SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, December 1, 2020, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office, Marksville, Louisiana, with the following members present:

Robin Moreau, President; Lynn Deloach, Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chris LaCour, Chris Robinson, Jill Guidry, and Aimee Dupuy.

Absent:   Rickey Adams, Vice-President, and Latisha Small.

An Invocation was offered by Mr. Dexter Compton, Supervisor of Secondary Education.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America led by Board Member Chris Lacour.

1.         On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris Lacour, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, November 10, 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 Chris Robinson read a resolution of respect to the late Mildred Jackson, retired teacher.

On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Mildred Jackson, retired teacher.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

3.         Board Member Lynn Deloach read a resolution of respect to the late Irene Bryant, retired paraprofessional.

On motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Irene Bryant, retired paraprofessional.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

4.         Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Students of the Month for November. 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:

Ava Clark, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Zoey Ducote, Cottonport Elementary School; Brendon Reynaud, Lafargue Elementary School; Khason Hebert, Marksville Elementary School; Seth Chatelain, Plaucheville Elementary School; Savannah Stewart, Riverside Elementary School; Antonio Piazza, Avoyelles High School; Brady Wright, Bunkie Magnet High School; Koby Brevelle, LouisianaSchool for the Agricultural Sciences; and Christopher Bryant, 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 November, as follows:

Rebecca Clark, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Stephanie Belanger, Cottonport Elementary School; Gabre’ Williams, Lafargue Elementary School; Michelle Mayeux, Marksville Elementary School; Shannon Beran, Plaucheville Elementary School; Yvonne Bassett, Riverside Elementary School; Abbie Manuel, Avoyelles High School; Doris Leary, Bunkie Magnet High School; Keri Desselle, LouisianaSchool for the Agricultural Sciences; and Sheena Grote, Marksville High School.

On behalf of the Board, President Robin Moreau commended the teachers for their dedication and exceptional work.

6.         Superintendent Blaine Dauzat announced that on Saturday, December 5, two extremely important tax renewals are on the ballot, a quarter-cent sales tax and a 10-mill property tax.  It is imperative that BOTH renewals pass as these funds are dedicated to employee salaries and benefits.  Also, Superintendent Dauzat noted that football playoff games are ongoing. He congratulated Bunkie Magnet High and Avoyelles High for their wins at home, and both teams will be on the road for their next playoff games.  Although Marksville High had advanced to participate in the playoffs, the team unfortunately could not play due to Covid-19 cases and quarantine measures.  Speaking of the coronavirus, Superintendent Dauzat did say that there have been no major issues school-wise thus far.

7.         Mr. Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:

EDUCATION COMMITTEE MEETING

November 17, 2020

The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office, with the following members present:

Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chairman; Latisha Small, Chris Robinson, Rickey Adams; Robin Moreau, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent.  Also present were Lynn Deloach, 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.         President Robin Moreau addressed the Education Committee regarding LA Gear Up. 

            Representatives from LA Gear Up will be invited to attend the December Education Committee meeting.

2.         Committee member Chris Robinson addressed the Education Committee regarding Behavioral Interventionists at the elementary schools.  

            The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.

3.         Chairman Stanley Celestine, Jr. discussed student discipline as it relates to out-of-school suspensions. 

            (This item was removed from the agenda.)

4.         Chairman Stanley Celestine, Jr. addressed the Education Committee regarding co-curricular activities on Mondays. 

            The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.

5.         Chairman Stanley Celestine, Jr. presented an update on the district re-brand committee.

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.

8.         Mr. Chris Robinson, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:

BUS COMMITTEE MEETING

November 17, 2020

The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at approximately 5:05 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

Chris Robinson, Chairman; Latisha Small, Jill Guidry; Robin Moreau, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent.  Mr. Chris Lacour was absent.  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 the bus incidents 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 Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the Bus Committee report as presented by Chairman Robinson.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

9.        Mr. Lynn Deloach, Chairman of the Executive Committee Report, presented the following report:

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT

November 17, 2020

The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at 5:08 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 Robinson, and Jill Guidry, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; supervisors and coordinators.

