SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, May 4, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office, in Marksville, Louisiana, with the following members present:
Stanley Celestine, Jr., President; Jill Guidry, Vice-President; Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, Robin Moreau, Chris Robinson, Rickey Adams, and Aimee Dupuy.
Absent: Chris Lacour.
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 Jill Guidry.
1. On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, April 6, 2021, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Ms. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, addressed the Board regarding options for the Avoyelles Virtual Alternative Program (AVAP). Also, Ms. Rachel Black with Ombudsman made a presentation remotely via Zoom to outline their proposal.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board rescinded a portion of a previously approved motion from the regular meeting of April 6, 2021, namely “approve the Coordinator position” (12-month 1.33 factor) for the Avoyelles Virtual Alternative Program. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board approved an Administrator position (10-month 1.25 factor) for the Avoyelles Virtual Alternative Program. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A motion was offered by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, that the Avoyelles Alternative Program and Virtual Plan be run by the Avoyelles Parish School System alone as outlined by Ms. Dismer today (Plan III).
The motion was adopted (5-2-1) by the following vote:
AYES: Aimee Dupuy, Robin Moreau, Lynn Deloach, Jill Guidry, and Rickey Adams.
NAYS: Latisha Small and Stanley Celestine, Jr.
ABSTAINED: Chris Robinson.
3. Mr. Tom Vaneventer presented the Board with a status update by Johnson Controls, which manages the energy systems (lights, temperature controls, air conditioners/HVAC systems, plumbing, etc.) throughout the school system.
4. A. Board Member Aimee Dupuy read a resolution of respect to the late Michael McNeal, School Bus Maintenance Department.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Michael McNeal, School Bus Maintenance Department. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
B. Board Member Rickey Adams read a resolution of respect to the late Cheromie D. Hubbard, Special Education Paraprofessional.
On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Cheromie D. Hubbard, Special Education Paraprofessional. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Interim Superintendent Thelma J. Prater recognized the Students of the Month for April. Ms. Prater stated that the 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:
Zora Carter, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Jahzah Savoy, Cottonport Elementary School; Kaylee Burlew, Lafargue Elementary School; Alaya Normand, Marksville Elementary School; Saige Minyard, Plaucheville Elementary School; Joshua Strong, Riverside Elementary School; Lance Gaspard, Avoyelles High School; Inari Callegari, Bunkie Magnet High School; Jaylen Perry, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Mya Wilson, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Stanley Celestine, Jr. commended the students on this outstanding achievement.
6. Interim Superintendent Thelma J. Prater recognized the Teachers of the Month for April, as follows:
Travis Armand, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Angie Champ, Cottonport Elementary School; Casey Dupuis, Lafargue Elementary School; Simone Voinche, Marksville Elementary School; Mary R. Rebouche, Plaucheville Elementary School; Wanda Brown, Riverside Elementary School; Cameron Adams, Avoyelles High School; Katelyn Hillman, Bunkie Magnet High School; Michelle Roy, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Joseph Greenhouse, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Stanley Celestine, Jr. commended the teachers on their dedication to their students.
7. Board member Chris Robinson recognized the following students who received LHSAA All-Academic Composite Team Honors: Graham Rebouche, Kallie Madrigal, Austin Boudreaux, Javon Sampson, and John Small III.
8. Interim Superintendent Thelma J. Prater’s Announcements: This week is Teachers Appreciation Week, and Interim Superintendent Prater expressed her thanks and appreciation for all teachers in Avoyelles Parish. She commended all teachers for rising above the difficult challenges faced this year. End-of-year testing is ongoing at all schools. All of the public high school graduations will be held in the Mari Center, as follows: Avoyelles High on May 20, Bunkie Magnet High on May 21, LaSAS on May 25, and Marksville High on May 26. Upon many employees’ request and after surveying all for a consensus, Interim Superintendent Prater petitioned the Board to reschedule Records Day to May 31.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board changed the date of Records Day on the school calendar from Tuesday, June 1, 2021, to Monday, May 31, 2021. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Chris Robinson, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT
April 20, 2021
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at 4:30 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 Thelma J. Prater, Interim Superintendent. Also present were Jill Guidry and Robin Moreau, Board Members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; other supervisors and coordinators.
1. Chris Robinson addressed the Education Committee for discussion of Praxis Exams for the district.
On motion by Latisha Small, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Education Committee recommended with stipulation to pay for up to two (2) Praxis Exams in each content area with an agreement to work two (2) years after becoming certified. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
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.
