SCHOOL BOARD PROCEEDINGS
The Avoyelles Parish School Board met in regular session on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. at the School Board Office in Marksville, Louisiana, with the following members present:
Rickey Adams, President; Robin Moreau, Vice President; Latisha Small, Lynn Deloach,
Jay Callegari, Chris Robinson, and Aimee Dupuy.
Absent: Keith Lacombe and Jill Guidry.
An Invocation was offered by Dexter Compton, Supervisor of Curriculum.
The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States of America led by Board member Latisha Small.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board adopted the minutes of the regular Board meeting held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, as printed and mailed to Board members and published in The Weekly News, official journal of the Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Board President Rickey Adams addressed the Board with a request to add Item #49 (purchase of Follett) and Item #50 (multiuse community facilities project) to the agenda.
On motion by Jay Callegari, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board approved to add Item #49 and Item #50 to the agenda. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Board member Aimee Dupuy read a resolution of respect to the late Mary Gail Aymond Bordelon, retired teacher.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board adopted the resolution of respect to the late Mary Gail Aymond Bordelon, retired teacher. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Superintendent Karen Tutor recognized the Students of the Month for March, 2025, and 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:
Saylor Davis, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Kain Odom, Cottonport Elementary School; Abigail Rabalais, Lafargue Elementary School; Ruby Drouin, Marksville Elementary School; Demi Bordelon, Plaucheville Elementary School; Jamelle Carmouche, Riverside Elementary School; Akira Jenkins, Avoyelles High School; Rylie Clark, Bunkie Magnet High School; Triston Kyle, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Majdia Rivas, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Rickey Adams commended the students on this outstanding achievement.
Assistant Superintendent Thelma J. Prater recognized the Teachers of the Month for March, 2025. She commended the teachers for their dedication, and Superintendent Tutor presented a plaque to each teacher, as follows:
Micaela Drouin, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Nicki Pierite, Cottonport Elementary School; Holly Bordelon, Lafargue Elementary School; Rayne Sellers, Marksville Elementary School; Jessika Smith, Plaucheville Elementary School; Susan Bordelon, Riverside Elementary School; Leah Ducote, Avoyelles High School; Dylan West, Bunkie Magnet High School; Guy Lemoine, Louisiana School for the Agricultural Sciences; and Yogesh Patel, Marksville High School.
On behalf of the Board, President Rickey Adams commended the teachers on this outstanding achievement.
Amy Volentine, Testing/Media Manager, recognized the 2025 Students of the Year as follows:
5th Grade: Zoey Lavalais, Bunkie Elementary Learning Academy; Colby Joshua, Cottonport Elementary School; Kenley Dupuis, Lafargue Elementary School; Georgia Gagnard, Marksville Elementary School; Troy Belanger, Jr., Plaucheville Elementary School; Gracie Lemoine, Riverside Elementary School.
*District Winner: Georgia Gagnard, Marksville Elementary School
8th Grade: Kirstyn Hudson, Avoyelles High School, Kade Fogelman, Bunkie Magnet High School, Abby Tassin, LaSAS, and Deliliah Gonzales, Marksville High School.
*District Winner: Abby Tassin, LaSAS
12th Grade: Preston Barnes, Avoyelles High School; John David Smith, Bunkie Magnet High School; Joscelyn Nicholas, LaSAS; and Jayla Wilson, Marksville High School.
*District Winner: John David Smith, Bunkie Magnet High School
Board President Rickey Adams recognized Superintendent Karen Tutor for being named Region 6 Superintendent of the Year and presented her with a plaque for her exceptional service.
INFORMATION ITEMS:
Jessica Gauthier, Student Information Manager, presented an update on Dibels middle of the year benchmarks as well as the ACT 422 update.
Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor, presented the sales tax report for the month of March, 2025. Sales tax collections totaled $818,672.26. Of this amount, the 1% sales tax generated $467,812.32, the 0.25% sales tax generated $116,953.79, and the building and maintenance fund generated $233,906.15.
The monthly maintenance report on expenditures was presented.
Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented the monthly General Fund 2024-2025 Year-to-Date Report with Comparisons.
Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater reported the following personnel changes for the Board’s review.
