SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session Tuesday, September 7, 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 Aimee Dupuy.
President Stanley Celestine, Jr. announced that Item #8, Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the Superintendent’s contract, is being removed from the agenda.
1. On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, August 3, 2021 and Special Board meeting held on Tuesday, August 17, 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 Darrell Simon, retired bus driver.
On motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Darrell Simon, retired bus driver. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
B. Board Member Jill Guidry read a resolution of respect to the late Kenneth Ducote, retired custodian.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Kenneth Ducote, retired custodian. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Interim Superintendent Thelma Prater recognized Marksville High School Summer Graduate Alexia Mary Valois.
4. Mrs. Wendy Marchand, Data/Instructional Coordinator, recognized the 2022 Elementary School Teacher of the Year winners, as follows:
Chrissy Grayson, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Stephanie Belanger, Cottonport Elementary School; Kelley Juneau, Lafargue Elementary School; Brooke Anderson, Marksville Elementary School; Vicki Dufour, Plaucheville Elementary School; and Keithca Callihan, Riverside Elementary School.
The district winner is Kelley Juneau, Lafargue Elementary School.
On behalf of the Board, President Stanley Celestine, Jr. congratulated the 2022 Elementary School Teacher of the Year winners.
5. Board Member Aimee Dupuy recognized 2022 Teacher of the Year State Semifinalist Cicely Jacob.
On behalf of the Board, President Stanley Celestine, Jr. congratulated Ms. Jacob on this exceptional accomplishment.
6. Interim Superintendent Thelma J. Prater recognized the Students of the Month for August. Ms. Prater stated that board members will present a plaque to each Student of the Month at their respective school.
Ms. Prater announced the Students of the Month at each school, as follows:
Jeremy Christmas, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; D’Errion Henry, Cottonport Elementary School; Brice Juneau, Lafargue Elementary School; Kaelyn Desselles, Marksville Elementary School; Kendrion Franklin, Plaucheville Elementary School; Charles George, Riverside Elementary School; Addie Addison, Avoyelles High School; A’mia Boyd, Bunkie Magnet High School; William Manuel, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Ashlan Paulk, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Stanley Celestine, Jr. commended the students on this outstanding achievement.
7. Interim Superintendent Thelma J. Prater recognized the Teachers of the Month for August, as follows:
Courtney Brown, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Shelby Gash, Cottonport Elementary School; Jennifer Franks, Lafargue Elementary School; Kayla Lemoine, Marksville Elementary School; Amanda Gauthier, Plaucheville Elementary School; Micaela Drouin, Riverside Elementary School; Justus Boone, Avoyelles High School; Amanda Fontenot, Bunkie Magnet High School; Katie W. Green, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Jarvis Roberts, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Stanley Celestine, Jr. commended the teachers on this outstanding achievement.
At this time, President Stanley Celestine, Jr. recognized Ms. Karen Tutor, incoming Superintendent for the Avoyelles Parish School System.
8. Lynn Deloach, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
BUS COMMITTEE REPORT
August 17, 2021
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at approximately 5:40 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, 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 bus incidents in the school district.
The Bus Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Chairman Lynn Deloach asked for an update on beacons. Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor, stated there was a delay in shipping.
3. Chairman Lynn Deloach addressed the Committee about the Treversa Software to reestablish bus routes.
The Bus Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Lynn Deloach, Chairman
Bus Committee
On motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Chris Lacour, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman Deloach. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
August 17, 2021
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at 5:43 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, 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, Supervisor of Special Services, addressed the Executive Committee with a request for approval of a contract for professional services between Soliant Health, LLC Inc. and the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
Upon motion by Latisha Small, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Executive Committee recommended approval of a contract for professional services between Soliant Health, LLC Inc. and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Dexter Compton, Supervisor of Secondary Education, addressed the Executive Committee with a request for approval of a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between Central Louisiana Technical Community College and the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Executive Committee recommended approval of the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between Central Louisiana Technical Community College and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Dexter Compton, Supervisor of Secondary Education, addressed the Executive Committee with a request for approval of a contract between Curriculum Associates and the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Latisha Small, the Executive Committee recommended approval of a contract between Curriculum Associates and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Demetria Alexander, Supervisor of Federal Programs, addressed the Executive Committee in regards to a motion to change Rebecca Spencer’s title from Technology CLU Coordinator to Network Supervisor and her change in pay will be covered by Title IV.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Latisha Small, the Executive Committee recommended approval to change Rebecca Spencer’s title from Technology CLU Coordinator to Network Supervisor and her change in pay to be covered by Title IV. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the Executive Committee in regards to a contract with Ducote and Company to perform accounting services on ESSER Grants.
