SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, March 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 Board Member Lynn Deloach.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America led by Board Member Robin Moreau.
1. On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board Meeting held Tuesday, February 2, 2021 and the Committee Meeting held Tuesday, February 23, 2021 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 Lacour read a resolution of respect to the late Joyce Drouin Gremillion, retired secretary.
On motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Joyce Drouin Gremillion, retired secretary. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat recognized the Students of the Month for February. 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:
Zoey Lavalais, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Raygen Jones, Cottonport Elementary School; Ava Dubroc, Lafargue Elementary School; Kyeric Desselles, Marksville Elementary School; Sailor Maddox, Plaucheville Elementary School; Noah Bordelon, Riverside Elementary School; Tobey Reed, Avoyelles High School; Cain Milligan, Bunkie Magnet High School; Max Meche, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Amari Diggs, 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 February, as follows:
Jasmine Williams, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Charlotte Kyle, Cottonport Elementary School; Michelle Gauthier, Lafargue Elementary School; Kenneth Ford, Marksville Elementary School; Amber Lemoine, Plaucheville Elementary School; Amber Bordelon, Riverside Elementary School; Caneshia Jacob, Avoyelles High School; George Mitchell, Bunkie Magnet High School; Tracy Armand, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Sarah Dupont, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Stanley Celestine, Jr. commended the teachers on their dedication.
5. Senator Heather Cloud was scheduled to attend the Board meeting. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, she was unable to be in attendance.
6. Superintendent Dauzat addressed the Board with an update on the FFA camp. There was only one bid received, which was from Glendon Normand. However, it was substantially higher than the amount budgeted for this project.
On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board granted approval to allow Mr. Borrel to enter negotiations with Mr. Glendon Normand regarding specifications, prices, and other possible efforts to reduce the submitted bid price. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. On motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board went into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter at approximately 5:10 p.m. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board reconvened in open public session at approximately 5:32 p.m. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board agreed to place Superintendent Blaine Dauzat on administrative leave from April 1, 2021, to June 30, 2021. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board agreed to appoint Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater as interim superintendent for the period April 1, 2021, to June 30, 2021. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat announced that during Executive Session, he submitted a letter of resignation at his own request for the purpose of retirement. He reaffirmed that according to Act 292 of the Louisiana Legislature, a school board can place a superintendent on paid administrative leave prior to the end of his term. In other news, Superintendent Dauzat read a letter from the family of the late Jimmy Moreau in appreciation of donations made in his honor to the music programs in this parish. Superintendent Dauzat also noted that Governor Edwards is moving Louisiana into Phase III on March 4, 2021. This will not really affect our schools education-wise, but more capacity will be allowed in the attendance of sporting events.
9. Aimee Dupuy, Chairwoman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
February 23, 2021
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Aimee Dupuy, Chairwoman; Lynn Deloach, Robin Moreau, Latisha Small; Stanley Celestine, Jr., President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were Chris Lacour, Chris Robinson, and Rickey Adams, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; supervisors and coordinators.
1. Mrs. Jessica Gauthier addressed the Executive Committee requesting to grant permission for the Tangipahoa Parish School Board to piggyback on the Board’s bid with Edgear for providing JCAMPUS Student Management Software system, as per Louisiana Revised Statute 39:1702 and Revised Statute 1708.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Executive Committee recommended to grant permission for the Tangipahoa Parish School Board to piggyback on the Board’s bid with Edgear for providing the JCAMPUS student Management Software System, as per Louisiana Revised Statue 39:1702 and Revised Statute 1708. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Mrs. Jenny Welch addressed the Executive Committee with an update on food service.
Upon motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Executive Committee recommended to grant permission to Mrs. Welch to begin purchasing supplies as listed for the AVAP campus. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Committee Member Latisha Small addressed the Executive Committee about temperature checks before athletic events.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
4. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Executive Committee with a contract for AIE.
Upon motion by Latisha Small, second by Robin Moreau, the Executive Committee recommended to adopt the contract for AIE as presented by Thelma Prater. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Aimee Dupuy, Chairwoman
Executive Committee
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board adopted the Executive Committee report as presented by Chairwoman Dupuy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Jill Guidry, Chairwoman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
February 23, 2021
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, at approximately 4:44 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Rickey Adams, Aimee Dupuy, Chris Robinson; Stanley Celestine, Jr., President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Chairwoman Jill Guidry was absent. Also present were Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, Chris Lacour, 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 January, 2021. She stated that sales tax collections totaled $956,146.28. Mrs. Lacombe said that of this amount, the 1% sales tax generated $546,524.85, the 0.25% sales tax generated $136,629.00, and the building and maintenance fund generated $273,262.43.
2. Committee Member Robin Moreau presented the monthly maintenance report on expenditures for the Committee’s review.
3. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a report of year-to-date expenditures for the General Fund as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2021. Mrs. Bonnette also reviewed the proposed revised budget as follows: Total Estimated Revenues: $37,638,394.00, Expenditures: $38,037,387.00, Deficit: $398,993.00.
