SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office in Marksville, Louisiana, with the following members present:
Aimee Dupuy, President; Chris Robinson, Vice-President; Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, Chris Lacour, Robin Moreau, Stanley Celestine, Jr., and Rickey Adams.
Absent: Jill Guidry.
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 Chris Robinson.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board moved Item #8 on the agenda to #2. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Chris Lacour, the Board added an item to the agenda, Item #14 – Work Order Change for Marksville High School Gymnasium Roof repair. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
1. On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, April 5, 2022, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Dannie Garret with Strategic Planning presented the Board with visual maps and presentation of District changes regarding approval of revised school board election districts for the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
On motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board adopted a resolution to approve the revised school board election districts for the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Board member Stanley Celestine, Jr. read a resolution of respect to the late Billy James Juneau, retired music teacher.
On motion by Stanley Celestine, Jr., seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Billy James Juneau, retired music teacher. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Superintendent Karen Tutor recognized the Students of the Month for April, 2022. Superintendent Tutor presented a plaque to each student. Also, each Board member read a short biography detailing the accomplishments of each student.
The Students of the Month at each school are as follows:
Jovanni Butler, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Ke’Mondrick Prier, Cottonport Elementary School; Brooklynn Blackwell, Lafargue Elementary School; Zoey Dauzat, Marksville Elementary School; Ava Duhon, Plaucheville Elementary School; Kaizlynn Augustine, Riverside Elementary School; Amelia Lemoine, Avoyelles High School; Aaliyah Allen, Bunkie Magnet High School; J’Shaun Jacob, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Austin Gaspard, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Aimee Dupuy commended the students on this outstanding achievement.
5. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater recognized the Teachers of the Month for April, 2022. She commended the teachers for their dedication, and Superintendent Tutor presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:
Travis Armand, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Tomika Simmons, Cottonport Elementary School; Sherry Parker, Lafargue Elementary School; Linda Voinche, Marksville Elementary School; Brandy Dupont, Plaucheville Elementary School; Amber Bordelon, Riverside Elementary School; Ritzell Veade, Avoyelles High School; Lezora Danielle Moreau, Bunkie Magnet High School; Amy Pitre, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Christine Lyles, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Aimee Dupuy commended the teachers on this outstanding achievement.
6. Wendy Marchand, Data/Instructional Coordinator, recognized the 2023 Teacher of the Year winners, as follows:
Elementary School Level:
Phyllis Morris, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Kayla Landry, Cottonport Elementary School; Holly Bordelon, Lafargue Elementary School; Dannon Dauzat, Marksville Elementary School; Kara Lemoine, Plaucheville Elementary School; Yvonne Bassett, Riverside Elementary School; Reagan Lemoine, Bunkie Magnet High School; and Kyle Sarrazin, Marksville High School.
District Winner: Dannon Dauzat; Marksville Elementary School
Middle School Level:
Melanie Williams, Avoyelles High School; Cherrie Callahan, Bunkie Magnet High School; William Moreau, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Nettie Jeansonne, Marksville High School.
District Winner: Nettie Jeansonne, Marksville High School
High School Level:
Amanda Ebey, Avoyelles High School; Katelyn Hillman, Bunkie Magnet High School; Katie Green, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Science; and Jimmie Hillman, Marksville High School.
District Winner: Amanda Ebey, Avoyelles High School
On behalf of the Board, President Aimee Dupuy congratulated the 2023 Teacher of the Year winners.
7. Board Member Chris Robinson recognized the Track and Field athletes representing the district at the State Track Meet in Baton Rouge.
Avoyelles High School – Carlos Bazart and Travon Prater
Bunkie Magnet High School – Kesmond Armstrong, Huck Pias, Amarian Smith, Tanner Lemoine, Daysha Cooper, Kaylen Rabalais, and Amire Atkins.
Marksville High School – D’Corian Nelson and Avery Jackson
8. Resolution by Robin Moreau, seconded by Chris Lacour:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the following millage(s) are hereby levied on the 2022 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 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 2022, and to make a collection of taxes imposed for an 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., Rickey Adams, and Aimee Dupuy.
Nays: None.
Abstained: None.
Absent: Jill Guidry.
9. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, addressed the Board for discussion of requesting bids for Virtual Curriculum.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board approved the recommendation to bid for Virtual Curriculum for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Committee Reports
(a) Lynn Deloach, Chairman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT
April 19, 2022
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at 4:32 p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office with the following members present:
Lynn Deloach, Chairman; Chris Robinson; Aimee Dupuy, President; Karen L. Tutor , Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Committee members Rickey Adams and Latisha Small were absent. Also present were Robin Moreau and Stanley Celestine, Jr., Board members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jamie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; other supervisors and coordinators.
1. Chairman Lynn Deloach addressed the Education Committee to welcome the Student Reps from each Avoyelles Parish School. However, no Student Reps were present due to various circumstances. Nonetheless, a copy of the schools’ updates were given to each Board member for their review.
