/s/ Thelma J. Prater
/s/ Stanley Celestine, Jr.
Interim Secretary
President
SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, June 1, 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 Jill Guidry.
1. On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, May 4, 2021, and the Special Board Meeting held Tuesday, May 18, 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 Juliette Coincon, retired food service technician.
On motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Juliette Coincon, retired food service technician. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
B. Board Member Chris Robinson read a resolution of respect to the late Harry Christian, retired bus driver.
On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Harry Christian, retired bus driver. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Ms. Thelma Prater, Interim Superintendent, recognized the 2021 Outstanding School Support Personnel.
Interim Superintendent Prater announced the winners at each school in the district, as follows: Shelia Williams, cafeteria manager, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Georgia Bradford, bus driver, Cottonport Elementary School; Jennifer Bryant, school secretary, Lafargue Elementary School; Kenyawn Augustine, school secretary, Marksville Elementary School; Brenda Savant, bus driver, Plaucheville Elementary School; Shawnita Scott, paraprofessional, Riverside Elementary School; Roslan Barnes, school secretary, Avoyelles High School; Charlotte Texada, school secretary, Bunkie High School; Michael Williams, custodian, Marksville High School; Joylynn Gauthier, financial secretary, LaSAS; Dana Bordelon, special education clerk, Central Office; and Aggie Littleton, food service clerk, Central Office.
Interim Superintendent Prater also announced the parish winners selected to represent the elementary and high schools as well as the central office, as follows: Shelia Williams, cafeteria manager, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Joylynn Gauthier, financial secretary, LaSAS; and Aggie Littleton, food service clerk, Central Office.
On behalf of the Board, President Stanley Celestine, Jr. recognized the contribution of the outstanding school support employees and thanked the employees for their dedication and service.
4. Board member Chris Robinson recognized Miss Kaylen Rabalais, who won State Class 2A for Javelin.
5. Mayor John Lemoine was scheduled to address the Board regarding the use of the Marksville High School baseball field for little league games; however, Mayor Lemoine was not present at this point of the meeting.
6. Interim Superintendent Thelma Prater announced that she was in receipt of only one bid for the official journal of the Board for period beginning July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, and that bid was from Mr. Randy Decuir, owner of the Avoyelles Publishing Company.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board accepted the bid received and named The Marksville Weekly News as the official journal of the Board for the period July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Resolution by Chris Lacour, seconded by Rickey Adams:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the following millage(s) are hereby levied on the 2021 tax roll on all property subject to taxation by the Avoyelles Parish School Board:
MILLAGE
Constitutional Tax 3.62
Operational and Maintenance Tax 5.00
Special Maintenance Tax 5.00
Salary Tax 10.00
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the proper administrative officials of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana, be and they are hereby empowered, authorized, and directed to spread said taxes, as hereinabove set forth, upon the assessment roll of said Parish for the year 2021, and to make the collection of taxes imposed for and on behalf of the taxing authority, according to law, and that the taxes herein levied shall become a permanent lien and privilege on all property subject to taxation as herein set forth, and collection thereof shall be enforceable in the manner provided by law.
The foregoing resolution was read in full, the roll was called on the adoption thereof, and the resolution was adopted by the following votes:
Yeas: Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, Chris Lacour, Robin Moreau, Stanley Celestine, Jr., Jill Guidry, Chris Robinson, Rickey Adams, and Aimee Dupuy.
Nays: None.
Abstained: None.
Absent: None.
8. Robin Moreau, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
BUILDING AND LANDS COMMITTEE REPORT
May 18, 2021
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, at approximately 4:30 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 Thelma Prater, Interim Superintendent. Also present were Latisha Small, Chris Robinson, Rickey Adams, and Aimee Dupuy, Board members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jamie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; other supervisors and coordinators.
1. Committee member Jill Guidry addressed the committee for discussion of violations on School Board hunting property.
Upon motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Building and Lands Committee recommended a resolution that allows and encourages wildlife enforcement agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries to enforce all the rules and regulations adopted by the Avoyelles Parish School Board on Section 16 lands. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Mr. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the committee for discussion of settlement of campsite.
Upon motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to accept $1,500 and will not allow him release on campsite. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Robin Moreau, Chairman, addressed the committee with an update on repairs of facilities from hurricane and ice storm damages.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
4. Robin Moreau, Chairman, addressed the committee with an update on roof, HVAC, and electrical problems found by Johnson Controls.
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.
9. Chris Robinson, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT
May 18, 2021
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, at 4:55 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 Prater, Interim Superintendent. Also present were Jill Guidry, Chris Lacour, Robin Moreau, and Rickey Adams, Board members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jamie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; other supervisors and coordinators.
