SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session on Thursday, July 6, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office, in Marksville, Louisiana, with the following members present:

Robin Moreau, President; Latisha Small, Keith Lacombe, Jay Callegari, Chris Robinson, Jill Guidry, and Aimee Dupuy.

Absent: Vice-President Rickey Adams and Lynn Deloach.

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.

1.             On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, June 6, 2023, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

2.         State Representative Daryl Deshotel addressed the Board with an update on recent legislative funding for a one-time stipend for teachers and support personnel, air conditioning for both the Fifth Ward and Hessmer gymnasiums, and the upcoming recreational/educational complex.

3.         Wendy Marchand, Curriculum Supervisor, addressed the Board to announce the 2023-2024 District Grant for Effective Schools. This grant was awarded by the Rapides Foundation in the amount of $125,000 for instructional leadership.

4.         Dawn Pitre, Supervisor of Special Services, addressed the Board to request approval of the contract to amend/extend our services with Louisiana Autism Spectrum and Related Disabilities (LASARD) and LSU for $50,000 to be paid out of 611 Set Aside Money.

            On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Keith Lacombe, the Board approved the contract to amend/extend our services with Louisiana Autism Spectrum and Related Disabilities (LASARD) and LSU for $50,000 to be paid out of 611 Set Aside Money. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

5.         Dawn Pitre, Supervisor of Special Services, addressed the Board to request approval of the renewal contract for gifted teacher Kathryn Gorsha with Sunbelt Staffing, LLC. The only change is a request for her hours to be increased from 30 hours per week to 32 hours per week.

            On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Latisha Small, the Board approved the renewal contract for gifted teacher Kathryn Gorsha with Sunbelt Staffing, LLC, with the only change being that her hours be increased from 30 hours per week to 32 hours per week. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

6.         Dawn Pitre, Supervisor of Special Services, addressed the Board to request approval of the contract with Phil Brocato, LLC, our applied behavior specialists and line technicians who work with our teachers who teach our students with autism, funded by IDEA-B.

            On motion by Latisha Small, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board approved the contract with Phil Brocato, LLC, our applied behavior specialists and line technicians who work with our teachers who teach our students with autism, funded by IDEA-B. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

7.         Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, addressed the Board to request approval of the Healthy Louisiana Rapides Foundation Grant resolution.

            On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Board approved the Healthy Louisiana Rapides Foundation Grant resolution. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

8.         Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, addressed the Board requesting approval of the addendum to the 2023-2024 staple food bid for the purpose of providing non-congregate meals this summer. In the past five weeks, approximately 133,000 meals have been distributed to school-age children in the district.

            On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board approved the Addendum to the 2023-2024 Staple Food Bid as presented for the purpose of providing non-congregate meals this summer. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

9.         Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Board to request approval of a pandemic relief stipend for all employees, $200 per employee, for a total cost of $164,579 from LDH Safer Smarter School Grant to be paid by July 15, 2023.

            On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Latisha Small, the Board approved a one-time pandemic relief stipend for all employees for a total cost of $164,579 from LDH Safer Smarter School Grant to be paid by July 15, 2023, as well as the resolution of how these funds are to be distributed. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

10.        Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Board to request approval of the Bus Program bid from National Fleet Tracking Company in the amount of $111,684.86 in Year-1, funded by ESSER III Formula. A short discussion ensued, and a request was made for a representative from National Fleet Tracking Company to attend the next Bus Committee meeting.

            A motion was offered by Jill Guidry, seconded by Jay Callegari, that the Board approve the Bus Program bid from National Fleet Tracking Company in the amount of $111,684.86 in Year-1, funded by ESSER III Formula, pending availability of ESSER III funds. The motion was approved by the following 4-3 vote:

            YAYS:  Jill Guidry, Jay Callegari, Robin Moreau, and Aimee Dupuy.

            NAYS:  Latisha Small, Keith Lacombe, and Chris Robinson.

11.        On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board granted approval to add an item to the agenda. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

            Becky Spencer, Network Supervisor, addressed the Board with a request to approve the renewal of the Kami interactive learning platform, which is set to expire on 07/31/23.

            On motion by Latisha Small, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board approved the renewal of the Kami interactive learning platform in the amount of $13,500 to be funded by ESSER funds. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

12.        Committee Reports

(a)        Aimee Dupuy, Chairwoman of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:

FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

June 20, 2023

The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at approximately 4:30 p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office with the following members present:

            Aimee Dupuy, Chairwoman; Lynn Deloach; Robin Moreau, President; Karen Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent.  Jill Guidry and Rickey Adams were absent. 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 May, 2023. She stated that sales tax collections totaled $865,795.97. Mrs. Rachal stated that of this amount, the 1% sales tax generated $494,740.62, the 0.25% sales tax generated $123,685.05, and the building and maintenance fund generated $247,370.30.

