SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, February 2, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office, Marksville, Louisiana, with the following members present:
Stanley Celestine, Jr., President; Jill Guidry, Vice-President; Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, Chris LaCour, Robin Moreau, Chris Robinson, Rickey Adams, 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 Lynn Deloach.
1. On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, January 5, 2021, and the minutes of the special Board meeting held Tuesday, January 19, 2021, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. A. Board Member Jill Guidry read a resolution of respect to the late Donna Jeansonne, retired teacher.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Donna Jeansonne, retired teacher. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
B. Board Member Lynn Deloach read a resolution of respect to the late James Moreau, retired teacher of instrumental music and school board member.
On motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late James Moreau, retired teacher of instrumental music and school board member. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
C. Board Member Latisha Small read a resolution of respect to the late Mary Rose McGee, retired food service technician.
On motion by Latisha Small, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Mary Rose McGee, retired teacher. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Students of the Month for January. Superintendent 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:
Siani Clark, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; London Kyle, Cottonport Elementary School; Kinley Augustine, Lafargue Elementary School; Jayden Cassey, Marksville Elementary School; Ma’laysha Dupuy, Plaucheville Elementary School; Kennedy Christal, Riverside Elementary School; Kaelynn Landry, Avoyelles High School; Joshua Wright, Bunkie Magnet High School; Beth Broussard, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Blaze Ponthieux, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Stanley Celestine, Jr. commended the students on this outstanding achievement.
4. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Teachers of the Month for January, as follows:
Connie Ducote, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Keonte Wells, Cottonport Elementary School; Stephanie Bordelon, Lafargue Elementary School; Jessica Chatelain, Marksville Elementary School; Nikkie Walton, Plaucheville Elementary School; Susan Bordelon, Riverside Elementary School; Ritzell Veade, Avoyelles High School; Cherrie Callahan, Bunkie Magnet High School; Angela Deville, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Helena Ellis, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Stanley Celestine, Jr. commended the teachers on their dedication and hard work.
5. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat announced that the high school LEAP tests have been completed, and the scores are being put together. He will try to get a breakdown of the scores of virtual students versus the scores of students who attend in person. In honor of National School Counselors Week, Superintendent Dauzat recognized all school counselors of the parish and thanked them for everything they do for all students. He then announced that the student count for spring occurred on February 1 and showed a loss of seventy (70) students. He did affirm that this amount is about average for the spring count, and he also noted that this is a smaller percentage of students than the majority of surrounding districts. Superintendent Dauzat stated that the Avoyelles Parish 4-H Organization sent a letter of appreciation to the school board for allowing them the use of the livestock barn for the Avoyelles Parish Livestock Show 2021, which was a great success. Finally, the next scheduled Committee Meetings fall on Mardi Gras. After a brief discussion, the meeting was then rescheduled for the following Tuesday, February 23, 2021.
6. Mayor Mark Jeansonne addressed the Board regarding a proposal to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Village of Hessmer.
On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board granted authority to Mayor Jeansonne to search for grants to cover the costs of renovations of the Hessmer High School Gymnasium and to have an Intergovernmental Agreement drawn up for legal review. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Mr. Robin Moreau addressed the Board regarding the Marksville High School Gym roof.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Latisha Small, the Board granted approval to get estimates for roof replacement of the Marksville High School Gymnasium.
8. Jill Guidry, Chairperson of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
January 19, 2021
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at approximately 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Jill Guidry, Chairperson; Rickey Adams, Aimee Dupuy, Chris Robinson; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. Stanley Celestine, Jr., President, was absent. Also present were Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, and Robin Moreau, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; supervisors and coordinators.
1. Mrs. Jamie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented an actual sales tax report for the month of December, 2020. She stated that sales tax collections totaled $719,372.46. Mrs. Lacombe said that of this amount, the 1% sales tax generated $411,070.15, the 0.25% sales tax generated $102,767.23, and the building and maintenance fund generated $205,535.08.
2. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a report of year-to-date expenditures in comparison to the budget of the prior year.
3. Mr. Nicholas Fowlkes, Auditor for Kolder, Slaven and Co., presented the Kolder Slaven Audit Report for the fiscal year 2019-2020.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the audit report for the fiscal year 2019-2020, as presented by Mr. Nicholas Fowlkes. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented proposed Grant Budget Revisions.