1. Dawn Pitre, Special Services Supervisor, addressed the committee to request approval of a contract between Sped Strategies, LLC and the Avoyelles Parish School Board providing professional development sessions and follow-up coaching support to district special education leaders.
Upon motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Education Committee recommended approval of the contract between Sped Strategies, LLC and the Avoyelles Parish School Board as presented by Dawn Pitre, Special Services Supervisor. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Dawn Pitre, Special Services Supervisor, addressed the committee to request approval of a contract between First Choice Therapy, Inc. and the Avoyelles Parish School Board providing occupational and physical therapy services as indicated by students’ evaluations and IEPs.
Upon motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Education Committee recommended approval of the contract between First Choice Therapy, Inc. and the Avoyelles Parish School Board as presented by Dawn Pitre, Special Services Supervisor. 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 Chris Lacour, 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 MEETING
May 18, 2021
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, at approximately 5:05 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 Thelma Prater, Interim Superintendent. Also present were Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, Jill Guidry, and Aimee Dupuy, Board members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jamie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; 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. Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Chris Lacour, the committee agreed to add an item—Purchase of Beacons—to the agenda. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Upon motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Robin Moreau, the committee recommended to accept the bid from Ozark Traffic Management, LLC for up to $68,656.00 for 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.
11. Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
May 18, 2021
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, May 18, 2021, at 5:10 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson; Lynn Deloach, Robin Moreau, Latisha Small; Stanley Celestine, Jr., President; and Thelma Prater, Interim Superintendent. Also present were Chris Lacour, Chris Robinson, Rickey Adams, and Jill Guidry, Board members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jamie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; other supervisors and coordinators.
1. Interim Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Executive Committee regarding the revised job description of Pupil Appraisal Secretary.
Upon motion by Latisha Small, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Executive Committee recommended approval to revise the job description of Pupil Appraisal Secretary from 12-month employee to 10-month employee. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Interim Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Executive Committee to request permission to advertise for Network Administrator.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Executive Committee recommended approval to advertise for Network Administrator. Funding will be paid from ESSER II, and once funds have ended, it will be funded by Title 1. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Interim Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Executive Committee to request permission for reorganization of the central office.
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. Jill Guidry, Chairperson of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
May 18, 2021
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, at approximately 5:15 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Jill Guidry, Chairperson; Rickey Adams, Aimee Dupuy, Chris Robinson; Stanley Celestine, Jr., President; and Thelma Prater, Interim Superintendent. Also present were Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, and Robin Moreau, Board members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jamie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; 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 April, 2021. She stated that sales tax collections totaled $1,164,172.94. Mrs. Lacombe said that of this amount, the 1% sales tax generated $665,241.75, the 0.25% sales tax generated $166,310.31, and the building and maintenance fund generated $332,620.88.
2. Board member Robin Moreau presented the monthly maintenance report on expenditures for the committee’s review.
The Finance Committee did not take any action on this matter.
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 March 31, 2021, compared to March 31, 2020.
Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, also presented proposed General Fund Budget Revisions for 2020-2021.
Upon motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the proposed General Fund Budget Revisions for 2020-2021, as follows: MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Total Revenues $38,364,760
Total Expenditures $38,383,107
Estimate Deficit ($18,347)
4. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a report on hurricane expenditures.
The Finance Committee did not take any action on this matter.
5. Mr. Justin Dufour with LSU AgCenter addressed the Finance Committee regarding a MOU contract renewal.
Upon motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Finance Committee recommended to renew the MOU Contract for a period of one (1) year at a maximum cost of $35,000. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented requests for overnight travel for the committee’s consideration.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Finance Committee recommended approval of the requests for overnight travel as presented by Mrs. Bonnette. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Mrs. Demetria Alexander, Supervisor of Federal Programs, addressed the Finance Committee with an update on the ESSER Funds budget.
The Finance Committee did not take any action on this matter.
8. Committee member Chris Robinson addressed the committee regarding discussion of stipends for full-time substitutes.
The Finance Committee did not take any action on this matter.
9. Upon motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Finance Committee agreed to add an item--Insurance Bids--to the agenda. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, advised the Finance Committee that she was in receipt of one insurance package bid for fiscal year 2021-2022 in the amount of $931,847.00.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Jill Guidry, Chairperson
Finance Committee
Board member Chris Lacour requested that the Board vote on Item #5 of the Finance Committee Report separately.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report, with the exception of Item #5, as presented by Chairperson Guidry. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board approved renewal of the MOU contract for a period of three (3) years in the amount of $35,000 per year with the stipulation that an update report is presented to the Board annually.
