SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office, Marksville, Louisiana, with the following members present:
Jill Guidry, Vice President; Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, Chris LaCour, Robin Moreau, Chris Robinson, Rickey Adams, and Aimee Dupuy.
Absent: Stanley Celestine, Jr., President.
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 Chris Robinson.
Board President Stanley Celestine, Jr., entered the meeting at this time.
1. On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular board meeting held Tuesday, March 2, 2021 and the special board meeting held Tuesday, March 23, 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 Chris Lacour read a resolution of respect to the late Maxim Newton Dufour, retired teacher.
On motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Aimee Dupuy , the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Maxim Newton Dufour, retired teacher. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
B) Board member Latisha Small read a resolution of respect to the late Bobbie Jean Barton Johnson, retired teacher.
On motion by Latisha Small, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Bobbie Jean Barton Johnson, retired teacher. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Interim Superintendent Thelma Prater recognized the Students of the Month for March. Ms. Prater stated that board members will present a plaque to each Student of the Month at their respective school.
Ms. Prater announced the Students of the Month at each school, as follows:
Jaziya James, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Kirk Brouillette, Cottonport Elementary School; Camden Bordelon, Lafargue Elementary School; Malachi Jacob, Marksville Elementary School; Ty Perrin, Plaucheville Elementary School; Abel Williams, Riverside Elementary School; Sierra Simoneaux, Avoyelles High School; Kate Webb, Bunkie Magnet High School; Lawson Marchand, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Starlon Prier, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Stanley Celestine, Jr. commended the students on this outstanding achievement.
4. Interim Superintendent Thelma Prater recognized the Teachers of the Month for March, as follows:
Brittany Bordelon, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Nick Joffrion, Cottonport Elementary School; Katie Luneau, Lafargue Elementary School; Dannon Dauzat, Marksville Elementary School; Rachel Normand, Plaucheville Elementary School; Mary Allen, Riverside Elementary School; Lisa Breaux, Avoyelles High School; Dana Blood, Bunkie Magnet High School; Summer Anderson, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and, James Deshautelle, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Stanley Celestine, Jr. commended the teachers on their hard work and dedication.
5. Interim Superintendent Thelma Prater’s Announcements:
A) Summer School: Summer school will be held from June 8 through July 9, 2021, for four days per week (Tuesday through Friday). Classes will be held at Avoyelles High School, Bunkie Magnet High School, and Marksville High School for grades K-8, high school students needing LEAP remediation, and students participating in Jump Start Summer. Also, summer school is mandatory for any student not meeting promotion requirements. Registration will be held May 4-14, 2021, at each school.
B) Graduation: Traditional graduation ceremonies will be held at the Mari Center this year. However, the district is mandated to continue following CDC guidelines and recommendations during the Covid-19 pandemic (i.e. capacity, social distancing, etc.).
C) Grant money: The Avoyelles Parish School System is being included in an application for Project AWARE, which is a five-year grant which supports mental health awareness, training, screening, support, and collaboration with mental health services.
6. Board member Aimee Dupuy recognized the students who placed in the State Beta Club Convention in March and will be moving on to compete at the National Beta Club Convention in Orlando, FL, in June, as follows:
Elementary Division: Apparel–Marksville Elementary (entire club), 5th place; Digital Art–Kyan Carmouche, 5th place; Fiber Arts–Layla Gagnard, 3rd place; Jewelry–Jaden Walker, 5th place; Painting–Brayden Dauzat, 3rd place; Fourth Grade Math–Drew Clark, 4th place; Fourth Grade Science–Layla Parrish, 1st place;
Junior Division: Eighth Grade Science–Maci Jagneaux, 3rd place.
7. Lynn Deloach, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
BUS COMMITTEE REPORT
March 16, 2021
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at approximately 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Lynn Deloach, Chairman; Rickey Adams, Chris Lacour, Robin Moreau; Stanley Celestine, Jr., President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were Latisha Small, Jill Guidry, 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 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.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Bus Committee recommended to approve purchasing the G model traffic beacons.
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 Robin Moreau, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman Deloach. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Aimee Dupuy, Chairwoman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
March 16, 2021
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at approximately 4:38 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, Rickey Adams, and Jill Guidry, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; supervisors and coordinators.
