SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, September 5, 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.
Rickey Adams, Vice-President joined the meeting at 5:05 p.m.
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 Aimee Dupuy.
1. On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
2. Superintendent Karen Tutor recognized the Students of the Month for August, 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:
Johntavion Green, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Kylan Vorise, Cottonport Elementary School; Annalise Andrews, Lafargue Elementary School; Brysen Greenhouse, Marksville Elementary School; Shernya Bell, Plaucheville Elementary School; Lee David Hill, Riverside Elementary School; Heath Sharp,Avoyelles High School; Shermira Bell, Bunkie Magnet High School; Trinity Francisco, 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.
3. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater recognized the Teachers of the Month for August, 2023. She commended the teachers for their dedication, and Superintendent Tutor presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:
Sandra Smith, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Keonte Wells, Cottonport Elementary School; Kristy Lonider, Lafargue Elementary School; Alexis Armand, Marksville Elementary School; Jessica Ducote, Plaucheville Elementary School; Amber Bordelon, Riverside Elementary School; Marcy Center, Avoyelles High School; Kourtny Bordelon, Bunkie Magnet High School; Jeremy Bonnette, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Dolly Rousseau, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Robin Moreau. commended the teachers on this outstanding achievement.
4. Jennifer Dismer, Child Welfare and Attendance Supervisor, addressed the Board with a request to approve the Act 393 policies File: BCBI - Public Participation in School Board Meetings and File: BCAD – Teleconference/Remote Participation in School Board Meetings.
On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Board approved the ACT 393 policy, File: BCBI - Public Participation in School Board Meetings. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Board approved the ACT 393 policy, File: BCAD – Teleconference/Remote Participation in School Board Meetings. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Jennifer Dismer, Child Welfare and Attendance Supervisor, addressed the Board with a request to approve the revised policy File: JCDAA – Student Smoking/Tobacco Use.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board approved the revised policy File: JCDAA – Student Smoking/Tobacco Use. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Amy Volentine, Testing/Media Manager, addressed the Board with a request to approve the 2023-2024 ACT MOU updated information sheet for public, charter, and non-public schools receiving state funding.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board approved the 2023-2024 ACT MOU updated information sheet for public, charter, and non-public schools receiving state funding. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
7. Wendy Marchand, Curriculum Supervisor, addressed the Board requesting approval of a Board Resolution that grants Wendy Marchand the power and authority to do all things necessary to implement, maintain, amend, or renew said documents with The Rapides Foundation.
A motion was offered by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Keith Lacombe, the Board granted Wendy Marchand the power and authority to do all things necessary to implement, maintain, amend, or renew said documents with The Rapides Foundation. The motion was approved by the following 8-1 vote:
YAYS: Aimee Dupuy, Keith Lacombe, Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, Jay Callegari, Robin Moreau, Rickey Adams, and Jill Guidry.
NAYS: Chris Robinson.
8. Wendy Marchand, Curriculum Supervisor, addressed the Board requesting approval to purchase professional development for the 2023-2024 school year.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board approved the request to purchase professional development for the 2023-2024 school year. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
9. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Board requesting approval of the Cook Center for Human Connection contract for $33,500.00 funded by AWARE Grant.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Board granted approval of the Cook Center for Human Connection contract for $33,500.00 funded by AWARE Grant. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
10. Ray Carlock, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Board requesting permission to advertise for bids on the LaSAS parking lot expansion.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board granted permission to advertise for bids on the LaSAS parking lot expansion. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
11. Ray Carlock, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Board requesting permission for the purchase and installation of two (2) air conditioning units for the Central Office at a total cost of $18,945.00 funded by ESSER II.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board granted approval of the purchase and installation of two (2) air conditioning units for the Central Office at a total cost of $18,945.00 funded by ESSER II. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
12. Committee Reports approved by Consent Agenda
(a) Jill Guidry, Chairperson of the Education Committee, presented the following report:
EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT
August 15, 2023
The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at 4:30 p.m. at Avoyelles Parish School Board with the following members present:
Jill Guidry, Chairperson; Jay Callegari, Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach; Robin Moreau, President; Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Also present were Keith Lacombe, Chris Robinson, Rickey Adams and Aimee Dupuy, Board Members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor; Trent Young, Transportation Manager; Ray Carlock, Maintenance Supervisor; supervisors and coordinators.