13. At this time, Mayor John Lemoine entered the meeting; therefore, Item #5 on the meeting agenda was addressed at this time. Mayor Lemoine requested that the Board enter into an intergovernmental agreement, as one existed in the past, between the City of Marksville and the Avoyelles Parish School Board for use of the baseball field by Avoyelles Little League.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board granted permission to enter into an intergovernmental agreement between the City of Marksville and the Avoyelles Parish School Board for use of the Marksville High School baseball field by Avoyelles Little League with the stipulation that the Marksville High School Softball and Baseball Teams will have priority for use of the field. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
14. Interim Superintendent Thelma Prater presented requests for overnight travel for the Board’s consideration.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board approved the requests for overnight travel as presented by Interim Superintendent Prater. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. Mrs. Jenny Welch, Supervisor of Food Service, presented the bid opening for cafeteria tables to the Board. She stated there was only one bid received.
Upon motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board approved the bid for cafeteria tables as presented by Mrs. Welch. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
16. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the Board regarding the bid opening for insurance.
Upon motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board accepted the bid presented by Mr. Blake Knoll including the annual wind buy-back premium in the amount of $931,847.34 and also granted permission to Mrs. Bonnette to sign insurance documents and reject uninsured motorists coverage. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
17. Board member Rickey Adams addressed the Board regarding payment to the District Attorney’s office for services.
A motion was offered by Rickey Adams, seconded by Chris Robinson, that the Board pay the District Attorney’s office an annual fee of $24,000 for legal services.
The motion was approved by the following 5-4 vote:
AYES: Rickey Adams, Chris Robinson, Jill Guidry, Chris Lacour, and Latisha Small.
NAYS: Aimee Dupuy, Robin Moreau, Lynn Deloach, and Stanley Celestine, Jr.
Board member Aimee Dupuy questioned Board member Jill Guidry as to her vote today compared to her previous vote regarding this issue in January. Board member Guidry stated that her abstainment was not mandatory but was suggested.
18. Ms. Angie Dixon presented to the Board a presentation on Save Cenla, which is a local non-profit organization which raises awareness in suicide prevention.
19. Board member Jill Guidry addressed the Board regarding discussion of paying stipends to substitute workers.
A motion was offered by Jill Guidry that the Board pay a one-time $400 stipend to every full-time substitute worker. After discussion of the types of full-time substitute workers, Mrs. Guidry then amended her motion that the Board pay a one-time $1500 stipend to full-time substitute teachers who worked in classrooms since the beginning of the school year creating lesson plans and providing instruction. After further discussion, Mrs. Guidry rescinded her motion.
A substitute motion was offered by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jill Guidry, that the Board take no action regarding stipends for substitute personnel this school year 2020-2021. The motion was adopted by the following 7-2 vote:
AYES: Aimee Dupuy, Jill Guidry, Chris Lacour, Lynn Deloach, Robin Moreau, Stanley Celestine, Jr., and Rickey Adams.
NAYS: Chris Robinson and Latisha Small.
20. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance CPA, addressed the Board regarding the adoption of the sales tax and ad valorem tax ordinance from the December 2020 election.
Upon motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board adopted the sales tax and ad valorem tax ordinance from the December 2020 election as presented by Mrs. Mary Bonnette. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The following ordinance was offered for adoption by Chris Lacour and seconded by Robin Moreau:
ORDINANCE
An ordinance providing for the continued levy within the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana, for school purposes, effective January 1, 2022, of one-fourth percent (1/4%) sales and use tax upon the sale at retail, the use, the lease or rental, the consumption, and the storage for use or consumption, of tangible personal property and on sales of services in said Parish, providing for the assessment, collection, payment thereof and the dedication of the proceeds of said tax and the purpose for which the proceeds of the tax may be expended, such tax having been authorized at a special election held in said Parish on December 5, 2020.