                        The Finance Committee did not take any action on this matter.

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            2.         Chairwoman 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.         Jessica Gauthier, SIS Coordinator, addressed the Finance Committee to request approval of the EDgear contract in the amount of $93,315.75 to be funded by the General Fund.

On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the  EDgear contract in the amount of $93,315.75, funded by the General Fund. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

            4.         Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented 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 as presented. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

                                                                        Aimee Dupuy, Chairwoman

                                                                        Finance Committee

            On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Latisha Small, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairwoman Dupuy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

            (d)        In Chairman Rickey Adams’ absence, Board President Robin Moreau presented the following report:

BUILDING AND LANDS COMMITTEE REPORT

June 20, 2023

            The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at approximately 4:34 p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office with the following members present:

            Robin Moreau, President; Chris Robinson, Keith Lacombe, Aimee Dupuy; Karen Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Chairman Rickey Adams was absent.  Also present were Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, and Jay Callegari, 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 and Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Building and Lands Committee for discussion of the summer maintenance schedule. The parish administration will compile the requested information on summer projects and forward it to the Board.

                        The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.

            The Building and Lands Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

                                                                        Robin Moreau, Board President

                                                                        Building and Lands Committee

            On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by President Moreau. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

(c)        Keith Lacombe, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:

BUS COMMITTEE MEETING

June 20, 2023

            The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, June 200, 2023, at approximately 4:38 p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office with the following members present:

            Keith Lacombe, Chairman; Chris Robinson, Latisha Small; Robin Moreau, President; Karen Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Jill Guidry 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.         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 Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the Bus Committee Report as presented by Chairman Lacombe.  MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

13.        Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review.

PERSONNEL CHANGES

BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING

ACADEMY                                                                    Transfer/Appointment of Brandy B. Dupont, teacher, from Plaucheville Elementary, effective August 1, 2023 through May 24, 2024.

                                                                                    Appointment of Bianca J. Word, teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through May 24, 2024.

                                                                                    Appointment of Mary P. Robillard, teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Katelyn Lavalais, (TAT) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Peggy Joshua, (retired) kindergarten teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023

                                                                                    Appointment of Ruby Hawkins, (retired) mild moderate teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL                       Appointment of Charlotte M. Kyle, teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Brandi L. Williams, teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.         

                                                                                    Appointment of Haley L. Demars, (TAT) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Keonte R. Wells, (TAT) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Erica M. Tucker, (TAT) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Mallory C. Lemoine, kindergarten teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Sharon Smoot, (TAT) Special Education Pre-K teacher, effective August 1,2023 through December 21, 2023.

LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL                             Transfer/Appointment of Kristy L. Lonidier, from Title 1 CSR to Regular Education teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through May 24, 2024.

                                                                                    Resignation of Lisa S. Luneau, bus driver, effective at the end of the day July 31, 2023, for the purpose of retirement.

MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL                          Appointment of Brittany D. Bordelon, teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through May 24, 2024.

                                                                                    Transfer/Appointment of Courtney L. Gagnard, teacher, from Riverside Elementary, effective August 1, 2023 through May 24, 2024.

                                                                                    Appointment of Lauren Ducote, (retired) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Transfer/Appointment of Allie M. Dunn, teacher, from Lafargue Elementary, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Madyson R. Galland, (TAT) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Lindsey E. Gagnard, (TAT) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Shantel B. Massey, Autism teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Transfer/Appointment of James M. Lee, Jr., from Bunkie Magnet High, (TAT) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL                      Appointment of Madison C. Juneau, teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through May 24, 2024.

                                                                                    Appointment of Tammy L. Nation, teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Jessica L. Alexander, (TAT) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Ty Daniel Wagner, (TAT) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Tiffany B. Lewis, (TAT) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Jessika N. Smith, (TAT) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Resignation of Laney Jeansonne, teacher, effective June 6, 2023.

                                                                                    Resignation of Rachael Martin, teacher, effective August 1, 2023.

RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL                             Transfer/Appointment of Susan Bordelon, from kindergarten teacher to regular elementary teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through May 24, 2024.

                                                                                    Appointment of Amber V. Bordelon, (TAT) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Aslyn M. Dennie, (TAT) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 1, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Shawnita Scott, (TAT) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Jamie C. Farnham, Mild Moderate teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through May 24, 2024.

                                                                                    Resignation of Kayleen Jenkins, food service technician, effective at the end of the day May 30, 2023.

AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL                                         Transfer/Appointment of Scott Balius, from JAG teacher to regular education, effective August 1, 2023 through May 24, 2024.

                                                                                    Transfer/Appointment of Michelle R. Newsom, teacher, from Plaucheville Elementary, effective August 1, 2023 through May 24, 2024.

                                                                                    Appointment of Melissa N. Mayeux, (TAT) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Chet A. Broussard,(TAT) teacher,  effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Transfer/Appointment of Leah D. Ducote, from Lafargue Elementary, (TAT) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Transfer/Appointment of Brandon J. Speer, from Marksville High, teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.   

                                                                                    Transfer/Appointment of Anne Lemoine, from Band teacher to JAG teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through May 24, 2024.

                                                                                    Transfer/Appointment of Brianna P. Vaccaro, from Content Mastery to LEAP Connection/Resource teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through May 24, 2024.

                                                                                    Transfer/Appointment of Lore M. Laborde, from Plaucheville Elementary, Content Mastery teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through May 24, 2024.

                                                                                    Resignation of Seth M. Goudeau, custodian, effective at the end of the day June 8, 2023.

                                                                                    Resignation of Jacob Carruth, teacher, effective June 15, 2023.

BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL                                  Transfer/Appointment of Daniel H. Murphy, from Marksville High, teacher, effect August 1, 2023 through May 24, 2024.

                                                                                    Appointment of Jacob M. Guillory, teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through May 24, 2024.

                                                                                    Appointment of McKenzie Bienvenu, teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through May 24, 2024.

                                                                                    Appointment of David E. Dyson, (retired) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Reagan V. Lemoine, teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Misty Blanchard, teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Kathy S. Boudreaux, (TAT) Business teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Kedrick D. Vance, (TAT) Business teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Diana Sheppard, (retired) self-contained teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Resignation of Melissa S. Higginbotham, teacher, effective July 31, 2023.

LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES                                          Appointment of Bonnie LeDuc, (retired) Business teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Angela N. Deville, (retired) Content Mastery teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Transfer/Appointment of Khalil A. Roy, from Marksville High, Career/Quest Success teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Resignation of Anthony Jeansonne, teacher, effective June 9, 2023.

MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL                                        Appointment of Joshua E. Spikes, Principal, effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025, replacing Liza Jacobs.

                                                                                    Appointment of Joshua W. Harper, teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through May 24, 2024.

                                                                                    Appointment of Micki H. Johnson, teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Ritchie Johnson, teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Rebecca E. Quick, (TAT) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Morgan T. Thornhill, (TAT) teacher, effective August 1, 2023, through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Dillon M. Juneau, (TAT) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Marla Rae Dufour, (TAT) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Phillip C. Augustine, (TAT) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Transfer/Appointment of Amber M. Buckhalter, from Bunkie Magnet High School, (TAT) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Daniel J. Scully, (TAT) Business teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Appointment of Yogesh Patel, Content Mastery teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                    Resignation of Kyle Sarrazin, teacher, effective August 1, 2023.

AVOYELLES VIRTUAL AND

ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM (AVAP)                                Transfer/Appointment of Aimee C. Hayes, from SpEd teacher to School Counselor, effective July 18, 2023 through June 7, 2024.

PUPIL APPRAISAL CENTER                                         Resignation of Karen Marquardt, school psychologist, effective August 1, 2023.

CENTRAL OFFICE                                                        Appointment of Murray (Ray) E. Carlock, Supervisor of Maintenance, effective June 22, 2023 through June 21, 2025, replacing Steven Marcotte.

                                                                                    Appointment of Melvin T. Young, from teacher to Transportation Manager, effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025, replacing Brent Whiddon.

                                                                                    Appointment of Amy W. Volentine, from Assistant Principal to Media/Testing Manager, effective July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2025.

                                                                                    Appointment of Clint M. Dufour, Food Service Warehouse Technician, effective July 1, 2023.

***ADDENDUM(S)***

July 6, 2023

PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL                      Appointment of Stephanie L. Belanger, from Instructional Coach to Assistant Principal, effective July 18, 2023 through July 17, 2025.

AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL                                         Appointment of Kristin D. Lemoine, from Dean of Students to Assistant Principal, effective July 18, 2023 through July 17, 2025.

BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL                                 Transfer/Appointment of Candice L. Hardy, Assistant Principal, from Plaucheville Elementary, effective July 18, 2023 through July 17, 2025.

                                                                                    Resignation of Lisa Mayeux, teacher, effective July 31, 2023.

            14.        Superintendent’s Comments: Superintendent Karen Tutor announced that Dr. Donald Prier will be conducting a week-long robotics camp at the AVAP campus beginning July 17, 2023, for students in grades 7-9. Superintendent Tutor also recognized the new Media/Testing manager Amy Volentine, new Maintenance Supervisor Ray Carlock, and new Transportation Supervisor Trent Young.

There being no further business, on motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Jay Callegari, the meeting was adjourned.

                                                            AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD

                                                            Robin Moreau, President

                                                            Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent

                                                            Secretary/Treasurer