A motion was made by Robin Moreau, seconded by Lynn Deloach, that the Executive Committee recommend approval of a contract with Ducote and Company to perform accounting services on ESSER grants. The motion was adopted 3-2 by the following vote:
YAYS: Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, and Robin Moreau.
NAYS: Stanley Celestine, Jr. and Aimee Dupuy.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson
Executive Committee
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairperson Dupuy with the exception of Item #4 and Item #5. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Regarding Item #4: After receiving clarification of the duties and salary of Network Supervisor, on motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board adopted Item #4 of the Executive Committee Report. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Regarding Item #5: A motion was made by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Chris Lacour, that the Board accept Item #5, approval of a contract with Ducote and Company to perform accounting services on ESSER grants. The motion was adopted by the following 6-3 vote:
YAYS: Lynn Deloach, Chris Lacour, Latisha Small, Jill Guidry, Chris Robinson, Rickey Adams.
NAYS: Robin Moreau, Stanley Celestine, Jr., and Aimee Dupuy.
10. Jill Guidry, Chairperson of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
August 17, 2021
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at approximately 6:00 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Rickey Adams, Aimee Dupuy, Chris Robinson; Stanley Celestine, Jr., President; and Thelma Prater, Interim Superintendent. Jill Guidry, Chairperson, was absent. 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. Jamie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented an actual sales tax report for the month of July, 2021. She stated that sales tax collections totaled $961,910.24. Mrs. Lacombe said that of this amount, the 1% sales tax generated $ 549,623.98, the 0.25% sales tax generated $ 137,474.27, and the building and maintenance fund generated $ 274,811.99
2. Committee 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. Committee member Aimee Dupuy addressed the Finance Committee requesting an update on ESSER Funds.
The Finance Committee did not take any action on this matter.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Jill Guidry, Chairperson
Finance Committee
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairperson Guidry. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Robin Moreau, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
BUILDING AND LANDS COMMITTEE REPORT
August 17, 2021
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at approximately 6:10 p.m. at the School Board Office, with the following members present:
Robin Moreau, Chairman; Lynn Deloach, Chris Lacour; Stanley Celestine, Jr., President; and Thelma Prater, Interim Superintendent. Jill Guidry was absent. 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. Arthur Lovall, with Fellowship Ambassador, Inc., addressed the Building and Lands Committee with discussion of the Bunkie Middle School Gym and Industrial Building.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Committee member Jill Guidry was scheduled to address the committee to possibly schedule a discussion of the Bunkie Middle School property at the regular board meeting on July 6, 2021, which had been tabled until the Building and Lands Committee Meeting on August 17, 2021. However, this item will remain tabled due to Ms. Guidry’s absence.
3. Chairman Robin Moreau addressed the Building and Lands Committee with discussion on Who Have You Blessed, LLC.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
4. Chairman Robin Moreau addressed the Building and Lands Committee to discuss implementation of a “Work Order System” for ALL maintenance requests.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
5. Steve Marcotte, Supervisor of Maintenance, addressed the Building and Lands Committee with a bid opening report for Bunkie Middle School land. He stated there were no bids received.
Upon motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Building and Lands Committee recommended to put the Bunkie Middle School land up for bid again with a minimum bid of 85% of appraised value, which is $25,500.
