POINTE COUPEE PARISH SCHOOL BOARD
337 Napoleon Street
New Roads, LA 70760
REGULAR SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
Thursday, January 22, 2026
The Pointe Coupee Parish School Board met for their regular monthly meeting on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 337 Napoleon Street in New Roads, Louisiana 70760. President Frank R. Aguillard, Jr. called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
Mr. Thomas Nelson offered the invocation and Ms. Lisa Loupe D’Aquila led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States of America.
Members of the School Board present when the roll was called: Chad Aguillard, Frank R. Aguillard, Jr., Lisa Loupe-D’Aquila, Walter Grezaffi, Aubry Hendricks, Anita LeJeune, and Thomas Nelson.
School Board Member Jason Lemoine was absent.
Central Office Administrative Staff in attendance: Kim Canezaro, Superintendent; Natalie Aguillard, Director of Human Capital; Dawn Albert, Supervisor of Exceptional Student Services; Ms. Tonya Burgess, Administrator of Virtual Academy of Pointe Coupee; Marcie Cazayoux; Supervisor of Data & Accountability; Andrew Duhe, Supervisor of Maintenance and Support Services; Amanda Fontenot. Supervisor of HeadStart; Brandi Forbes, Chief Academic Officer; Stephen Langlois, Chief Financial Officer; Tabitha Ransom, Supervisor of 21st CCLC Program, and Dr. LaShonda Victorian, Supervisor of Child Welfare and Attendance.
School Administrative Staff in attendance: Mr. Aiman Bayoumi, Chief Program Administrator at STEM Magnet Academy of Pointe Coupee; Dr. Rosie Courville, Principal of Livonia High School; April DosRamos, Principal of Rougon Elementary; Yolanda Jones, Assistant Principal of Valverda Elementary, and Carolyn Wells, Principal of Upper Pointe Coupee.
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Expression of Sympathy – On a motion by the seven members of the School Board present, and seconded by those board members, condolences were offered to the families of:
Emily Katherine Dedon, a student at Valverda Elementary School.
Sherian Gail Pourciau, a retiree of the Pointe Coupee Parish School Board.
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Remarks from the Superintendent-
Superintendent Canezaro reminded everyone that the Application Window for our STEM Magnet Academy is currently open until February 6th. At this time, we have 90 applications;13 of those new to the district.
I am proud to announce that our 5th Grade Student of the Year has been selected as a Regional Honoree! Ellie Dabadie, 5th grade student at STEM, exemplifies academic excellence along with impressive citizenship skills. She will now advance to compete to be a finalist from our region. We look forward to watching Ellie continue to shine and represent our district with pride.
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Tri-Parish & Work Force Alliance Presentation- Ms. Rebecca Armstrong-English, Senior Manager at Empower Schools, addressed the Pointe Coupee Parish School Board regarding a Tri-Parish Energy and Workforce Alliance (TEWA). Mrs. English explained that the rural collaborative model expands access to high-quality CTE and college and career pathways through shared capacity and local partnership, assisting districts in overcoming limited capacity, geographic isolation and resource constraints. She announced their mission statement (a new school experience that unites regional schools, post-secondary providers and employers to create hands on learning and meaningful local career pathways for rising workforce) and their vision statement (to unite local schools, industries and communities in a shared effort to prepare students for success and strengthen the local economy through collaboration and innovate CTE offerings). Mrs. Englis explained the model is built on strong cross-sector collaboration and deep local buy-in. She shared a power-point and announced the model has nationwide impact. The collaborative energy pathway opportunity for students is planned to launch in the Fall of 2026, with additional potential offerings (Millwright & Machinist, Heavy Machinery, Firefighting and Health Sciences).
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Approval of Letter of Intent to Join the Tri-Parish Energy and Work Force Alliance- Mrs. Rebecca Armstrong-English informed the Board that a letter of intent is needed to pledge their commitment to join the Tri-Parish Energy Collaborative allowing districts to be “in”, without the exact operational procedures. She explained there is no requirement to implement before decisions are made and the final model is reviewed by the Superintendent and the board.