WHEREAS, under the provisions of Article VI, Section 29 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, and other constitutional and statutory authority and an election held on December 5, 2020, the Parish School Board of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana (the "School Board"), is authorized to levy and collect within Avoyelles Parish from and after January 1, 2022, a one-fourth percent (1/4%) sales and use tax (the “Tax”), upon the sale at retail, the use, the lease or rental, the consumption, and the storage for use or consumption, of tangible personal property and upon the sale of services as defined in applicable statutory authority, pursuant to the following proposition which was approved at said election held on December 5, 2020:
PARISH SCHOOL BOARD PROPOSITION
(1/4% SALES TAX RENEWAL)
Shall the Parish School Board of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana (the “Parish”), under the provisions of Article VI, Section 29 of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, and other constitutional and statutory authority, be authorized to levy and collect a tax of one-fourth percent (1/4%) (the "Tax") (an estimated $1,000,000 reasonably expected at this time to be collected from the levy of the Tax for an entire year) upon the sale at retail, the use, the lease or rental, the consumption, and the storage for use or consumption, of tangible personal property and on sales of services in the Parish, all as defined by law, for a period of ten (10) years, commencing January 1, 2022, with the proceeds thereof (after paying the reasonable and necessary expenses of collecting and administering the Tax), to be dedicated for the payment of salaries and benefits for the employees of the Parish School Board, provided that the School Board shall not be authorized to levy and collect the Tax unless the proposed Avoyelles Parishwide School District millage on this ballot is also approved by the electorate?
WHEREAS, in compliance with the aforesaid constitutional and statutory authority and said special election of December 5, 2020, it is the desire of this School Board to provide for the levy and collection of the Tax and to provide for distribution of the proceeds thereof and other matters in connection therewith as hereinafter provided in this ordinance;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Parish School Board of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana (the “School Board”), that:
SECTION 1. Imposition. Pursuant to the authority of a special election held in the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana (the “Parish”), on December 5, 2020, the Tax is hereby levied upon the sale at retail, the use, the lease or rental, the consumption, and the storage for use or consumption, of tangible personal property, and on the sales of services in the Parish, as defined by law. The Uniform Local Sales Tax Code, as enacted by Act 73 of the 2003 Regular Session of the Louisiana Legislature and as it may be amended, shall apply in the assessment, collection, administration and enforcement of the Tax, the provisions of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
SECTION 2. Rate of Tax. The Tax is levied at the rate of one-fourth percent (1/4%) of the sales price of each item or article of tangible personal property when sold at retail in the Parish, the Tax to be computed on gross sales for the purpose of remitting the amount of tax due to the Parish, and to include each and every retail sale. The Tax is levied at the rate of one-fourth percent (1/4%) of the cost price of each item or article of tangible personal property when the same is not sold but is used, consumed, distributed, or stored for use or consumption in the Parish, provided there shall be no duplication of the Tax. The Tax is levied at the rate of one-fourth percent (1/4%) of the gross proceeds derived from the lease or rental of tangible personal property, as defined by law, where the lease or rental of such property is an established business, or part of an established business, or the same is incidental or germane to the said business, or of the monthly lease or rental price paid by lessee or rentee, or contracted or agreed to be paid by lessee or rentee to the owner of the tangible personal property. The Tax is levied at the rate of one-fourth percent (1/4%) of the amount paid or charged for taxable services, as defined by law, performed in the Parish.
SECTION 3. Effective Date. The Tax shall be effective on January 1, 2022.
SECTION 4. Term. The Tax shall remain in effect for ten (10) years (January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2031).
SECTION 5. Purposes. The proceeds of the Tax shall be used for the purposes set forth in the proposition approved by the voters in the special election held in the Parish on December 5, 2020, authorizing the Tax, which proposition is set forth in the preamble hereto.
SECTION 6. Vendor’s Compensation. For the purpose of compensating the dealer in accounting for and remitting the Tax levied by this ordinance, each dealer shall be allowed two percent (2%) of the amount of Tax due and accounted for and remitted to the Parish’s collector in the form of a deduction in submitting its report and paying the amount due by the dealer, provided the amount due was not delinquent at the time of payment, and provided the amount of any credit claimed for taxes already paid to a wholesaler shall not be deducted in computing the commission allowed the dealer hereunder.
SECTION 7. Exclusions and Exemptions. The School Board adopts none of the optional exclusions or exemptions allowed by State sales and use tax law, nor does this School Board adopt any exclusions or exemptions authorized by legislation enacted under Article VI, Section 29 (D)(1) of the Constitution of the State of Louisiana of 1974, that are not allowed as an exclusion or exemption from State sales and use tax. Included within the base of the Tax is every transaction, whether sales, use, lease or rental, consumption, storage or service, with no exclusions or exemptions except for those mandated upon political subdivisions by the Constitution or statutes of the State of Louisiana, including the Act.
SECTION 8. Interest on Unpaid Amount of Tax Due. As authorized by La. R.S. 47:337.69, the interest on unpaid amounts of the Taxes which are due shall be at the rate of one and one-fourth percent (1-¼%) per month.