1. Mrs. Jessica Gauthier, SIS Specialist Coordinator, addressed the Executive Committee regarding the 2021-2022 School Calendar.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Executive Committee recommended to adopt the calendar as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Mrs. Becky Spencer, Technology Coordinator, addressed the Executive Committee with a contract for Follett Destiny Library System.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Latisha Small, the Executive Committee recommended to approve a contract between Follett Destiny Library System and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Ms. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, addressed the Executive Committee for permission to bid out supplies for food service.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Executive Committee recommended approval to bid out supplies for food service. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Mrs. Becky Spencer, Technology Coordinator, addressed the Executive Committee with an update policy change on computer and internet use.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Latisha Small, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the update policy change on computer and internet use. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented the Executive Committee with an overview of ESSER II funds.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
6. Chairwoman Aimee Dupuy addressed the Executive Committee regarding the search for a new superintendent.
A special meeting will be held on March 23, 2021, at 5:00 pm to further discuss initiating the search for a new superintendent.
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.
9. Jill Guidry, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
March 16, 2021
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at approximately 5:06 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Jill Guidry, Chairwoman; Rickey Adams, Aimee Dupuy, Chris Robinson; Stanley Celestine, Jr., President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. 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 February, 2021. She stated that sales tax collections totaled $739,207.28. Mrs. Lacombe said that of this amount, the 1% sales tax generated $422,404.28, the 0.25% sales tax generated $105,600.86, and the building and maintenance fund generated $211,202.14.
2. Committee member Robin Moreau presented the monthly maintenance report on expenditures for the committee’s review.
3. Mrs. Jamie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented a report of year-to- date expenditures in comparison to the budget of the prior year.
Mrs. Lacombe reviewed the year-to-date revenues and expenditures for the General Fund as of January 31, 2021 and compared to January 31, 2020.
4. Mrs. Jamie Lacombe presented a Grant Budget Revision for the 2020-2021 fiscal year.
Upon motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Finance Committee recommended approval of the Grant Budget Revision for the 2020-2021 fiscal year. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Mr. Blake Knoll addressed the Finance Committee with update report on the insurance process for the 2021-2022 fiscal year.
The Finance Committee did not take any action on this matter.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Jill Guidry, Chairwoman
Finance Committee
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Chris Lacour, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairwoman Guidry. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Robin Moreau, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
BUILDING AND LANDS COMMITTEE REPORT
March 16, 2021
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at approximately 5:28 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Robin Moreau, Chairman; Lynn Deloach, Jill Guidry, Chris Lacour; Stanley Celestine, Jr., President; and Blaine Dauzat, Superintendent. Also present were Latisha Small, Chris Robinson, Rickey Adams, and Aimee Dupuy, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; supervisors and coordinators.
1. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee for permission to bid out supplies for maintenance.
Upon motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Building and Lands Committee recommended approval to bid out supplies for maintenance.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Ms. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee for approval of a Child Nutrition Storage Building.
Upon motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Building and Lands Committee recommended approval of the Child Nutrition Storage Building Project to be approved at a maximum cost of $320,000.00 to be funded initially by the General Fund. Subsequent transfers to food service funds will be reduced for the cost.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat addressed the Building and Lands Committee with an update on the sale of the Bunkie Detention Center.
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 discussion for bid opening for FFA Camp.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
5. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, updated the Building and Lands Committee on estimates for the Marksville High School gym roof.
Upon motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Building and Lands Committee recommended acceptance of Bid #2 on the Marksville High School gym roof with a budget of $300,000.00 using a funding source of 50% Capital Outlay and 50% Reserve Funds. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee on estimates for the Cottonport Elementary School cafeteria roof.
Upon motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to replace the Cottonport Elementary School cafeteria roof at an estimated cost of $78,000 using Capital Outlay Funds. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
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.
11. Chris Robinson, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT
March 16, 2021
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at 5:58 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. Also present were Jill Guidry, Chris Lacour, Robin Moreau, and Rickey Adams, Board Members; Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; supervisors and coordinators.
1. Committee member Aimee Dupuy addressed the Education Committee regarding an update of In Person vs. Virtual High School Fall Leap Scores.
The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Mrs. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, addressed the Education Committee regarding discussion on PBIS.
The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
3. Chairman Chris Robinson addressed the Education Committee with an update of the DARE program.
The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
4. Superintendent Blaine Dauzat presented the Education Committee with a prospective agreement with Global Trucking Academy.
