SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office in Marksville, Louisiana, with the following members present:
Robin Moreau, President; Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, Keith Lacombe, Jay Callegari, Chris Robinson, Jill Guidry, and Aimee Dupuy.
Absent: Rickey Adams, Vice-President.
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 Lynn Deloach, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, March 14, 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 Rene’ Chiocchi Corley, retired teacher.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Rene’ Chiocchi Corley, retired teacher. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
B. Board member Keith Lacombe read a resolution of respect to the late Joanne Gremillion Taylor, retired special education paraprofessional.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Joanne Gremillion Taylor, retired special education paraprofessional. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Superintendent Karen L. Tutor recognized the Students of the Month for March, 2023. 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:
Romanaski Williams, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Ada Simon, Cottonport Elementary School; Raela Carter, Lafargue Elementary School; Camellia Bonnette, Marksville Elementary School; Maleeha Desselles, Plaucheville Elementary School; Breonna Stelly, Riverside Elementary School; Jabari Woods, Avoyelles High School; Huxley Pias, Bunkie Magnet High School; Dayton Pennington, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Hasna Mohamad, 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 March, 2023. She commended the teachers for their dedication, and Superintendent Tutor presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:
LeAnn Dukes, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Katelyn Snyder, Cottonport Elementary School; Valerie Bordelon, Lafargue Elementary School; La Lisa Scallan, Marksville Elementary School; Sydney Newton, Plaucheville Elementary School; Susan Bordelon, Riverside Elementary School; Corey Bannister, Avoyelles High School; Danielle Moreau, Bunkie Magnet High School; William Moreau, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Ashley Gonzales, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Robin Moreau commended the teachers on this outstanding achievement.
5. Board Member Lynn Deloach addressed the Board to request approval of revised policy BBBE – Board Member Compensation and Expenses, commencing after the approval of this motion.
On motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Board approved revised policy BBBE – Board Member Compensation and Expenses. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Becky Spencer, Network Supervisor, addressed the Board to request approval of the Middle School Learning.com Curriculum, funded by ESSER II in the amount of $7,786.70.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board approved the Middle School Learning.com Curriculum, funded by ESSER II in the amount of $7,786.70. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Dexter Compton, Supervisor of Instruction, addressed the Board to request approval of the ROTC contract.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Latisha Small, the Board approved the ROTC contract. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Assistant Superintendent Prater presented an update on the 2022 Needs Assessment to the Board.
9. Superintendent Tutor addressed the Board to request approval of the 2023 Needs Assessment.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Keith Lacombe, the Board approved the 2023 Needs Assessment. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Board Member Chris Robinson addressed the Board with a recommendation to eliminate unused hotspots within the district.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Latisha Small, the Board agreed to eliminate most unused hotspots within the district. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Board to request approval of the bid opening committee report for janitorial supplies, a/c filters, paint and paint supplies for the 2023-2024 school year.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board approved the bid opening committee report for janitorial supplies, a/c filters, paint and paint supplies for the 2023-2024 school year. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Board to request approval of the FFA Camp and Conference Center – A/E Change Order.
On motion by Keith Lacombe, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board tabled this item and will address it at the next Building and Lands Committee Meeting and will request Mr. Rene Borrel’s attendance as well. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. Committee Reports
(a) Lynn Deloach, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
March 21, 2023
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office with the following members present:
Lynn Deloach, Chairman; Keith Lacombe, Jay Callegari; Robin Moreau, President; Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Committee member Aimee Dupuy was absent. Also present were Latisha Small and Rickey Adams, Board members; Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; supervisors and coordinators.
1. Chairman Lynn Deloach addressed the Executive Committee with a recommendation to approve the revised Board Policy BBBE – Board Member Compensation and Expenses.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the revised Board Policy BBBE – Board Member Compensation and Expenses with the following revisions: Any board member exceeding three (3) unexcused absences per year shall, therefore, forfeit $100 per absences; Stipulation of excused absences being the death of an immediate family member, hospitalization of the School Board member or an immediate family member, surgery of the School Board member or an immediate family member, official school business, official work business, and any other excused absence approved by the Board President, Vice President, and Executive Chairman. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, addressed the Executive Committee with a recommendation to approve the new policies submitted by Mr. James Prescott, Jr. of Forethought Consulting, Incorporated, as follows: File: JDD - Suspension and File: JDE – Expulsion.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Keith Lacombe, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the new policy submitted by Mr. James Prescott, Jr. of Forethought Consulting, Incorporated, as follows: File: JDD - Suspension. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Robin Moreau, 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: JDE - Expulsion. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, addressed the Executive Committee with a recommendation to approve the 2023-2024 proposed school calendar.
On motion by Keith Lacombe, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the 2023-2024 proposed school calendar. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor, addressed the Executive Committee with a recommendation to approve the Audit bid opening report.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Keith Lacombe, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the Audit bid opening report. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Dana Bordelon, Special Services Secretary, addressed the Executive Committee with a recommendation to approve the IDEMIA Extension to Maintenance and Support Agreement, funded by the General Fund in the amount of $2,060.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the IDEMIA Extension to Maintenance and Support Agreement, funded by the General Fund in the amount of $2,060. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, addressed the Executive Committee with a request for permission to bid for milk, supplies, produce, and staple goods.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Keith Lacombe, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the request to bid for milk, supplies, produce, and staple goods. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, addressed the Executive Committee with a request to approve the 2023-2024 extended contracts for the bread company, the grease trap company, and the garbage disposal company.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the 2023-2024 extended contracts for the bread company, the grease trap company, and the garbage disposal company. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Lynn Deloach, Chairman
Executive Committee
On motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Deloach. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
(b) Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
March 21, 2023
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at approximately 5:12 p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office with the following members present:
Robin Moreau, President; Lynn Deloach, Rickey Adams; Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Chairperson Aimee Dupuy and Committee member Jill Guidry were absent. Also present were Latisha Small, Jay Callegari, and Keith Lacombe, Board members; Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; supervisors and coordinators.