6. Steve Marcotte, Supervisor of Maintenance, addressed the Building and Lands Committee to discuss the Muscle Lake Section 16 right of way.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
7. Committee member Chris Lacour addressed the Building and Lands Committee with discussion of available funds for capital improvements (tracks).
Upon motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Building and Lands Committee recommended that the Board get quotes from different vendors for a complete track for all three high school facilities.
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.
12. Chris Robinson, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT
August 17, 2021
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, at 7:29 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 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. Chairman Chris Robinson addressed the Education Committee with discussion of forming a new committee for Student Council.
Upon motion by Latisha Small, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Education Committee recommended to develop an Avoyelles Parish School Board Advisory Student Council.
The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Chris Robinson, Chairman
Education Committee
On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Robinson. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. Board Member Chris Robinson addressed the Board with discussion of moving the monthly committee meetings throughout the district in order to give the public more accessibility and to increase community involvement.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board agreed to begin holding the monthly committee meetings throughout the district on a rotating basis, once per quarter, and the details and scheduling will be discussed at the next Executive Committee Meeting. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
14. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, addressed the Board with an update of food service during hybrid learning.
15. Vice President Jill Guidry addressed the Board regarding discussion of Bunkie Middle School land. The property had been appraised at $25,500, but there were no bids after two rounds of bids. It is now up for bid a third time with a minimum bid of 85% of the appraised value.
16. Vice President Jill Guidry addressed the Board with discussion of crossing guards at needed schools in the parish. This item will be added to the next Finance Committee Meeting in September to discuss further.
17. Board Member Chris Robinson addressed the Board regarding COVID Leave.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board agreed to send this item to the Executive Committee for further discussion and recommendations. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
18. Board Member Robin Moreau addressed the Board in regards to discussion of the hybrid schedule.
A motion was offered by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Lynn Deloach, that the Board rescind the hybrid schedule and have all students return to school full time next Tuesday, September 14, 2021. The motion failed by the following 5-4 vote:
YAYS: Aimee Dupuy, Lynn Deloach, Robin Moreau, and Jill Guidry.
NAYS: Latisha Small, Chris Lacour, Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chris Robinson, and Rickey Adams.
19. Attorney David Lafargue addressed the Board with discussion of a road on Section 16 land in the northwestern portion of Grassy Lake WMA.
A motion was made by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, that the Board grant authority—conditioned upon the condemned bridge not being repaired, approved, and accepted by Louisiana DOTD by October 2, 2021—to take whatever legal action is necessary against the lessee to open the now-locked gates on each end of Grand Lake Road in order to make the road accessible to constituents. The motion was adopted by the following 8-1 vote:
YAYS: Aimee Dupuy, Robin Moreau, Lynn Deloach, Chris Lacour, Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chris Robinson, and Rickey Adams.
NAYS: Latisha Small.
20. Board member Rickey Adams addressed the Board regarding the Child Check-Mate System for buses.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Chris Lacour, the Board granted approval to purchase the Child Check-Mate System for the remaining forty (40) buses which do not have the system currently installed at a cost of $500 each. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
21. Interim Superintendent Prater presented requests for overnight travel.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board approved the requests for overnight travel with the exception of Jennifer Dismer’s request (conference rescheduled). MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
22. Interim Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review.
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING
ACADEMY Change Funding Source for Candice Hardy, Instructional Coach (part-time), from General Fund to ESSER III, effective August 3, 2021 to May 27, 2022.
Change Funding Source for Vetria L. Veal, from General Fund to Title I CSR teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through May 27, 2022.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Change resignation date for Quiana R. Bell, special education teacher, from July 27, 2021 to August 1, 2021.
Change Funding Source for Candice Hardy, Instructional Coach (part-time), from General Fund to ESSER III, effective August 3, 2021 to May 27, 2022.
Change Funding Source for Stephanie Belanger, from General Fund to Title I CSR teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through May 27, 2022.
Resignation of Ronisha Coppage, teacher, effective August 4, 2021.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Change Funding Source for Terri Shannon, Instructional Coach (part-time), from General Fund to ESSER III, effective August 3, 2021 to May 27, 2022.