Mrs. Anita LeJeune made a motion, seconded by Mr. Aubry Hendricks, to approve a Letter of Intent from the Pointe Coupee Parish School Board demonstrating participation in the regional collaborative with the West Baton Rouge Parish School Board, the Iberville Parish School Board and Baton Rouge Community College, committing to work together to develop a shared vision for a Tri-Parish Energy Workforce Alliance to offer career pathways aligned with regional workforce needs, with the understanding there is no requirement to implement the final model until reviewed by the Superintendent and Board.
Hearing no opposition, the motion was carried by a unanimous vote of the seven members of the Board present and voting.
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Adoption of School Board Member Training Resolution- Mr. Chad Aguillard made a motion, seconded by Ms. Lisa Loupe D’Aquila, to approve the adoption of a School Board Member Training Resolution as presented by Superintendent Canezaro. Hearing no opposition, the motion was carried by a unanimous vote of the seven members of the Board present and voting. The resolution is as follows:
School Board Member Training Resolution
WHEREAS, each member of a city and parish school board shall receive a minimum of six hours of training and instruction, as required by ACT 705 of the 2011 Louisiana Legislature; and
WHEREAS, this training and instruction shall consist of school laws of this state, laws governing the powers, duties, and responsibilities of city and parish school boards, educational trends, research and policy; and
WHEREAS, such instruction may be received from an institution of higher education in this state, from instruction sponsored by the State Department of Education, or by an in-service training program conducted by a city or parish school board central office or the Louisiana School Boards Association, or training provided at the national level; and
WHEREAS, each member of a city and parish board shall receive one hour of ethics training, per year, of their tenure as board member;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that it become public record the following members of the Pointe Coupee Parish School Board successfully received and exceeded the six hours of required training as mandated by the Legislature of Louisiana and all board members have fulfilled the mandate of one hour of ethics training for the year 2025: Chad Aguillard (earned 6 credit hours); Frank Aguillard (earned 25.5 credit hours); Lisa Loupe D’Aquila (earned 9.5 credit hours); Walter Grezaffi (earned 6.75 credit hours); Gene Aubry Hendricks (earned 14.25 credit hours); Anita LeJeune (earned 10.5 credit hours hours); Jason Lemoine (earned 6.75 hours) and Thomas Nelson (earned 23 credit hours).
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Announcement of Continuing Education Hours earned by Individual Members of the Pointe Coupee Parish School Board during Calendar Year 2025 and Presentation of Certificates- Superintendent Canezaro announced the following continuing education hours earned by individual members of the Pointe Coupee Parish School Board for calendar year 2025:
Chad A. Aguillard earned 6 credit hours in calendar year 2025
Frank R. Aguillard earned 25.5 credit hours in calendar year 2025
Walter Grezaffi earned 6.75 credit hours in calendar year 2025
Jason Lemoine earned 6.75 credit hours in calendar year 2025
Aubry Hendricks earned 14.25 credit hours in calendar year 2025
Lisa D’Aquila earned 9.5 credit hours in calendar year 2025
Anita LeJeune earned 10.50 credit hours in calendar year 2025
Thomas A. Nelson earned 23 credit hours in calendar year 2025
Superintendent Canezaro presented each member of the School Board with a training certificate from Dr. Janet Pope, the Executive Director of the Louisiana School Boards Association, for the continuing learning units earned from January 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025. Superintendent Canezaro also presented members of the Pointe Coupee Parish School Board with a certificate honoring their efforts of dedicated leadership in public education and continuing service to the children in the community of Pointe Coupee Parish.
Superintendent Canezaro announced that Mr. Frank Aguillard and Mr. Thomas Nelson earned the distinction as Certified School Board Members for voluntarily attaining twenty or more continuing learning units during calendar year January 1 - December 31, 2025.These two School Board members were presented with Certificates of Merit from the Louisiana Schools Board Association acknowledging their participation in approved workshops, seminars, and conventions designed to enhance knowledge and develop skills needed to continue higher standards of elected public school board member service and public school system governance.
