SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, May 2, 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; Lynn Deloach, Keith Lacombe, Jay Callegari, Chris Robinson, and Jill Guidry. Board member Latisha Small entered the meeting at 5:02 p.m.
Absent: Aimee Dupuy.
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 Lynn Deloach, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, and Special Board Meeting held on April 18, 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 Vice President Rickey Adams read a resolution of respect to the late Delories Mae Wilson, retired teacher.
On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Delories Mae Wilson, retired teacher. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
B. Board member Latisha Small read a resolution of respect to the late Landry Gaspard, retired agriculture teacher.
On motion by Latisha Small, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Landry Gaspard, retired agriculture teacher. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Superintendent Karen Tutor recognized the Students of the Month for April, 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:
Robert Jenkins, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Bryli Tompkins, Cottonport Elementary School; Kaylee Burlew, Lafargue Elementary School; Payton McCauley, Marksville Elementary School; Kaden Webb, Plaucheville Elementary School; Jazell Bell, Riverside Elementary School; Trista Archibeque,Avoyelles High School; Jaylen Jackson, Bunkie Magnet High School; Spencer Bordelon, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Grace Blanchard, 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 April, 2023. She commended the teachers for their dedication, and Superintendent Tutor presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:
Peggy Joshua, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Keonte Wells, Cottonport Elementary School; Linda Gagnard, Lafargue Elementary School; Rachel Miles, Marksville Elementary School; Rachael Martin, Plaucheville Elementary School; Samaria Allen, Riverside Elementary School; Carrie Kimble Avoyelles High School; Cherrie Callahan, Bunkie Magnet High School; Sarah Dupont, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Joseph Greenhouse, 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 2024 Teacher of the Year winners, as follows:
Elementary School Level:
Chrissy Grayson, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Kayla Landry, Cottonport Elementary School; Gabre Williams, Lafargue Elementary School; Melissa Bordelon, Marksville Elementary School; Michel Morgan, Plaucheville Elementary School; and William Beebe, Riverside Elementary School.
District Winner: Kayla Landry, Cottonport Elementary School
Middle School Level:
Brianna Vaccaro, Avoyelles High School; Debra Leblanc, Bunkie Magnet High School; Keri Desselle, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Lauren Flook, Marksville High School.
District Winner: Debra Leblanc, Bunkie Magnet High School
High School Level:
Jodie Melancon, Avoyelles High School; Dylan West, Bunkie Magnet High School; and Julie Humble, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences.
District Winner: Jodie Melancon, Avoyelles High School
On behalf of the Board, President Robin Moreau congratulated the 2024 Teacher of the Year winners.
6. Liza Jacobs, Principal at Marksville High School, recognized FFA students Jared Carnicle and Issac DeSoto who placed 3rd in the entire state in the State FFA Welding Contest.
7. Superintendent Karen Tutor addressed the Board to change the dates of the July Board and Committee meetings due to the July 4th holiday and a conference.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board agreed to change the July Regular Board Meeting date to Thursday, July 6, at 5:00 p.m. and the July Committee Meeting to Thursday, July 20, at 4:30 p.m. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
8. Superintendent Karen Tutor addressed the Board requesting permission to obtain proposals for Official Journal of the Board for the period of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Keith Lacombe, the Board granted permission to obtain proposals for Official Journal of the Board for the period of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Superintendent Karen Tutor addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve a pandemic relief stipend for all employees in the amount of $3000 per employee for a total cost of $2,517,952 to be paid at the end of May, 2023 from ESSER funds.
On motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Board granted approval of a pandemic relief stipend for all employees in the amount of $3000 per employee for a total cost of $2,517,952 to be paid at the end of May, 2023 from ESSER funds. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Superintendent Karen Tutor addressed the Board with proposed salary packages for the 2023-2024 school year:
(a) Mary Bonnette addressed the Board to request approval of the sales tax stipend, cost $1,018,995; available funds $1,077,397.
(b) Jessica Rachal addressed the Board to request approval of the coaches and clubs/sponsors task force lists.
(c) Superintendent Tutor addressed the Board to request approval of the Factor Adjustment.
(d) Jessica Rachal addressed the Board to request approval of a substitute teaching pay increase.
After discussion and review, the Board decided to vote on each item separately, as follows:
Item 10a: On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board approved the Sales Tax Stipend to be paid in May, 2024 $2000 each for all degreed personnel and $1000 each for all support personnel—at a total cost of $1,018, 995; available funds $1,077,397. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Item 10b was voted on as separate motions:
Item 10b, Part I—A motion was made by Chris Robinson, seconded by Jay Callegari, that the Board move the Coaches and Band Teachers Task Force List to the next Finance Committee Meeting. The motion was approved by the following 7-1 vote: YEAS: Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, Keith Lacombe, Jay Callegari, Robin Moreau, Rickey Adams, and Chris Robinson. NAYS: Jill Guidry.
