AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, March 14, 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 Jill Guidry.
1. On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, February 7, 2023, and the Special Board meeting held on Tuesday, February 28, 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 member Aimee Dupuy read a resolution of respect to the late David Kirk, custodian.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late David Kirk, custodian. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
(b) Board member Lynn Deloach read a resolution of respect to the late Muriel Gaspard, retired Title I paraprofessional.
On motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Muriel Gaspard, retired Title I paraprofessional. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
(c) Board President Robin Moreau read a resolution of respect to the late Mary Elizabeth Jackson, retired teacher.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Mary Elizabeth Jackson, retired teacher. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Superintendent Karen Tutor recognized the Students of the Month for February, 2023. Superintendent Tutor presented a plaque to each student while each Board member read a short biography detailing the accomplishments of each student.
The Students of the Month at each school are as follows:
Serenity Stevenson, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Serenity Hegger, Cottonport Elementary School; Alyssa Sayer, Lafargue Elementary School; Lainey Laborde, Marksville Elementary School; Anniston Frank, Plaucheville Elementary School; Cory Terrell, Riverside Elementary School; Ethan Rusk, Avoyelles High School; Jayla Brown, Bunkie Magnet High School; Heidi Gauthier, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Antonio (AJ) Ford, Jr., 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 February, 2023. She commended the teachers for their dedication, and Superintendent Tutor presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:
Katelyn Lavalais, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Mallory Lemoine, Cottonport Elementary School; Gabre Williams, Lafargue Elementary School; Pam Laborde, Marksville Elementary School; Lore Laborde, Plaucheville Elementary School; Aslyn Dennie, Riverside Elementary School; Lisa Breaux, Avoyelles High School; Elizabeth “Liz” Mayeaux, Bunkie Magnet High School; Tonya Gauthier, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Phillip Augustine, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Robin Moreau commended the teachers on this outstanding achievement.
5. Jessica Gauthier, SIS Coordinator, recognized the 2023 Students of the Year winners, as follows:
5th Grade: Johntavion Green, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Kierstyn Bonnette, Cottonport Elementary School; McKenzie Seastrunk, Lafargue Elementary School; Leyah Williams, Marksville Elementary School; Zoey Moreau, Plaucheville Elementary School; and Brantley Maddox, Riverside Elementary School.
*District Winner: McKenzie Seastrunk, Lafargue Elementary School.
8th Grade: Ariana Greenhouse, Avoyelles High School; Ava Webb, Bunkie Magnet High School; Demarcus Thomas, LaSAS; and Madison Ferguson, Marksville High School.
*District Winner: Demarcus Thomas, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences.
12th Grade: Seth Aucoin, Avoyelles High School; A’Myria Perry, Bunkie Magnet High School; Gabrielle Thomas, LaSAS; and Lanny Bliss, Marksville High School.
*District Winner: Gabrielle Thomas, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences.
6. Board President Robin Moreau addressed the Board regarding approval of the Superintendent’s contract. Board member Chris Robinson stated that he would prefer the superintendent have a two-year term versus a four-year term. Board members Keith Lacombe and Latisha Small agreed.
A motion was made by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Rickey Adams, that the Board approve the Superintendent’s contract as presented. The motion was adopted by the following 6-3 vote:
YEAS: Lynn Deloach, Jay Callegari, Robin Moreau, Rickey Adams, Jill Guidry, and Aimee Dupuy.
NAYS: Latisha Small, Keith Lacombe, and Chris Robinson.
7. Steve Marcotte, Supervisor of Maintenance, addressed the Board with a recommendation to open up negotiations for the FFA Camp.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board granted approval to begin negotiations for the FFA Camp in the amount of $800,000 funded by FFA Funds.
8. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Board regarding approval of the job description for mechanic.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board approved the job description for mechanic as presented.
