The Washington Parish School Board held its October meeting on Tuesday, October 22 at Thomas Elementary School. The meeting began with a moment of silence in memory of Board member Frankie Crosby, Sr. who passed away October 6. The Invocation was then led by Pine High School's Student Council Chaplain Jake Brooks, followed by the singing of the National Anthem by Pine's senior Student Council member Lindsey Jenkins. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Thomas Elementary 5th graders Madison Breland and Jaden Williams.
Thomas Elementary Principal Anthony Stubbs then turned the program over music teacher Ramona Fortenberry, and Thomas Elementary School's 4th grade choir presented "Unstoppable" and "Count on Me." Pine High School Principal Ramona Thomas then recognized the school's 30-plus and 25-plus students who have scored 30 or higher and 25 or higher on the ACT. Ms. Thomas feels showcasing such achievements helps other students to see that such goals can be accomplished.
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The board then began the night's agenda by voting to approve the minutes of the September 19 regular board meeting. Next, a motion was made and approved to appoint Mrs. Tricia Crosby to fill the vacancy in District 8 due to the death of her husband. Superintendent Jennifer Thomas and Board president Lesley McKinley presented Mrs. Crosby with a plaque commemorating her husband's six years of service to the Washington Parish School Board and then Board attorney Wayne Kuhn administered the oath of office to Mrs. Crosby. The next item was a motion to declare a proclamation to call a special election for the vacancy of Washington Parish School Board Member, District 8, the next available election is scheduled for March 29, 2025 (primary) and May 3, 2025 (general), with qualifying dates of January 29, 30, and 31, 2025.
In other business, Director of Finance Dana Knight was on hand for questions regarding the August 2024 financial statements. At the request of Mrs. Knight, the board voted to name Hancock Whitney Bank the fiscal agency contract for a period of one year beginning November 1, 2024, through October 31, 2025. The next two items called for the board to discuss reports of Agreed-Upon Procedures performed by Minda Raybourn, CPA for Thomas Elementary School and Franklinton Junior High School for the period ending June 30, 2023. There was no discussion on either matter. Mrs. Knight then asked the board to authorize State-funded Differentiated Compensation Allocation stipends for the 2024-2025 school year to be disbursed on November 8, 2024. This is a stipend for teachers serving in critical shortage capacities.
The board then adopted the schedule of School Board Meetings for 2025. Superintendent Thomas explained that some of the meetings will be held at schools, but for the present the location for each meeting is listed as at the school board office. Personnel Director Lisa Magee then asked the board to approve the personnel report. Of note was the renewal of Enon Elementary principal Shannon Fowler and the retirement of Amanda Dillon, longtime ISS teacher.
Superintendent Jennifer Thomas reported that she was pleased with the efforts of all the schools and students at the Washington Parish Free Fair. She also shared that the board's strategic plan is in progress and new Mission and Vision Statements are being produced. Mrs. Thomas invited anyone who wants to participate in this to contact the board office. Special Olympics will be hld at Pine High School on October 30 and at Franklinton High School on November 21. School Performance Scores are expected to be ready before the Thanksgiving break. At the December meeting of the Board, the scores will be discussed at greater length. Mrs. Thomas ended her report by thanking Mrs. Tricia Crosby for her willingness to fill her late husband's seat until the spring election.
Board President Lesley McKinley ended the meeting by congratulating all who participated in "a wonderful fair." He also noted that two of the parish's football teams are playoff bound and wishes them the best. However, the School Performance Scores and how well Washington Parish students are progressing are what is most important, he said, and he urged everyone to support the district's principals and provide encouragement whenever possible.
