The most recent meeting of the Washington Parish School Board was held on October 13. The meeting was opened by Superintendent Frances Varnado presenting Participation Awards merited by administering the ASVAB test. She began by stating, "The ASVAB test gives our students an extra career opportunity that they can look forward to besides just going to college or entering the workforce."
Mt. Hermon School Principal Lee Bond accepted a Platinum Award for 15 plus years, and Pine High School's Assistant Principal of Instruction Matt Stogner accepted a Silver Award for 10 years. Mrs. Varnado also noted that at the Monday night committee meeting the Gold Award for 5 years was presented to Varnado High School Principal Dr. Latricia Warren. She also explained that Franklinton High School was awarded last year for 15 years.
Following the presentation of the ASVAB awards, the board listened to presentations by Franklinton Junior High School's MAD program sponsored by Timberly Milton, Franklinton High School's FFA program sponsored by Jeremy McKenzie, Everet Phillips, and Vince Bahm, and Mt. Hermon's Upward Bound program through SLU.
Once student presentations were complete, the board then tackled the items on the night's agenda. Franklinton Mayor Greg Route Sr. was on hand to thank the board for their consideration in conveying school board property on Parker Street and T. W. Barker Drive to the Town of Franklinton for the purpose of obtaining a grant and construction of a children's playground. However, the Town is going in a different direction and respectfully seeks to end the process.
There was some discussion, initiated by District 9 Board members Lesley McKinley, about the approval of an Evaluation Form for the Superintendent.
Mr. McKinley, as a former principal, does not feel the instrument accurately measures the effectiveness of the Superintendent. In discussion he stated, "I am struggling with how do we define these four categories. How do we determine what is highly effective?; how do we determine what is effective proficient?; how do we determine what is efficient emerging?; how do we determine what is ineffective?" Mr. McKinley takes issue with the lack of training in determining these areas for the Superintendent unlike evaluation of teachers where there is much training and exemplars are provided.
Following Mr. McKinley's explanation of his unease with the instrument used in evaluation of Mrs. Varnado, a roll call vote was taken. All board members voted for the approval of the evaluation form except for Mr. McKinley and District 8 board member Frankie Crosby who voted against the motion. Board member Robert Boone was absent. The evaluation form was approved.
In other business, Board President John Wyble was pleased to inform bus drivers that the "floor" for their expense reimbursements was adjusted to 1.75 and would be retroactive to August 1 and run through the end of the academic year. Mr. Wyble noted that this was not necessarily the result that bus driver's desired; "However," he stated, "the board is dedicated to working with owner/operators to fully understand the exact cost of maintaining and operating their buses." This will give the board a clearer picture when it comes time to determine a budget for the 2023/24 school year.
Director of Student Support Services Tricia Smith briefly explained the REACH program. This is a partnership with REACH University that will give WPSB support staff the opportunity to obtain job-embedded training and online training for $75 per month ($3600 total) and at the end of the program earn a bachelor's degree with dual certification in Elementary Education and Special Education. Mrs. Smith reiterated what a wonderful opportunity this is for our parish's paraprofessionals and will also address the critical teacher shortage across the state and nation. Superintendent Varnado piggy-backed on this by reminding everyone that the WPSB is offering a free 30-hour mandatory course for obtaining a CDL. She hopes this will encourage anyone who might be interested in substituting for a bus driver or becoming a full-time bus operator.
The board also approved Hancock Whitney Bank as its official fiscal agency as well as approved providing MedPlus (GAP Insurance) to retirees effective January 1, 2023. However, retirees must complete the required paperwork at the board office prior to November 15.
