SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office, Marksville, Louisiana, with the following members present:
Stanley Celestine, Jr., President; Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, Chris LaCour, Robin Moreau, Chris Robinson, Rickey Adams, and Aimee Dupuy.
Absent: Jill Guidry, Vice President.
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 Chris Lacour.
1. On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Chris Lacour, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, and the Special Board Meeting held on September 14, 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 Aimee Dupuy read a resolution of respect to the late Mary Lucille Speer, retired Assistant Principal.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Mary Lucille Speer, retired Assistant Principal. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
B. Board member Chris Lacour read a resolution of respect to the late Reuben Perry Joshua, former teacher.
On motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Reuben Perry Joshua, former teacher. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
C. Board President Stanley Celestine, Jr. read a resolution of respect to the late Lonis Laurent, retired bus driver.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Lonis Laurent, retired bus driver. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
D. Board member Latisha Small read a resolution of respect to the late Betty Ducote, retired food service technician.
On motion by Latisha Small, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Betty Ducote, retired food service technician. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
E. Board member Chris Robinson read a resolution of respect to the late Lionel Hayes, retired bus driver.
On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Lionel Hayes, retired bus driver. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
F. Board member Chris Robinson read a resolution of respect to the late Mary Jo Ferguson, retired paraprofessional.
On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Chris Lacour, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Mary Jo Ferguson, retired paraprofessional. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Mrs. Jessica Gauthier, SIS Coordinator, recognized the 2021 Middle Schools and High Schools Teacher of the Year winners, as follows:
Middle School Level:
Kathy Lemoine, Avoyelles High School; Elizabeth Willis, Bunkie Magnet High School; Keri Desselle, LaSAS; and Nuri Jeter, Marksville High School.
High School Level:
Abbie Manuel, Avoyelles High School; Sabrina Washington, Bunkie Magnet High School; Ward Bordelon, LaSAS; and Sheena Grote, Marksville High School.
District winners are:
Elizabeth Willis, Bunkie Magnet High School;
Abbie Manuel, Avoyelles High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Stanley Celestine, Jr. congratulated the 2021 Teacher of the Year winners.
4. Superintendent Karen Tutor recognized the Students of the Month for September. Ms. Tutor stated that board members will present a plaque to each Student of the Month at their respective school.
Ms. Tutor announced the Students of the Month at each school, as follows:
Ava Clark, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Madelyn Francois, Cottonport Elementary School; Charlotte Ponthier, Lafargue Elementary School; Evelyn St. Romain, Marksville Elementary School; Charli Guillory, Plaucheville Elementary School; Bentlee Mayeux, Riverside Elementary School; Ariana Greenhouse, Avoyelles High School; Ananise Robinson, Bunkie Magnet High School; Dayton Pennington, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Aiden Jacobs, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Stanley Celestine, Jr. commended the students on this outstanding achievement.
5. Superintendent Karen Tutor recognized the Teachers of the Month for September, as follows:
Patty Riche, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Leigh Fryery, Cottonport Elementary School; Kristy Lonidier, Lafargue Elementary School; Alexis Armand, Marksville Elementary School; Allison Lacombe, Plaucheville Elementary School; Susan Bordelon, Riverside Elementary School; Abbie Manuel, Avoyelles High School; David Dyson, Bunkie Magnet High School; Carolyn Roy, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Mia Candiloro, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Stanley Celestine, Jr. commended the teachers on this outstanding achievement.
6. Board member Robin Moreau addressed the Board with a request for funding in the amount of $500 per student for LaSAS FFA Members attending the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, in October.
On motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board approved funding in the amount of $500 per student for the eleven (11) LaSAS FFA members attending the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 28, 2021. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, addressed the Board to request approval of the Expulsion Appeal Committee’s recommendation.
Board member Rickey Adams noted that he did not have enough information on this case to make a decision on whether to expel this student or not. Others felt the same way.
On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Latisha Small, the Board agreed to go into Executive Session at approximately 5:19 p.m. to discuss the incident. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Chris Lacour, the Board reconvened in Regular Session at approximately 5:53 p.m.
A motion was made by Chris Lacour, seconded by Robin Moreau, that the Board approve the Expulsion Appeal Committee’s recommendation.
The motion was adopted by the following 5-3 vote:
AYES: Chris Lacour, Robin Moreau, Lynn Deloach, Rickey Adams, and Aimee Dupuy.
NAYS: Latisha Small, Stanley Celestine, Jr., and Chris Robinson.
8. Board member Chris Robinson addressed the Board regarding review of a Memorandum Of Understanding between Who Have You Blessed and the Avoyelles Parish School Board in regards to Bunkie Middle School facilities and property.
Assistant District Attorney Derek Manuel, legal counsel for the Board, advised that he would need a few more details regarding terms, rent, the specific in-kind services the organization is proposing to offer, etc. before finalizing the contract. The Board agreed that the facility should be used strictly for educational purposes. Bunkie Mayor Bruce Coulon also expressed his support of the organization’s efforts to benefit the youth of the community.