Upon motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the proposed Grant Budget Revisions for the following funds for 2020-2021: Preschool IDEA $31,204.00, 8g $210,551.00, and Adult Ed $117,489.00. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Jill Guidry, Chairperson
Finance Committee
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Chris Lacour, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairperson Guidry. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Robin Moreau, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
BUILDING AND LANDS COMMITTEE REPORT
January 19, 2021
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at approximately 4:58p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Robin Moreau, Chairman; Lynn Deloach, Jill Guidry; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Chris Lacour and Stanley Celestine, Jr., President, were absent. Also present were Latisha Small, Chris Robinson, Rickey Adams, and Aimee Dupuy, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; supervisors and coordinators.
1. Mr. Blake Knoll, Insurance Consultant, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding the update on insurance claims from hurricanes.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
The Building and Lands Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Robin Moreau, Chairman
Building and Lands Committee
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Moreau. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Lynn Deloach, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
BUS COMMITTEE REPORT
January 19, 2021
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at approximately 5:17 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Lynn Deloach, Chairman; Rickey Adams, Robin Moreau; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Chris Lacour and Stanley Celestine, Jr., President, were absent. Also present were Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, Jill Guidry, 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.
2. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Board regarding safety measures needed at Bunkie Magnet High School and Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Bus Committee recommended to allow Superintendent Dauzat to investigate various ways to address safety at Lafargue Elementary, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy, Bunkie Magnet High School, and Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Bus Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Lynn Deloach, Chairman
Bus Committee
On motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Chris Lacour, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman Deloach. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
January 19, 2021
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, January 19, 2021, at 5:26 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson; Lynn Deloach, Robin Moreau, Latisha Small; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Mr. Stanley Celestine, Jr., President, was absent. Also present were Jill Guidry, Chris Robinson, and Rickey Adams, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; supervisors and coordinators.
1. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Board regarding the Adoption of File: BCAD - Teleconference/Remote Participation in School Board Meetings.
2. Superintendent Dauzat addressed the Board regarding the Adoption of File: GBRIB - Sick Leave.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the policies submitted by Mr. James Prescott, Jr. of Forethought Consulting, Incorporated, as follows: File: BCAD - Teleconference/Remote Participation in School Board Meetings and File: GBRIB - Sick Leave. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Superintendent Dauzat presented the Board with an update on AVAP for 2021-2022.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson
Executive Committee
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairperson Dupuy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. The Avoyelles Coalition Task Force addressed the Board with a presentation on the Avoyelles Virtual Alternative Program (AVAP).
13. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Boards’ review.
PERSONNEL CHANGES
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Resignation of Nicole Bordelon, teacher, effective January 19, 2021.
Re-appointment of Charlotte L. Kyle, teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Resignation of Martha Charles, food service technician, effective January 13, 2021.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Transfer/ appointment of Jennifer Dauzat, special education transportation aide, from Bunkie Magnet High, effective January 5, 2021.
Resignation of Cheryl C. Pickett, school secretary, effective January 7, 2021.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Re-appointment of Lore M. Laborde (TAT) special education teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.
Re-appointment of Avery O. Lemoine, teacher, effective January 12, 2021 through February 12, 2021.
Re-appointment of Joni L. Meche, (TAT) teacher, effective January 12, 2021 through February 12, 2021.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Appointment of Crystal A. Dukes, bus driver, effective January 5, 2021, replacing Christy Tassin.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL Appointment of Danielle S. Moreau, teacher, effective January 15, 2021 through June 1, 2021.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES Resignation of Donna G. Saucier, teacher, effective end of day January 24, 2021.
Resignation of Joylynn L. Gauthier, Finance Secretary, at the end of the day June 9, 2021, for the purpose of retirement.
Appointment of Cailey C. Cole, (TAT) teacher, effective January 21, 2021 through June 1, 2021.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Re-appointment of Rebecca E. Quick (TAT) teacher, effective February 5, 2021 through March 5, 2021.
TITLE 1 MOBILE CLASSROOM
NON-PUBLIC Change in funding source for Kristi R. Bordelon, Title 1 teacher to 75% Title 1 and 25% Title II, effective January 4, 2021.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
CENTRAL OFFICE Transfer /appointment of Christy Dauzat, Payroll/Accounting Clerk, from Avoyelles High School, effective January 19, 2021, replacing Denise Laborde.
Resignation of Carolyn Decuir, Purchase Order Secretary, at the end of the day June 30, 2021, for the purpose of retirement.
ADDENDUM
February 2, 2021
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Appointment of Elizabeth L. Goza, teacher, effective February 9, 2021 through June 1, 2021.
There being no further business, on motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Rickey Adams, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Stanley Celestine, Jr., President
Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer