SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, May 14, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office in Marksville, Louisiana, with the following members present:
Lynn Deloach, President; Latisha Small, Keith Lacombe, Robin Moreau, Jay Callegari, Rickey Adams and Aimee Dupuy.
Absent: Vice President Jill Guidry and Chris Robinson.
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 Jay Callegari.
1. School representatives Hunter Lemoine of Avoyelles High School and Taley Price of the Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences gave updates on their respective schools.
2. Request to adopt the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, April 16, 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 Josephine Augustine Fontenot, retired school nurse.
On motion by Latisha Small, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Josephine Augustine Fontenot, retired school nurse. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
4. Superintendent Karen Tutor recognized the Students of the Month for April, 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:
Tyrann Dupree, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Tahja Forbish, Cottonport Elementary School; Avery Scallan, Lafargue Elementary School; Graylin Prier, Marksville Elementary School; Maddie Guillory, Plaucheville Elementary School; Joseph Laprairie, Riverside Elementary School; Keeaira Jones, Avoyelles High School; Reid Juneau, Bunkie Magnet High School; Xavier Young, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Brody Laborde, 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 April, 2024. She commended the teachers for their dedication, and Superintendent Tutor presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:
Phyllis Morris, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Destiny Woodall, Cottonport Elementary School; Sarah Landry, Lafargue Elementary School; Linda Voinche, Marksville Elementary School; Guy Lemoine, Plaucheville Elementary School; Brandy Laprairie, Riverside Elementary School; Melissa Mayeux, Avoyelles High School; Cherrie Callahan, Bunkie Magnet High School; William Williber, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Phillip Augustine, 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 2025 Teacher of the Year winners. Superintendent Tutor presented a plaque to each 2025 Teacher of Year, as follows:
Elementary School Level: Summer Jackson, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Sarah Armand, Cottonport Elementary School; Chantelle Hataway, Lafargue Elementary School; Natalie Scott, Marksville Elementary School; Bailey Lemoine, Plaucheville Elementary School; Susan Bordelon, Riverside Elementary School.
District Winner: Chantelle Hataway
Middle School Level: Carrie Kimble, Avoyelles High School; April Mabou, Bunkie Magnet High School; Brandy Hoyt, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Nettie Jeansonne, Marksville High School.
District Winner: Nettie Jeansonne
High School Level: Caneshia Jacob, Avoyelles High School; McKenzie Bienvenu, Bunkie Magnet High School; Khalil Roy, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Tina Anderson, Marksville High School.
District Winner: McKenzie Bienvenu
7. James Deshautelle recognized Issac Desoto and Kayleem Brown, State FFA Welding Champions, 1st place. Both students earned a $1500 scholarship to CLTCC.
8. Board Member Latisha Small recognized the Marksville High School Boys Basketball Team, State Champions.
9. Superintendent Karen Tutor recognized Huck Pias and KK Rabalais for State Champions in Javelin (track).
INFORMATION ITEMS:
10. The Sales Tax Report was presented for the month of April, 2024. Sales tax collections totaled $1,041,468.01. Of this amount, the 1% sales tax generated $595,124.69, the 0.25% sales tax generated $148,780.98, and the building and maintenance fund generated $297,562.34.
11. The monthly maintenance report on expenditures was presented.
12. The monthly General Fund 2023-2024 Year-to-Date Report with Comparisons was presented.
13. Insurance renewal update was not addressed.
14. The personnel changes were reported for the Board's review.
PERSONNEL CHANGES
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BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY |
Resignation of Peggy Joshua, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2024.
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Resignation of Ruby Hawkins, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2024.
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Resignation of Patricia J. Riche, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2024.
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Resignation of Phillis Morris, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2024.
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Resignation of Sandra A. Smith, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2024.
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COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL |
Resignation of Cicely Jacob, (part- time) Instructional Coach, effective July 19, 2024.
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Resignation of Linda P. Carpenter, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2024.