PERSONNEL CHANGES
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BUNKIE ELEMENTARY LEARNING ACADEMY |
Resignation of Megan Moses, food service technician, effective at the end of the day March 18, 2025. |
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COTTONPORT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL |
Transfer/Appointment of Kenneth A. Ford, Adaptive Physical Education Teacher, from Marksville Elementary School, effective March 18, 2025 through May 27, 2026, replacing Bradley Moreau. |
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LAFARGUE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL |
Resignation of Lisa Russell, special education teacher, effective May 30, 2025, for the purpose of retirement. |
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MARKSVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL |
Transfer/Appointment of Jonathan Landry, physical education teacher, effective March 20, 2025, replacing Kenneth Ford. |
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PLAUCHEVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL |
Resignation of Lisa Deshautelle, teacher, effective April 2, 2025, for the purpose of retirement. |
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RIVERSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL |
Resignation of Eola Bazert, bus driver, effective April 2, 2025. |
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AVOYELLES HIGH SCHOOL |
Resignation of Mary Lorraine Ducote, bus driver, effective May 27, 2025, for the purpose of retirement. |
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BUNKIE MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL |
Renewal of administrative contract for Chuck Normand, Principal, effective June 1, 2025 through May 31, 2027. |
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MARKSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL |
Appointment of Paulette G. Daigrepont, food service technician, effective March 28, 2025. |
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AVOYELLES VIRTUAL AND ALTERNATIVE PROGRAM (AVAP) |
Renewal of administrative contract for Shalonda W. Berry, behavioral health personnel, effective July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2027. |
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PUPIL APPRAISAL |
Resignation of Catherine Lemoine, IEP Facilitator and Transition Coordinator, effective May 28, 2025, for the purpose of retirement. |
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CENTRAL OFFICE |
Renewal of administrative contract for Murray (Ray) Carlock, Maintenance Supervisor, effective June 22, 2025 through June 21, 2027. |
Dexter Compton, Supervisor of Curriculum, presented an update on the Summer Student Internship Program.
CONSENT ITEMS:
Request to approve the revised policies as follows:
File: IHF – Graduation Requirements
File: IDCI – College/University Dual Enrollment
File: JS – Student Fees, Fines, and Charges
File: JCDAE – Electronic Telecommunication Devices
Request to approve the renewal of Nagios, our network monitoring software, for the 2025-2026 school year in the amount of $5,311.80 to be paid with technology funds.
Request to approve the contract for the 2025-2029 WAN and internet access contract with Conterra, now including the additional site for Mansura Middle School.
Request to renew Learning.com, our STEM curriculum for the 2025-2026 school year, for all six elementary schools to be paid with Title II funds.
Request to approve to advertise as RFP for the 2025-2028 Cybersecurity grant.
Request to approve the 2025-2026 Avoyelles Parish School District’s Parent and Family Engagement Policy.
Request to approve the purchase of curriculum material and PD, funded as listed.
Request for permission to rebid bread and non-hazardous waste for the School Food Service.
Request to approve replacing windows in the Cottonport Elementary Cafeteria and upgrade window to wall packs, the total job not to exceed $63,500 to be paid out of School Food Service Fund 135.
Request to approve the contract with Cook Center for Human Connection for content creation on sheeters to match LDOE requirements.
Request to approve Bunkie Magnet High School termite treatment in the amount of $24,950. This will be a ten-year contract with a yearly renewal price of $1,900, funded by Maintenance Fund.
Request to approve overnight travel.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board approved the consent agenda items. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
ACTION ITEMS:
Board President Rickey Adams addressed the Board with a recommendation to award the Corrine Scholarship to Macey Barr of Bunkie Magnet High School.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board awarded Macey Barr with the Corrine Scholarship. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Superintendent Karen Tutor addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the LEA Title VI Compliance Certification and to give the board president and superintendent the authority to sign assurances.
A motion was made by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Lynn Deloach, that the Board approve the LEA Title VI Compliance Certification and grant authority to the board president and the superintendent to sign assurances. The motion was passed by the following 5-2 vote:
YEAS: Lynn Deloach, Jay Callegari, Rickey Adams, Robin Moreau, and Aimee Dupuy.
NAYS: Latisha Small and Chris Robinson.
Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the Board to adopt the 2025 millage rates.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Board adopted the 2025 millage rates. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve an increase in background check fees to $30 for new hires/employees as well as an increase in fees to $55 for lease renewals and new permits.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board approved the increase in the background check fees, lease renewals, and new permits as presented by Ms. Bonnette. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Superintendent Karen Tutor addressed the Board with a request to name Mary Bonnette as ITEP Representative for the Avoyelles Parish School Board.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board named Mary Bonnette as ITEP Representative for the Avoyelles Parish School Board. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mary Bonnette, Director of Finance, presented information on the budget for Needs Assessment for the Board’s review.
Superintendent Karen Tutor addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the 2025 Needs Assessment plan as approved by the committee.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Latisha Small, the Board approved the 2025 Needs Assessment plan as approved by the Needs Assessment Committee. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Board with a request to approve the Coach/Sponsor Duty, Assignment, and Compensation Agreement.
On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board approved the Coach/Sponsor Duty, Assignment, and Compensation Agreement. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the Federal Programs/Data Supervisor job description.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Board approved the Federal Programs/Data Supervisor job description. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Assistant Superintendent Thelma Prater addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the CTE (Career & Technical Education) Supervisor job description.