After a short discussion, a motion was made by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Jill Guidry, that the Board rescind the approved motion. This motion failed by the following 4-4 vote: YEAS: Lynn Deloach, Keith Lacombe, Robin Moreau, and Jill Guidry. NAYS: Latisha Small, Jay Callegari, Rickey Adams, and Chris Robinson.
Item 10b, Part II—On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Latisha Small, the Board approved the Elementary School Clubs/Sponsors Task Force List. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Item 10b, Part III—On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Board approved the Middle and High School Clubs/Sponsors Task Force List. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Item 10c: A motion was made by Chris Robinson, seconded by Jay Callegari, that the Board move the Factor Adjustment issue to the next Executive Committee Meeting. The motion was approved by the following 7-1 vote: YEAS: Lynn Deloach, Keith Lacombe, Jay Callegari, Robin Moreau, Rickey Adams, Chris Robinson, and Jill Guidry. NAYS: Latisha Small.
Item 10d: On motion by Jay Callegari, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board approved the Substitute Teaching Pay Increase. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Wendy Marchand, Curriculum Supervisor, and Dexter Compton, Supervisor of Secondary Education, addressed the Board with a request to purchase curriculum materials and software licenses for the 2023-2024 school year.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board granted approval of the purchase of curriculum materials and software licenses for the 2023-2024 school year. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
12. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, addressed the Board to request approval of the addendum to the 2022-2023 Staple Food bid for the purpose of providing non-congregate meals this summer.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Latisha Small, the Board approved the addendum to the 2022-2023 Staple Food bid for the purpose of providing non-congregate meals this summer. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
13. Becky Spencer, Network Supervisor, addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the renewal of web filtering and security with ContentKeeper for three years, to be paid with technology funds in the amount of $61,408.86.
On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Keith Lacombe, the Board granted approval to renew web filtering and security with ContentKeeper for three years, to be paid with technology funds in the amount of $61,408.86. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
14 Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Board with request to approve Engineer Rene Borrel’s recommendation to wait on building a new FFA Camp.
On motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board hereby rejects all bids for the FFA Camp Project due to the costs being over budget. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Keith Lacombe, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board hereby discharges Borrel Engineering Services regarding the FFA Camp Project. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. Committee Reports
(a) Lynn Deloach, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
April 18, 2023
The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office with the following members present:
Lynn Deloach, Chairman; Aimee Dupuy, Jay Callegari; Robin Moreau, President; Karen Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Committee member Keith Lacombe was absent. Also present were Latisha Small, 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; supervisors and coordinators.
1. Leigh LeJeune addressed the Executive Committee with a recommendation to approve the new policy Narcan/Naloxone .
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the new policy Narcan/Naloxone. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Wendy Marchand, Curriculum Supervisor, addressed the Executive Committee with a recommendation to approve the contract between Renaissance and the Avoyelles Parish School Board, funded by Title I in the amount of $123,963.50.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the contract between Renaissance and the Avoyelles Parish School Board, funded by Title I in the amount of $123,963.50. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the Executive Committee with a recommendation to approve the APSB Audit Letter and APSB SAUP Engagement Letter.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the APSB Audit Letter and APSB SAUP Engagement Letter. 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 Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Deloach. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
(b) In the absence of Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson of the Finance Committee, President Robin Moreau presented the following report:
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
April 18, 2023
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at approximately 4:39 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 Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Committee member Rickey Adams was absent. Also present were Latisha Small, Jay Callegari, and Chris Robinson, Board members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor; Brent Whiddon, Transportation Supervisor; Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor; supervisors and coordinators.
1. Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented an actual sales tax report for the month of March, 2023. She stated that sales tax collections totaled $758,349.78. Mrs. Rachal said that of this amount, the 1% sales tax generated $433,342.74, the 0.25% sales tax generated $108,335.67, and the building and maintenance fund generated $216,671.37.
.
2. President 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, 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. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Finance Committee with requests for overnight travel.
On motion by Jill Guidry, 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.
Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson
Finance Committee
On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by President Moreau. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
(c) Rickey Adams, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
BUILDING AND LANDS COMMITTEE REPORT
April 18, 2023
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at approximately 4:50 p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office with the following members present:
Robin Moreau, President; Chris Robinson, Aimee Dupuy; Karen Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Chairman Rickey Adams and Committee member Keith Lacombe were absent. 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; supervisors and coordinators. Chairman Rickey Adams entered the Building and Lands Committee meeting at 5:09 p.m.
