The Washington Parish School Board held its most recent meeting on Thursday, July 9. Following the approval of minutes of the June 11 Regular Meeting, the Board then had the opportunity to ask Finance Director Dana Knight questions concerning the presentation of May 2026 financial statements. The information had been covered in depth at the Finance Committee meeting. The primary topic of this committee meeting was the most recent executive order by Governor Jeff Landry that local districts must use MFP funds to provide yearly stipends to employees.
MFP has long been a "sacred cow" and Superintendent Jennifer Thomas said that no direction has been given concerning who the stipends are to be given to. Her concern is that in the dire financial crisis this order is creating, not all employees will receive the stipend. She also stated, "This will be detrimental. We are in a crisis.”
We have cut and will continue to do so. Seventy percent of the General Fund is earmarked for instruction so diligence will be required to tackle this situation."
Mrs. Knight added that since the current sales tax stipends the employees receive are already in place and are over and above what the state is mandating, there is the chance that this will be credited to what the governor is requiring. However, the district will still lose unrestricted funding. Mrs. Thomas noted that public school systems across the state will have trouble surviving and Washington Parish is not in this crisis alone.
Next, the Board voted to have Gallagher Insurance provide student accident insurance coverage for the 2026/2027 school year. The premium of $31,492 for regular coverage and $3,011 for catastrophic coverage is the same as last year.
The Board then considered two Request for Proposals received for garbage disposal services through July 2028. ABC Waste is a local company and Stranco is who the Board has used for the previous two years.
While there have been no problems with Stranco, ABC Waste is offering a lower rate, possibly because of travel distances within the parish versus Stranco traveling at least one hour to arrive in the parish.
ABC Waste owner Chris Penton was on hand and he explained to the Board his company's relationship with Peterbilt in Hattiesburg and Big Truck Rentals in case one of his trucks is out of operation. Penton currently has ten trucks in his fleet, and all are new. He is investing a lot in this local business and if awarded the contract, the school system will be his largest account. He vowed that "you [school system] will not be dissatisfied."
Board member Chad Dorsett added, "ABC will do a fine job. It is a top-notch organization and will provide great service." The Board awarded the contract to ABC Waste.
The Board then adopted a resolution authorizing Superintendent Jennifer Thomas to execute a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement with the Louisiana Department of Treasury on behalf of the Washington Parish School System in relation to a line-item appropriation contained in Act 4 of the 2026 Louisiana Regular Legislative Session in the amount of $6,500,000. Mrs. Thomas explained that this money is to be used to renovate and upgrade the cafeteria at Thomas Elementary. Currently there is only one serving line and students must begin lunch at 10:15 am. Thomas expects this will be a two-to-three-year project but is thankful for the appropriation and grateful to begin with this step.
School Lunch Supervisor Amanda Staford then asked the Board to approve awarding JRoy the pest control contract for all ten cafeterias at a cost of $300 per month. She also asked that Davis Products be awarded the contract for dishwashing supplies. Mrs. Stafford added that both JRoy and Davis Products are longtime providers and the School Lunch program has been very happy with both companies' services.
Assistant Superintendent Lisa Magee then asked the Board to table the adoption of the revised Washington Parish School Board Policy Manual until the August meeting. She feels this will give the Board members adequate time to review the document and note any concerns or questions. Board member Scott Breland added that this has been a huge undertaking and will streamline this document significantly. He said it is currently archaic and the new version will be much more user-friendly.
Mrs. Magee then introduced the newest administrative team at Varnado High School. Lucretia Marks is the school's newest principal and Karen Creel is the Assistant Principal. Mrs. Magee feels they will bring strong leadership, foster a learning environment and be committed to the students and the school community. They have "hit the ground running" and have filled any vacancies and are preparing for the opening of school.
In the Superintendent's Report, Jennifer Thomas reminded everyone that teachers and staff return to work on August 3 and students report on August 6. She also announced that the Teacher of the Year Banquet will be on August 17 at Sugar Shack on the River and a Support Staff Luncheon will be held on August 28 at Sugar Shack's Franklinton location. One of her goals is to make all faculty and staff feel appreciated.
Mrs. Thomas added that the Governor's executive order had put the district "in a bind." “However, everyone works so hard --- best students, a great board, and dedicated employees --- and great things are happening despite the financial challenges.”
She ended with, "We are going to work hard and dig in."
School Board President Lesley McKinley reminded the Board that they have been elected to promote public education and support the superintendent. There are problems in the state currently, but the focus must remain on the education system in Washington Parish and putting students first.
The next school board meeting will be held on August 13 at the Central Office. The September meeting will be held at Mt. Hermon School.