9. Committee Reports
(a) Lynn Deloach, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
February 28, 2023
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at 4:30 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. Also present were 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. Committee Chairman Lynn Deloach addressed the Executive Committee with a discussion of the policy File: BBBE-Board Member Compensation and Expenses.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, addressed the Executive Committee regarding corrections with error in policies JDD-Suspension and JDE-Expulsion.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
3. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, addressed the Executive Committee with a request to approve the following revised policies: File: IHG Student Awards and Scholarships; and File: IKDB Graduation Exercises and Handbook Procedures, Cords and Stoles.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the revised policies as follows: File: IHG Student Awards and Scholarships; and File: IKDB Graduation Exercises and Handbook Procedures, Cords and Stoles. In IKDB the December graduation will go into effect for the 2023-2024 school year. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Board President Robin Moreau addressed the Executive Committee regarding discussion of the Superintendent’s contract renewal.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Executive Committee recommended to adopt the contract as discussed. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the Executive Committee requesting approval of the revised job description for Finance - A/P Clerk and Accounts Payable/Sales Tax Processor.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the revised job description for Finance - A/P Clerk and Accounts Payable/Sales Tax Processor. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the Executive Committee for approval of the contract with EIS Claims Services.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the contract with EIS Claims Services. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the Executive Committee for approval of the C&I ITEP Application with Great Southern Wood-LA, Inc.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Keith Lacombe, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the C&I ITEP Application with Great Southern Wood-LA, Inc. #20220447-ITE. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Superintendent Karen Tutor addressed the Executive Committee for approval of a contract with Learning.com - STEM curriculum for grades K-6 at all elementary schools.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the contract with Learning.com - STEM curriculum for grades K-6 at all elementary schools, funded by ESSER II Formula, in the amount of $21,681. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Board member Jill Guidry addressed the Executive Committee for discussion of adding SROs to all schools for the 2023-2024 school year.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
10. Committee member Jay Callegari addressed the Executive Committee regarding Louisiana Revised Statute 416:16 School Crisis Management and Response Plan Compliance.
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
Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, clarified that for Item #3, File: IHG Student Awards and Scholarships be in effect for the 2022-2023 school year; and File: IKDB Graduation Exercises and Handbook Procedures, Cords and Stoles be in effect for the 2023-2024 school year.
On motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Deloach with the correction noted by Ms. Dismer for Item #3. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
(b) Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
February 28, 2023
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at approximately 5:32 p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office with the following members present:
Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson; Jill Guidry, Lynn Deloach; Robin Moreau, President; Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent. Committee member Rickey Adams was absent. Also present were 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 January, 2023. She stated that sales tax collections totaled $1,079,726.28. Mrs. Rachal said that of this amount, the 1% sales tax generated $616,986.76, the 0.25% sales tax generated $154,246.14, and the building and maintenance fund generated $308,493.38.
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2. Chairperson Aimee Dupuy 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 a monthly General Fund 2022-2023 Year-to-Date Report with Comparisons.
The Finance Committee did not take any action on this matter.
4. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the Executive Committee for approval of the Needs Assessment Special Sales Tax Fund Budget.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the Needs Assessment Special Sales Tax Fund Budget. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the Finance Committee for approval of the 2022-2023 Budgets for Food Service and for LaSAS.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the 2022-2023 Budget for Food Service. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the 2022-2023 Budget for LaSAS. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the Finance Committee for approval of the 2022-2023 Special Revenue Fund Revised Budget.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the 2022-2023 Special Revenue Fund Revised Budget. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Blake Knoll with 1st Insurance addressed the Finance Committee regarding the Avoyelles Parish School Board Insurance Renewal timeline. Mr. Knoll stated that advertisements for insurance bids will be printed in the newspaper from March 8-27. Interested vendors will have until March 27 to pick up bid spec packets at the central office. Bid openings will be held at 1:30 p.m. on May 9. On May 23, the Finance Committee will review the insurance quotes. On June 6, the full Board will vote on the policy. The new insurance policy will take effect on July 1.
8. Committee member Jill Guidry addressed the Finance Committee for discussion of substitute pay.
The Finance Committee did not take any action on this matter.