The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Lynn Deloach, Chairman
Education Committee
On motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Chris Lacour, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairman Deloach. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
(b) Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
April 19, 2022
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at 4:35 p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office with the following members present:
Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chairman; Robin Moreau, Lynn Deloach; Aimee Dupuy, President; Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Committee member Jill Guidry was absent. Also present were Chris Robinson, Board member; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jamie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; other supervisors and coordinators.
1. Superintendent Tutor addressed the Executive Committee for discussion of obtaining proposals for Official Journal of the Board for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Executive Committee recommended to grant permission to obtain proposals for Official Journal of the Board for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education, addressed the Executive Committee regarding the purchase of teacher and student licenses (and materials) for Amplify Science for grades 3-8.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the purchase of teacher and student licenses (and materials) for Amplify Science for grades 3-8. Funding source is Redesign Grant in the amount of $158,945.65. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education, addressed the Executive Committee for discussion of the purchase licenses and access (and materials) for teachers and students in grades K-8 for Tier One Curriculum iReady Classroom.
On motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the purchase licenses and access (and materials) for teachers and students in grades K-8 for Tier One Curriculum iReady Classroom. Funding source is Redesign Grant in the amount of $103,581.85. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Celeste Voinche, Supervisor of Elementary Education, addressed the Executive Committee for discussion of the contract with Renaissance for all students in the parish. This contract includes the Accelerated Reader student subscriptions, MyON student (online library) subscriptions, and training for all schools.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the contract with Renaissance for all students in the parish, including the Accelerated Reader student subscriptions, MyON student (online library) subscriptions, and training for all schools. The total cost is $119,833.12 and will be funded with Title I. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Dexter Compton, Supervisor of Secondary Education, addressed the Executive Committee regarding approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College on behalf of Louisiana State University Eunice (LSUE).
On motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the MOU between the Board of Supervisors of Louisiana State University and Agricultural and Mechanical College on behalf of Louisiana State University Eunice (LSUE). MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, addressed the Executive Committee regarding the adoption of the APSB Student Handbook and Guide for the 2022-2023 school year.
On motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the adoption of the APSB Student Handbook and Guide for the 2022-2023 school year. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Board President Aimee Dupuy addressed the Executive Committee for discussion of the Superintendent’s Evaluation Instrument.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
8. Committee member Robin Moreau addressed the Executive Committee for discussion of the meeting that was held in December with Dr. Pope, Superintendent Tutor, and the Board members about the role of school board members.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
9. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, addressed the Executive Committee regarding approval of policies submitted by Mr. James Prescott, Jr. of Forethought Consulting, Incorporated, as follows:
(a) File: BCB School Board Meeting Procedures
(b) File: BCBI Public Participation in School Board Meeting
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the policy File: BCB - School Board Meeting Procedures, submitted by Mr. James Prescott, Jr. of Forethought Consulting, Incorporated, but striking out the sentence that states: “Therefore, the School Board President and/or committee chair has the discretion to adjust the time limits to stay within this timeframe.” MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the policy File: BCBI - Public Participation in School Board Meeting, submitted by Mr. James Prescott, Jr. of Forethought Consulting, Incorporated, but adding public comments to the sentences: “No more than thirty minutes of public comments will be spent in total on an agenda item. Therefore, the School Board President and/or committee chair has the discretion to adjust the time on public comments to stay within this timeframe.” The motion was carried by the following 3-1 vote:
Yeas: Lynn Deloach, Robin Moreau, and Aimee Dupuy
Nays: Stanley Celestine, Jr.
Abstained: None.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Stanley Celestine, Jr., Chairman
Executive Committee
On motion by Stanley Celestine, Jr., seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Celestine. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
(c) Robin Moreau, Chairman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
April 19, 2022
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at approximately 5:26 p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office with the following members present:
Robin Moreau, Chairman; Stanley Celestine, Jr.; Aimee Dupuy, President; Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Committee members Rickey Adams and Jill Guidry were absent. Also present were Lynn Deloach 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. Jamie Lacombe, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented an actual sales tax report for the month of March, 2022. She stated that sales tax collections totaled $748,385.98. Mrs. Lacombe said that of this amount, the 1% sales tax generated $427,649.10, the 0.25% sales tax generated $106,912.33, and the building and maintenance fund generated $213,824.55.
The Finance Committee did not take any action on this matter.
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. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented the monthly General Fund 2021-2022 Year-to-Date Report with Comparisons.
On motion by Stanley Celestine, Jr., seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Finance Committee recommended to accept the budget revisions presented by Mrs. Bonnette. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Assistant Superintendent Thelma J. Prater addressed the Finance Committee with requests for overnight travel.