On motion by Jay Callegari, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board approved the CTE Supervisor job description. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Dexter Compton, Supervisor of Curriculum, addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve job descriptions for the Summer Student Internship Program; payment will be $12 per hour, as required by the state, funding source CDF and 6% CTE:
Summer School Intern
Food Service Intern
Social Media Intern
Finance Secretary Intern
Janitorial Intern
Secretary/Office Worker Intern
Maintenance Distribution Intern
Tech Department Intern
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board approved the job descriptions for the Summer Student Internship Program with payment at $12 per hour, as required by the state, funding source CDF and 6% CTE. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor, addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the 2023-2024 Differentiated Plan Revision.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board approved the 2023-2024 Differentiated Plan Revision. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor, addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the 2024-2025 Differentiated Plan.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board approved the 2024-2025 Differentiated Plan. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor, addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the following funding equity issues (effective July 1, 2025):
Recommendation to approve the new Level 2 salary scale. There is currently a difference in the daily rate of pay between 10-month and 12-month employees. By adding an Associate degree to clerk Level 2 positions and increasing that salary by $300, and by increasing the pay of Level 2 12-month employees by $535.92, the daily rate of pay would be equivalent.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board approved the new Level 2 salary scale, adding an Associate degree to clerk Level 2 positions and increasing that salary by $300, and increasing the pay of Level 2 12-month employees by $535.92, making the daily rate of pay equivalent. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Recommendation to change the support stipend from $15 to $20 per hour.
On motion by Jay Callegari, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board agreed to change the support stipend from $15 to $20 per hour. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Recommendation to approve the rates for the APS Instructional Programs (including summer school) to continue paying what was previously paid with ESSER Funds.
On motion by Lynn Deloach, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board approved the rates for the APS Instructional Programs (including summer school) to continue paying what was previously paid with ESSER Funds.
Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor, addressed the Board with a recommendation to change the position name of Grant Coordinator to Grant Manager, effective July 1, 2025. The updated job description is attached.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board agreed to change the position name of Grant Coordinator to Grant Manager, effective July 1, 2025. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor, addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the updated Factor Salary Analysis chart, effective July 1, 2025. Every person with a minimum of a Bachelor's degree hired in a degreed position is paid on the teacher pay scale. The Factor Salary Analysis chart is used to differentiate the difference in salaries based on time worked. Not all of these positions are administrative.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board approved the updated Factor Salary Analysis chart, effective July 1, 2025, as presented by Ms. Rachal. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Jessica Rachal, Sales Tax Supervisor, addressed the Board with a request to change the Payroll Clerk position to Payroll Processor position requiring a Bachelor's degree, effective July 1, 2025. The updated job description is attached.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Chris Robinson, the Board granted approval to change the Payroll Clerk position to Payroll Processor position requiring a Bachelor's Degree, effective July 1, 2025. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ray Carlock, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Board with a request to approve Marksville High School gym locker rooms painting, flooring, plumbing, and fire-retardant spray project. We have quotes for all of the processes, and the cost will not exceed $40,000.00. This will be funded with Needs Assessment Set-Aside Funds.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Latisha Small, the Board approved the Marksville High School gym locker rooms painting, flooring, plumbing, and fire-retardant spray project, with costs not to exceed $40,000.00, funded with Needs Assessment Set-Aside Funds. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ray Carlock, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed with Board with a request to approve a security auto gate and fence at LaSAS at the price of $50,000 by Rusk Carpentry. This will be funded by a GOHSEP School Safety Grant.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board approved the security auto gate and fence at LaSAS for the price of $50,000 by Rusk Carpentry to be funded by a GOHSEP School Safety Grant. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ray Carlock. Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Board with a request to declare as surplus/salvage four (4) used lawn mowers and one (1) tractor and then sell them by accepting closed bids from the public until Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the warehouse at 539 West Bontemps St. in Marksville. List is attached.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board approved to declare as surplus/salvage the four (4) used lawn mowers and one (1) tractor as listed and then sell them by accepting closed bids from the public until Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the warehouse at 539 West Bontemps St. in Marksville. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Ray Carlock, Maintenance Supervisor, addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the installation of fire alarm monitoring systems at non-monitored schools by Interface in the amount of $11,399.00. This will ensure prompt notification of school officials and the local fire department in the event of a fire. The monthly monitoring service costs $56 per month per system.
On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Aimee Dupuy, the Board approved the installation of fire alarm monitoring systems at non-monitored schools by Interface in the amount of $11,399.00, with the monthly monitoring service cost at $56 per month per system. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Becky Spencer, Network Supervisor, addressed the Board with a request to approve the purchase of Follett at a cost of $8,996.40, purchased with Title I.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Lynn Deloach, the Board approved the purchase of Follett at a cost of $8,996.40, purchased with Title I. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Superintendent Karen Tutor addressed the Board with a recommendation to approve the application for the CPF 1-C Multiuse Community Facilities Project with the Louisiana Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board approved the application for the CPF 1-C Multiuse Community Facilities Project with the Louisiana Office of Broadband Development and Connectivity. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
On motion by Chris Robinson, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board entered Executive Session at approximately 6:43 PM to discuss the following two items:
Superintendent’s Evaluation.
Bus #307 wreck – insurance to fix and difference.
On motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Jay Callegari, the Board came out of Executive Session at approximately 7:28 PM.
On motion by Aimee Dupuy, seconded by Robin Moreau, the Board agreed to accept the amount that insurance will pay, and any excess costs will be paid with General Funds. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
There being no further business, on motion by Robin Moreau, seconded by Chris Robinson, the meeting was adjourned.
AVOYELLES PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
Rickey Adams, President
Karen L. Tutor, Superintendent
Secretary/Treasurer