SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, July 6, 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, and Rickey Adams.
Board member Aimee Dupuy and Interim Superintendent Thelma Prater attended the meeting virtually via Zoom.
Absent: None.
An Invocation was offered by 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 Rickey Adams.
1. On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held Tuesday, June 1, 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 Lynn Deloach read a resolution of respect to the late Merval Ray Dauzat, retired bus driver.
On motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Merval Ray Dauzat, retired bus driver. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
B. Board member Chris Lacour read a resolution of respect to the late Todd Philip Coco, retired teacher.
On motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Todd Philip Coco, retired teacher. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. President Stanley Celestine, Jr. addressed the Board in regards to rescheduling the July committee meetings due to the Southern Region Leadership Conference being held during the same week.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board agreed to reschedule the July committee meetings to Tuesday, July 13, 2021, beginning at 4:30 p.m. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Board member Latisha Small recognized Amber Dubroc, student at Marksville High School, for winning First Place in the State FFA Agriscience Fair. She will now go on to compete on the national level.
5. Jill Guidry, Chairperson of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
June 15, 2021
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at approximately 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Jill Guidry, Chairperson; Chris Robinson; Stanley Celestine, Jr., President; and Thelma Prater, Interim Superintendent. Rickey Adams and Aimee Dupuy were absent. Also present were Latisha Small and Lynn Deloach, board members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jamie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; other supervisors and coordinators.
1. Jamie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented an actual sales tax report for the month of May, 2021. She stated that sales tax collections totaled $931,205.08. Ms. Lacombe said that of this amount, the 1% sales tax generated $532,117.32, the 0.25% sales tax generated $133,029.10, and the building and maintenance fund generated $266,058.66.
2. Board President Stanley Celestine, Jr., presented the monthly maintenance report on expenditures for the committee’s review.
The Finance Committee did not take any action on this matter.
3. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented a report of year-to-date expenditures in comparison to budget the prior year.
Ms. Bonnette reviewed the year-to-date revenues and expenditures for the General Fund as of April 30, 2021 and compared them to April 30, 2020.
4. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, addressed the Finance Committee with an update on the food box distribution program.
Upon motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Finance Committee agreed to continue the food box program through July 26, 2021, and to pay employees at the same rate of pay as the summer school food service program. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the Finance Committee with a request to change the job description of Special Education Reporting Clerk from an 11-month employee to a 12-month employee.
Upon motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Finance Committee recommended to approve the change in job description of the Special Education Reporting Clerk from an 11-month employee to a 12-month employee. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Jill Guidry, Chairperson
Finance Committee
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairperson Guidry. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Robin Moreau, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
BUILDING AND LANDS COMMITTEE REPORT
June 15, 2021
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at approximately 4:44 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Lynn Deloach and Jill Guidry; Stanley Celestine, Jr., President; and Thelma Prater, Interim Superintendent. Chairman Robin Moreau and Chris Lacour were absent. Also present were Latisha Small and Chris Robinson, 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. Steve Marcotte, Supervisor of Maintenance, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding a donation of property in Bunkie between Don Villemarette and the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
Upon motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Building and Lands Committee accepted the donation of property in Bunkie between Don Villemarette and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Building and Lands Committee added an item - bid report of 5.62 acres at Bunkie Middle - to the agenda. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Upon motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to readvertise for bids for two (2) weeks for the 5.62 acres at Bunkie Middle. 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 Chris Lacour, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Moreau. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Chris Robinson, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT
June 15, 2021
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at 4:49 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Chris Robinson, Chairman; Lynn Deloach and Latisha Small; Stanley Celestine, Jr., President; and Thelma Prater, Interim Superintendent. Aimee Dupuy was absent. Also present were Jill Guidry, board member; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jamie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; other supervisors and coordinators.
1. Chris Robinson, Chairman, addressed the Education Committee with an update on Summer Camp.
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 Rickey Adams, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Robinson. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. President Stanley Celestine, Jr. presented the following report on behalf of Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson of the Executive Committee:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
June 15, 2021
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at 4:56 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Lynn Deloach and Latisha Small; Stanley Celestine, Jr., President; and Thelma Prater, Interim Superintendent. Chairperson Aimee Dupuy and Robin Moreau were absent. Also present were Chris Robinson 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. Jessica Gauthier, SIS/JCampus Coordinator, addressed the Executive Committee regarding the approval of a contract between EDgear and the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
Upon motion by Latisha Small, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Executive Committee recommended approval of the contract between EDgear and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Interim Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Executive Committee regarding the search and timeline for a new superintendent.
Upon motion by Latisha Small, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Executive Committee recommended to automatically renew Interim Superintendent Prater’s contract until thirty (30) days after naming a new superintendent. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Interim Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Executive Committee regarding a 2021-2022 MOU Contract for the transition of services between the Avoyelles Parish School Board to South Louisiana Community College.
