SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office in Marksville, Louisiana, with the following members present:
Lynn Deloach, President; Jill Guidry, Vice-President; Latisha Small, Keith Lacombe, Robin Moreau, Jay Callegari, and Chris Robinson.
Absent: Rickey Adams and 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. Student Advisory Council: Hunter Lemoine of Avoyelles High School and Taley Price of LaSAS gave updates on their respective schools.
2. On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
3. Board Member Latisha Small read a resolution of respect to the late Dean Joseph Brouillette, retired teacher.
On motion by Latisha Small, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Dean Joseph Brouillette, retired teacher. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Board Member Jill Guidry read a resolution of respect to the late Judy Ann Gagnard, retired teacher.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Judy Ann Gagnard, retired teacher. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Superintendent Karen Tutor recognized the Students of the Month for March, 2024. 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:
Zipporah Rayson, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; JaZah Savoy, Cottonport Elementary School; Cameron Whittington, Lafargue Elementary School; Ivy Ann Maricle, Marksville Elementary School; Alayah Dominick, Plaucheville Elementary School; Ah’yaliya Rowe, Riverside Elementary School; Olivia Bordelon, Avoyelles High School; Jacarvion Campbell, Bunkie Magnet High School; Tymber Skinner, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Kristin Lachney, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Lynn Deloach commended the students on this outstanding achievement.
5. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater recognized the Teachers of the Month for March, 2024. She commended the teachers for their dedication, and Superintendent Tutor presented a plaque to each teacher as follows:
Brandy Dupont, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Tomika Simmons, Cottonport Elementary School; Nikki Hataway, Lafargue Elementary School; Kenneth Ford, Marksville Elementary School; Sara Guillory, Plaucheville Elementary School; Maxine Mury, Riverside Elementary School; Ritzell Vead, Avoyelles High School; Jill Tassin, Bunkie Magnet High School; Katie Watson, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Rebecca Quick, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Lynn Deloach commended the teachers on this outstanding achievement.
6. Amy Volentine, Testing/Media Manager, recognized the 2024 Outstanding School Support Personnel as follows:
Connie Lee, paraprofessional, Cottonport Elementary School; Jennifer Bryant, secretary, Lafargue Elementary School; Troy Armand, custodian, Marksville Elementary School; Courtney Mayeux, paraprofessional, Plaucheville Elementary School; Melissa Mayeux, food service technician, Riverside Elementary School; Twanna Tyler, secretary, Avoyelles High School; Sheila Humphries, secretary, AVAP; Karen Ducote, paraprofessional, Bunkie Magnet High School; Melissa Terrell, secretary, LaSAS; Jessica Laird, paraprofessional, Marksville High School; and Bonnie Ponthier, secretary, Central Office.
Mrs. Volentine announced that the parish district winner was Twanna Tyler, Secretary, Avoyelles High School.
INFORMATION ITEMS:
7. 4- H Presentation
8. Wendy Marchand, Curriculum Supervisor, presented information to the Board regarding the upcoming Pre-K meetings to be held on April 24 at Marksville Elementary and on April 25 at Plaucheville Elementary, both beginning at 5:30 p.m.
9. Blake Knoll with First Insurance addressed the Board with an update on the upcoming insurance renewal.
10. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, addressed the Board with an update on food service.
11. The Sales Tax report was presented for the month of March, 2024. Sales tax collections totaled $816,824.99. Of this amount, the 1% sales tax generated $466,757.16, the 0.25% sales tax generated $116,689.25, and the building and maintenance fund generated $233,278.58.
12. The monthly maintenance report on expenditures was reported.
13. The monthly General Fund 2023-2024 Year-to-Date Report with Comparisons was presented.
14. Mary Bonnette, Finance Director, addressed the Board with a Grant Budget Revision.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Latisha Small, the Board agreed to revise the Grant Budget as presented by Mrs. Bonnette. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
15. Trent Young, Transportation Supervisor, addressed the Board with information about school safety.
16. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Board with information on the Stronger Connection Grant Expenditures.
17. Personnel changes were reported for the Board’s review.
PERSONNEL CHANGES
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BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY |
Renewal of administrative contract for Sharice D. Sullivan, Principal, effective June 1, 2024 through May 31, 2026. |
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Transfer/Appointment of Kortnie Dauzat, special education bus aide, from Plaucheville Elementary, effective March 19, 2024. |
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COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL |
Appointment of Randy Bazert, bus driver, effective April 1, 2024, replacing Carl Jones. |
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LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL |
Resignation of Phamy Gaspard, bus aide, effective March 14, 2024, for the purpose of retirement. |
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Appointment of Ganell Cammack, bus driver, effective April 1, 2024, replacing Sheila Laborde. |
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MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL |
Appointment of Kayla B. Abrams, Financial Secretary, effective March 21, 2024, replacing Tammy Eves. |
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Renewal of administrative contract Kimberly F. Gagnard, Principal, effective June 20, 2024 through June 19, 2026. |
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Appointment of Phillip Washington, bus driver, effective April 1, 2024, replacing Kayla Moreau. |
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PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL |
Renewal of administrative contract for Wendy Adams, Principal, effective June 1, 2024 through May 31, 2026. |
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Appointment of Paula Bordelon, bus aide, effective April 1, 2024, replacing Kortnie Dauzat. |
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RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL |
Renewal of administrative contract Tonenikea Wilson, Principal, effective June 1, 2024 through May 31, 2026. |
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Renewal of administrative contract Sarah E. Reech, Assistant Principal, effective July 19, 2024 through June 5, 2026. |
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BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL |
Transfer/Appointment of Tammy Eves, financial secretary, from Marksville Elementary, effective March 1, 2024. |
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Appointment of Braley Aymond, bus driver, effective April 1, 2024, replacing Joyce Deal. |
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LOUISIANA SCHOOL FOR THE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES |
Renewal of the administrative contract Monique H. Gaspard, Assistant Principal, effective July 19, 2024 through June 5, 2026. |
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MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL |
Transfer/Appointment of Bryant Humphrey from Assistant Principal to Interim Principal, effective April 9, 2024 through May 31, 2024. |
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Resignation of Joshua Spikes, principal, effective April 15, 2024. |
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CENTRAL OFFICE |
Renewal of administrative contract Wendy Marchand, Curriculum Supervisor, effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2026. |
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Renewal of administrative contract Dawn Pitre, Special Education Supervisor, effective June 1, 2024 through May 31, 2026. |