School Board members were applauded for their accomplishments.
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Consent Agenda- Mr. Thomas Nelson offered a motion, seconded by Mrs. Anita LeJeune, to approve the consent agenda items. Hearing no opposition, the motion was carried by a unanimous vote of the seven members of the Board present and voting.
Approval of the minutes from the regular School Board meeting of Thursday, December 18, 2025.
Approval of the Executive Committee meeting minutes of Thursday,
January 15, 2026.
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Receive the Head Start Supervisor’s Monthly Report – Ms. Amanda Fontenot announced the Head Start Supervisor’s Monthly Report was placed on BoardDocs for review and will be happy to answer any questions regarding the report.
Mrs. Anita LeJeune offered a motion, seconded by Ms. Lisa Loupe D’Aquila, to approve the December 2025 Head Start Monthly report prepared by Ms. Fontenot and placed on BoardDocs. Hearing no opposition, the report was approved by a unanimous vote of the seven members of the Board present and voting.
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Consider Approval of Revisions to the Following Policies: DFK; DJE; EBBC; GBC; GBN; and GBRA- Superintendent Canezaro stated that Attorney Hammonds reviewed the policies sent by Forethought Consulting and she is ready to recommend the approval of revisions to policies DFK, DJE, EBBC, GBC, GBN, and GBRA.
Ms. Lisa Loupe D’Aquila made a motion, seconded by Mr. Aubry Hendricks, to approve revisions to policies DFK (Sale of Surplus Equipment and Supplies); DJE (Purchasing); EBBC (Emergency/Crisis Management); GBC (Recruitment); GBN (Dismissal of Employees); and GBRA (Employee Conduct), as recommended by Superintendent Canezaro. Hearing no opposition, the report was approved by a unanimous vote of the seven members of the Board present and voting.
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Discussion and/or Action Regarding Monthly Financial Information and Budget to Actual Reports-President Frank Aguillard stated the monthly financial information on BoardDocs was reviewed at last week’s Executive Committee meeting and asked the wishes of the Board. Hearing no questions or comments, Mr. Walter Grezaffi made a motion to accept the monthly financial information and budget to actual reports prepared by Mr. Stephen Langlois. Mr. Aubry Hendricks seconded the motion. The motion was approved by a unanimous vote of the seven members of the Board present and voting.
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Discussion and/or Action Regarding Extension of Contract with First Student, Inc.- Superintendent Canezaro stated that she and Mr. Stephen Langlois have been in negotiations with First Student, Inc, regarding an extension of the bus transportation agreement. Superintendent Canezaro announced after reviewing a proposal received today, she and Stephen would like to table the item as they are not ready to make a recommendation at this time. Ms. Canezaro mentioned that Mr. Brad Darensbourg (First Student Location Manager) is present at tonight’s meeting if anyone has any questions.
Mr. Thomas Nelson made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Anita LeJeune, to table the agenda item regarding extension of contract with First Student, Inc. Hearing no opposition, the motion to table the item was carried by a unanimous vote of the seven members of the Board present and voting.
Mr. Frank Aguillard made a request to continue with negotiations; however, send a copy of any future proposals received from First Student, Inc. to members of the School Board. Mr. Aguillard thanked Mr. Brad Darensbourg.
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Adoption of a Resolution Regarding Authorized Bank Signer for School Board Bank Accounts- Mr. Langlois explained that anytime there is a change regarding the Office of President of the School Board, authorization to sign bank documents on behalf of the School Board is necessary. Inasmuch as Mr. Frank Aguillard became President of the School Board on January 1, 2026, after Lisa Loupe D’Aquila’s two-year presidential term ended on December 31, 2025, and item is on the agenda to adopt a resolution regarding an authorized bank signer for school board bank accounts at Guaranty Bank.
On a motion by Mr. Thomas Nelson, seconded by Ms. Lisa Loupe D’Aquila, the following resolution regarding authorized bank signer for School Board Bank Accounts was approved by a unanimous vote of the seven members of the Board present and voting.
