Last Thursday evening, the Washington Parish School Board tackled a lengthy agenda of over 50 items with the bulk related to the school system's budget for the 2022 - 2023 fiscal year.
Director of Finance Dana Knight presented the board with 35 budget-related items to approve. The items ranged from the General Fund budget to Technology, School Food Service, Special Education, Grants, Literacy, and any other financial items the school system operates under.
Additionally, Mrs. Knight also presented the board with information concerning the Board's liability insurance. After some discussion and questions, the board unanimously approved purchasing the insurance through the Bill McGehee Insurance Agency.
During the General Fund Budget discussion, the board recognized Ms. Colleen Barber, spokesperson for the parish bus drivers.
Ms. Barber thanked the board for their patience and willingness to recognize the drivers' needs for an expense increase. She reminded the board that there has been no expense increase for bus drivers from the state since 1986.
Ms. Barber further explained that with rising fuel costs and other basic maintenance expense costs, it is becoming more difficult for many of the drivers to pay a monthly note on a school bus at their current salary.
She also reminded the board that there is currently a shortage of bus drivers primarily because of the financial strains. Ms. Barber thanked the board on behalf of the many drivers present at the meeting for the local salary increases but she added that the drivers are facing a difficult situation.
School Board President John Wyble assured the drivers present that the board and the Central Office are working towards a resolution to the situation and asked for continued patience.
In other business the board voted to advertise for bids for the demolition of Angie Jr. High School. The school has been vacant since May 2011 when students in grades 6-8 were incorporated into Varnado High School's campus. Supervisor of Maintenance and Transportation Steve Knight assured the board that the necessary surveys were being conducted and finalized. Superintendent Frances Varnado was granted authorization to advertise for bids for the demolition.
Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Thomas asked the board to adopt a new Student Voter Registration Policy. The proposed policy states that the Washington Parish School Board shall provide an opportunity for each high school senior who is at least 17 years old to register to vote by using a school computer to fill out an electronic application or by using the state mail voter registration application form. No political or partisan group or organization shall be allowed to participate in the registration process. The board unanimously approved the policy.
Also in the Personnel Report presented by Ms. Thomas, Varnado Principal Jennifer Beninato was approved to transfer to the central office to become the Supervisor of Middle and High School teachers, a position formerly held by Dr. Grant Gerald.
Superintendent of Schools Frances Varnado was pleased to announce in her report that she met earlier in the week with Mt. Hermon School's faculty and staff and assured them that Mt. Hermon School will not be closing, and there are no plans in the future to close the school.
During personal remarks, District 5 board member Robert Boone noted that in the area he represents, "everyone says 'Mrs. Beninato is fair.'" He, along with District 9 board member Lesley McKinley, specifically congratulated her on her new position and thanked Mrs. Beninato for her service to the students of Varnado and Angie.
President John Wyble closed the meeting with kudos to Director of Finance Dana Knight for her hard work since joining the central office staff on July 1 to have the lengthy budget ready for board approval.