1. Steve Marcotte, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee with a recommendation to approve the request of the FFA Camp and Conference Center - A/E Change Order.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to see the plans and to move forward with the request of the FFA Camp and Conference Center - A/E Change Order in the amount of $8,000. The motion was carried by the following 3-1 vote:
YEAS: Robin Moreau, Chris Robinson, and Rickey Adams
NAYS: Aimee Dupuy
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 Keith Lacombe, the Board rejected 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 REPORT
April 18, 2023
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, April 18, 2023, at approximately 4:46 p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office with the following members present:
Robin Moreau, President; Chris Robinson, Latisha Small, Jill Guidry; Karen Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Chairman Keith Lacombe 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.
Robin Moreau, Board President
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.
16. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Board for approval of overnight travel requests.
On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board approved the requests for overnight travel as presented by Assistant Superintendent Prater. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
17. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review.
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Resignation of Phyllis Morris, (retiree) teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2023.
Resignation of Patricia J. Riche’, (retiree) teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2023.
Resignation of Peggy L. Joshua, (retiree) teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2023.
Resignation of Sandra Smith, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2023.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Renewal of administrative contract for Shalonda W. Berry, Principal, effective June 1, 2023 through May 31, 2025.
Resignation of Linda P. Carpenter, (retiree) teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2023.
Resignation of Stephanie Davis, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 30, 2023.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Resignation of Michele J. Mayeux, teacher, effective at the end of the day July 31, 2023, for the purpose of retirement.
Resignation of Judy Rivers, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2023.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Resignation of Yvonne S. Bassett, (retiree) teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2023.
Resignation of Yvonne Saucier, teacher, effective at the end of the day May 31, 2023, for the purpose of retirement.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL Resignation of Marion K. Lemoine, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2023.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL Renewal of administrative contract for Chuck Normand, Principal, effective June 1, 2023 through May 31, 2025.
Debra LeBlanc, (retiree) teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2023.
Resignation of David Dyson, (retiree) teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2023.
Resignation of Diana Sheppard, (retiree) teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2023.
Resignation of Cherrie A. Callahan, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2023.
Resignation of Elizabeth Willis Mayeaux, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2023.
LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES Renewal of administrative contract for Amy W. Volentine, Assistant Principal, effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Renewal of administrative contract for John Thomas Dunbar III, Interim Administrative Assistant, effective June 9, 2023 through June 8, 2024.
Resignation of Liza Jacobs, principal, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2023.
AVOYELLES VIRTUAL ALTERNATIVE
PROGRAM (AVAP) Resignation of Craig Foster, (retiree) counselor, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2023.
PUPIL APPRAISAL CENTER Resignation of Janine S. Mury, (retiree) Education Diagnostician, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2023.
Resignation of Catherine Diane Tyler, (retiree) Early Interventionist. effective at the end of the day May 30, 2023.
CENTRAL OFFICE Renewal of administrative contract for Dexter Compton, Supervisor of Secondary Education, effective June 1, 2023 through May 31, 2025.
Renewal of administrative contract for Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025.
Renewal of administrative contract for Jessica Gauthier, SIS Coordinator, effective May 8, 2023 through May 7, 2025.
Renewal of administrative contract for Rebecca J. Spencer, Network Supervisor, effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025.
ADDENDUM(S)
May 2, 2023
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING
ACADEMY Resignation of Ruby Hawkins, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2023.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Appointment of Rebecca Ivy Lemoine, Full Service Community School Coordinator (FSCSC), effective May 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Appointment of Kimberly D. Diaz, Full Service Community School Coordinator (FSCSC), effective June 6, 2023 through June 30, 2024.
Resignation of Bessie Bannister, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2023.
CENTRAL OFFICE Transfer/Appointment of Barbara Bordelon, from Central Office Receptionist to Federal Programs Secretary, effective April 24, 2023.
Transfer/Appointment of Jacqueline Brown, from Federal Programs to Accounts Payable/Finance Clerk, effective April 24, 2023.
18. Superintendent’s Comments: Superintendent Karen Tutor presented Graduation Dates to the Board. All ceremonies will be held at the Mari Center at 7:00 p.m.
May 17, 2023 - Marksville High School
May 22, 2023 – La School for the Agricultural Sciences
May 23, 2023 - Avoyelles High School
May 24, 2023 - Bunkie Magnet High School
Superintendent Tutor also announced that the Avoyelles Parish School Board’s commercial has been completed, and the 30-second clip was viewed at this time.
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