SECTION 9. Delinquency Penalty. The delinquency penalty, as provided by La. R.S. 47:337.70, shall be five percent (5%) per month on the unpaid amount of the Taxes due for each thirty-day period, not to exceed five thirty-day periods.
SECTION 10. Penalty for False, Fraudulent or Grossly Incorrect Return. The penalty as authorized by La. R.S. 47:337.72 shall be fifty percent (50%) of the amount of the Taxes found to be due.
SECTION 11. Negligence Penalty. The penalty as authorized by La. R.S. 47:337.73 shall be five percent (5%) of the unpaid amount of the Taxes found to be due, or ten dollars ($10.00), whichever is greater.
SECTION 12. Penalty for Insufficient Funds Check. The penalty as authorized by La. R.S. 47:337.74 shall be an amount equal to the greater of one percent (1%) of the check or twenty dollars ($20.00).
SECTION 13. Attorney Fees. The collector is authorized to employ private counsel to assist in the collection of any taxes, penalties or interest due under this ordinance, or to represent him in any proceeding under this ordinance. If any taxes, penalties or interest due under this ordinance are referred to an attorney at law for collection, an additional charge of attorney fees, in the amount of ten per centum (10%) of the taxes, penalties and interest due, shall be paid by the tax debtor.
SECTION 14. Penalty for Costs Incurred. As provided by R.S. 47:337.75, and under the circumstances set forth therein, a penalty shall be added to the amount of Tax due in an amount as itemized by the Collector to compensate for all costs incurred in making an examination of books, records or documents, or an audit thereof, or in the holding of hearings or the subpoenaing and compensating of witnesses.
SECTION 15. Distraint Penalty. The penalty as provided by R.S. 47:337.76 in cases where the distraint procedure is used in the collection of the Taxes shall be ten dollars ($10.00).
SECTION 16. Limits on Interest, Penalty and Attorney Fees. Should the interest, penalties or attorney fees herein, or the combined interest, penalties and attorney fees be declared to be in excess of limits provided by other law, including relevant jurisprudence, then the maximum interest, penalties and attorney fees allowed by such other law shall apply.
SECTION 17. Collector. The Taxes levied by this ordinance is authorized to be collected by a "Collector" which term shall mean the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
SECTION 18. Powers of Collector. The Collector is hereby authorized, empowered and directed to carry into effect the provisions of this ordinance, to appoint deputies, assistants or agents to assist it in the performance of its duties, and in pursuance thereof to make and enforce such rules as it may deem necessary.
SECTION 19. Agreement to Collect Taxes on Vehicles. With regard to the collection of the Taxes on any motor vehicle, automobile, truck, truck-trailer, trailer, semi-trailer, motor bus, home trailer, or any other vehicle subject to the vehicle registration license tax, this Governing Authority, acting through its President and on behalf of this Governing Authority, is authorized to enter into an agreement or agreements with the Vehicle Commissioner, Department of Public Safety and Corrections, for the collection of the Taxes on such vehicles, as provided by R.S.47:303(B).
SECTION 20. Revenues of Taxes. All taxes, revenues, funds, assessments, moneys, penalties, fees or other income which may be collected or come into the possession of the Collector under any provision or provisions of this ordinance relating to the Taxes shall be promptly deposited by the Collector for the account of the Parish in the respective special funds heretofore established and maintained for the deposit of such proceeds, which fund is a separate bank account established and maintained with the regularly designated fiscal agent of the Parish; provided, however, any amount which is paid under protest or which is subject to litigation may be transferred to a separate account established by the Collector with said fiscal agent pending the final determination of the protest or litigation.
In compliance with the said special election of December 5, 2020, authorizing the Taxes, after all reasonable and necessary costs and expenses of collecting and administration of the Taxes have been paid as provided for above, the remaining balance in said special funds shall be available for appropriation and expenditures by the Governing Authority solely for the respective purposes designated in the propositions authorizing the levy of the Taxes.
SECTION 21. Severability. If any or more of the provisions of this ordinance shall for any reason be held to be illegal or invalid, such illegality or invalidity shall not affect any other provision of this ordinance, but this ordinance shall be construed and enforced as if such illegal or invalid provisions had not been contained herein. Any constitutional or statutory provision enacted after the date of this ordinance which validates or makes legal any provision of this ordinance which would not otherwise be valid or legal, shall be deemed to apply to this ordinance.
SECTION 22. Uniform Sales Tax Controlling. If any provision of this ordinance shall be in conflict with the provisions of the Uniform Local Sales Tax Code, the provisions of the Uniform Local Sales Tax Code shall be controlling.