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Correction/Appointment of Randy Bazert, (retired) bus driver, effective April 1, 2024, replacing Carl Jones.
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LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL |
Resignation of Caisha Bell, teacher, effective May 31, 2024.
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Resignation of Jessie P. Rosier, teacher, effective March 30, 2024.
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Resignation of Terri Shannon, teacher, effective at the end of the day on May 28, 2024, for the purpose of retirement.
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MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL |
Resignation of Charli Hauk, teacher, effective at the end of the day on May 24, 2024.
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Resignation of Lauren G. Ducote, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2024.
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Resignation of Rachel Miles, teacher, effective June 30, 2024, for the purpose of retirement.
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Appointment of Mark P. Brevelle, (retired) custodian, effective April 23, 2024.
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PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL |
Resignation of Cicely Jacob, (part-time) Instructional Coach, effective July 19, 2024.
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Resignation of Renee Lemoine, food service technician, effective May 24, 2024, for the purpose of retirement.
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Resignation of Donna Lemoine, special education paraprofessional, effective May 9, 2024.
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RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL |
Resignation of Yvonne S. Bassett, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2024.
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AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL |
Resignation of Karen Lemoine, bus attendant, effective April 24, 2024, for the purpose of retirement.
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Resignation of Marion K. Lemoine, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day May 30, 2024.
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Resignation of Kathy M. Lemoine, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2024.
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BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL |
Resignation of Karen S. Ducote, PLATO Facilitator, effective August 1, 2024, for the purpose of retirement.
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Resignation of Cherrie Callahan, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2024.
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Resignation of Doris S. Leary, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2024.
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Resignation of David Dyson, (retired) teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2024.
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Appointment of Kevin C. Johnson, Jr., custodian, effective May 1, 2024.
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MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL |
Resignation of Christine Lyles, teacher, effective July 1, 2024, for the purpose of retirement.
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Resignation of Morgan Thornhill, teacher, effective August 1, 2024.
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AVAP |
Resignation of Craig W. Foster, (retired) homebound teacher, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2024.
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PUPIL APPRAISAL CENTER |
Resignation of Catherine D. Tyler, (retired) Early Interventionist, effective at the end of the day June 30, 2024 |
15. Board President Lynn Deloach addressed the Board to create an Ad Hoc Committee to work with the parish government on educational opportunities at the proposed complex adjacent to LaSAS. Board members Robin Moreau, Jay Callegari, and Chris Robinson were appointed to the Ad Hoc Committee.
CONSENT ITEMS:
16. Request to approve the purchase of curriculum material and professional development, funded as listed.
17. Request to approve the following revised policies: File: BC School Board Meetings and File: BBC School Board Committees.
18. Request to approve the adoption of the 2024-2025 Handbook.
19. Request to approve overnight travel requests.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board approved all four (4) consent agenda items. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
ACTION ITEMS:
20. Justin Dufour, representative with the LSU Ag Center, addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the MOU between the AgCenter (4-H Program) and the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board approved the MOU between the AgCenter (4-H Program) and the Avoyelles Parish School Board for a period of three (3) years. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
21. Dexter Compton, Supervisor of Instruction, addressed the Board with a request to approve the Career Compass - Building a Workforce: Cenla Internship Pilot Overview & District Participation Agreement 2024-2025.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Board approved the Career Compass - Building a Workforce: Cenla Internship Pilot Overview & District Participation Agreement 2024-2025. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
22. Board Member Robin Moreau presented the 2024 Needs Assessment Plan.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board approved the 2024 Needs Assessment Plan. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
23. Board Member Robin Moreau presented the 2024 Athletics Indirect Cost Plan.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Latisha Small, the Board approved the 2024 Athletics Indirect Cost Plan. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
24. Board Member Robin Moreau addressed the Board with a recommendation that the Avoyelles Parish School Board/System join the Attorney Generals Title IX lawsuit.