Upon motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Latisha Small, the Executive Committee recommended to accept the contract between the Avoyelles Parish School Board and South Louisiana Community College. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, requested approval of a contract between Best Man Company and the Avoyelles Parish School Board, to be paid by the 2021-2022 Strong Start Grant.
Upon motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Latisha Small, the Executive Committee recommended to grant approval of the contract between Best Man Company and the Avoyelles Parish School Board for the 2021-2022 school year. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, requested approval of a contract between Edmentum and the Avoyelles Parish School Board for BASE and EdOptions Academy, to be paid by the ESSER Funds.
Upon motion by Latisha Small, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Executive Committee recommended to grant approval of the contract between Edmentum and the Avoyelles Parish School Board for BASE and EdOptions Academy, to be paid by the ESSER Funds. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, requested approval of a resolution for The Rapides Foundation Healthy Behaviors School District Partnership Grant.
Upon motion by Latisha Small, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Executive Committee recommended approval of the resolution of the Rapides Foundation Healthy Behaviors School District Partnership Grant for the 2021-2022 school year. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education, requested approval of a resolution for the Rapides Foundation Effective Schools Grant.
Upon motion Lynn Deloach, seconded by Latisha Small, the Executive Committee recommended approval of the resolution of the Rapides Foundation Effective Schools Grant for the 2021-2022 school year. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, requested approval of a contract between the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) and the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
Upon motion by Latisha Small, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Executive Committee recommended to grant approval of the contract between the Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP) and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson
Executive Committee
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Chris Lacour, the Board adopted the Executive Committee report as presented by President Celestine. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. President Stanley Celestine, Jr. addressed the Board with an update on the superintendent search.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board agreed to schedule in-person interviews on July 28-29, 2021, beginning at 1:00 p.m. each day at the School Board Office. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Vice President Jill Guidry addressed the Board regarding discussion of the Bunkie Middle School property. This item, having been discussed in the Building and Lands Committee Report, is hereby tabled until the next regular meeting.
11. Mr. Blake Knoll with 1st Insurance addressed the Board regarding an offer to increase coverage on property.
On motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board agreed to accept the additional coverage on property with decreased deductibles as presented by Mr. Knoll. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Board member Chris Robinson addressed the Board with an update on the HB 211.
13. Reverend Chris Augustine, President of the Avoyelles Coalition Task Force, addressed the Board with a discussion on parents’ and citizens’ concerns for educational disparities in the Avoyelles Parish School System. Several citizens spoke to the Board regarding discipline issues and school building conditions.
14. Interim Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review.
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING
ACADEMY Appointment of Brittany D. Bordelon, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Courtney D. Brown, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Quiana D. Harrell, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Carrie L. Ardoin, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Peggy L. Joshua, (retired) kindergarten teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Adinah M. Francisco, Title I paraprofessional, effective August 3, 2021.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Transfer/Appointment of Connie Lee, Title I paraprofessional, from Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy, effective August 3, 2021.
Transfer/Appointment of Alyce G. Bonnette, teacher, from Plaucheville Elementary School, effective August 3, 2021 through May 27, 2022.
Transfer/Appointment of Ronisha M. Coppage, (TAT) teacher, from Marksville Elementary School, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Transfer/Appointment of Cora Trattles-Sons, paraprofessional, from Title I funding source to School Base, effective August 3, 2021.
Appointment of Charlotte Kyle, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Tomika T. Simmons, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Haley L. Demars, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Brianna P. Vaccaro, (TAT) Mild Moderate Special Education teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Connie M. Lewis, Behavior Interventionist paraprofessional, effective August 3, 2021.
Resignation of Brian Myers, teacher, effective July 19, 2021.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Resignation of Karen Laborde, teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2021, for the purpose of retirement.
Resignation of Tyronnica Mingo, teacher, effective at the end of the day August 1, 2021.
Resignation of Heather Hamilton, teacher, effective at the end of the day August 3, 2021.
Appointment of Emily F. Blood, kindergarten teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through May 27, 2022.
Transfer/Appointment of Sarah E. Landry, teacher from Plaucheville Elementary School, effective August 3, 2021 through May 27, 2022.
Transfer/Appointment of Jennifer Bryant, from school secretary to financial secretary, effective July 20, 2021, replacing Stacey Longlois.
Appointment of Sarah C. Gaspard, school secretary, effective July 20, 2021.
Appointment of Darien J. Maten, child- specific special education paraprofessional, effective August 3, 2021.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Transfer/Appointment of Alexis C. Armand, teacher, from Cottonport Elementary School, effective August 3, 2021 through May 27, 2022.
Transfer/Appointment of Stephanie McGovern, special education paraprofessional, from Lafargue Elementary School, effective August 3, 2021.
Appointment of Hope N. Dupuy, teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through May 27, 2022.
Appointment of Lauren Ducote, (retired) teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Rollin J. Ponthieux, bus paraprofessional, effective August 3, 2021, replacing Jill Guillot.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Appointment of Avery O. Lemoine, teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Joni Lee Meche, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Sara L. Ducote, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Lore M. Laborde, (TAT) inclusion teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Jermaine D. Mose, custodian, effective July 1, 2021, replacing Chris Dixon who transferred to LaSAS.