SECTION 23. Effective Date of Ordinance. This ordinance shall be in full force and effect immediately upon its adoption, being an ordinance affecting the public peace, health and safety.
SECTION 24. Publication and Recordation. This ordinance shall be published in one issue of the official journal of this Governing Authority as soon as is reasonably possible. A certified copy of this ordinance shall be recorded in the mortgage records of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana.
The final adoption of the foregoing ordinance having been duly moved and seconded, the roll was called and the following vote was taken and recorded:
|
MEMBERS |
YEAS |
NAYS |
ABSENT |
ABSTAINING |
|
Robin Moreau |
__X___ |
_____ |
_____ |
_____ |
|
Latisha S. Small |
__X___ |
_____ |
_____ |
_____ |
|
Lynn Deloach |
__X___ |
_____ |
_____ |
_____ |
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Chris LaCour |
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Stanley Celestine, Jr. |
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Christopher Robinson |
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Rickey Adams |
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Jill Guidry |
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Aimee B. Dupuy |
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And the ordinance was declared adopted on this, the 1st day of June, 2021.
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Interim Secretary |
President |
STATE OF LOUISIANA
PARISH OF AVOYELLES
I, the undersigned Interim Secretary of the Parish School Board of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana (the "School Board"), the governing authority of the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana, for school purposes (the "Parish"), do hereby certify that the foregoing pages constitute a true and correct copy of an ordinance adopted by the School Board on June 1, 2021, providing for the continued levy within the Parish of Avoyelles, State of Louisiana, effective January 1, 2022, of one-fourth percent (1/4%) sales and use tax upon the sale at retail, the use, the lease or rental, the consumption, and the storage for use or consumption, of tangible personal property and upon the sale of services in said Parish, levying and providing for the assessment, collection, payment and dedication of the proceeds of such tax and the purpose for which the proceeds of the tax may be expended, such tax having been authorized at a special election held in the Parish on December 5, 2020.
IN FAITH WHEREOF, witness my official signature at Marksville, Louisiana, on this, the 1st day of
June, 2021.
____________________________________
Interim Secretary
21. Interim Superintendent Thelma Prater presented a list of certificated teachers by school for the 2021-2022 school year as follows:
APPOINTMENT OF CERTIFICATED TEACHERS
2021-2022
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Sharice Sullivan, Principal; Claudine J. Rogers, Assistant Principal; Valerie A. Chesne, Rebecca S. Clark, Connie D. Ducote, LeAnn J. Dukes, Vetria L. Veal, Chrissy P. Grayson, Victoria G. McDaniel, Shea Jeansonne, Margaret Brasseaux (Speech Pathologist), Travis Armand, and Candice Hardy (part-time instructional coach).
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Shalonda W. Berry, Principal; Ashley Ducote, Assistant Principal; Alexis C. Armand, Stephanie Belanger, Lindsey Bertrand, Stephanie M. Davis, Summer Jackson, Kayla D. Landry, Brian C. Myers, Shelby Lacombe Gash, Nick Joffrion, Andre Spruill, Angie Champ, Quiana R. Bell, Bradley Moreau, Katelyn N. Snyder, Natalie N. Drouin (Speech Therapist), Cecilia Robinson (Social Worker), and Candice Hardy (part-time instructional coach).
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Laura Hargis, Principal; Marcy P. Bonnette, Assistant Principal; Holly D. Bordelon, Stephanie Bordelon, Valerie Bordelon, Sheterica Bradley, Jessica Dauzat, Casey L. Dupuis, Michelle G. Gautheir, Christy Guillot, Heather Hamilton, Chantelle Hataway, Kelley A. Juneau, Karen Laborde, Kristy L. Lonidier, Katie D. Luneau, Tyronnica Mingo, Jennifer Nicholas, Sheryl Parker, Krystle Reynaud, Shaun Reynaud, Adrienne Smith, Philip J. Timothy, Robin Williber, Brittany Beaubouef, Hollie A. Torres, Leigh C. Fryery, Steve Turner, Gabre’ Williams, Paula Scanlan, Linda Gagnard, Jennifer Franks, Kayla Laborde, Susan L. Gates, Brenda M. Belgard (Speech Pathologist), Jennifer Harper, Denton Spinks, and Terri Shannon (part-time instructional coach).
