The Washington Parish School Board held its first meeting of the 2025-26 school term on August 14. Following the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, the minutes from the July 10 regular meeting were approved.
Superintendent Jennifer Thomas asked that Colleen Bateman, President of the Washington Parish School Bus Drivers Association, be allowed to speak.
Mrs. Bateman stated, "I know that no decision is being made tonight…Just kinda want to be on the board's mind and heart about Support Personnel being equal when it comes to this stipend/pay raise. I feel we get discriminated against when it comes to these things! We need that extra money as much as anyone else! We all pay taxes in Washington Parish. They say that a teacher is certified, and it cost them money for their degree…so, giving them double what they give us in a stipend is saying that you're helping pay them back for their degree. If that's the case, they need to pay bus operators back for our certification and the two school buses I've paid for while making "peanuts", but I'm not greedy. I feel all of us are equal in the job that we do therefore should be treated as such! “
She added, “Think of teachers as being the wheels and support personnel being the grease that makes the wheels turn! We are a team! Without every one of us this would not work for the students of Washington Parish or any other parish! Thank you for your time and consideration."
The Board then recognized Franklinton High School Principal Shane Smith and FHS National Beta Club Sponsor Beth Walker who presented three students who represented FHS at the National Beta Club Convention in Orlando, Florida in June.
This was followed by Mt. Hermon School Principal Stacy Bond and MHS National Beta Club Sponsor Miranda Fountain who recognized the MHS students who also attended the national convention. (See related photos).
This was followed by Tricia Smith, Director of Student Communications and Operations, who was pleased to recognize two parish paraprofessionals, Breanna Angelo and Natalie Barber, who recently earned their Liberal Arts Degree through Reach University.
Mrs. Smith elaborated, "The Washington Parish School System began a partnership with Reach U in August 2022, giving WPSS support staff the opportunity to earn a bachelor's degree and teacher certification while continuing to work full time. These employees share a heart for students, a passion for becoming teachers, and a deep commitment to our community. Since the program began, nearly 30 WPSS paraprofessionals and support staff have taken this step toward their dream."
Continuing the lengthy agenda, Instructional Technology Specialist Candace Stewart informed the Board of a Request for Proposal-ERATE proposals for Wide Area Network (WAN) and Internet Access Services.
Director of the Business Office Dana Knight then sought questions concerning the June 2025 financial statements previously reviewed with the Board. She then asked the Board to adopt budgets for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. These included the Technology Budget, the General Fund Budget, the School Food Service Budget, the School Food Service Summer Feeding Budget, the School Food Service At-Risk Supper Program Budget, the Angie 5 Mill Tax Budget, the Tax District #4 Capital Projects Budget, the Educational Facilities Improvement District Sales Tax Fund Budget, Special Federal Funds Budget, the Ready Start Network-CCDF Grant Budget, the ESSA Title I Budget, the ESSA Title II Budget, the ESSA Title IV Budget, the ESSA-Redesign Planning School Improvement Budget, the Special Education IDEA Part B Budget, the Special Education IDEA Preschool Budget, and the SPED Camera Grant.
Each of the 17 budgets was an individual agenda item, and all were approved by the Board.
The Board then approved two motions to change the October 9, 2025, Regular Board Meeting to October 23, 2025, and the November 6, 2025, Regular Board Meeting to November 13, 2025. Superintendent Thomas explained that tax money to fund an employee stipend would be in place near October 1, and moving the two meetings back gave the Board more time for discussion and information-gathering before voting for a disbursement schedule.
Mrs. Thomas was also pleased to report that the school year was off to a great start with all schools in operation. She did note that the bus drivers got off to a "rough start" and she thanked the drivers present at the meeting. Thomas noted that things have gotten better every day since the first day of school for the buses and expects this to continue.
The Teacher of the Year Banquet will be held on Monday, August 18 at Bo's Steakhouse, and the September 11 regular meeting of the Board will be held at Enon School. Finally, the Superintendent reported that Ms. Lisa Magee is now officially the Assistant Superintendent of Washington Parish Schools. She has been the Director of Personnel and has been doing a great job without the title, Mrs. Thomas noted. Lisa Magee’s family was in attendance and was also recognized.
Board President Lesley McKinley ended the meeting by "tipping my hat" to Jennifer Thomas and Lisa Magee for working so hard for the school system. He challenged the Board, "As we move forward to address the sales tax…operate on facts. When you don't, it's trouble. Do what is best for the district."
