The Washington Parish School Board met last Thursday, August 15, and worked through a monster-sized agenda of 43 items.
Following the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, Board President Lesley McKinley read a statement of the board's position on public conduct by board members which includes public statements verbally and in writing in publications and on social media. He ended by encouraging board members to conduct themselves in a manner that reflects positively on the Washington Parish School Board and to always be mindful of and strive to live by the code of conduct that governs their position.
The Board then approved the minutes for the July 11, 2024, regular board meeting. Next the Board took appropriate action regarding the Pupil Progression Plan for the 2024/2025 school year. There have been revisions to the Plan, and these were adopted. The updated Pupil Progression Plan is available on the district website.
Director of the Business Office Dana Knight was on hand to answer questions about the June 2024 financial statements presented in committee meetings on Monday, August 12. Mrs. Knight then informed the Board that only one proposal was received for the construction of ramps on modular buildings at Varnado High School. The proposal was from Micon for $85,500. The Board approved the use of ESSER funds for this project. However, District 1 board member Keith Giles took issue with the fact that the buildings were moved from one school to another, and the ramps should have been part of the move. He felt that the project should have been better thought out.
President McKinley and Superintendent Jennifer Thomas explained that the height of the ramps off the ground were different in order to adjust for the new location, thereby making the previous ramps non-ADA compliant. The Board then approved the sale of two surplus 2008 Chevrolet Impalas to Betty Warren and John Wick.
The next item called for the board to discuss and take action regarding the payment of a one-time state-funded stipend in the amount of $2,000.00 for certificated employees and $1,000.00 for support personnel.
Mrs. Knight explained that specific instructions from the state regarding the funds have not yet been received. She asked that the board table the matter until the September meeting but is hopeful that employees will receive the money by the Friday prior to the Washington Parish Fair holiday. Because PreK personnel was not part of the Legislature's approval of the stipend, the Board approved providing the stipend to these employees through ESSER funds. These checks will be released in September. Board member Scott Breland asked for district-wide communication to explain this and the differing dates of money being released. Mr. McKinely also suggested a letter to state representatives to add PreK in subsequent years as ESSER funds will not be available after this year.
From this point in the agenda, the board approved 25 budgets for the 2024/2025 school year. These included the Technology Budget, the General Fund Budget, the School Food Service Budget, the School Food Service Summer Feeding Budget, the School Food Service At-Risk Supper Program Budget, the Tax District #4 Capital Projects, the Special Federal Funds Budget, the Comprehensive Literacy State Development (Grades Birth-Age 5) Grant Budget, the Ready Start Network-CCDF Grant Budget, the Guides Grant Budget, the Family Engagement and Leadership Planning Grant, the ESSER III Formula Grant Budget, the ESSER III Incentive Grant Budget, the BJA Preventing School Violence Grant Budget, the ESSA Title I Budget, the ESSA Title II Budget, the ESSA Title IV Budget, the ESSA Title V Budget, the ESSA-Redesign Planning School Improvement Budget, the Homeless ARP Budget, the Special Education IDEA Part B Budget, the Special Education IDEA Preschool Budget, the Special Education IDEA 611 Set Aside Budget, and the SPED Camera Grant. Additionally, the Board adopted the Angie 5 Mill Tax Budget for the 2024/2025 fiscal year.
In other business the board adopted revised Washington Parish School Board Policy Files: IDCH- Home Study Program; IDE-Co-Curricular and Extracurricular Activities; IDFA - Interscholastic Athletics.; EBA-Tobacco -Free Schools; GMA-Employee Smoking, Tobacco and Marijuana Use; JCDAA-Student Smoking, Tobacco and Marijuana Use; JBE-Truancy; JD-Discipline; JDD-Suspension; JDE-Expulsion and JGCE-Child Abuse.
The Board then approved the rather lengthy Personnel Report. Of note was the resignation of McKenzie Skluzacek, ELA Coordinator and Ryan Skluzacek, Franklinton Junior High School Assistant Principal. Wesley Ray Elementary School's principal Angela Kennedy's contract was also renewed. Collectively, the personnel report showed one retirement, 14 resignations, 4 transfers, 7 change of employments, and 25 employments.
In the Superintendent's Report, Jennifer Thomas praised the work of the district's administrators, teachers, and support personnel for great start to the school term. She also noted the hard work of the Central Office staff not only in assisting with the opeing of school but also with the diligence shown in preparing the many budgets approved for 2024/25. Mrs. Thomas shared that one of her goals as superintendent is "to ensure financial efficiency by identifying savings opportunities, eliminating wasteful spending, and optimizing resources for maximum impact." She feels the staff is working industriously to assist her in achieving this goal, and she is most appreciative.
President Lesley McKinley added that on behalf of the board, thanks to everyone involved in educating the parish's children and he is looking forward to a great school year. The board then voted to enter executive session under L.R.S. 42:17 A (4) Investigating proceedings regarding allegations of misconduct. The public audience was then dismissed. The board later returned to Regular Session and voted to adjourn.
