The Washington Parish Council held its most recent meeting on Monday, September 26, 2022. Following the approval of minutes of the last meeting, Mrs. Frances Varnado, Superintendent of Washington Parish Schools, was given the opportunity to speak. Mrs. Varnado, in fulfilling her goals of providing information and transparency, began by personally thanking Transportation Manager Donnell Merritt for his division's recent assistance in preparing the drop-off area at Thomas Elementary and parking lot at Pine High School prior to the opening of school. Mrs. Varnado informed the Council that Washington Parish has 4,829 total students enrolled in pre-school through 12th grade and gave a short summary of the maintenance and structural issues addressed by the school system including the replacement of fencing, HVAC units, roofs, flooring, water systems, and readying new modular buildings for student use. She also noted that in response to the increase in school shootings nationwide, the WPSS has been conducting safety drills and walk-throughs at all schools with police and sheriff's department officers for addressing possible intruders. Mrs. Varnado also noted that all schools' entrance doors are locked, and there is only one specific entrance for visitors to ensure that all students and personnel are safe, and no one can simply walk into buildings without authorization. Additionally, there have been updates made to alarm systems as well as cameras installed now at all four high schools.
In other business the council approved several resolutions including the appointment of Perry Talley to fill Alvin Boady Stewart's position on the Washington Parish Fire District No. 7 Board of Directors. Mr. Stewart's term on the board ends December 31, 2022. One other resolution of note approved by the council was authorizing the Parish President to submit a certification waiving parish land use regulations only relative to permitting for mobile homes, recreational vehicles and other temporary housing, directly adjacent to the survivor's damaged dwelling to allow for expedited temporary housing assistance in the parish.
During public participation, two citizens spoke to the council concerning the need to have two roads (deemed as private) maintained by the parish. Parish attorney Wayne Kuhn did clarify what problems presently exist and the legal means that must be addressed before the parish government can begin sustaining the existing roads that are not currently on the parish's "list" of public roads. Council Chairman Carley King assured both parties that there will be efforts made to address these issues.
Parish Government President Ned Thomas presented an official proclamation to the Ingleside Literary Society in recognition of its Centennial Celebration on October 1, 2022. Receiving the proclamation was Cynthia McGehee on behalf of the members for their contributions provided to the community and citizens of Washington Parish. Ingleside Literary Society was organized on January 14, 1922, by Mrs. C.K. Mullings and Mrs. L.A. Sims. Mrs. Mullins chose the name "Ingleside" which means "by the fireplace." The purpose of the Ingleside Literary Society is established for self-improvement through study, working diligently to offer programs that challenge its members to think critically; to broaden their understanding of controversial issues; to develop their imaginative and creative potential; and to enhance their appreciation of nature and the arts. Throughout its history, Ingleside Literary Society has contributed to the educational and social improvement of its membership and the community by sponsoring several women's groups patterned after the Ingleside model, such as the work of Mrs. L.A. Sims and others resulting in the founding of the YWCA and YMCA in 1928.
Following a general consensus that everyone's thoughts and prayers are with Florida as Hurricane Ian approaches, the meeting was adjourned.