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Nicole M. Gagnard, Principal; Kim Gagnard, Assistant Principal; Brooke N. Anderson, Melissa O. Bordelon, Leslie Carmouche, Jessica L. Chatelain, Nichole A. Cole, Dannon D. Dauzat, Stacey Duncan, Cicely F. Jacob, Lisa Laborde, Kayla D. Lemoine, Michele Mayeux, Caitlin St. Romain, Linda Voinche, Danielle Bordelon, Lauren G. Flook, Brandi Lacombe, Rachel Miles, Kenneth Ford, Pam S. Laborde, Rebecca L. Jones, Stacey N. Baudin, Natalie Curley Scott, LaLisa Scallan, Lori Boudreaux, Julie G. Barbry, Kate D. Ecarma, Nikkie V. Guidry, Kelsey R. Scott (Speech Pathologist), Simone Voinche, Chris Dupuy (part-time), Terri Shannon (part-time instructional coach), and Angela Franks.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Wendy Adams, Principal; Kim Adams, Assistant Principal; Shannon F. Beran, Aylce G. Bonnette, Brandi Chatelain, Brandy Dupont, Amanda Gauthier, Sarah E. Landry, Kara Lemoine, Samantha Mire, Michel Morgan, Erica S. Myers, Michelle R. Newsom, Sara G. Wallace, Nikki M. Walton, Jennifer Y. Barbry, Kristen Hukins, Bailey V. Lemoine, Sydney L. Newton, Cecelia Clark, Vicki Dufour, Lisa Deshautelle, Patricia Rebouche, Amber Andrus Lemoine, Guy Lemoine, Rachel L. Normand (Speech Therapist), Sheila Aymond, and Tiffany Rabalais (part-time instructional coach).
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: Tonenikea Wilson, Principal; Sarah E. Reech, Assistant Principal; Mary Allen, Samaria D. Allen, Susan Bordelon, Maxine Mury, Sherry A. Reech, Torianno Robertson, Karli K. Rodriguez, Keithca J. Callihan, Brandy Lawson, William Beebe, Yvonne, Saucier, Wanda Brown, and Tiffany Rabalais (part-time instructional coach).
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL: Michael Rachal, Principal; Ashley Robinson, Principal; Scott Balius, Administrative Assistant; Andrew Boone, Micah L. Bordelon, Lisa Breaux, Bailey M. Gauthier, Ryan J. Gremillion, Caneshia Jacob, Carrie L. Kimble, Jonathan Landry, Abbie C. Manuel, Hali H. Wanersdorfer, Melanie N. Williams, Anne Lemoine, Jodie Melancon, Justus Boone, Sara Venable, Marcy Center, Pat Joffrion (part-time instructional coach), Ginger L. Knight, Ritzell A. Veade, and Kellie Guilbeau.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL: Chuck Normand, Principal; Contina A. Pierite, Assistant Principal; Monique H. Gaspard, Assistant Principal; Dana V. Blood, Kourtny K. Bordelon, Ashley Flanders, Margaret Garnett, Kaitlyn M. Glorioso, Melissa Higginbotham, Katelyn Hines Hillman, Jessica L. Juneau, Earlicia Mincey, Danielle S. Moreau, Nicholas Pujol, Sarah L. Riche, Abigail R. Turner, Sabrina Washington, Dylan West, Megan E. Owen, Lance F. Gauthier, Kristy Dauzat (part-time instructional coach), Amanda C. Fontenot, Lisa M. Mayeux, Mitchell George, Jill J. Tassin, and Laure’ A. Tubre.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES: Eric Dauzat, Principal; Amy W. Volentine, Assistant Principal; Jean Andrus, Tracy M. Armand, Jeremy Bonnette, Keri Desselle, Sarah Dupont, Tonya C. Gauthier, Desiree D. Guillot, Julie Humble, Casey Nastasi, Kristie Parker, Amy Pirte, Carolyn Roy, Michael J. Roy, Katherine Watson, William Williber, Michelle Roy, Julie Ryland, Summer N. Anderson, Ward Bordelon, William Moreau, Michelle Lemoine, and Samantha S. Roy.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL: Liza Jacobs, Principal; Cindy Schaub, Assistant Principal; Tina Anderson, John T. Dunbar, Judd Dupuy, John Hill, Jimmie R. Hillman, Nettie D. Jeansonne, Mia C. Lamkin, Christine Lyles, Daniel H. Murphy, Dolly E. Rousseau, Cynthia D. Brennan, James Deshautelle, Sheri Bourgeois, Sarah M. Dupont, Tracy Linscomb, Tambra Barbre, Kristy Dauzat (part-time instructional coach), Pat Joffrion (part-time instructional coach), Devin A. Tipton, Rochelle Baldoz, Jarvis L. Roberts, Ashley L. Dubea, Alex R. Perkins, and Chris Dupuy (part-time).