A motion was offered by Robin Moreau, seconded by Jay Callegari, that the Avoyelles Parish School Board/System join the Attorney Generals Title IX lawsuit. The motion was adopted by the following 6-1 vote:
YEAS: Robin Moreau, Jay Callegari, Lynn Deloach, Keith Lacombe, Rickey Adams, and Aimee Dupuy.
NAYS: Latisha Small.
25. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the bid results for Supplies, Milk, Grease Trap, and Bread.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board approved the bid results for Supplies, Milk, Grease Trap, and Bread. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
26. Jenny Welch, Food Service Supervisor, addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the cafeteria windows at Avoyelles High School in the amount of $83,960.00 and at Marksville High School in the amount of $19,030.00, funded by Food Service Construction Fund.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Keith Lacombe, the Board approved the cafeteria windows at Avoyelles High School in the amount of $83,960.00 and at Marksville High School in the amount of $19,030.00, funded by Food Service Construction Fund. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
27. Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the bid for Opengate Metal Detectors.
On motion by Latisha Small, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board approved the bids for Opengate Metal Detectors in the amount of $18,930. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
28. Mary Bonnette, Finance Director, addressed the Board with a recommendation to reject the sanitation bids.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board agreed to reject the sanitation bids. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
29. Trent Young, Transportation Manager, addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the contract between Transportation Plan to Ensure School Stability for Students in Foster Care and the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board approved the contract between Transportation Plan to Ensure School Stability for Students in Foster Care and the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
30. Ray Carlock, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the purchase of a Bus Diagnostic Computer and Software from Ross Bus Sales for $12,359.23. This diagnostic system will enable our mechanics to diagnose and fix many of the bus mechanical issues that we are presently sending to the Ross Bus Service department. Our mechanics are already familiar with the use of the system, and we will quickly see a reduction in the number of buses being sent to Ross. This will be funded out of the Transportation Budget.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board approved the purchase of a Bus Diagnostic Computer and Software from Ross Bus Sales for $12,359.23, to be funded out of the Transportation Budget. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
31. Ray Carlock, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Board with a recommendation to award the advertised HVAC bid to the low bidder, Acme Refrigeration. Several of each item will be purchased for a total of $255,022.65. This will be funded with ESSER 3 Funds.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board awarded the HVAC bid to the low bidder, Acme Refrigeration for a total of $255,022.65 to be funded with ESSER 3 Funds. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
32. Ray Carlock, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Board with a recommendation to award the advertised Water Fountains/Coolers to the low bidder, Coburns. Ten of each item will be purchased for a total of $29,000.00. This will be funded with ESSER 3 EIC Sani Funds.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Board awarded the Water Fountains/Coolers bid to the low bidder, Coburns, for a total of $29,000.00 to be funded with ESSER 3 EIC Sani Funds. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
33. Ray Carlock, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the purchase of a 2012 Ford F-250 truck for transportation from Mansura Autoplex for $17,900. This will be funded by the Transportation Budget.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Latisha Small, the Board approved the purchase of a 2012 Ford F-250 truck for transportation from Mansura Autoplex for $17,900 to be funded by the Transportation Budget. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
34. Ray Carlock, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the purchase of mini-split systems from Air Plus in Scott, LA, for Bunkie Magnet High School administration offices and the home economics area in the amount of $45,000 to be paid with ESSER 3 Funds. This price includes Davis Dacon wages and reporting. This will provide supplemental cooling to offset the decreased air flow from new rooftop units caused by old ducting.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board approved the purchase of mini-split systems from Air Plus in Scott, LA, for Bunkie Magnet High School administration offices and the home economics area in the amount of $45,000 to be paid with ESSER 3 Funds, with the price including Davis Dacon wages and reporting. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
35. Discussion and attempt to settle with claimant Dauzat.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board entered Executive Session at approximately 6:17 p.m. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Latisha Small, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board reconvened in regular session at approximately 6:24 p.m. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Rickey Adams, the Board agreed to attempt to settle the dispute as discussed in Executive Session. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
There being no further business, on motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Lynn Deloach, President