1. Superintendent Karen Tutor and Curriculum Supervisor Wendy Marchand addressed the Education Committee for discussion of the 3rd and 4th grade state requirements for literacy implementation and summer school.
The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Superintendent Tutor addressed the Education Committee with the released state data on master and subgroups.
The Education Committee did not take any action on this matter.
The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Jill Guidry, Chairperson
Education Committee
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report as presented by Chairperson Guidry. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
(b) Lynn Deloach, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT
August 15, 2023
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The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at 5:05 p.m. at Avoyelles Parish School Board with the following members present:
Lynn Deloach, Chairman; Aimee Dupuy, Keith Lacombe, Jay Callegari; Robin Moreau, President; Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Also present were Latisha Small, Rickey Adams, Chris Robinson and Jill Guidry, Board Members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor; Trent Young, Transportation Manager; Ray Carlock, Maintenance Supervisor; supervisors and coordinators. Jill Guidry left the Executive Committee Meeting at 5:12 p.m.
1. Superintendent Karen Tutor addressed the Executive Committee with a discussion of the enrollment report.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Committee member Jay Callegari addressed the Executive Committee for approval to have In God We Trust posters in all classrooms by 2026 as required by state law.
The Executive Committee did not take any action on this matter.
3. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Executive Committee for approval of the purchase of nine (9) Aruba switches for $16,545.54 to be paid with Technology Funds.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the purchase of nine (9) Aruba switches for $16,545.54 to be paid with Technology Funds. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Assistant Superintendent Prater addressed the Executive Committee for approval of the contract with Detel for $5,700 to be paid with Technology Funds.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the contract with Detel for $5,700 to be paid with Technology Funds. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Jennifer Dismer, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance, addressed the Executive Committee for approval of the contract between FTH Dimension Solutions and the Avoyelles Parish School Board, funded by Title IV Set Aside in the amount of $39,000.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the contract between FTH Dimension Solutions and the Avoyelles Parish School Board, funded by Title IV Set Aside in the amount of $39,000. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Assistant Superintendent Prater addressed the Executive Committee for approval of the revised job description for secretaries.
a. On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the revised job description for Central Office Secretary. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
b. On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the revised job description for Pupil Appraisal Secretary. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
c. On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the revised job description for Transportation-Maintenance Clerk. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Executive Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Lynn Deloach, Chairman
Executive Committee
Board member Chris Robinson requested that the Board vote on Item #6 separately.
On motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board adopted Items #1-5 of the Executive Committee Report as presented by Chairman Deloach. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Regarding Item #6a, the Board approved the revised job description for Central Office Secretary. The motion was approved by the following 8-1 vote:
YAYS: Lynn Deloach, Jill Guidry, Latisha Small, Keith Lacombe, Jay Callegari, Robin Moreau, and Rickey Adams.
NAYS: Chris Robinson.
Regarding Item #6b, the Board approved the revised job description for Pupil Appraisal Secretary. The motion was approved by the following 8-1 vote:
YAYS: Lynn Deloach, Jill Guidry, Latisha Small, Keith Lacombe, Jay Callegari, Robin Moreau, and Rickey Adams.
NAYS: Chris Robinson.
Regarding Item #6c, the Board approved the revised job description for Transportation-Maintenance Clerk. The motion was approved by the following 8-1 vote:
YAYS: Lynn Deloach, Jill Guidry, Latisha Small, Keith Lacombe, Jay Callegari, Robin Moreau, and Rickey Adams.
NAYS: Chris Robinson.
(c) Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson of the Finance Committee, presented the following report:
FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT
August 15, 2023
The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at approximately 5:34 p.m. at Avoyelles Parish School Board with the following members present:
Aimee Dupuy, Chairperson; Lynn Deloach, Rickey Adams; Robin Moreau, President; Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Jill Guidry was 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; Trent Young, Transportation Manager; Ray Carlock, Maintenance Supervisor; supervisors and coordinators.
1. Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented an actual sales tax report for the month of July, 2023. She stated that sales tax collections totaled $1,025,004.83. Mrs. Rachal said that of this amount, the 1% sales tax generated $585,717.18, the 0.25% sales tax generated $146,429.06, and the building and maintenance fund generated $292,858.59.
The Finance Committee did not take any action on this matter.
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2. Chairman Rickey Adams presented the monthly maintenance report on expenditures for the committee’s review.
The Finance Committee did not take any action on this matter.
3. Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor, addressed the Finance Committee for approval of the 2023-2024 Legislature Stipend.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the 2023-2024 Legislature Stipend. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor, addressed the Finance Committee for approval of the State Differentiated Compensation Funds.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Finance Committee recommended to table the State Differentiated Compensation Funds until further information is collected. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
5. Assistant Superintendent Prater, addressed the Finance Committee for approval of the revised secretary salary scale assignments.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Finance Committee recommended to approve the revised secretary salary scale assignments. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
6. Assistant Superintendent Prater addressed the Finance Committee with requests for overnight travel.
On motion by Rickey Adams, 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 Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report as presented by Chairperson Dupuy. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
(d) Rickey Adams, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:
BUILDING AND LANDS COMMITTEE REPORT
August 15, 2023
The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at approximately 5:56 p.m. at Avoyelles Parish School Board, with the following members present:
Rickey Adams, Chairman; Chris Robinson, Keith Lacombe, Aimee Dupuy; Robin Moreau, President; Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Also present were Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, and Jay Callegari, Board Members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor; Trent Young, Transportation Manager; Ray Carlock, Maintenance Supervisor; supervisors and coordinators.
A motion was offered by Robin Moreau, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, that the Building and Lands Committee add the following items to tonight’s meeting agenda: Recommendation to approve change order for cafeteria at Lafargue Elementary School cafeteria funded by ESSER Indirect Cost in the amount of $33,624.00; and Recommendation to approve the Marksville High School change order for supply and installation of an 8"-12" curb extension on the existing RTU-19A and rework the electrical above the roof only. Includes new conduit, wire and disconnect, funded by ESSER II Formula in the amount of $16,413.00. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
1. Chairman Rickey Adams addressed the Building and Lands Committee with a discussion on the Marksville Elementary School parking area.
The Building and Lands Committee did not take any action on this matter.
2. Ray Carlock, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee with a request to approve the change order for the cafeteria at Lafargue Elementary School funded by ESSER Indirect Cost in the amount of $33,624.00.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to approve the change order for cafeteria at Lafargue Elementary School Cafeteria funded by ESSER Indirect Cost in the amount of $33,624.00. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Ray Carlock, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Building and Lands Committee with a request to approve the Marksville High School change order for supply and installation of an 8"-12" curb extension on the existing RTU-19A and rework the electrical above the roof only. Includes new conduit, wire and disconnect, funded by ESSER II Formula in the amount of $16,413.00.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to approve the Marksville High School change order for supply and installation of an 8"-12" curb extension on the existing RTU-19A and rework the electrical above the roof only. Includes new conduit, wire and disconnect, funded by ESSER II Formula in the amount of $16,413.00. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Building and Lands Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.
Rickey Adams, Chairman
Building and Lands Committee
On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report as presented by Chairman Adams. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
(e) Keith Lacombe, Chairman of the Bus Committee, presented the following report:
BUS COMMITTEE REPORT
August 15, 2023
The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, August 15, 2023, at approximately 6:10 p.m. at Avoyelles Parish School Board with the following members present:
Keith Lacombe, Chairman; Chris Robinson, Latisha Small; Robin Moreau, President; Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Jill Guidry was absent. Also present were Lynn Deloach, Jay Callegari, Rickey Adams, and Aimee Dupuy, Board Members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor; Trent Young, Transportation Manager; Ray Carlock, Maintenance Supervisor; supervisors, coordinators, and principals.
1. Trent Young, Transportation Manager, presented an update report on the 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.
13. 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.
14. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater presented personnel changes for the Board’s review.
PERSONNEL CHANGES
BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING
ACADEMY Resignation of Shelley Fontenot, bus driver, effective July 31, 2023.
Appointment of Patricia Riche, (retired) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.
Appointment of Sandra A. Smith, (retired) kindergarten teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.
Appointment of Ritchie C. Johnson, teacher, effective August 23, 2023 through December 21, 2023.
Resignation of Chauncey M. Hardy, teacher, effective at the end of the day August 22, 2023.
COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Change of Status for Joseph Head, teacher, from regular education to special education resource, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.
Appointment of Linda Carpenter, (retired) special education mild-moderate teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.
Transfer/Appointment of Shelby Gash, teacher from Kindergarten special education resource to K-2 special education inclusion, effective August 1, 2023 through May 24, 2024.
Discontinuance of Active Employment Status for Kasi L. Dupuy, STEM paraprofessional, dated August 9, 2023.
Resignation of Kallie E. Evans, paraprofessional, effective at the end of the day August 9, 2023.
PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Appointment of Mandi L. Plauche, (TAT) Kindergarten teacher, effective August 13, 2023 through December 21, 2023.
Appointment of Gabrielle E. David, Autism paraprofessional, effective August 23, 2023.
Resignation of Datis J. Christophe, Sr., Behavior Interventionist paraprofessional, effective December 31, 2023, for the purpose of retirement.
MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Appointment of Kellie S. McDaniel, Home Economics paraprofessional, effective August 1, 2023.
Appointment of Judy G. Rivers, (retired) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.
Appointment of Judith E. Williams, teacher, effective August 30, 2023, through May 24, 2024.
Resignation of Ihlam Harrell, bus drive, effective August 24, 2023.
RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Appointment of Yvonne S. Bassett, (retired) Title I CSR teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.
AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL Appointment of Kathy M. Lemoine, (retired) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.
Appointment of Marion K. Lemoine, (retired) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.
Appointment of Teeonna L. Barkley, (TAT) teacher, effective August 9, 2023 through December 21, 2023.
Transfer/Appointment of Ronald Washington, from special education paraprofessional to JAG paraprofessional, effective August 1, 2023.
Transfer/Appointment of Anne Lemoine, teacher from JAG to Band teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through May 24, 2024.
BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL Appointment of Debra F. Leblanc, (retired) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.
Appointment of Elizabeth A. Willis, (retired) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.
Appointment of Doris Leary, (retired) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.
Appointment of Cherrie Callahan, (retired) self contained special education teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.
Appointment of Robert W. Robinson, Jr. , (TAT) business teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.
Appointment of Gabrielle M. Savoy, teacher, effective August 31, 2023 through December 21, 2023.
Resignation of Raylain Laurent, paraprofessional, effective at the end of the day on August 11, 2023.
MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Resignation of Paula Bordelon, Cafeteria Manager, effective August 3, 2023.
AVAP Appointment of Phyllis Morris, (retired) teacher, effective August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.
CENTRAL OFFICE Appointment of John M. Jacobs, mechanic, effective August 1, 2023.
Resignation of Chris Lemoine, Network Administrator, effective August 11, 2023.
PUPIL APPRAISAL Appointment of Laurie L. Armand, Homebound special education teacher, effective August 2, 2023 through August 8, 2023.
Appointment of Laurie L. Armand, Educational Diagnostician, effective August 9, 2023 through June 7, 2024.
ADDENDUM(s)
September 5, 2023
LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Appointment of Stacey D. Disotell, food service technician, effective September 1, 2023.
15. Superintendent’s Comments: Superintendent Karen L. Tutor announced that Strategic Plan surveys have been completed. Focus groups gathered a lot of data, and we can now put solid strategic plans in place for the future of education in the parish.
16. On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board entered into Executive Session at approximately 5:46 p.m. to discuss consideration of a legal settlement. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board reconvened in open public session at approximately 6:02 p.m. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
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