1.         Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Executive Committee regarding the Avoyelles Parish School Board Discipline Committee according to Revised Statute 17:416.8 and its effect on Act 48 (House Bill 83) recently signed by Governor Edwards. 

The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.

2.         Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Executive Committee recommended approval of policies submitted by Mr. James Prescott, Jr. of Forethought Consulting, Incorporated, as follows:

(a)     File: BCAD                    Teleconference/Remote Participation in School Board Meetings

(b)        File: CBD                      Employment of Superintendent

(c)     File: DJE                       Purchasing

(d)        File: DJED                    Bids and Quotations

(e)      File: EFC                       Business Continuity and Technology Disaster Recovery

(f)         File: GBDA                   Employment of Retired Personnel

(g)        File: IDFAB                   Sports Injury Management and Concussions

(h)        File: JBH                      Attendance Reports for Student Drivers

(i)         File: JGC                      Student Health Services

(j)         File: JGCE                    Child Abuse

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

3.         Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Executive Committee regarding a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement.

On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Executive Committee recommended approval of a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between The State of Louisiana - Department of Public Safety and Corrections Youth Services - Office of Juvenile Justice and the Avoyelles Parish School Board.   MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

4.         On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Executive Committee recommended approval to renew a contract with MCCI for the annual subscription and service package for Laserfiche Cloud in the amount of $20,786.50.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

5.         Committee member Aimee Dupuy addressed the Executive Committee regarding the fee paid to the District Attorney’s office.

Upon motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Executive Committee recommended that the Board discontinue paying $25,000 per year to the District Attorney’s office.

The motion was adopted by the following vote:

Ayes: Aimee Dupuy, Robin Moreau, and Lynn Deloach.

Nays: Rickey Adams.

Abstained: Stanley Celestine, Jr.

6.         President Robin Moreau addressed the Executive Committee regarding a review of employees’ salary schedules.   

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

A motion was offered by Board Member Chris Lacour, seconded by Lynn Deloach, that the Board table Item #5 of the Executive Committee Report due to the absence of two board members at the meeting tonight.

            The motion passed 4-3 by the following vote:

            AYES:                          Chris Lacour, Lynn Deloach, Chris Robinson, and Jill Guidry.

            NAYS:              Stanley Celestine, Jr., Robin Moreau, and Aimee Dupuy.

On motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report, with the exception of Item #5, as presented by Chairman Deloach. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

10.       Mrs. Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:

FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

November 17, 2020

The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at approximately 6:05 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:

Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson; Lynn Deloach, Rickey Adams; Robin Moreau, President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent.  Mr. Chris Lacour was absent.  Also present were Latisha Small, Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chris Robinson, and Jill Guidry, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; supervisors and coordinators.

1.         Mrs. Jaimie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented an estimated sales tax report for the month of October, 2020.  She stated that sales tax collections totaled $735,679.48. Mrs. Lacombe said that of this amount, the 1% sales tax generated $420,388.36, the 0.25% sales tax generated $105,096.94, and the building and maintenance fund generated $210,194.18.

2.         Committee member Rickey Adams presented the monthly maintenance report on expenditures for the committee’s review. 

3.         Mrs. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, presented a report on the 2019-2020 Food Service funds. 

4.         Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented an update on the General Fund year-to-date 2020-2021 budget expenditures.

The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

                        Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson

                        Finance Committee

On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jill Guidry, 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, was not able to attend the meeting tonight.  In his absence, President Robin Moreau presented the following report:

BUILDING AND LANDS COMMITTEE REPORT

November 17, 2020

The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, November 17, 2020, at approximately 6:25 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 Robinson, and Jill Guidry, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; other supervisors and coordinators.

1.         Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding an Act of Donation from the Don Villemarette family to the Avoyelles Parish School Board consisting of lots and structures near Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy.

Upon motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to accept the Act of Donation from the Don Villemarette family.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Upon motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to place a commemorative plaque in honor of Mr. Villemarette’s parents on the property.  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 Chris Robinson, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by President Moreau.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

12.       Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Board to discuss the proposed sale of the Bunkie Detention Center.  Mr. Jeffery Quebedeaux had submitted an offer to purchase the property in the amount of $287,000 (two hundred eighty-seven thousand dollars).

