SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office in Marksville, Louisiana, with the following members present:
Robin Moreau, President; Rickey Adams, Vice-President; Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, Keith Lacombe, Jay Callegari, Chris Robinson, Jill Guidry, and Aimee Dupuy.
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 Jay Callegari.
1. On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. A. Board President Robin Moreau read a resolution of respect to the late Calvin Bordelon, retired assistant principal.
On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Calvin Bordelon, retired assistant principal. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
B. Board member Aimee Dupuy read a resolution of respect to the late Dorothy Ann Augustine Rogers, retired special education teacher.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Dorothy Ann Rogers, retired special education teacher. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
C. Board Vice President Rickey Adams read a resolution of respect to the late Brent Peter Scallan, retired assistant principal.
On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Chris Robinson. the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Brent Peter Scallan, retired assistant principal. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Superintendent Karen Tutor recognized the Students of the Month for January,
2023. Mrs. 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:
JaNiya Rideaux, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Seth Normand, Cottonport Elementary School; Brogan Viola, Lafargue Elementary School; Broc Bordelon, Marksville Elementary School; Nyveanna Judge, Plaucheville Elementary School; Zoey Austin, Riverside Elementary School; Harmony Tassin, Avoyelles High School; John David Smith, Bunkie Magnet High School; Demarcus Thomas, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Mijanae Simon, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Robin Moreau commended the students on this outstanding achievement.
4. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater recognized the Teachers of the Month for January, 2023. She commended the teachers for their dedication, and Superintendent Tutor presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:
Connie Ducote, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Linda Carpenter, Cottonport Elementary School; Chantelle Hataway, Lafargue Elementary School; Hope Dupuy, Marksville Elementary School; Avery Lemoine, Plaucheville Elementary School; William Beebe, Riverside Elementary School; Jodi Melancon, Avoyelles High School; Kourtny Bordelon, Bunkie Magnet High School; Bonnie Leduc, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Emile Celestine, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Robin Moreau commended the teachers on this outstanding achievement.
5. Wendy Marchand, Curriculum Supervisor, recognized the 2023 New Teacher of the Year winners. Superintendent Tutor presented a plaque to each 2023 New Teacher of Year, as follows:
Kayla Lachney, Marksville Elementary School; Allison Lacombe, Plaucheville Elementary School; Allyn Ducote, Avoyelles High School; Kimberly Phillips, Bunkie Magnet High School; and Sheena Grote, Marksville High School.
District Winner: Allison Lacombe, Plaucheville Elementary School.
6. Superintendent Tutor addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the School Board Member Training Resolution.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board approved the School Board Member Training Resolution. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Superintendent Tutor recognized the 2022 Certified School Board Member Designation, as follows: Aimee Dupuy and Chris Robinson.
8. Superintendent Tutor recognized the Distinguished School Board Member Designation for the 2019-2022 school board term, as follows: Stanley Celestine, Jr. and Aimee Dupuy.
9. Superintendent Tutor addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve a contract with Bonton Media. Examples of the proposed media were presented.
A motion was made by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jill Guidry, that the Board approve a contract with Bonton Media for recruiting commercials, visual media for webpage, drone footage, and corporate headshots for a total of $38,500.00, to be funded by ESSER Recruitment and Retention Funds. The motion was adopted by the following 8-1 vote:
YEAS: Aimee Dupuy, Jill Guidry, Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, Keith Lacombe, Robin Moreau, Jay Callegari, and Rickey Adams.
NAYS: Chris Robinson.
10. Becky Spencer, Network Supervisor, addressed the Board with a request to approve a contract between SCHOOLinSITES and the Avoyelles Parish School Board for a new webpage.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board approved a contract between SCHOOLinSITES and the Avoyelles Parish School Board for a new webpage at a cost of $26,570 for the first year, with the annual renewal cost of $20,555, to be funded by the Technology Fund. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Wendy Marchand, Curriculum Supervisor, addressed the Board with a request to approve a contract with the Center for Literacy & Learning for personnel training.
On motion by Jill Guidry. seconded by Latisha Small, the Board approved a contract with the Center for Literacy & Learning for the state-required Science of Reading training for all K-3 personnel, to be funded by ESSER III Incentive. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Board regarding the job description for the Full Service Community School Coordinator (FSCS) position at Plaucheville Elementary School and Riverside Elementary School.
On motion by Jay Callegari, seconded by Keith Lacombe, the Board approved the job description for the Full Service Community School Coordinator (FSCS) position at Plaucheville Elementary School and Riverside Elementary School, to be funded by the Orchard Foundation (FSCS Grant). MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, addressed the Board to request approval of a contract with Palmer Hamilton to redesign the high school cafeterias.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board approved a full design contract with Palmer Hamilton for a total of $11,500.00 to redesign the following school cafeterias: Marksville High School, LaSAS, Bunkie Magnet High School, and Avoyelles High School, to be funded with School Food Services Funds. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
14. Mary Bonnette, Finance Director, addressed the Board regarding the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for shared services of a computer programmer for the existing financial system.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Keith Lacombe, the Board approved the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement for shared services of a computer programmer for the existing financial system, with our share of the cost being $23,750.00 funded with General Funds. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. Board member Chris Robinson addressed the Board regarding a monthly mileage expense update on the Superintendent's contract.