9. President Stanley Celestine, Jr. addressed the Board for discussion to re-evaluate whether schools should stay hybrid or not. However, this item was discussed in the most recent Education Committee Meeting and will be brought up to the full Board in the next item.
10. Chris Robinson, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT
September 21, 2021
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at 4:30 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Chris Robinson, Chairman; Lynn Deloach, Aimee Dupuy, Latisha Small; Stanley Celestine, Jr., President; Karen Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Also present were Jill Guidry, Chris Lacour, 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. Chris Robinson, chairman addressed the Education Committee with discussion of COVID plans post Hybrid.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Education Committee recommended that all public schools go back to in-person full time on October 12, 2021, pending full Board approval at the next regular Board meeting on October 5, 2021. 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.
11. Lynn Deloach, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
BUS COMMITTEE REPORT
September 21, 2021
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at approximately 4:48 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Lynn Deloach, Chairman; Chris Lacour, Robin Moreau, Stanley Celestine, Jr., President; Karen Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Rickey Adams was absent. 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.
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.
12. Aimee Dupuy, Chairwoman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
September 21, 2021
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at 4:53 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Aimee Dupuy, Chairwoman; Lynn Deloach, Robin Moreau, Latisha Small; Stanley Celestine, Jr., President; Karen Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Also present were Chris Lacour, 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. Dawn Pitre, Supervisor of Special Services, addressed the Executive Committee with a request for approval of a contract for professional or technical services between Sunbelt Staffing LLC and the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Stanley Ceslestine, Jr., the Executive Committee recommended the approval of a contract for professional or technical services between Sunbelt Staffing LLC and the Avoyelles Parish School Board
. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education, addressed the Executive Committee with a request for approval of a contract for professional or technical services between A+ Pel and the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Latisha Small, the Executive Committee recommended the approval of a contract for professional or Technical Services between A+ Pel and the Avoyelles Parish School Board
. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Chairwoman Aimee Dupuy addressed the Executive Committee with a discussion of COVID leave for Avoyelles Parish School Board employees.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Executive Committee recommended to set up an Ad Hoc Committee for this issue. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, addressed the Executive Committee with a request for approval of policies submitted by Mr. James Prescott, Jr. of Forethought Consulting, Incorporated.
Upon motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Executive Committee recommended approval of policies submitted by Mr. James Prescott, Jr. of Forethought Consulting, Incorporated, as follows:
(a) File: BH School Board Ethics
(b) File: ID Curriculum
(c) File: IDCC Kindergarten
(d) File: IDDF Education of Students with Exceptionalities
(e) File: IDDFC Cameras in Special Education Classrooms
(f) File: JBA Compulsory School Attendance Ages
(g) File: JBC School Admission
(h) File: JBCE Public School Choice
(i) File: JR Student Privacy and Education Records
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Board member Chris Lacour addressed the Executive Committee about scheduling committee meetings throughout the district.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Executive Committee recommended to begin holding the monthly committee meetings throughout the district on a rotating basis starting with the following schedule:LaSAS in November; Marksville High School in December; Avoyelles High School in January, and Bunkie Magnet High School in February. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, addressed the Executive Committee about partnering with Avoyelles Sleeves Up to come to the schools for Covid vaccinations.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Executive Committee recommended to partner with Avoyelles Sleeves Up. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Board member Chris Robinson addressed the Executive Committee regarding a discussion of the Board retreat.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
8. Board member Chris Robinson addressed the Executive Committee regarding discussion of the 10-year plan.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
9. Karen Tutor, Superintendent, addressed the Executive Committee for discussion of the Central Office Organizational Chart.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Latisha Small, the Executive Committee recommended approval of the Central Office Organizational Chart. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Aimee Dupuy, Chairwoman
Executive Committee
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairwoman Dupuy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. President Stanley Celestine, Jr. presented the following report:
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
September 21, 2021
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at approximately 5:35 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Jill Guidry, Chairperson; Aimee Dupuy, Chris Robinson; Stanley Celestine, Jr., President; Karen Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Rickey Adams 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. Mrs. Jamie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented an actual sales tax report for the month of August, 2021. She stated that sales tax collections totaled $818,716.59. Mrs. Lacombe said that, of this amount, the 1% sales tax generated $467,838.24, the 0.25% sales tax generated $116,959.23, and the building and maintenance fund generated $233,919.12.
2. Board member Robin Moreau presented the monthly maintenance report on expenditures for the Finance Committee’s review.
The Finance Committee did not take any action on this matter.
3. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the Finance Committee with a report of the General Fund for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021.
The Finance Committee did not take any action on this matter.
4. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the Finance Committee with the revised Needs Assessment Budget 2021-2022.
The Finance Committee did not take any action on this matter.
5. Jill Guidry, Chairwoman, addressed the Finance Committee for discussion of crossing guards.
On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Finance Committee recommended to inquire about crossing guards for Bunkie Magnet High School and Lafargue Elementary School. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent, addressed the Finance Committee with requests for approval of overnight travel.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Finance Committee recommended approval of overnight travel requests as presented by Assistant Superintendent Prater.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Jill Guidry, Chairwoman
Finance Committee
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by President Celestine. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
14. Robin Moreau, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
BUILDING AND LANDS COMMITTEE REPORT
September 21, 2021
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, September 21, 2021, at approximately 6:15 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; Karen Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Also present were Latisha Small, Chris Robinson, 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. Terry Wickliffe addressed the Building and Lands Committee with a discussion of the purchase of the Bunkie Middle School gymnasium.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee with a bid opening report for the Marksville High School gym.
On motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to accept the offer from Dixie Roofing. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee for discussion of the Bunkie Middle School appraisal.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
4. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee with a request to consider retaining the services of Conrad Murphy (former job superintendent for Johnson Controls) as an Energy Management Consultant.
On motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to give Conrad Murphy a 6-month trial. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Francis Keller addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding the Bunkie Middle School.
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 Chris Lacour , the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Moreau. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review.
PERSONNEL CHANGES
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Resignation of Deidra Bonton, bus driver, effective September 3, 2021.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Appointment of Mattie R. Scroggs, Title I paraprofessional, effective September 28, 2021, replacing Danika Nelson.
Appointment of Abbie C. Dunn, teacher, effective October 12, 2021 through December 17, 2021, replacing Hollie Torres while on leave.
Transfer/Appointment of Kayla Laborde, from Special Education teacher to Kindergarten teacher, effective September 1, 2021 through May 27, 2022.
Transfer/Appointment of Krystle Reynaud, from regular education teacher to Mild-Moderate Special Education teacher, effective September 1, 2021 through May 27, 2022.
Transfer/Appointment of Darien Maten, from Child Specific-Special Education to regular education paraprofessional, effective September 1, 2021.
Transfer/Appointment of Amanda L. Pizzuto, from regular education paraprofessional to Child Specific-Special Education, effective September 1, 2021.
Resignation of Theresa Miller, Kindergarten teacher, effective September 9, 2021.
Resignation of Susan Gates, Special Education teacher, effective September 24, 2021.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Change of Funding Source for Albertha Courtney, from Special Education to Pre-K District Title I paraprofessional, effective September 1, 2021.
Change of Funding Source for Rebecca Bordelon, from Title I Pre-K to School-Based Budget Media paraprofessional, effective September 1, 2021.
Change of Funding Source for Amanda Brulte’, from 8(g) Pre-K to Title I School-Based Pre-K paraprofessional, effective September 1, 2021.
Change of Funding Source for Yulonda Washington, from Title I School-Based to Title V paraprofessional, effective September 1, 2021.
Resignation of Nichole Cole, teacher, effective at the end of the day September 22, 2021.
Resignation of MaryAnn Bordelon, bus driver, effective September 23, 2021, for the purpose of retirement.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Resignation of Kimberly Meche, secretary, effective October 1, 2021.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL Appointment of Christina M. Guthrie, special education paraprofessional, effective September 22, 2021, replacing Rachael Martin.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL Transfer/Appointment of Sarah Riche, from regular education teacher to Guidance Counselor, effective August 3, 2021 through June 8, 2022.
Resignation of Stanley Andrus, bus driver, effective October 1, 2021.
Addendum(s)
10/5/2021
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Appointment of Leah D. Hataway, special education teacher, effective October 12, 2021 through May 27, 2022.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL Appointment of William B. Vanderlick, vocational agriculture teacher, effective September 28, 2021 through December 17, 2021.
16. Superintendent’s Comments: Superintendent Karen L. Tutor announced that she has completed her visits to all four high schools and AVAP, and she will begin visiting each elementary school tomorrow, October 6. She has established bi-monthly meetings to be held along with Finance Director Mary Bonnette and Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater in order to discuss any issues that come up. Superintendent Tutor is also in the process of scheduling individual meetings with each Board member to discuss any priorities or issues for their district, brainstorm thoughts and ideas, and answer any questions. On Thursday, October 7, she will sit down with the administrators of the secondary schools to discuss numbers/accountability and tracking data in student achievement. Superintendent Tutor would love to offer more options to students upon graduation, especially an Associate degree for each student. In order to accomplish this goal, ACT tests would need to be given earlier than 11th grade, and consequently, ACT preparation would also need to be started earlier, preferably in the 5th - 7th grades. This would greatly benefit all students whether they choose to attend college or join the workforce upon graduation.
Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Board regarding an update on crossing guards. One person has been hired to cover Lafargue Elementary School in the mornings and afternoons; however, an opening remains at Bunkie Magnet High School. Also, Assistant Superintendent Prater will be meeting informally tomorrow (before the Ad Hoc Committee Meeting on October 15) with Mrs. Liz Leger from Avoyelles Sleeves Up to set up a schedule for them to possibly go out to the schools to offer Covid vaccinations to the students.
There being no further business, on motion by Robin Moreau , seconded by Chris Lacour, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Stanley Celestine, Jr., President
Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent
Secretary/Treasurer