18. Superintendent Karen Tutor presented to the Board information regarding the 2024 Needs Assessment.
19. Superintendent Tutor addressed the Board with information on a newsletter.
CONSENT ITEMS:
20. Request to approve the Policy File: IKDB Graduation Exercises.
21. Request to approve the purchase of curriculum material and PD, funded as listed.
22. Request to approve overnight travel.
On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Board approved all three (3) consent agenda items. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
ACTION ITEMS:
23. Board President Lynn Deloach addressed the Board with a recommendation to select the Corrine Scholarship winner.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Keith Lacombe, the Board named Heidi Gauthier as the winner of the Corrine Scholarship. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
24. Board President Lynn Deloach addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the Full Board Meeting Plan to continue with one Board meeting per month on the third Tuesday of each month at 5:00 p.m.
A motion was offered by Latisha Small, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board adopted the Full Board Meeting Plan to continue with one Board meeting per month on the third Tuesday of each month at 5:00 p.m. The motion was adopted by the following 6-1 vote:
YEAS: Latisha Small, Chris Robinson, Lynn Deloach, Keith Lacombe, Jay Callegari, and Jill Guidry.
NAYS: Robin Moreau.
25. Superintendent Karen Tutor addressed the Board with a recommendation to reschedule the May 21 Board meeting to Tuesday, May 14, 2024, due to graduation.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board agreed to reschedule the May 21 Board meeting to Tuesday, May 14, 2024, due to graduation. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
26. Superintendent Karen Tutor addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve a rolling Board member on the Needs Assessment Screening Team to ensure minority representation.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Board agreed to appoint a Board member to serve on the Needs Assessment Screening Team for the remainder of this current cycle to ensure minority representation. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
27. Superintendent Karen Tutor addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the ESA Resolution.
A motion was made by Jill Guidry, seconded by Latisha Small, that the Board approve the ESA Resolution. The motion was adopted by the following 5-2 vote:
YEAS: Jill Guidry, Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach, Keith Lacombe, and Chris Robinson.
NAYS: Robin Moreau and Jay Callegari.
28. Ray Carlock, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Board with a request to award the Hessmer Gym HVAC project to the lowest bidder, which was TT Laborde Heating-Air-Electrical in the amount of $99,440.00, funded by State Appropriation Act 397.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Board awarded the Hessmer Gym HVAC project to the lowest bidder, TT Laborde Heating-Air-Electrical, for $99,440.00, funded by State Appropriation Act 397. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
29. Ray Carlock, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Board with a request to award the bid of the Fifth Ward HVAC project to ACA Air Conditioning, Heating, and Plumbing in the amount of $94,835.00, funded by State Appropriation Act 397.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Jill Guidry, the Board awarded the Fifth Ward HVAC project to ACA Air Conditioning, Heating, and Plumbing for $94,835.00, funded by State Appropriation Act 397. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
30. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the bid from Associated Food Equipment and Supplies RFP for furniture, furnishings, and services.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board approved the bid from Associated Food Equipment and Supplies RFP for furniture, furnishings, and services. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
31. This item (HVAC Equipment bids) was removed from the agenda.
32. This item (Water Fountains/Coolers bids) was removed from the agenda.
33. Ray Carlock, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the low bid of Air Plus, LLC of Scott, LA in the amount of $278,000.00 for the Riverside Elementary School and Avoyelles High School HVAC Replacement and Plumbing Project, funded by ESSER III.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board approved the low bid of Air Plus, LLC of Scott, LA in the amount of $278,000.00 for the Riverside Elementary School and Avoyelles High School HVAC Replacement and Plumbing Project, funded by ESSER-III. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
34. Ray Carlock, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the low bid of Air Plus, LLC of Scott, LA in the amount of $665,000.00 for the Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy, Lafargue Elementary School, and LaSAS HVAC Replacement and Plumbing Project, funded by ESSER-III funds.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Latisha Small, the Board approved the low bid of Air Plus, LLC of Scott, LA in the amount of $665,000.00 for the Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy, Lafargue Elementary School, and LaSAS HVAC Replacement and Plumbing Project, funded by ESSER-III. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
35. Ray Carlock, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Board with a recommendation to purchase a 2012 Ford F250 maintenance truck from Mansura Autoplex in the amount of $17,900.00, funded by the Special Maintenance fund.
On motion by Jill Guidry, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board granted approval to purchase a 2012 Ford F250 maintenance truck from Mansura Autoplex in the amount of $17,900.00, funded by the Special Maintenance fund. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
36. Superintendent Evaluation and performance stipend discussion.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Board entered into Executive Session at approximately 6:47 p.m. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Board reconvened in regular session at approximately 7:36 p.m. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Superintendent’s overall evaluation score averaged 25.12 with a rating of 3.58, which is an increase from last year’s evaluation. The Board is very pleased with Superintendent Tutor’s job performance.
There being no further business, on motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Chris Robinson, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Lynn Deloach, President
Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent
Secretary/Treasurer