Transfer/Appointment of Allison L. LaCombe, teacher from Riverside Elementary School, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Resignation of Erica Myers, teacher, effective at the end of the day on July 19, 2021.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Appointment of Amber V. Bordelon, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Jessica G. Leger, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Aslyn M. Dennie, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Cecelia R. Ducote, financial secretary, effective July 20, 2021, replacing Barbara Bordelon.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL Appointment of Amanda P. Ebey, teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through May 27, 2022.
Appointment of Cameron M. Adams, teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Lyndsey M. Roy, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Roman A. Redfearn, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Allyn E. Ducote, (TAT) mild moderate special education teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Angela Greenhouse, bus driver, effective August 3, 2021, replacing Kayden Soileau.
Transfer/Appointment of Melissa N. Mayeux, (TAT) teacher from Plaucheville Elementary School, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Change in funding source for Micah L. Bordelon, from regular education to vocational education agriculture teacher, effective July 1, 2021through June 30, 2022.
Resignation of Michael J. Canal, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 31, 2021.
Resignation of Jesaka Guillory, cafeteria manager, effective at the end of the day June 9, 2021.
Resignation of Kayden Soileau, bus driver, effective August 1, 2021.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL Change in funding source for Danielle Moreau, from regular education to business vocational education teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through May 27, 2022.
Appointment of April M. Mabou, teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through May 27, 2022.
Appointment of Rhonda M. Andress, teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through May 27, 2022.
Resignation of Jessica Brown, food service technician, effective at the end of the day May 31, 2021.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES Resignation of Cailey Cole, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 31, 2021.
Appointment of Brandi R. Lee, teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through May 27, 2022.
Appointment of Bonnie A. LeDuc, (retired) business teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Angela N. Deville, (retired) special education content mastery teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Resignation of Steven Dye, JAG teacher/coach, effective at the end of the day May 31, 2021.
Appointment of Misty Blanchard, teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Malik R. Perry, teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Helena L. Ellis, teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Nuri M. Jeter, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Gabrielle M. Savoy, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Morgan T. Thornhill, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Joseph Greenhouse, business teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through May 27, 2022.
Appointment of Alana Pate, teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Yogesh Patel, teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Sheena R. Grote, (TAT) agriculture teacher, effective July 1, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Resignation of Judy Gaspard, food service technician, effective at the end of the day June 1, 2021, for the purpose of retirement.
AVOYELLES VIRTUAL ALTERNATIVE
PROGRAM (AVAP) Appointment of Aimee C. Hayes, special education teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through May 27, 2022.
Appointment of Elydia F. Hill, paraprofessional, effective August 3, 2021.
Appointment of Kallie E. Adams, paraprofessional, effective August 3, 2021.
AVOYELLES PARISH
PUPIL APPRAISAL CENTER Appointment of Janine Mury, (retired) part-time educational diagnostician, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Catherine D. Tyler, (retired) part-time early interventionist teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL
BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE Appointment of Stacey Longlois, superintendent secretary, effective May 1, 2021, replacing Cynthia Juneau.
Appointment of Gwendline J. Woods, purchase order clerk, effective June 15, 2021, replacing Carolyn Decuir who retired.
Transfer/Appointment of Barbara Bordelon, from financial secretary at Riverside Elementary School to receptionist, effective June 1, 2021, replacing Colette Wright who retired.
Transfer/Appointment of Jacqueline Brown, from financial secretary at Bunkie Magnet High School to Title I secretary, effective July 1, 2021, replacing Ali Laborde who resigned.
ADDENDUM(S)
July 6, 2021
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Appointment of Megan H. Callegari, food service technician, effective August 3, 2021.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Appointment of Sophia M. Hernandez, teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Appointment of Barbara A. Aymond, food service technician, effective August 3, 2021.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL Appointment of Ginger L. Knight, administrative assistant, effective July 20, 2021 through June 8, 2022.
Change in contract date for Scott E. Balius, administrative assistant, effective July 20, 2021 through June 8, 2022.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL Appointment of Kourtney L. Guillot, food service technician, effective August 3, 2021.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Appointment of Deridre F. Johnson, food service technician, effective August 3, 2021.
AVOYELLES VIRTUAL ALTERNATIVE
PROGRAM (AVAP) Appointment of David Wells, custodian, effective July 2, 2021.
Transfer/Appointment of Gwendolyn A. Lacombe, paraprofessional, from Bunkie Magnet High School, effective August 3, 2021.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL
BOARD CENTRAL OFFICE Change contract period for Tammy Lemoine, Computer System Specialist (IDEA-B), from 11-month employee to 12-month employee, effective July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022.
There being no further business, on motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Jill Guidry, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Stanley Celestine, Jr., President
Thelma Prater, Interim Secretary-Treasurer