RESOLUTION REGARDING SCHOOL SYSTEM BANKING TRANSACTIONS
WHEREAS, Lisa Loupe D’Aquila was authorized to conduct banking transactions as President of the Pointe Coupee Parish School Board during her two-year term in office (January 1, 2024- December 31, 2025); and
WHEREAS, Lisa Loupe D’Aquila’s term of office ended at midnight on December 31, 2025; and
WHEREAS, Frank R. Aguillard, Jr., Vice-President of the School Board, ascended to the office of President at 12:01 a.m. on January 1, 2026;
THEREFORE, the Pointe Coupee Parish School Board grants authorization to Frank R. Aguillard, Jr., to conduct banking transactions on behalf of the school system, effective January 1, 2026.
BE ITRESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be submitted to the banking institutions of the school system.
THUS, DONE AND ADOPTED ON THE 22nd day of January 2026
Kim Canezaro, Secretary-Treasurer/Superintendent
Pointe Coupee Parish School Board
Stephen Langlois, Chief Financial Officer
Pointe Coupee Parish School Board
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Discussion and/or Action Regarding Construction of a New Welding Shop at Livonia High School Contingent upon Approval from District Court Judge- Mr. Stephen Langlois stated as discussed at last week’s Executive Committee meeting, the design plans have been created and are on BoardDocs. He announced they are asking the Board tonight to consider permission to start advertising for bids. Members of the Board will have an opportunity to ultimately consider approval of the construction project at a later meeting, but tonight they are just asking permission to begin advertising for bids. Mr. Langlois announced that Mr. David Mougeot of Mougeot Architecture is in attendance if anyone has any questions regarding this project.
Attorney John Blanchard, of Hammonds, Sills, Adkins, Guice, Noah and Perkins, addressed President Frank Aguillard and stated as Board counsel he is requesting that the Board defer taking any action on agenda items I. 4 and I. 5 until after the Executive Session.
Mr. Thomas Nelson made a motion, seconded by Mr. Chad Aguillard, to defer action on agenda items I.- 4 and I.-5 until after Executive Session. Hearing no opposition, the motion to defer the items were approved by a unanimous vote of the members present and voting.
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Discussion and/or Action Regarding Field House at STEM Magnet Academy of Pointe Coupee- Mr. Langlois announced bids were received for the field house project at STEM and were opened on January 8, 2026. He mentioned the bids received were over budget; the bid tabulation sheet is on BoardDocs. He stated that he asked Architect David Mougeot to attend the meeting to explain the differences with regard to a revised scope and start advertising again. Mr. Chad Aguillard requested an overview of what was discussed at the Executive Committee meeting, as he was not in attendance at that meeting. Mr. Mougeot stated the bids came in at $300,000 over the target budget; Mr. Stephen Langlois mentioned the target budget was $550,000, and the lowest bid came in at $842,000. Mr. Mougeot explained that when they discussed the design of the building, they wanted to match the construction of the existing STEM building. He mentioned original design of the building is made of block, which increases the cost of construction because tradesmen (plumbers, electricians, etc.) working with the block layers have gotten expensive; therefore, they would like to change building to traditional wood construction; brick veneer; and plywood with FRP panels on the interior like what was done with the restroom renovations a couple of years ago. Mr. Mougeot stated they wanted to construct the field house on the home side, but moving the construction to the other side (the visitor’s side) is closer to the sewer, helping with water and power tie-ins, which could save $20,000 to $40,000. He stated they think making these changes will help to get back to the original targeted budget of $550,000. Mr. Chad Aguillard asked for clarity regarding change in building location. Mr. Mougeot stated their suggestion is to place the field house on the opposite side of the former field house. Mr. Walter Grezaffi asked if we can look at changing the materials and keeping it where it is; Mr. Langlois stated you could as the main change in scope are the materials. Mr. Mougeot stated there could be an alternative bid for brick and the cost will increase. Mr. Chad Aguillard questioned if the drawings included an area for a weight room and Mr. Langlois stated it was included as an alternate 1. Mr. Mougeot explained that it went beyond $840,000; therefore, left that off with room to add to the building in the future for a weight room Mr. Aubry Hendricks asked about the size of the building. Mr. Mougeot stated it is 3,000 square feet without the weight room, which would be another 1,000 square feet. Mr. Mougeot stated another expense that you cannot change (code requirement) is the direct outside air unit code because it is a locker room and brings in continuous outside air. Mr. Chad Aguillard questioned the time frame on this project and if it will be ready for next fall. Mr. Mougeot stated they are ready to advertise for bids but don’t think it will be ready for then.