AVOYELLES PARISH PUPIL APPRAISAL CENTER: Lisa Hebert, Sherrie Hodnett, Stacy Bordelon, Casey Foret, Catherine Lemoine, Lillie D. Armand (Speech Pathologist), Jenifer J. Ryan, Lindsay Gremillion, Micaela R. Dauzat (Speech Pathologist), Brooke F. Normand (Speech Pathologist), Ava Hernandez, Tammy Tassin, Vicki Michel (Nurse), Karen Marquardt (School Psychologist), and Aimee H. Watts (Social Worker).
SIS/JCAMPUS COORDINATOR: Jessica Gauthier
TITLE 1 LEARNING CENTER: Kristi R. Bordelon
ADULT EDUCATION CENTER: Lisa Thevenot
SCHOOL NURSES: Elizabeth Whitmore, Louanne Bain, Christina Coco, Naomi L. Clark, Victoria D. Ford, Veronica Mayeux, and Cheyenne Bordelon.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE: Thelma Prater, Interim Superintendent; Celeste Voinche, Elementary Education Supervisor; Dexter Compton, Secondary Education Supervisor; Jennifer Dismer, Child Welfare & Attendance Supervisor; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; Jennifer Welch, Food Service Supervisor; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jamie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; Demetria Alexander, Supervisor of Federal Programs; Rebecca Spencer, TECH/CLU Coordinator; Wendy Marchand, Data Instructional Coordinator; Dawn G. Pitre, Special Services and Nursing Supervisor; Tammy Lemoine, Computer System Specialist; and Christopher J. Lemoine, Network Administrator.
22. Interim Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review.
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING
ACADEMY Resignation of Ruby L. Hawkins, (retired) special education teacher, effective at the end of the day May 31, 2021.
Resignation of Peggy L. Joshua, (retired) kindergarten teacher, effective at the end of the day May 31, 2021.
Resignation of Phyllis Morris, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day May 31, 2021.
Resignation of Josephine Stevenson, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day May 31, 2021.
Resignation of Patricia J. Riche, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day May 31, 2021.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Resignation of Sandra Smith, (retired) Kindergarten teacher, effective at the end of day May 31, 2021.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Resignation of Judy Rivers, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day May 31, 2021.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Resignation of Yvonne S. Bassett, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day May 31, 2021.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL Resignation of Joel Tassin, (retired) special education teacher, effective at the end of the day May 31, 2021.
Resignation of Kathy Lemoine, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day May 31, 2021.
Resignation of Michael Rachal, principal, effective at the end of the day August 3, 2021, for the purpose of transition to AVAP (Alternative Education Program Administrator).
Appointment of Ashley Robinson, principal, effective June 1, 2021 through June 30, 2023, replacing Michael Rachal.
Change retirement date for Donna Lemoine, custodian, from June 30, 2021 to May 24, 2021.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL Resignation of Cherrie A. Callahan, (retired) special education teacher, effective at the end of the day May 31, 2021.
Resignation of Doris S. Leary, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day May 31, 2021.
Resignation of Debra LeBlanc, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day May 31, 2021.
Resignation of Paul D. Newton, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 31, 2021.
Resignation of Elizabeth Willis, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day May 31, 2021.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES Appointment of Amanda M. Reed, (TAT), effective April 20, 2021 through June 1, 2021.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Resignation of Joel Desselle, (retired) assistant principal, effective at the end of the day June 16, 2021.
PUPIL APPRAISAL CENTER Resignation of Nena L. Webster, (retired) educational diagnostician, effective at the end of the day June 9, 2021.
Resignation of Janine S. Mury, (retired) educational diagnostician, effective at the end of the day June 9, 2021.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL
BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE Resignation of Cynthia Juneau, (retired) Superintendent Secretary, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2021.
Resignation of Ali Laborde, secretary of federal programs, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2021.
Addendum(s)
6/1/2021
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Resignation of Lauren Ducote, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day May 31, 2021.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL Resignation of David Dyson, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day May 31, 2021.
23. On motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board entered into Executive Session at approximately 6:22 p.m. to discuss litigation regarding the sale of the Bunkie Detention Center. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Chris Lacour, the Board reconvened in open public session at approximately 6:36 p.m. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board agreed to accept the settlement offer from Mr. Quebedeaux to be executed on behalf of the Avoyelles Parish School Board by Interim Superintendent Thelma Prater, with payments to begin effective July 1, 2021. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
There being no further business, on motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Chris Robinson, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Stanley Celestine, Jr., President
Thelma Prater, Interim Secretary-Treasurer