The Board did not take any action on this matter.
16. Committee Reports
(a) Jill Guidry, Chairperson of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT
January 17, 2023
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office with the following members present:
Jill Guidry, Chairperson; Jay Callegari, Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach; Robin Moreau, President; Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Also present were Keith Lacombe, Chris Robinson, Rickey Adams, and Aimee Dupuy, Board members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; other supervisors and coordinators.
1. Board member Chris Robinson addressed the Education Committee with a detailed list of Black History functions at each school campus which he received from Superintendent Tutor prior to the meeting.
The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Committee member Lynn Deloach addressed the Education Committee with a discussion on graduation locations.
The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Jill Guidry, Chairperson
Education Committee
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairperson Guidry. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
(b) Lynn Deloach, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
January 17, 2023
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at 4:34 p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office with the following members present:
Lynn Deloach, Chairman; Aimee Dupuy, Keith Lacombe, Jay Callegari; Robin Moreau, President; Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Also present were Latisha Small, Rickey Adams, Chris Robinson, and Jill Guidry, Board members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; other supervisors and coordinators.
1. Wendy Marchand, Curriculum Supervisor, addressed the Executive Committee requesting approval of services with Instructure for Mastery Connect Professional Development Virtual Session.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Executive Committee recommended to approve services with Instructure for Mastery Connect Professional Development Virtual Session, to be funded by Title II in the amount of $5,000.00. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Wendy Marchand, Curriculum Supervisor, addressed the Executive Committee requesting approval of services with Instructure for Mastery Connect Professional Development On-Site Workshop.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Executive Committee recommended to approve services with Instructure for Mastery Connect Professional Development On-Site Workshop, to be funded by Title II in the amount of $7,000.00. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Dawn Pitre, Supervisor of Special Services, addressed the Executive Committee requesting approval of a contract for Professional or Technical Services between Deaf Education Network LA, LLC and the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Keith Lacombe, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the contract for Professional or Technical Services between Deaf Education Network LA, LLC and the Avoyelles Parish School Board, to be funded by the General Fund, not to exceed $300,000.00. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Becky Spencer, Network Supervisor, addressed the Executive Committee regarding a contract for E-rate Category 2 services with DETEL for the 2023-2026 funding year.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the contract for E-rate Category 2 services with DETEL for the 2023-2026 funding year. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, addressed the Executive Committee requesting approval of a new policy submitted by Forethought Consulting, Inc., regarding employee use of social media.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the new policy submitted by Mr. James Prescott, Jr. of Forethought Consulting, Incorporated, as follows: File: EFFA Employee Use of Social Media. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Board member Chris Robinson addressed the Executive Committee for discussion of vaping on school campuses.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
7. Superintendent Karen Tutor addressed the Executive Committee with a request to participate in a class action lawsuit regarding vaping.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the request to participate in the class action lawsuit regarding vaping. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Superintendent Tutor addressed the Executive Committee with a recommendation to clarify the SLT performance stipend.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Lynn Deloach, Chairman
Executive Committee
On motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Deloach. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
(c) Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
January 17, 2023
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at approximately 5:25 p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office with the following members present:
Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson; Jill Guidry, Lynn Deloach, Rickey Adams; Robin Moreau, President; Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Also present were Latisha Small, Jay Callegari, Keith Lacombe, and Chris Robinson, Board members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; other supervisors and coordinators.
1. Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented an actual sales tax report for the month of December, 2022. She stated that sales tax collections totaled $779,156.40. Mrs. Rahcal said that of this amount, the 1% sales tax generated $445,232.25, the 0.25% sales tax generated $111,308.03, and the building and maintenance fund generated $222,616.12.
2. Committee member Rickey Adams 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, addressed the Finance Committee with the monthly General Fund 2022-2023 Year-to-Date Report with Comparisons.
The Finance Committee did not take any action on this matter.
4. Douglas Burke of Kolder, Slaven & Company addressed the Finance Committee with a presentation of the 2021-2022 Financial Audit Report.
The Finance Committee did not take any action on this matter.
5. Assistant Superintendent Prater addressed the Finance Committee with requests for overnight travel.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the overnight travel requests. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson
Finance Committee
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairperson Dupuy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
(d) Rickey Adams, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
BUILDING AND LANDS COMMITTEE REPORT
January 17, 2023
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at approximately 5:44 p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office with the following members present:
Rickey Adams, Chairman; Chris Robinson, Keith Lacombe, Aimee Dupuy; Robin Moreau, President; Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Also present were Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, Jay Callegari, and Jill Guidry, Board members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; other supervisors and coordinators.