Mrs. Anita LeJeune mentioned that all these projects will enhance the education system for the students. Mrs. LeJeune stated that she has been patient but has been asking for several months to obtain prices for a stage at STEM and questioned how this project has moved so quickly. Mr. Langlois mentioned there is a mobile stage at STEM already. She asked how to get on the list to get prices for a permanent stage at STEM and maybe at Livonia, too.
President Frank Aguillard informed Mrs. LeJeune that an item can be placed on next month’s agenda to get prices for a stage, as this month they are discussing a field house. Mr. Aguillard requested that Mrs. LeJeune meet with Mr. Langlois to let him know exactly where she would like a stage, the type of stage, and from there they can advertise for bids and go from there. Mr. Frank Aguillard stated there is money in capital outlay because of the wisdom of this Board to place any one-time money in the capital outlay account. Mr. Frank Aguillard stated an item will be placed on next month’s agenda for discussion and/or action for a performance stage at STEM.
President Frank Aguillard asked for the recommendation of the Superintendent regarding the field house at STEM. Superintendent Canezaro stated that it is administration’s recommendation to reject all bids and rebid with the change in scope.
Mr. Chad Aguillard made a motion, seconded by Mr. Walter Grezaffi, to reject all bids opened on January 8, 2026 for a field house on the campus of STEM (Project No. 25015), and rebid with the change in scope. Hearing no opposition, the motion was approved by a unanimous vote of the seven members of the Board present and voting.
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Strategy Session and/or Action Concerning Pending Litigation.* There may be an executive session to discuss strategy in this litigation which is entitled, “Boyd and United States vs. Ponte Coupee Parish School Boad”, Civil Action No. 65-3164-A on the docket of the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana.
Executive Session- Mr. Thomas Nelson made a motion to enter into executive session. Ms. Lisa Loupe D’Aquila seconded the motion. The Board convened in executive session at 6:02 p.m.
Open Session. Mrs. Anita LeJeune made a motion, seconded by Mr. Aubry Hendricks, to reconvene in open session at 6:52 p.m.
President Frank Aguillard announced that no action was taken during Executive Session. He stated before the Board went into Executive Session, our attorney recommended and advised us to go into executive session to discuss items 4 & 5 under finance and business operations.
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Discussion and/or Action Regarding Construction of a new Welding Shop at Livonia High School Contingent upon Approval from District Court Judge- Mrs. Anita LeJeune made a motion to accept the recommendation from counsel to seek approval from the judge for a new welding shop at Livonia High School and grant permission to advertise bids for the project. Mr. Walter Grezaffi seconded the motion. Hearing no opposition, the motion was approved by a unanimous vote of the seven members of the Board present and voting.
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Discussion and/or Action Regarding Construction of Permanent Classroom Buildings that will house the STAR Program at Livonia High School Contingent upon Approval from District Court Judge- Ms. Lisa D’Aquila made a motion to accept the recommendation from counsel to seek approval from the judge for construction of permanent classroom buildings that will house the STAR Program at Livonia High School, and grant permission to advertise bids for the project. Mr. Aubry Hendricks seconded the motion. Hearing no opposition, the motion was approved by a unanimous vote of the seven members of the Board present and voting.
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Adjournment - On a motion by Mr. Chad Aguillard, seconded by Mr. Thomas Nelson, the meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
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Frank R. Aguillard, Jr., President
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Kim Canezaro, Superintendent cost $840