On motion by Stanley Celestine, Jr., seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the overnight travel requests. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, addressed the Finance Committee regarding approval of the BASE and Ripple SEL curriculums per attached contract for schools for the 2022-2023 school year to be purchased through ESSER E3F Funds, BASE Districtwide except in grades lower than 6 in Marksville Elementary and Plaucheville Elementary in the amount of $37,829.00 and Ripple in grades 2-5 at Marksville Elementary and Plaucheville Elementary School in the amount of $7,700.00.
On motion by Stanley Celestine, Jr., seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the BASE and Ripple SEL curriculums per attached contract for schools for the 2022-2023 school year to be purchased through ESSER E3F Funds, BASE Districtwide except in grades lower than 6 in Marksville Elementary and Plaucheville Elementary in the amount of $37,829.00 and Ripple in grades 2-5 at Marksville Elementary and Plaucheville Elementary School in the amount of $7,700.00. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Robin Moreau, Chairman
Finance Committee
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Chris Lacour, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairman Moreau. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
(d) In Chairwoman Jill Guidry’s absence, President Aimee Dupuy presented the following report:
BUILDING AND LANDS COMMITTEE REPORT
April 19, 2022
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at approximately 5:44 p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office with the following members present:
Robin Moreau, Stanley Celestine, Jr.; Aimee Dupuy, President; Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Chairwoman Jill Guidry and committee member Chris Lacour were absent. Also present were Lynn Deloach 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, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee for discussion of the proposal from Borrel Engineering for the redesign of the FFA Camp Construction Project in the amount of $13,500.00 to be funded by FFA.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Building and Lands Committee recommended to approve the proposal from Borrel Engineering for the redesign of the FFA Camp Construction Project in the amount agreed upon by Mr. Borrel in the amount of $8,500.00 funded by FFA. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee regarding approval of the bid opening report for janitorial supplies and A/C filters.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Building and Lands Committee recommended to approve the report of the bid opening for janitorial supplies and A/C filters. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee for discussion and review of bids and lease documents for Bayou Joson Section and Gin Lake Section.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., the Building and Lands Committee recommended to keep the minimum bid as is with the Gin Lake Section at approximately $37.00 per acre and the Bayou Joson Section at approximately $56.00 per acre. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Building and Lands Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Jill Guidry, Chairwoman
Building and Lands Committee
Board member Lynn Deloach requested that the Board discuss Item #3 and vote on it separately. All Board members were in agreement with this request.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Chris Lacour, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report with the exception of Item #3 as presented by President Dupuy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
A motion was made by Robin Moreau, seconded by Stanley Celestine, Jr., that the Board approve Item #3 as read. The motion was adopted by the following 7-1 vote:
YEAS: Robin Moreau, Stanley Celestine, Jr., Latisha Small, Chris Lacour, Aimee Dupuy, Chris Robinson, and Rickey Adams.
NAYS: Lynn Deloach.
(e) Rickey Adams, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
BUS COMMITTEE MEETING
April 19, 2022
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at approximately 6:02 p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office with the following members present:
Chris Robinson; Aimee Dupuy, President; Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Chairman Rickey Adams and committee member Latisha Small and Chris Lacour were absent. Also present were Lynn Deloach, Robin Moreau, and Stanley Celestine, Jr., 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.
There were not enough committee members present to constitute a quorum.
11. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review.
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING
ACADEMY Resignation of Shonitha J. Bowie, secretary, at the end of the day June 9, 2022, for the purpose of retirement.
Resignation of Peggy Joshua, teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2022.
Resignation of Phyllis Morris, teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2022.
Resignation of Stephanie Washington, food service technician, effective at the end of the day May 26, 2022, for the purpose of retirement.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL Resignation of Joel M. Tassin, teacher, at the end of the day June 30, 2022.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL Resignation of Michael Johnson, custodian, at the end of the day April 18, 2022.
AVOYELLES PUPIL APPRAISAL Change resignation date for Janine S. Mury, Educational Diagnostician, from June 8, 2022 to June 30, 2022.
12. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Board for approval of overnight travel requests.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board approved the requests for overnight travel as presented by Assistant Superintendent Prater. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. Superintendent’s Comments: Superintendent Karen L. Tutor reminded Board members that their Ethics Financial Disclosure Statements are due on May 16, 2022.
14. Superintendent Aimee Dupuy addressed the Board regarding a no-cost change order for the Marksville High School gymnasium roof project. This is only a 90-day extension to allow for the late delivery of insulation. The new substantial completion date is August 29, 2022.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board approved the no-cost change order for the Marksville High School gymnasium roof project. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Chris Lacour, the Board entered into Executive Session at approximately 5:58 p.m. to discuss pending litigation regarding unitary status, Case No. 12721, United States of America vs. Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Chris Lacour, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board reconvened in open public session at approximately 6:15 p.m. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board formally requested their attorney, District Attorney Charles Riddle III, to defend the Avoyelles Parish School Board in this suit, Case No. 12721, United States of America vs. Avoyelles Parish School Board. . MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
There being no further business, on motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Chris Lacour, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Aimee Dupuy, President
Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent
Secretary/Treasurer