Upon motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the proposed revised budget as presented by Mrs. Bonnette. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Mr. Blake Knoll was scheduled to present the Finance Committee with an update report on the insurance process for the 2021-2022 fiscal year, but he could not attend the meeting. This item will be presented at the March committee meeting.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Jill Guidry, Chairwoman
Finance Committee
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairwoman Guidry. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Robin Moreau, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
BUILDING AND LANDS COMMITTEE REPORT
February 23, 2021
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, at approximately 4:55 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Robin Moreau, Chairman; Lynn Deloach, Chris Lacour; Stanley Celestine, Jr., President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Jill Guidry was absent. Also present were Latisha Small, Chris Robinson, Rickey Adams, and Aimee Dupuy, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; supervisors and coordinators.
1. Mr. J.W. Hunter II addressed the committee regarding his desire to purchase the Fifth Ward High School and turn it into a production studio.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Board member Chris Robinson addressed the committee regarding the fencing of AVAP.
Upon motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Building and Lands Committee recommended approval to get estimates to fence in the AVAP campus. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Board member Chris Robinson addressed the committee regarding the infrastructure of AVAP.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
4. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the committee with an update on the Marksville High School gym roof.
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.
12. Chris Robinson, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT
February 23, 2021
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, at 5:35 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Chris Robinson, Chairman; Lynn Deloach, Aimee Dupuy, Latisha Small; Stanley Celestine, Jr., President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Jill Guidry was absent. Also present were Chris Lacour, Robin Moreau, and Rickey Adams, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; supervisors and coordinators.
1. Chairman Chris Robinson addressed the committee regarding the presentation of Students and Teachers of the Month.
The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Chairman Chris Robinson addressed the committee for discussion on PBIS.
The Education Committee referred this item to the full board.
3. Chairman Chris Robinson recognized Mrs. Star Higginbotham.
The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
4. Mrs. Rachel Black, LA Regional Ombudsman Director, addressed the committee regarding the review of AVAP Performance by Ombudsman LA Regional Director.
The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Chris Robinson, Chairman
Education Committee
On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Robinson. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Reverend Charles Guillory, representing the Avoyelles Coalition Taskforce (ACT), addressed the Board regarding a request for records on AVAP. He also expressed ACT’s opinion that AVAP should remain under the operation of Ombudsman. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat advised him that District Attorney Charles Riddle had formally responded to the request.
13. Lynn Deloach, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
BUS COMMITTEE REPORT
February 23, 2021
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, February 23, 2021, at 6:40 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Lynn Deloach, Chairman; Rickey Adams, Chris Lacour, and Robin Moreau; Stanley Celestine, Jr., President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Jill Guidry was absent. Also present were Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, and Aimee Dupuy, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; supervisors and coordinators.
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. Mr. Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor, presented the Bus Committee with a quote on school zone flashing beacons.
The Bus Committee did not take any action on this matter.
The Bus Committee respectfully recommends the adoption on this report.
Lynn Deloach, Chairman
Bus Committee
On motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board adopted the Bus Committee report as presented by Chairman Deloach. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor, presented the Board with additional information on quotes he has received for school zone flashing beacons. Board Member Aimee Dupuy requested that this item be placed on the next Bus Committee meeting in March.
14. Board Member Chris Robinson presented the Board with an additional clause that he is requesting to be added to the contract with Village of Hessmer.
On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board granted approval to include an additional clause to the intergovernmental agreement with the Village of Hessmer, namely, that for the duration of the agreement, the Village nor any entity or organization may utilize the facility as an educational institution, but with the specific authority to allow tutoring. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. Mrs. Becky Spencer, Technology Coordinator, addressed the Board for approval to award the WAN connection contract for AVAP to Conterra Networks.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board awarded the WAN connection contract for AVAP to Conterra Networks. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
16. Board Member Chris Robinson addressed the Board regarding discussion on PBIS.
17. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review.
PERSONNEL CHANGES
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Resignation of Nicole Lynn Lowery, paraprofessional, effective February 17, 2021.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Resignation of Pam Rabalais, teacher, effective at the end of the day February 26, 2021.
Appointment of Nicole A. Cole, teacher, effective March 1, 2021 through June 1, 2021, replacing Pam Rabalais who resigned.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES Transfer /appointment of Christopher Dixon, custodian, from Plaucheville Elementary School, effective January 4, 2021.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Reappointment of Morgan T. Thornhill, (TAT) teacher, effective January 4, 2021 through June 1, 2021.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
CENTRAL OFFICE Renewal of an administrative contract for Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor, effective March 23, 2021 through March 22, 2023.
Renewal of an administrative contract for Jennifer Welch, Food Service Supervisor, effective March 24, 2021 through March 23, 2023.
ADDENDUM
3/2/2021
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Appointment of Amanda P. Styles, Food Service Tech, effective February 26, 2021, replacing Martha Charles.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Re-appointment of Avery O. Lemoine, teacher, effective February 16, 2021 through June 1, 2021.
Re-appointment of Joni L. Meche, (TAT) teacher, effective February 16, 2021 through June 1, 2021.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Re-appointment of Rebecca E. Quick (TAT) teacher, effective March 9, 2021 through April 9, 2021.
Appointment of Daniel H. Murphy, teacher, effective March 2, 2021 through June 1, 2021.
There being no further business, on motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Chris Robinson, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Stanley Celestine, Jr., President
Blaine Dauzat, Secretary-Treasurer