Upon motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Latisha Small, the Education Committee recommended approval of the agreement with Global Trucking Academy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Chairman Chris Robinson addressed the Education Committee in regards to measuring student growth in a non-SLT year.
The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
6. Chairman Chris Robinson presented the Education Committee with an update of Black History Month programs and events throughout the district.
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 Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Robinson. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Ms. Lisa Thevenot presented the Board with an update on the Adult Education Grant Application for 2021-2025.
13. Mrs. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, addressed the Board with an update of Avoyelles Parish School Board Policies, Procedures, and Discipline of Students Engaged in Virtual Instruction.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board adopted File JD-P, updates of the Avoyelles Parish School Board Policies, Procedures, and Discipline of Students Engaged in Virtual Instruction, as presented by Mrs. Dismer. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
14. Mrs. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, addressed the Board with revisions and updates to the Avoyelles Parish Student Handbook and Guide for the 2021-2022 school year.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board adopted the Avoyelles Parish Student Handbook and Guide for the 2021-2022 school year with the revisions and updates as presented by Mrs. Dismer. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. President Stanley Celestine, Jr., addressed the Board regarding AVAP planning items. Interim Superintendent Thelma Prater stated the planning committee did meet and named Mrs. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, as chairwoman of the group. Mrs. Dismer then presented the Board with two proposals: “alternative only” (which would be only for students with discipline issues) and “alternative plus virtual”.
A motion was made by Rickey Adams, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, that the Board move forward with Plan II (alternative plus virtual education), approve the Coordinator position, and grant permission to Mrs. Dismer to explore staffing and curriculum options with Ombudsman.
The motion was adopted (7-0-2) by the following vote:
AYES: Rickey Adams, Aimee Dupuy, Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, Robin Moreau, Stanley Celestine, Jr., and Jill Guidry.
NAYS: None.
ABSTAINED: Chris Lacour and Chris Robinson.
Board member Lynn Deloach requested that President Stanley Celestine, Jr., form an AVAP Committee and set meetings on the same evening as the other committee meetings.
16. Board Member Chris Robinson was scheduled to address the Board regarding graduation plans. However, this matter was previously discussed in Item #5 earlier in the meeting.
17. Board Member Aimee Dupuy addressed the Board in regards to ESSER funds—namely, the total amount of such funds, the allowable expenditures for this funding, the proposed budget for these expenditures, and the acceptance of these funds and proposed budget. Mrs. Dupuy explained that three types of funds are being awarded: ESSER-I, ESSER-II, and ESSER-III. Mrs. Dupuy requested that President Stanley Celestine, Jr., appoint two Board members to the committee who will be making the budgets for these funds. Interim Superintendent Thelma Prater and Ms. Demetria Alexander, Supervisor of Federal Programs, presented the Board with informational packets detailing the purpose and allowable expenditures of each type of fund.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board directed President Stanley Celestine, Jr., to appoint a minimum of two Board members to the ESSER Fund Committee to work in collaboration with central office staff on a budget for ESSER funds and submit a detailed line-item budget to the full Board for approval. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
18. Interim Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review.
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY Appointment of Fernetta D. Dupree, food service technician, effective February 26, 2021.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Resignation of Cynthia Moncrief, special education paraprofessional, effective at the end of the day June 1, 2021.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Resignation of Sarah Troncale, teacher, effective March 1, 2021.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL Appointment of Hayley M. King, special education bus paraprofessional, effective March 5, 2021.
Resignation of Chantelle Blankenship (retired), guidance counselor, at the end of the day June 30, 2021.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES Change retirement date for Joylynn L. Gauthier, financial secretary, from June 9, 2021 to December 17, 2021.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Reappointment of Rebecca E. Quick (TAT) teacher, effective April 13, 2021 through May 14, 2021.
CENTRAL OFFICE Resignation of Colette Wright (retired), central office receptionist, at the end of the day June 30, 2021.
ADDENDUM
4/6/2021
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL Appointment of Phillip C. Augustine (TAT), teacher, effective April 6, 2021.
At this time, Interim Superintendent Thelma Prater extended an open invitation to each Board member to meet with her at some point to discuss expectations, questions, and concerns, and she encouraged all to work closely together with central office staff as a team for the betterment of the Avoyelles Parish School System.
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
Thelma Prater, Interim Secretary-Treasurer