A motion was offered by Rickey Adams, seconded by Lynn Deloach, that the Finance Committee add an item to tonight’s meeting agenda: Recommendation to approve a contract between Xerox and Pupil Appraisal Center for a 5-year lease on a copier. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
1. Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented an actual sales tax report for the month of February, 2023. She stated that sales tax collections totaled $776,419.04. Mrs. Rachal said that of this amount, the 1% sales tax generated $443,668.06, the 0.25% sales tax generated $110,916.95, and the building and maintenance fund generated $221,834.03.
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2. Rickey Adams, Building & Lands Committee Chairman, presented the monthly maintenance report on expenditures for the committee’s review.
The Finance Committee did not take any action on this matter.
3. Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented the monthly General Fund 2022-2023 Year-to-Date Report with Comparisons.
The Finance Committee did not take any action on this matter.
4. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Finance Committee with a recommendation to approve Budget Revision ESSER Funds.
On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the Budget Revision ESSER Funds. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Superintendent Karen L. Tutor addressed the Finance Committee for discussion on the Needs Assessment Update.
The Finance Committee did not take any action on this matter.
6. Board member Jay Callegari addressed the Finance Committee for discussion of raising the pay for baseball and softball coaches to the same as other major sports, a small stipend for middle school coaches that are currently on volunteer status, and raising the stipends for cheer and danceline coaches.
The Finance Committee did not take any action on this matter.
7. Assistant Superintendent Prater addressed the Finance Committee with requests for overnight travel.
On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the overnight travel requests. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Dawn Pitre, Supervisor of Special Services, addressed the Finance Committee to request approval of the contract between Xerox and the Pupil Appraisal Center for a 5-year lease on a copier, funded by IDEA in the amount of $1,992.72 per year.
On motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the contract between Xerox and the Pupil Appraisal Center for a 5-year lease on a copier, funded by IDEA in the amount of $1,992.72 per year. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Robin Moreau, President
in the absence of 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) President Robin Moreau, in the absence of Chairman Rickey Adams, presented the following report:
BUILDING AND LANDS COMMITTEE REPORT
March 21, 2023
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at approximately 5:36 p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office with the following members present:
Rickey Adams, Chairman; Keith Lacombe; Robin Moreau, President; Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Committee members Chris Robinson and Aimee Dupuy were absent. Also present were Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, and Jay Callegari, Board members; Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; supervisors and coordinators.
1. Chairman Rickey Adams addressed the Building and Lands Committee with a recommendation to limit the FFA Camp negotiations to 60 days.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Keith Lacombe, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to approve the request to limit FFA Camp negotiations to 60 days. 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 Jill Guidry, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by President Moreau. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
(d) Keith Lacombe, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
BUS COMMITTEE REPORT
March 21, 2023
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at approximately 5:37 p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office with the following members present:
Keith Lacombe, Chairman; Latisha Small; Robin Moreau, President; Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Committee members Chris Robinson and Jill Guidry were absent. Also present were Lynn Deloach, Jay Callegari, and Rickey Adams, Board members; 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 Latisha Small, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman Lacombe. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
14. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Board for approval of overnight travel requests.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board approved the requests for overnight travel as presented by Assistant Superintendent Prater. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review.
PERSONNEL CHANGES
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Resignation of Joel Desselle, (retired) teacher, effective April 7, 2023.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Resignation of Caitlin St. Romain, teacher, effective at the end of the day March 31, 2023.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Resignation of Jennifer Barbry, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 30, 2023, for the purpose of retirement.
Change Appointment Date for Misty C. Scallan, special education paraprofessional, from February 8, 2023 to March 8, 2023.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL Change Appointment Date for Seth Goudeau, custodian, from February 22, 2023 to March 14, 2023.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Appointment of Cassaundra K. Gifford, teacher, effective March 28, 2023 through May 30, 2023, replacing Logan Cheek.
Resignation of Logan R. Cheek, teacher, at the end of the day effective March 13, 2023.
CENTRAL OFFICE Change of Status for Bonnie Ponthier, from Finance Clerk to Accounts Payable/Sales Tax Processor, effective March 15, 2023.
Resignation of Brent W. Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2023, for the purpose of retirement.
16. Superintendent’s Comments: Superintendent Karen L. Tutor reminded Board members of the upcoming Opioid Symposium to be held at the Mari Center. She also announced that Child Identification Kits will be distributed to all students in grades K-5. Production is currently filming at the schools for our upcoming commercials. The high school advertisement should be completed by the end of April or beginning of May. Headshots of staff members are currently in process. Several logos for the school district are being worked on—besides official paperwork, these logos will be used on stickers, magnets, etc. to promote our school system and its values. Lastly, Superintendent Tutor requested that a short full Board meeting be held prior to the committee meetings next week (starting at 4:00 p.m. or 4:15 p.m.) for scholarship selections.
17. On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board entered Executive Session at approximately 6:10 p.m. to discuss the Muscle Lake right of way. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Latisha Small, seconded by Keith Lacombe, the Board reconvened in open public session at approximately 6:21 p.m. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board hereby agrees to purchase a 25-foot right of way on the northern boundary of the property in dispute, not to exceed $4,000.00. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
There being no further business, on motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Robin Moreau, President
Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent
Secretary/Treasurer