The Washington Parish School Board met on Thursday, May 16 at Franklinton Elementary School to tackle a rather lengthy agenda. Following the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance the Board recognized State Literary Rally Winners from Mt. Hermon School and Varnado High School. (See related article) This was followed by the approval of minutes for the April 11 Special Meeting and for the April 18, Regular Meeting.
The next four items on the agenda concerned recent and proposed voter actions for the district. First was a Proces Verbal of the canvass of the votes cast at the election held in School District No. 2 of Washington Parish on Saturday, April 27, 2024. (School District No. 2 is the legal name of the Washington Parish School District.) Board Attorney Wayne Kuhn explained that the title Proces Verbal is of French origin and the item must be read into the official record of the meeting. This is because in cases from Louisiana's origin, many could not read thus citing the need for the verbal recounting of the canvas.
Mr. Kuhn verbally shared that for the millage renewal. 1,145 votes were cast in favor of the renewal and 371 votes were cast against the renewal. As the majority was in favor, the millage renewal passed.
The board then adopted a Resolution providing for canvassing the returns and declaring the result of the special election held in School District No. 2 on Saturday, April 27, 2024, to authorize the continuation of the levy and collection of a 4.83 mills ad valorem tax on all property subject to taxation within the District for a period of ten years. Next, the board adopted a Resolution directing the continuation of the levy and collection of a 4.83 mills ad valorem tax on all property subject to taxation within School District No. 2 of Washington Parish for a period of ten years, commencing with the year 2024 and ending with the year 2033, for the purpose of constructing, acquiring, improving, maintaining and operating schools and school-related facilities for the public schools of the District, and providing equipment, furnishings, and other matters in connection therewith.
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The board then adopted a Resolution of the Washington Parish School Board stating the School Board's approval and endorsement of the calling and holding of an election in the Educational Facilities Improvement District of Washington Parish on December 7, 2024 to authorize the levy and collection of a one percent (1%) sales and use tax for a period of ten years (10) years, commencing April 1, 2025, to be dedicated and used for the purpose of assisting the School Board in providing additional salaries and benefits to school system employees in the public school system within the jurisdiction of the District.
The next seven agenda items were presented by Director of Finance Dana Knight. First, she asked for any questions about the March 2024 financial statements. When there was none, Mrs. Knight moved on to seeking approval of the 2024-2025 Salary Schedule. Two options were presented with a straight five percent raise or a five percent raises that is a $1200 minimum amount. It was explained that some employees on the lower end of the current pay scale would not see a significant pay raise unless a minimum amount is set. The Board ultimately approved the second option with all employees in the district receiving a pay raise of at least $1200 per year. The five percent amount employees receive will differ according to years of experience and educational degrees. The Board then approved a motion to appoint the Era-leader as the Official Journal for the period beginning July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Appropriate action was taken regarding Excess Worker's Compensation for a period of July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025. Mrs. Knight explained that there were three policy options with the two-year, $60,038 per year being preferred so that the system can lock-in the rate.
In other financial business the board approved authorizing bids for the sale of surplus equipment. This concerns two Chevy Impalas owned by the Board. Mrs. Knight added that the bids must be a minimum of $2,000. The board then authorized withdrawal privileges for Personnel Director Lisa Magee on Washington Parish School Board bank accounts effective May 16, 2024. The final item concerning financial matters was the approval of policy regarding donations received by Washington Parish School Board. Mrs. Knight explained that a new Louisiana law requires that all donations to the system be publicized on the website. President Lesley McKinley worries that this may hinder some folks making donations as often they wish to remain anonymous. Mrs. Knight responded that there has not been a lot of guidance concerning this law thus far, and those wishing to remain anonymous have been listed as such; however, this policy may change. Mr. McKinley does not want this to hurt the district in the long run or prevent the generous donations received for the school system.
Moving on, the board adopted a Resolution concerning policy and procedure for the sale of School Board property using the services of a licensed real estate broker as authorized by LA. R.S. 41:892. Attorney Wayne Kuhn explained that there are three ways to sell school district owned property. These include public auction, sealed bids, or working through a real-estate broker. Mr. Kuhn recommended the use of the broker as they will accept "not less than appraised value." He also noted that the sale will have to be approved by the Board. In other business, the Board adopted a new Washington Parish School Board Policy File: GBRIF-Bereavement Leave and adopted a motion to support the Louisiana State Attorney General's Office in its lawsuit versus the federal government concerning Title IX. This is labeled as the Title IX Final Rule Resolution. The Board also approved the Student Code of Conduct grades Pre-K-5 for the 2024/2025 school year and the Student Code of Conduct grades 6-12 for the 2024/2025 school year. It also took appropriate action regarding student transfers for the 2024/2025 school year.
The final items were the approval of the Personnel Report. Of note are the retirements of Central Office staff members Jimmy Thigpen, Penny Moses, and Polly Thigpen along with Thomas Elementary's paraprofessional Shanalon Seal and teacher Cheri Thomas and Franklinton Bus Operator Vickey Landry. Keri Crowe will be moving from the principal position at Franklinton Primary School to Director of Curriculum at the Central Office. Kayla Sabel has been hired as the new principal at FPS. Rose Sanford is employed as the Assistant Principal at Mt. Hermon School. Matthew Milton, Assistant Principal at Pine School as well as Tricia Smith, Director of Student Support Services received contract renewals. The Board's final agenda item was the approval of a transportation adjustment for bus operator Vivian Ard.
Superintendent Jennifer Thomas congratulated all the parish graduates and commended principals and other administrators on the great job they are doing. She reported that she has recently visited all the schools and was given time to share her vision for the system and talk with faculty and staff members. She also noted that PreK and Kindergartners would be finishing the school year on May 17. In personal privileges, all the Board members congratulated the graduates as well as the State Rally winners with President McKinley noting that he is appreciative of the central office staff and the hard work they are doing, and the vision they all share.
