presented by Chairperson Dupuy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A motion was offered by Jill Guidry, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, that the Avoyelles Parish school system run AVAP (Avoyelles Virtual Alternative Program) on its own. The motion was adopted by the following vote (6-2-1):
Ayes: Jill Guidry, Aimee Dupuy, Lynn Deloach, Stanley Celestine, Jr., Robin Moreau, and Rickey Adams.
Nays: Latisha Small and Chris LaCour.
Abstained: Chris Robinson.
9. Mr. Lynn Deloach, Chairman of the Executive Committee Report, presented the following report:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
October 20, 2020
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at 4:33 p.m. 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 Lacour, Chris Robinson, and Jill Guidry, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; supervisors and coordinators.
1. Ms. Jessica Gauthier, SIS Coordinator, addressed the Executive Committee regarding permission to revise the 2020-2021 School Calendar due to a change in the date for paper-based testing.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the revision of the 2020-2021 School Calendar due to a change in the date for paper-based testing. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Executive Committee recommended to grant permission for the St. Bernard Parish School Board to piggyback on the Board’s bid with EDgear for providing the JCAMPUS Student Management Software System, as per Louisiana Revised Statute 39:1702 and Revised Statute 1708. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Mr. Chris Jeansonne with Computers 911 addressed the Executive Committee.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
4. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Executive Committee regarding an update on Covid 19 cases in the schools.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
5. Upon motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Executive Committee recommended approval of a Memorandum of Understanding between Career Compass of Louisiana 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 Aimee Dupuy, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Deloach. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Mrs. Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
October 20, 2020
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at approximately 5:15 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson; Chris Lacour, Lynn Deloach, 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; supervisors and coordinators.
1. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, reported that sales tax collections for the month of September, 2020 totaled $688,814.68. She stated that of this amount, the 1% sales tax generated $393,608.30, the 0.25% sales tax generated $98,402.33, and the building and maintenance fund generated $ 196,804.15.
2. Committee member Rickey Adams presented the monthly maintenance report on expenditures for the committee’s review.
3. Upon motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Finance Committee recommended to approve requests for overnight travel as presented by Superintendent Dauzat. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a proposed revised Needs Assessment Budget for 2020-2021. Mrs. Bonnette stated that the projected ending fund balance of the Needs Assessment Budget reflects a total amount of $262,384.
Upon motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the Needs Assessment Budget for 2020-2021 as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson
Finance Committee
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris LaCour, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairperson Dupuy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Mr. Rickey Adams, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
BUILDING AND LANDS COMMITTEE REPORT
October 20, 2020
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at approximately 5:09 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; supervisors and coordinators.
1. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented a report of the bid-opening committee on a movable building on Lot 63 at Old River.
Report of the Bid-Opening
On September 15, 2020, at 1:30 p.m., a bid-opening committee meeting was held for a movable building on Lot 63 at Old River. Attending the meeting were Steve Marcotte, Jenny Welch, and Jaimie Lacombe, Supervisors.
The committee acknowledged receipt of one bid from Mr. Chris Lachney in the amount of $610.00.
Upon motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to accept the bid of Mr. Chris Lachney in the amount of $610.00 for a movable building on Lot 63 at Old River. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding a progress update on the Energy Management project.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
3. Mr. Blake Knoll of First Insurance presented a report regarding Board insurance claims due to recent hurricanes.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
4. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding architectural services for the LaSAS bus shed and gymnasium storage addition.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to approve the recommended architectural services. 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 Chris Robinson, 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 MEETING
October 20, 2020
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at approximately 5:33 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; supervisors, coordinators, and principals.
1. Mr. Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor, presented an update report on the bus routes in the school district.
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 Rickey Adams, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman Robinson. MOTION CARRIED.
13. Mr. Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
EDUCATION COMMITTEE MEETING
October 20, 2020
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, at approximately 5:54 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 Chris Lacour, Lynn Deloach, Jill Guidry, and Aimee Dupuy, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Celeste Voinche, Dexter Compton, Dawn Pitre, and Jennifer Dismer, Supervisors; other supervisors and coordinators.
1. Committee Member Chris Robinson addressed the Education Committee regarding an update on the revision of Bulletin 741 between the Louisiana School Boards Association and the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education regarding classroom and extracurricular activities.
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 Rickey Adams, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Celestine. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
14. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review.
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY: Appointment of Beverly Ann Boyd, food service technician, effective October 6, 2020.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Charlotte M. Kyle, teacher, effective August 20, 2020 through December 18, 2020; and Resignation of Ruby L. Hawkins, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day October 9, 2020.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Appointment of Sally Temple, food service technician, effective October 6, 2020; and Resignation of Melissa Bonnette, bus driver, effective September 9, 2020, for the purpose of retirement.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Re-appointment of Joni Meche, teacher, effective October 27, 2020 to November 25, 2020; Re-appointment of Avery Lemoine, teacher, effective October 27, 2020 to November 25, 2020; and Resignation of Kallie L. Riche, teacher, effective at the end of the day October 30, 2020.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Othella Franklin, food service technician, effective at the end of the day October 9, 2020, for the purpose of retirement.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL: Resignation of Deborah Hart, teacher, effective October 16, 2020.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Appointment of Roxanne Brevelle, food service technician, effective October 6, 2020; and Resignation of Cheketha Greenhouse, food service technician, effective at the end of the day August 20, 2020, for the purpose of retirement.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE: Resignation of Martha "Denise" P. Laborde, payroll clerk, effective at the end of the day March 5, 2021.
ADDENDUM(S)
11/10/2020
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Resignation of Robin Weatherford, teacher, effective at the end of the day October 30, 2020.
15. In miscellaneous business, a member of the audience, Mr. Thomas, addressed the Board regarding the LA Gear Up program. Board Member Jill Guidry asked that this matter be brought up for discussion at the next Education Committee meeting in November.
There being no further business, on motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Rickey Adams, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Robin Moreau, President
Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer