SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, November 2, 2021, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office, in Marksville, Louisiana, with the following members present:
Stanley Celestine, Jr., President; Jill Guidry, Vice-President; Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, Robin Moreau, Chris Robinson, Rickey Adams, and Aimee Dupuy.
Absent: Chris Lacour.
An Invocation was offered by Board Member Robin Moreau.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America led by Board Member Latisha Small.
1. On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, October 5, 2021, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Board Member Rickey Adams read a resolution of respect to the late Louis Lemoine, retired bus driver.
On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board adopted a resolution of respect to the late Louis Lemoine, retired bus driver. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Superintendent Karen Tutor recognized the Students of the Month for October. 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:
Jo’Niyah Prince, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Kye Bergeron, Cottonport Elementary School; McKenzie Seastrunk, Lafargue Elementary School; Lillie Marcotte, Marksville Elementary School; Amelia Marcotte, Plaucheville Elementary School; Stanquajah Brue, Riverside Elementary School; Preston Barnes, Avoyelles High School; Andi Bettevy, Bunkie Magnet High School; Jon Ducote, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Zantavia Alexander, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Stanley Celestine, Jr. commended the students on this outstanding achievement.
4. Superintendent Karen Tutor recognized the Teachers of the Month for October, as follows:
Connie Ducote, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Kayla Landry, Cottonport Elementary School; Kayla Laborde, Lafargue Elementary School; Lauren Flook, Marksville Elementary School; Michelle Newsom, Plaucheville Elementary School; Karli Kelone, Riverside Elementary School; Melissa Mayeux, Avoyelles High School; Katelyn Hillman, Bunkie Magnet High School; Tracy Armand, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Rochelle Baldoz, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Stanley Celestine, Jr. commended the teachers on this outstanding achievement.
5. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Board for approval of the job description of LEA Community Project Manager. This position will be funded by the Project Aware Grant and will terminate when funds are depleted.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board approved the LEA Community Project Manager position and job description. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Superintendent Karen Tutor addressed the Board with a discussion of the Board Retreat. After a short discussion, the retreat was scheduled for Wednesday, December 1, 2021, at 4:30 p.m.
7. Board Member Robin Moreau addressed the Board with an update on the Sleeves Up program. Consent forms are going out to parents to be signed if the parents opt to allow their child to receive vaccinations at school.
8. Board Member Robin Moreau addressed the Board to discuss Item #1 of the Building and Lands Committee Report dated October 19, 2021 in regards to selling the Bunkie Middle School property as a whole or dividing the property up.
A motion was made by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jill Guidry, that the Board put up the Bunkie Middle School property for sale as a whole once appraisals (lease and purchase) are completed.
The motion was adopted by the following 5-3 vote:
AYES: Aimee Dupuy, Jill Guidry, Lynn Deloach, Robin Moreau, and Rickey Adams
NAYS: Latisha Small, Stanley Celestine, Jr., and Chris Robinson
9. Robin Moreau, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
BUILDING AND LANDS COMMITTEE REPORT
October 19, 2021
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, October 19, 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; Karen Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant 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. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee with a bid-opening report for 5.65 acres of land at Bunkie Middle School.
A motion was offered by Jill Guidry, seconded by Lynn Deloach, to table this item and discuss the possibility of selling the property as a whole at the full Board meeting on November 2, 2021. The motion carried by a vote of 4-1 as follows:
AYES: Robin Moreau, Lynn Deloach, Jill Guidry, and Chris Lacour
NAYS: Stanley Celestine, Jr.
2. Committee Member Chris Lacour, addressed the Building and Lands Committee with a discussion of running track estimates at all three high schools.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to get bids for tracks at Avoyelles High School, Bunkie Magnet High School, and Marksville High School. The motion carried by a vote of 4-1 as follows:
AYES: Robin Moreau, Lynn Deloach, Jill Guidry, and Chris Lacour
NAYS: Stanley Celestine, Jr.
3. Chairman Robin Moreau addressed the Building and Lands Committee in regards to Francis Keller and the sale of Bunkie Middle School property.
On motion by Stanley Celestine, Jr., seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Building and Lands Committee recommended that the Board get advice from Hammond & Sills on the MOU/Rental Agreement.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Rickey Adams, Board member, addressed the Building and Lands Committee about using timesheets for contractors.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
5. Chairman Robin Moreau addressed the Building and Lands Committee with a discussion of school improvement projects including ESSER-funded projects.
On motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to move forward with air conditioning and doors at Marksville Elementary School with a $950,000 CAP using ESSER funds.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Chairman Robin Moreau addressed the Building and Lands Committee with a discussion of the FFA Camp.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Chris Lacour, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to get new bids for the FFA Camp with revisions.
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 Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Moreau. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Chris Robinson, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT
October 19, 2021
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at 6:00 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, 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. Committee Member Lynn Deloach addressed the Education Committee in regards to Rocky’s Tool Box Anti-Litter Campaign for grades K - 6.
The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Chairman Chris Robinson addressed the Education Committee with an update on PBIS Incentives.
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 Jill Guidry, 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
October 19, 2021
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at approximately 6:12 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Lynn Deloach, Chairman; Rickey Adams, Robin Moreau; Stanley Celestine, Jr., President; Karen Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Chris Lacour 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 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, Chairperson of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
October 19, 2021
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at 6:24 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson; Lynn Deloach, Robin Moreau, Latisha Small; Karen Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Chris Lacour and Stanley Celestine, Jr., President, were absent. Also present were 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. Chairperson Aimee Dupuy addressed the Executive Committee with a report of information from the meeting held on October 15, 2021 with Avoyelles Sleeves Up.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Chairperson Aimee Dupuy addressed the Executive Committee with an update on ESSER plans.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
3. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Executive Committee for approval of a contract with TPG for sanitization of all parish schools.
On motion by Latisha Small, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Executive Committee recommended to accept the bid total of $104,542.00 with TPG for sanitization of all parish schools.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson
Executive Committee
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairperson Dupuy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. Jill Guidry, Chairperson of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
October 19, 2021
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, at approximately 6:45 p.m. at the School Board Office with the following members present:
Jill Guidry, Chairperson; Rickey Adams, Aimee Dupuy, Chris Robinson; Karen Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Chris Lacour and Stanley Celestine, Jr., President, were 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 September, 2021. She stated that sales tax collections totaled $833,462.48. Mrs. Lacombe said that of this amount, the 1% sales tax generated $476,264.36, the 0.25% sales tax generated $119,065.94, and the building and maintenance fund generated $238,132.18.
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. Mrs. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented to the Finance Committee a monthly General Fund 2021-2022 year-to-date report with comparisons.
The Finance Committee did not take any action on this matter.
4. Mrs. Jenny Welch, Supervisor of Food Service, presented to the Finance Committee the Close-Out Budget for Food Service for the 2020-2021 year.
The Finance Committee did not take any action on this matter.
5. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Finance Committee with requests for overnight travel.
On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the overnight travel requests.
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.
14. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review.
PERSONNEL CHANGES
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Appointment of Candace J. Guidroz, teacher, effective October 12, 2021 through May 27, 2022.
Appointment of Brandy Lemoine Hoyt, teacher, effective October 19, 2021 through May 27, 2022.
15. Superintendent Karen Tutor announced that this month’s committee meetings will be held at LaSAS on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, beginning at 4:30 p.m. Work agreements will now be utilized for all new hires - these agreements will specify the job title, salary, start date, work schedule, and other important factors. Superintendent Tutor happily reported that all of her school visits have been completed. The implementation of ACT Jump Start along with plans for the data tracker are being finalized as well as a plan to support the teachers in this process to make this initiative a success. In terms of opportunities for high school students, Mr. Dexter Compton, Supervisor of Secondary Education, is working on vocational options for graduates, such as associate degrees, technical college opportunities, National Guard, etc. The state of Louisiana has partnered with Reach University, which helps schools get their teachers and paraprofessionals certified. There are several options being offered, and federal funds are available to cover the $75 per month costs once accepted into the program. Instruction will occur two days per week during the school year (time in the classroom does count as credit), and the schedule is self-paced during the summer. Classes begin on January 18, 2022. Graduates will be contractually obligated to give five (5) years of service to the Avoyelles Parish School System upon completion.
There being no further business, on motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris Robinson, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Stanley Celestine, Jr., President
Karen Tutor, Superintendent
Secretary/Treasurer