10. Lynn Deloach, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
BUS COMMITTEE REPORT
April 20, 2021
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at approximately 4:46 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Lynn Deloach, Chairman; Robin Moreau; Stanley Celestine, Jr., President; and Thelma J. Prater, Interim Superintendent. Also present were Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, Jill Guidry, and Aimee Dupuy, Board Members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; 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.
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.
11. Aimee Dupuy, Chairwoman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
April 20, 2021
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at 4:50 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 Thelma J. Prater, Interim Superintendent. Also present were Chris Robinson and Jill Guidry, Board Members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; other supervisors and coordinators.
1. Interim Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Executive Committee regarding the Adoption of File: GBQ – Retirement.
2. Interim Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Executive Committee regarding the Adoption of File: JDF - Discipline of Students with Disabilities.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Latisha Small, the Executive Committee recommended to approve policies submitted by Mr. James Prescott, Jr. of Forethought Consulting, Incorporated, as follows: File: GBQ - Retirement and File: JDF - Discipline of Students with Disabilities. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Chairwoman Aimee Dupuy addressed the Executive Committee for discussion of a Board Retreat with the new Superintendent.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
4. Ms. Becky Spencer, Technology Coordinator, presented the 2021-2022 Avoyelles Parish School Board Parent and Family Engagement Policy to the Executive Committee for consideration.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the 2021-2022 Avoyelles Parish School Board Parent and Family Engagement Policy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Chairwoman Aimee Dupuy addressed the Executive Committee with a recap of the “Old 10-Year Plan”, remaining projects on the old 10-year plan, and discussion on how to develop the next 10-year plan.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Aimee Dupuy, Chairwoman
Executive Committee
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairwoman Dupuy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Jill Guidry, Chairwoman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
April 20, 2021
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at approximately 5:24 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 Thelma J. Prater, Interim Superintendent. Also present were Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, and Robin Moreau, Board Members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; other supervisors and coordinators.
1. Mrs. Jamie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented an actual sales tax report for the month of March, 2021. She stated that sales tax collections totaled $657,891.11. Mrs. Lacombe said that of this amount, the 1% sales tax generated $375,937.87, the 0.25% sales tax generated $93,984.31 and the building and maintenance fund generated $187,968.93.
2. Committee member Robin Moreau presented the monthly maintenance report on expenditures for the Finance Committee’s review.
3. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a report of year-to-date expenditures in comparison to budget the prior year.
Mrs. Bonnette reviewed the year-to-date revenues and expenditures for the General Fund as of February 28, 2021 and compared to February 28, 2020.
4. Board member Robin Moreau addressed the Finance Committee to discuss sales tax increases as related to employee salaries.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Finance Committee recommended to approve payment of a one-time stipend in the amount of $1,500 to all full-time employees by June 15, 2021. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Interim Superintendent Prater presented requests for overnight travel for the Finance Committee’s consideration.
On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Finance Committee recommended approval of the requests for overnight travel and a motion to accept the addition of Wendy Marchand to the travel list as presented by Interim Superintendent Prater. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Mrs. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, presented the Bid Opening Report for supplies and bread.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Finance Committee recommended the approval of the Bid Opening Report for supplies and bread. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Mrs. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, addressed the Finance Committee requesting permission to advertise for bids cafeteria tables and serving counters.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the request to advertise for bids cafeteria tables and serving counters as presented to the Finance Committee by Supervisor Welch. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
8. Mrs. Lisa Thevenot addressed the Finance Committee with a report on the results of the Adult Education Grant Appeal.
The Finance Committee did not take any action on this matter.
9. Chairwoman Jill Guidry requested to add an item to the Committee’s agenda: National Beta Reimbursements.
On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Finance Committee recommended reimbursements in the amount of $500.00 to National Beta award recipients.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Jill Guidry, Chairwoman
Finance Committee
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairwoman Guidry. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. Robin Moreau, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
BUILDING AND LANDS COMMITTEE REPORT
April 20, 2021
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, April 20, 2021, at approximately 6:01 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Robin Moreau, Chairman; Lynn Deloach, Jill Guidry; Stanley Celestine, Jr., President; and Thelma J. Prater, Interim Superintendent. Also present were Latisha Small, Chris Robinson, and Aimee Dupuy, Board Members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; other supervisors and coordinators.
1. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented the Bid Opening Report for janitor supplies, paint, and A/C filters.
On motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Building and Lands Committee recommended the approval of the bid opening report for janitor supplies, paint, and A/C filters as presented by Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, presented the bid results for the LaSAS gym storage addition and bus shed.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Building and Lands Committee recommended the approval of the bid results for the Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences gym storage addition and bus shed. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Chairman Robin Moreau presented the Building and Lands Committee with an update on the appraisal of Bunkie Middle School properties.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
4. Chairman Robin Moreau addressed the Building and Lands Committee for discussion of the Buy-Sell Agreement of Bunkie Detention Center.
No legal representation was present for discussion. The Building and Lands Committee recommended that this item to be moved to the May 4, 2021, regular Board meeting.
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.
Regarding Item #3 of the Building and Lands Committee Report, Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, updated the Board. He stated that a 5-acre tract behind the Bunkie Middle School has appraised for $25,500. An interested buyer would like to purchase this property to build a sports complex.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board granted approval to begin the process of advertising for bids to sell the aforementioned property at Bunkie Middle School. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
14. Mr. Justin Dufour presented the Board with a review on the 4-H school year.
15. Board member Robin Moreau addressed the Board regarding the Buy/Sell Agreement of Bunkie Detention Center.
16. Board President Stanley Celestine, Jr. updated the Board on the search for a new superintendent. There were two applicants in total: One did not meet criteria, and the other was present at the meeting tonight. President Celestine presented the Board with an option of hiring J.G. Consulting in the amount of 25,000.00 to perform a nationwide search, facilitate meetings, conduct surveys, and coordinate travel and expenses. Board member Aimee Dupuy suggested contacting Ms. Pope with the Louisiana School Boards Association for assistance. Discussion ensued among the Board members. An option came up to possibly extend the search for another two (2) weeks but broaden the advertising area. Another option was to interview the applicant who came to the meeting tonight.
A motion was made by Jill Guidry, seconded by Latisha Small, that the Board interview the applicant, Mr. Orgeron, and afterwards have the option to hire him or readvertise for more applicants for comparison and context.
The motion was adopted (5-2-1) by the following vote:
AYES: Jill Guidry, Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, Robin Moreau, and Rickey Adams.
NAYS: Stanley Celestine, Jr. and Aimee Dupuy.
ABSTAINED: Chris Robinson.
The interview with the applicant, Mr. Orgeron, was scheduled for Tuesday, May 18, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. at the School Board Office.
17. Interim Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review.
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY Appointment of Claudine J. Rogers, Assistant Principal, effective April 20, 2021 through April 19, 2023.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Renewal of an administrative contract for Shalonda W. Berry, Principal, effective June 1, 2021 through May 31, 2023.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Resignation of Darien Maten, paraprofessional, effective March 26, 2021.
Renewal of an administrative contract for Laura Hargis, Principal, effective June 1, 2021 through May 31, 2023.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL Renewal of an administrative contract for Michael Rachal, Principal, effective May 18, 2021 through May 17, 2023.
Renewal of an administrative contract for Scott Balius, Administrative Assistant, effective July 21, 2021 through June 9, 2022.
Appointment of Carrie L. Kimble, teacher, effective April 1, 2021 through June 1, 2021.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL Appointment of Courtney M. Davis, food technician, effective April 8, 2021.
Renewal of an administrative contract for Chuck Normand, Principal, effective June 1, 2021 through May 31, 2023.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES Renewal of an administrative contract for Amy W. Volentine, Assistant Principal, effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2023.
AVOYELLES PARISH PUPIL APPRAISAL
CENTER Resignation of Deborah M. Courville, secretary, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2021, for the purpose of retirement.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
CENTRAL OFFICE Renewal of an administrative contract for Dexter Compton, Supervisor of Secondary Education, effective June 1, 2021 through May 31, 2023.
Renewal of an administrative contract for Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2023.
Renewal of an administrative contract for Jessica Gauthier, SIS Coordinator, effective May 8, 2021 through May 7, 2023.
Renewal of an administrative contract for Wendy Marchand, Data/Instructiona Coordinator, effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2023.
Renewal of an administrative contract for Rebecca Spencer, Technology Coordinator, effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2023.
Renewal of an administrative contract for Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education, effective June 1, 2021 through May 31, 2023.
ADDENDUM
May 3, 2021
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Re-appointment of Rebecca E. Quick (TAT) teacher, effective May 18, 2021 through June 1, 2021.
There being no further business, on motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Chris Robinson, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Stanley Celestine, Jr., President
Thelma Prater, Interim Secretary-Treasurer