9. Superintendent Karen Tutor addressed the Finance Committee with requests for overnight travel.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Lynn Deloach, 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 Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairperson Dupuy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
(c) Rickey Adams, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
BUILDING AND LANDS COMMITTEE REPORT
February 28, 2023
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at approximately 5:53 p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office with the following members present:
Robin Moreau, President; Chris Robinson, Keith Lacombe, Aimee Dupuy; Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent. Chairman Rickey Adams was absent. Also present were 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. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee requesting approval of the FFA Camp bid opening report.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to reject the FFA Camp bid opening report. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee requesting approval of the bid opening report for Lafargue Elementary Cafeteria Addition.
On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to approve the contract with Cenla Contracting for Lafargue Elementary Cafeteria Addition in the amount of $475,000 with an additional change order of $25,000 funded by ESSER Grants and Indirect Cost. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee requesting approval of the bid opening report for Plaucheville Elementary HVAC.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to approve the contract with Henry Electric for Plaucheville Elementary HVAC in the amount of $272,250 funded by ESSER Grants. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee requesting approval of the Professional Service Agreement with Coco & Company for Avoyelles High School and Riverside Elementary School roof and door replacement.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Keith Lacombe, the Building and Lands recommended to approve the Professional Service Agreement with Coco & Company for Avoyelles High School and Riverside Elementary School roof and door replacement in the amount of $70,200 funded by ESSER Grants and Indirect Cost. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee requesting approval of the donation of two junk school buses to Avoyelles Fire District #2 for training classes, Bus #156 and Bus #168.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to approve the donation of junk school bus #156 and #168 to Avoyelles Fire District #2. 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 Chris Robinson, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Adams. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
(d) Keith Lacombe, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
BUS COMMITTEE MEETING
February 28, 2023
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, at approximately 6:15 p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office with the following members present:
Keith Lacombe, Chairman; Chris Robinson, Jill Guidry; Robin Moreau, President; Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent. Committee member Latisha Small was absent. Also present were Lynn Deloach, Jay Callegari, and Aimee Dupuy, Board members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; 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.
Keith Lacombe, Chairman
Bus Committee
On motion by Keith Lacombe, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Board for approval of an overnight travel request.
On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board approved the request for overnight travel as presented by Assistant Superintendent Prater. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review.
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY Appointment of Morgan Moton, food service technician, effective March 9, 2023.
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Resignation of Adrian Gauthier, bus driver, effective at the end of the day February 24, 2023.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Transfer/Appointment of Raquel V. Lemoine, from special education paraprofessional to food service technician, effective February 7, 2023, replacing Pam Bordelon while on leave.
Appointment of Laney L. Jeansonne, (TAT) teacher, effective February 28, 2023 through May 30, 2023.
Appointment of Misty C. Scallan, special education paraprofessional, effective February 8, 2023, replacing Raquel V. Lemoine who transferred to food service technician.
Resignation of Pam Bordelon, food service technician, effective May 26, 2023, for the purpose of retirement.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Appointment of Bessie S. Bannister, (retired) special education teacher, effective February 28, 2023 through May 30, 2023, replacing Nicole Bordelon.
Resignation of Nicole Bordelon, special education teacher, effective at the end of the day February 10, 2023.
Resignation of Blake Brevelle, bus driver, effective February 22, 2023.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL Appointment of Abigail M. Sylvester, teacher, effective February 28, 2023 through May 30, 2023.
Appointment of Seth Goudeau, custodian, effective February 22, 2023.
Resignation of Lyndsey Juneau, teacher, effective at the end of the day February 10, 2023.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL Resignation of Richard Clark, teacher, effective at the end of the day February 6, 2023.
Addendum(s)
03-14-2023
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Appointment of Alonzo Webb, custodian, effective March 7, 2023.
12. Superintendent’s Comments: Superintendent Karen L. Tutor reminded the Board that committee meetings will be held next week as normally scheduled. The regular meeting being pushed forward one week to today caused this quick turnaround.
13. On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board entered into Executive Session at approximately 6:07 p.m. to discuss settlement of a workers compensation claim. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Latisha Small, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board reconvened in open public session at approximately 6:14 p.m. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board hereby agrees to take the advice of the Board’s attorney regarding settlement of the workers compensation claim as discussed in Executive Session. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
There being no further business, on motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Chris Robinson, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Robin Moreau, President
Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent
Secretary/Treasurer