1. Superintendent Karen Tutor addressed the Building and Lands Committee with a recommendation to approve the demolition of the ag building at the Fifth Ward Community Center as an in-kind service for $20,000.00.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to approve the demolition of the ag building at the Fifth Ward Community Center as an in-kind service for $20,000.00. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee requesting permission to advertise for bids on janitorial supplies, paint and paint products, light bulbs and ballasts, and air condition filters for the 20232024 school year.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Keith Lacombe, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to approve the request to advertise for bids on janitorial supplies, paint and paint products, light bulbs and ballasts, and air condition filters for the 2023-2024 school year. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Building and Lands Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Rickey Adams, Chairman
Building and Lands Committee
On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Adams. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
(e) Keith Lacombe, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
BUS COMMITTEE MEETING
January 17, 2023
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at approximately 5:51 p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office with the following members present:
Keith Lacombe, Chairman; Chris Robinson, Latisha Small, Jill Guidry; Robin Moreau, President; Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Also present were Lynn Deloach, Jay Callegari, Rickey Adams, and Aimee Dupuy, Board members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; other supervisors, coordinators, and principals.
1. 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.
Keith Lacombe. Chairman
Bus Committee
On motion by Keith Lacombe, seconded by Latisha Small, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
17. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Board for approval of overnight travel requests.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board approved the requests for overnight travel as presented by Assistant Superintendent Prater. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
18.. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board's review.
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY Appointment of Alazia A. Patterson, Title I school-wide paraprofessional, effective January 10, 2023.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Resignation of Fredrick Dossman, custodian, effective at the end of the day January 20, 2023, for the purpose of retirement.
Resignation of Morgan Moton, food service technician, effective February 1, 2023.
Appointment of Madyson R. Galland, (TAT) teacher, effective January 31, 2023 through May 30, 2023.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Resignation of Mysherie A. Johnson, teacher, effective at the end of the day January 27, 2023.
Resignation of Tina Venable, bus aide, effective at the end of the day January 31, 2023.
Appointment of Kortnie D. Dauzat, bus attendant, effective January 31, 2023.
Appointment of Ty D. Wagner, (TAT) teacher, effective February 8, 2023 through May 30, 2023.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Resignation of Irene F. Strong, custodian, effective March 4, 2023, for the purpose of retirement.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL Resignation of Heather Wilson, bus driver, effective at the end of the day January 31, 2023.
Change appointment status of Marion K. Lemoine, (retired) teacher, from part time to full time, effective January 5, 2023 through May 30, 2023.
Change appointment status of Scott Balius from administrative assistant to JAG teacher, effective January 5, 2023 through May 30, 2023.
Appointment of Jacob G. Carruth, teacher, effective February 1, 2023 through May 30, 2023.
Resignation of Meegan M. Diaville, paraprofessional, effective February 2, 2023.
Resignation of Angel Armand, paraprofessional, effective February 16, 2023.
Resignation of Morgan Primeaux, teacher, effective at the end of the day January 16, 2023.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL Appointment of James M. Lee, Jr., (TAT) business teacher, effective January 24, 2023 through May 30, 2023.
Transfer/Appointment of Sheila McGlory, food service technician, from Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy, effective January 17, 2023.
Appointment of Thomas Broussard, custodian, effective February 1, 2023.
CENTRAL OFFICE Resignation of Wanda G. Christophe, sales tax clerk, effective August 23, 2023, for the purpose of retirement.
Renewal of administrative contract for Jennifer B. Welch, Supervisor of Food Service, effective March 24, 2023 through March 23, 2025.
Renewal of administrative contract for Brent W. Whiddon, Supervisor of Transportation, effective March 23, 2023 through March 22, 2025.
19. Superintendent's Comments: Superintendent Karen Tutor requested that all board members provide copies of their training certificates to Stacey Bordelon, secretary. The initial Needs Assessment questionnaires will go out tomorrow. Categories are Instructional, Athletics, Capital Outlay (for items greater than $20,000), and Facilities (for items less than $20,000). Enrollment numbers from October 1, 2022, and February 1, 2023, were provided. These numbers serve as the basis of MFP funding. A press conference will be held this week to announce the Orchard Foundation's U.S. Dept. of Education Grant which was awarded to Plaucheville Elementary School and Riverside Elementary School. This grant will be used to transform both schools into full-service community schools.
20. On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board entered into Executive Session at approximately 6:34 p.m. to discuss a workers compensation claim. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Board convened in open public session at approximately 6:43 p.m. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Latisha Small, seconded by Keith Lacombe, the Board hereby agrees to settle the workers compensation claim as discussed in Executive Session. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
There being no further business, on motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Robin Moreau, President
Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent Secretary/Treasurer