The Washington Parish School Board held its November meeting at Mt. Hermon School. The gymnasium was decorated for a Veteran's Day program the next morning and this created a festive, patriotic setting for the meeting. Following the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, the board recognized some of Mt. Hermon's outstanding students (see related article and photos). The Board then approved the minutes for the October 22 regular board meeting. Director of the Business Office Dana Knight was on hand for questions following the presentation of September 2024 financial statements at the committee meeting earlier in the evening.
Next, the Board approved the second allocation to schools for the 2024/2025 operations budget at $55 per elementary student and $65 per high school student. The Board then approved restricted allocation for some schools in lieu of paying for water/sewage. The final item of business was a motion to amend the schedule of Board Meetings for 2025. Superintendent Jennifer Thomas explained that in 2025 the Board will conduct committee meetings prior to the scheduled Thursday meetings of the Board as a whole. Currently committee meetings are held on Monday evenings. Dates for the Thursday meetings that were approved at the October meeting will remain the same. The Board approved this change.
Superintendent Thomas presented and sought approval of a short personnel report. She noted that one teacher resigned in the past month but was replaced almost immediately with a certified teacher. Mrs. Thomas also reminded the Board that Franklinton High School is still in need of a band director. The personnel report also noted the retirement of Bus Operators Barbara Harris from Varnado and Vivian Ard from Franklinton as well as Wesley Ray Elementary teacher Rebecca Graves.
Continuing with the Superintendent's Report, Mrs. Thomas offered thanks to Mt. Hermon principal Stacy Bond and her students with a special recognition of parents who were present. She also reminded board members of Veteran's Day programs taking place at the schools on Friday, November 8 and Monday, November 11. School test scores should be released prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, and the December Board meeting will be centered around student achievement with a close inspection of scores' sub-categories and how well each school is faring.
She noted that there will be a sales tax item on the December 7 ballot that will be used solely for school system employee compensation. Early voting will begin on November 22.
The next meeting of the Washington Parish School Board will be December 12 at Wesley Ray Elementary.
District 1 member Keith Giles took a moment to acknowledge the students and parents of Mt. Hermon School and express how proud he is of his community. He also pointed out, "Small schools like MHS and VHS can never be forgotten."
School Board Attorney Wayne Kuhn mentioned that 50 years ago this week he began practicing law and has been the school district's attorney for 38 years. The December meeting will be his last as he retires effective January 1, 2025. He then told a couple of his signature funny stories that will be missed as much as he will.