            On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board granted permission to execute the sale of the Bunkie Detention Center property as presented.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

13.       Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Board to discuss delinquent camp site leases.

            On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board granted authority to District Attorney Charles Riddle to file suit against the camp lessees in order to recover the outstanding amounts owed.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

14.       Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review.

PERSONNEL CHANGES

BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY Re-appointment of Phyllis Morris, (retired) teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021. Re-appointment of Patricia Riche, (retired) teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021. Re-appointment of Brittany D. Bordelon, (TAT) teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021. Re-appointment of Courtney D. Brown, (TAT) teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021. Re-appointment of Quiana D. Harrell, (TAT) teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021. Re-appointment of Peggy Joshua, (retired) Kindergarten teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.

COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Re-appointment of Tomika T. Simmons, (TAT) teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021. Appointment of Brian C. Myers, teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021. Re-appointment of Sandra A. Smith, (retired) Kindergarten teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Re-appointment of Brianna P. Vaccaro, (TAT) mild moderate teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Re-appointment of Linda P. Carpenter, (retired) Early Interventionist teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Resignation of Shirlene Horns, food service   technician, effective at the end of the day October 1, 2020.

MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL  Re-appointment of Lauren Ducote, (retired) teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Re-appointment of Judy Rivers, (retired) teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Re-appointment of Ronisha M. Coppage, (TAT) teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Re-appointment of Lauren G. Flook, Kindergarten teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Appointment of Angelina Ford, food service technician, effective October 16, 2020.

PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Re-appointment of Melissa Mayeux, (TAT) teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Appointment of Alyce G. Bonnette, teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Appointment of Lore M. Laborde, (TAT) inclusion teacher, effective December 2, 2020 through December 18, 2020.

RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Re-appointment of Yvonne Bassett, (retired) teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Re-appointment of Amber V. Bordelon, (TAT) teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.

AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL Appointment of Cameron Adams, teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Re-appointment of Lyndsey Roy, (TAT) teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Re-appointment of Amanda Ebey, (TAT) teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Re-appointment of Kathy M. Lemoine, (retired) teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Re-appointment of Roman Redfearn, (TAT) teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Re-appointment of Allyn E. Ducote, (TAT) mild moderate teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Re-appointment of Joel Tassin, (retired) content mastery teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Appointment of Michael J. Canal, (TAT) teacher, effective November 24, 2020 through December 18, 2020.Resignation of Elizabeth Goza, teacher, effective November 18, 2020.

BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL Re-appointment of Doris Leary, (retired) teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Re-appointment of Debra F. LeBlanc, (retired) teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Re-appointment of Elizabeth Willis, (retired) teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Re-appointment of David E. Dyson, (retired) teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Re-appointment of McKenzie Bienvenu, (TAT) teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Re-appointment of Cherrie Callahan, (retired) self-contained special education teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.

LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES   Re-appointment of Bonnie LeDuc, (retired) Business teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Re-appointment of Angela N. Deville, (retired) content mastery special education teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Resignation of Rhyne Hayes, custodian, effective at the end of the day November 27, 2020, for the purpose of retirement.

MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Re-appointment of Nuri M. Jeter, (TAT) teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Re-appointment of Malik R. Perry, (TAT) teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Appointment of Alana Pate, teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Appointment of Helena L. Ellis, teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Re-appointment of Yogesh Patel, (TAT) teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Re-appointment of Brandon J. Speer, (TAT) teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Re-appointment of Gabrielle M. Savoy, (TAT) teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Re-appointment of Joseph Greenhouse, Business teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Re-appointment of Sheena R. Grote, Agriculture teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 30, 2021.Re-appointment of Steven P. Dye, JAG teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.

AVOYELLES PARISH PUPIL APPRAISAL CENTER      Re-appointment of Catherine D. Tyler, (retired) part-time Early Interventionist teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.Re-appointment of Nena Webster, (retired) Educational Diagnostician, effective January 4, 2021 through June 9, 2021.Re-appointment of Janine Mury, (retired) Educational Diagnostician, effective January 4, 2021 through June 9, 2021.

There being no further business, on motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jill Guidry, the meeting was adjourned.

AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

Robin Moreau, President

Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer