SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS

The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday. October 3, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office, in Marksville, Louisiana, with the following members present:

Robin Moreau, President; Rickey Adams, Vice-President; Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, Keith Lacombe, Jay Callegari, Chris Robinson, Jill Guidry and Aimee Dupuy.

Absent: None.

An Invocation was offered by Dexter Compton. Curriculum Supervisor

.

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America led by Board Member Keith Lacombe.

1.           On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday. September 5, 2023, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

2.           Board Vice President Rickey Adams read a resolution of respect to the late Albert Joseph Gremillion, retired speech pathologist.

On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Albert Joseph Gremillion, retired speech pathologist. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

3.           Superintendent Karen Tutor recognized the Students of the Month for September, 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:

Paris May, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Harley Poret, Cottonport Elementary School; Amelia Jeansonne, Lafargue Elementary School; Madison Holmes, Marksville Elementary School; A'Niya Francisco, Plaucheville Elementary School; Jamelle Carmouche. Riverside Elementary School; Braunson Wagner, Avoyelles Iligh School; Isabella Harrell, Bunkie Magnet High School; Austin Leblanc. Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Abigail St. Romain, Marksville High School.

On behalf of the Board, President Robin Moreau commended the students on this outstanding achievement.

0.             Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater recognized the Teachers of the Month for September, 2023. She commended the teachers for their dedication, and Superintendent Tutor presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:

Bianca Word, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Sarah Armand, Cottonport Elementary School; Holly Bordelon, Lafargue Elementary School; Judy Rivers, Marksville Elementary School; Bailey Lemoine, Plaucheville Elementary School; Shawnita Scott, Riverside Elementary School; KK Lemoine, Avoyelles High School; McKenzie Bienvenu, Bunkie Magnet High School; Angela Deville, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Tina Anderson, Marksville High School.

On behalf of the Board. President Robin Moreau commended the teachers on this outstanding achievement.

1.             Tammy Morgan with LDOE addressed the Board with a presentation of the charter renewal for Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences (LaSAS). LaSAS is a Type IV charter and we except that charter to be extended.

2.             Wendy Marchand, Curriculum Supervisor, addressed the Board with a beginning-of-the-year literacy update for grades K-3.

3.             Wendy Marchand, Curriculum Supervisor, addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the Pupil Progression Plan for 2023-2024.

On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board approved the Pupil Progression Plan for 2023-2024 as outlined by Ms. Marchand. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

4.             Superintendent Karen Tutor addressed the Board to change the dates of the November 21, 2023 Committee Meeting as well as the January 2, 2024 and April 2, 2024 Board Meetings due to holidays.

On motion by Jay Callegari, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board agreed to change the dates of meetings as follows: November 21, 2023 Committee Meeting to November 14; January 2, 2024 Regular Meeting to January 9; and April 2, 2024 Regular Meeting to April 9. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

5.             Dawn Pitre, Supervisor of Special Services, addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Electronic Information Systems (EIS) and the Avoyelles Parish School District for a three-year period, starting July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2026. The agreement covers all eligible Medicaid reimbursable services in the various school-based Medicaid programs in which the District chooses to participate.

On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board approved the MOU between Electronic Information Systems and the Avoyelles Parish School District from

July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2026, as presented by Ms. Pitre. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

4.           Superintendent Karen Tutor addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the MOU between Journey Rehab and Plaucheville Elementary School.

On motion by Latisha Small, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board approved the MOU between Journey Rehab and Plaucheville Elementary School. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

5.           Superintendent Karen Tutor addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the Vaping Settlement offer from Frantz Law Group, per previous consultation with the Board's attorneys.

On motion by Rickey Adams, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board accepted the Vaping Settlement Offer from Frantz Law Group. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

6.           Superintendent Karen Tutor addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the Marksville High School Gym sign.

On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board approved the Marksville High School Gym sign as presented by Superintendent Tutor. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

7.           COMMITTEE REPORTS

(a) Jill Guidry, Chairwoman of the Education Committee, presented the following report:

EDUCATION COMMITTEE REPORT

September 19, 2023

The Education Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at 4:46 p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office with the following members present:

Rickey Adams, Vice President; Jay Callegari, Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach; Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Chairwoman Jill Guidry and President Robin Moreau were absent. Also present were Chris Robinson, Rickey Adams, and Aimee Dupuy, Board members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor; Trent Young, Transportation Supervisor; Ray Carlock, Maintenance Supervisor; supervisors and coordinators.

1.        Donna Desoto from the Avoyelles Community Youth Coalition addressed the Education Committee with a request to approve the Avoyelles Community Youth Coalition's education program for alcohol, vaping, and opioids.

On motion by Jay Callegari, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Education Committee recommended to approve the Avoyelles Community Youth Coalition's education program for alcohol, vaping and opioids. The motion was approved by the following 2-1 vote:

YAYS: Jay Callegari and Lynn Deloach

NAYS: Latisha Small

ABSENT: Jill Guidry and Robin Moreau

2.             Dexter Compton, Curriculum Supervisor, addressed the Education Committee with an update on the ROTC program.

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

3.             Stacey Bordelon, Superintendent Secretary, addressed the Education Committee with a discussion on audit-required Board trainings on sexual harassment, cybersecurity, bullying, and ethics.

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

The Education Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

Rickey Adams, Board Vice President Education Committee

On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board adopted the Education Committee Report via consent agenda. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

(b) Lynn Deloach, Chairman of the Executive Committee, presented the following report:

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT

September 19, 2023

The Executive Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at 4:35 p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office with the following members present:

Lynn Deloach, Chairman; Aimee Dupuy, Jay Callegari; Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Committee member Keith Lacombe and President Robin Moreau were absent. Also present were Latisha Small. Rickey Adams. and Chris Robinson, Board members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor; Trent Young, Transportation Supervisor; Ray Carlock, Maintenance Supervisor; supervisors and coordinators. Latisha Small entered the Executive Committee Meeting at 4:38 p.m.

1.             Dexter Compton, Curriculum Supervisor, addressed the Executive Committee with a request to approve the MOU between Career Compass of Louisiana and the Avoyelles Parish School District.

On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the MOU between Career Compass of Louisiana and the Avoyelles Parish School District. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

2.             Dexter Compton, Curriculum Supervisor, addressed the Executive Committee with a request to approve the MOU between Career Compass Education Solutions and the Avoyelles Parish School District.

On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the MOU between Career Compass Solutions and the Avoyelles Parish School District. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

3.             Superintendent Karen Tutor addressed the Executive Committee with a request to approve the MOA between Dollywood and Plaucheville Elementary School.

On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the MOA between Dollywood and

Plaucheville Elementary School. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

4.             Superintendent Karen Tutor addressed the Executive Committee with a request to approve the MOA between Dollywood and Riverside Elementary School.

On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the MOA between Dollywood and Riverside Elementary School. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

5.             Becky Spencer, Network Supervisor, addressed the Executive Committee with a request to approve the one-year extension of the contract between Conterra and APSB for internet access to 13 sites from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025.

On motion by Jay Callegari, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Executive Committee recommended to approve the one-year extension of the contract between Conterra and APSB for internet access to 13 sites from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. 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 via consent agenda. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

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

FINANCE COMMITTEE REPORT

September 19, 2023

The Finance Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at approximately 4:30 p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office with the following members present:

Aimee Dupuy, Chairwoman; Lynn Deloach, Rickey Adams; Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Committee member Jill Guidry and President Robin Moreau were absent. Also present were Jay Callegari and Chris Robinson, Board members; Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance; Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor; Trent Young, Transportation Supervisor; Ray Carlock, Maintenance Supervisor; supervisors and coordinators.

1.             Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented an actual sales tax report for the month of August, 2023. She stated that sales tax collections totaled $896,971.90. Mrs. Rachal said that of this amount, the 1% sales tax generated $512,566.22, the 0.25% sales tax generated $128,122.58, and the building and maintenance fund generated $256,283.11.

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

2.             Chairwoman Aimee Dupuy addressed the Finance Committee regarding the maintenance report. Chairwoman Dupuy stated that she reviewed the report, but at this time while the finance department is switching over to a new system, they were unable to print the report.

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

3.             Assistant Superintendent Thelma 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.

The Finance Committee respectfully recommends the adoption of this report.

Aimee Dupuy, Chairwoman Finance Committee

On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board adopted the Finance Committee Report via consent agenda. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

(d) Rickey Adams, Chairman of the Building and Lands Committee, presented the following report:

BUILDING AND LANDS COMMITTEE REPORT

September 19, 2023

The Building and Lands Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at approximately 5:01 p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office with the following members present:

Rickey Adams, Chairman; Chris Robinson, Aimee Dupuy; Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Committee member Keith Lacombe and President Robin Moreau were absent. 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 Supervisor; Ray Carlock, Maintenance Supervisor; supervisors and coordinators.

1.             Superintendent Karen Tutor addressed the Building and Lands Committee with a discussion on donated property at 301 Cedar Street in Bunkie, La.

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 Marksville High School Gym coaches'
offices and bathroom AC projects.

On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Building and Lands Committee recommended to approve the Marksville High School Gym coaches' offices and bathroom AC projects in the amount of $13,000 funded by the Maintenance account. 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 Aimee Dupuy, the Board adopted the Building and Lands Committee Report via consent agenda. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

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

BUS COMMITTEE MEETING

September 19, 2023

The Bus Committee of the Avoyelles Parish School Board met on Tuesday, September 19, 2023, at approximately 5:10 p.m. at the Avoyelles Parish School Board Office with the following members present:

Chris Robinson, Latisha Small; Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent; and Thelma Prater, Assistant Superintendent. Chairman Keith Lacombe, Committee member Jill Guidry, and President Robin Moreau were 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 Supervisor; Ray Carlock, Maintenance Supervisor; supervisors, coordinators, and principals.

There were not enough committee members present to constitute a quorum; therefore, no meeting was held.

Keith Lacombe, Chairman

Bus Committee

14.        Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve overnight travel requests.

On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Lynn Deloach, 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                       Appointment of Regis F. Perry, STEM paraprofessional, effective September 5, 2023.

Resignation of Thomas Boudreaux, bus driver, effective September 29, 2023.

MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL                         Appointment of Bertha Claudette Lemoine, Deaf and Hard of Hearing paraprofessional, effective August 22, 2023.

Transfer/Appointment of Elydia F. Hill, from special education paraprofessional to regular school-wide paraprofessional, effective August 1, 2023.

Transfer/Appointment of Tammy Eves, from Pupil Appraisal to Financial Secretary, effective September 19, 2023.

Change funding source for Natalie C. Scott, to 100% 8(g), effective August 1, 2023.

Resignation of Jennifer Moseley, bus driver, effective September 22, 2023.

PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL                      Resignation of Sandi Yates Moreau, teacher, effective July 31, 2023.

Transfer/Appointment of Magdalene V. Gradney, teacher, from Cottonport Elementary, effective September 15, 2023 through May 24, 2023.

Appointment of Daphne E. Klingensmith, (TAT) teacher, effective September 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

Resignation of Mary Guillory, food service manager, effective May 24, 2024, for the purpose of retirement.

RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL                            Appointment of Tariq A. Sharif, Pre-K Title I teacher (TAT), effective September 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL                                 Appointment of Shauntelle D. Clark, Pre-K Title I paraprofessional, September 1, 2023.

MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL                                       Change funding source for Yvonne S. Bassett, (retired) teacher, from Title I CSR to regular program August 1, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

                                                                                   Appointment of Chalayne D. Beaubouef, social worker, effective September 12, 2023 through June 30, 2024, funded by AWARE program.

Appointment of Ashley M. Gonzales, paraprofessional, effective September 26, 2023.

Resignation of Tara Daigrepont, food service technician, effective at the end of the day August 31, 2023.

PUPIL APPRAISAL/CENTRAL OFFICE                         Appointment of Kylee A. Lemoine, Pupil Appraisal/Central Office Child Welfare and Attendance secretary, effective September 6, 2023.

CENTRAL OFFICE                                                      Appointment of Alex P. Frank, Network Administrator, effective September 12, 2023, E-Rate funding source.

Transfer/Appointment of Jacqueline Brown, from Accounts Payable Clerk to Receptionist, effective September 12, 2023.

PUPIL APPRAISAL                                                     Transfer/Appointment of Morgan T. Thornhill, from Marksville High School to part-time homebound teacher, effective September 19, 2023 through December 21, 2023.

NON-PUBLIC TITLE I                                                   Appointment of Millicent R. Arlinghaus, paraprofessional for St. Joseph and St. Mary School, effective August 29, 2023.

16.        Superintendent's Comments: Superintendent Karen L. Tutor proudly announced that Jodie Melancon, Ag Mechanics teacher at Avoyelles High School, won a $50,000 award for Teacher Excellence by Harbor Freight Tools for Schools ($35,000 for her program and $15,000 for herself). She was one of 25 winners nationwide. Upcoming Committee Meeting agendas are filling up due to many updates. Ms. Wendy Marchand announced that NFL Superbowl Star Malcolm Mitchell is making appearances at the elementary schools this week for his program "Read with Malcolm" through his Share the Magic Foundation.

17.        On motion by Jay Callegari, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board entered into Executive Session at approximately 5:50 p.m. to discuss the following:

(a)         Justin Wilkins and Kayla Carmouche, individually and on behalf of their minor child v. Avoyelles Parish School Board, 12th Judicial District Court, Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, No. 2021-9526, Div. A (Judge Kerry Spruill) Attorney Billy Wright;

(b)         Robert Smith and Camee Lemoine, individually and on behalf of their minor child v. Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, Avoyelles Parish School Board, Sandra Smith, and John Doe, 12th Judicial District Court, Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana, No. 2022-0603, Div. B (Judge William J. Bennett) Attorney Billy Wright.

On motion by Latisha Small, seconded by Keith Lacombe, the Board reconvened in open public session at approximately 6:27 p.m. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board agreed to the settlement terms as discussed in Executive Session. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

There being no further business, on motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Rickey Adams, the meeting was adjourned.

AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD Robin Moreau, President

Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent Secretary/Treasurer