Resignation of Dinika Nelson, paraprofessional interventionist, effective August 30, 2021.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Transfer/Appointment of Rebecca L. Jones, from Title 1 Pre-K teacher to Early Interventionist teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through May 27, 2022.
Appointment of Tyler J. Redmon, child specific special education paraprofessional, effective August 18, 2021.
Change Funding Source for Terri Shannon, Instructional Coach (part-time), from General Fund to ESSER III, effective August 3, 2021 to May 27, 2022.
Change Funding Source for Pamela Laborde, from Title I CSR teacher to General Fund, effective August 3, 2021 through May 27, 2022.
Change Funding Source for Michele Mayeux, from General Fund to Title I CSR teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through May 27, 2022.
Resignation of Leslie Carmouche, teacher, effective August 2, 2021.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Resignation of Shannon Beran, teacher, effective August 5, 2021.
Change Funding Source for Tiffany Rabalais, Instructional Coach (part-time), from General Fund to ESSER III, effective August 3, 2021 to May 27, 2022.
Change Funding Source for Courtney Mayeux, from school-wide paraprofessional to Title I Lab paraprofessional, effective August 3, 2021.
Change Funding Source for Cecelia Clark, from Title I CSR teacher to General Fund, effective August 3, 2021 through May 27, 2022.
Change Funding Source for Amanda Gauthier, from General Fund to Title I CSR teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through May 27, 2022.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Change Funding Source for Tiffany Rabalais, Instructional Coach (part-time), from General Fund to ESSER III, effective August 3, 2021 to May 27, 2022.
Change Funding Source for Yvonne Bassett (retired), from General Fund to Title I CSR teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Ritchie C. Johnson, teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL Change Funding Source for Patricia Joffrion, Instructional Coach (part-time), from General Fund to ESSER III, effective August 3, 2021 to May 27, 2022.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL Change Funding Source for Kristy Dauzat, Instructional Coach (part-time), from General Fund to ESSER III, effective August 3, 2021 to May 27, 2022.
Appointment of Ralph H. Hines, (retired) teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Diana L. Sheppard, (retired) special education self-contained teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
Appointment of Natiyone N. Tubbs, special education paraprofessional, effective August 17, 2021.
Resignation of George M. Mitchell, teacher, effective August 3, 2021.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES Appointment of Amanda M. Reed, (TAT) teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Change Funding Source for Patricia Joffrion, Instructional Coach (part-time), from General Fund to ESSER III, effective August 3, 2021 to May 27, 2022.
Change Funding Source for Kristy Dauzat, Instructional Coach (part-time), from General Fund to ESSER III, effective August 3, 2021 to May 27, 2022.
Transfer/Appointment of Ashley St. Romain, school-base paraprofessional from Marksville Elementary School, effective August 3, 2021.
Resignation of Miranda Baka, teacher, effective August 13, 2021.
Resignation of Alana Pate, teacher, effective August 3, 2021.
TITLE 1 MOBILE CLASSROOM
NON-PUBLIC Transfer/Appointment of Patricia Rebouche, from Special Education Inclusion teacher at Plaucheville Elementary School to Title 1 (Non-Public) teacher, effective August 3, 2021 through May 27, 2022.
Transfer/Appointment of Paula Mills, from IDEA-B at Pupil Appraisal Center to Title 1 (Non-Public) paraprofessional, effective August 3, 2021.
Change Funding Source for Kristi R. Bordelon, Title I teacher from 75% Title I and 25% Title II to 100% Title I, effective August 3, 2021 through May 27, 2022.
23. On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board entered into Executive Session at approximately 7:18 p.m. to discuss a potential lawsuit to ensure access to Section 16 land. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board reconvened into Regular Session at approximately 7:26 p.m. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board agreed to proceed with legal action regarding the right-of-way as discussed in Executive Session and granted authority to President Stanley Celestine, Jr. to sign all documents necessary in relation to this matter. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
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