The Washington Parish School Board held its final meeting for 2023 on Thursday, December 7. Following the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, the minutes for the November 9 meeting were approved.
At the Monday, December 4 Committee Meeting, Pine High School's football team seniors and All-District recipients along with Coach Bradley Seal were recognized as well as Pine High School's volleyball team's All-District honorees. Varnado High School's FFA officers and members of the National Honor Society, Student Council and National Technical Honor Society were recognized on Thursday, December 7 at the regular meeting for their many accomplishments. Board President Dr. John Wyble noted that there are challenges versus opportunities for success. The students recognized this month were obviously taking advantage of their opportunities and overcoming the challenges they faced.
The first business item on the agenda was to discuss and take appropriate action regarding a resolution ordering and calling a special election to be held by the Parish School Board of the Parish of Washington, State of Louisiana, acting as the governing authority of School District No. 2 of the Parish of Washington, State of Louisiana (the "District") on Saturday, April 27, 2024, to authorize the continuation of the levy and collection of a 4.83 mills, 10-year ad valorem tax, 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 and furnishings and further making application to the State Bond Commission for consent and authorization to hold the election. It was noted that this is NOT a NEW tax but for the continuation of one that has been in place for many years. The school district receives approximately $560,000 a year from this tax. It is money that is crucial to the operation of the school system. The board members approved this resolution and urged the public to vote YES in April.
Next, the Board approved the bid received for telecommunication services and equipment for e-rate by Huntland Holding LLC. President Wyble noted that with e-rate, the school system pays 15 percent of the cost and the federal government pays the rest for these services.
The Board then heard a report from the firm of EisnerAmper, LLC regarding the 2022/2023 audit of general-purpose financial statements.
Brandi Smith, Audit Partner, noted that the audit is due to the Legislative Auditor by December 31, 2023, and that the system is on-track to meet this deadline. She notes that the financial statements have been completed and no exceptions were found. This is also true of the Federal Grant Awards portions which amounts to $750,000. The Agreed Upon Procedures as required by the Board of Elementary and Secondary Education is currently in process. Overall Ms. Smith expect a timely and clean audit.
The Board then considered a motion to enter into a Cooperative Agreement with Franklinton Dixie Baseball Association. The School District's attorney Wayne Kuhn explained that Association's Board is investing approximately $100,000 in capital improvements to the property with two new structures. If they should abandon the property, it will still be owned by the school system. The only change in the cooperative agreement is that it will be for twenty years instead of ten. The board approved the motion.
Curriculum Coordinator Katie Miller was on-hand to briefly go over the district and school performance scores recently released by the state. Ms. Miller explained the criteria each school must meet and noted that next year's letter grade scale will be five points higher for each grade. Some highlights of the district's performance were that five schools had an increase in their overall school performance score. There was growth in both the district K-8 Assessment Index and the district High School Progress Index. Seven schools in the district received an A in Progress Index and four schools were recognized as "Top Gains" schools. All four high schools received an A in Strength of Diploma and Graduation Rate, and two schools are no longer labeled as Intervention Required Schools.
Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Thomas then asked the board to accept the personnel report. Of note is the retirement of longtime maintenance employees David Jenkins and Terry Brumfield as well as Pre-K teacher Ramona Jeanie Thomas. All personnel items were approved by the board. Mrs. Thomas also informed the board that the PARA-PRO test will be administered on December 14 and interviews for paraprofessionals will take place on December 15. Maintenance and Transportation Supervisor Mike Ingram asked the board to accept the adjustments to the routes of Loretta Stafford and Mecy Kelly. These were approved.
Superintendent Frances Varnado's report was brief. She noted that six teachers in the district are the recipients of a WST mini-grant and will be recognized by the electric co-op in the coming weeks. She also praised Pine High School's production of Annie and encouraged everyone to attend the musical.
During personal privileges, board members complimented the students from Pine and Varnado High School and commended their teachers, principals, and parents. District 4 member Kendall McKenzie was pleased to note that he taught many of the parents of those students and is happy to see they are involved in their children's education. Mr. McKenzie would also like more information on the school performance scores for the combination schools with scores on various grade levels.
The board members all wished President John Wyble their best as he begins January as a state representative. Fond memories were shared, and each were grateful for the time they worked with Dr. Wyble. Dr. Wyble thanked the system and the great work it is doing for the students of Washington Parish. He expressed his appreciation for everyone's support in his new endeavor and challenged the district to work united opposed to division. One team united will make for a strong school system. Dr. Wyble lauded the efforts of Superintendent Frances Varnado and her love for the schools and the community. He ended with the statement, "Prosperous communities have strong public schools." This is what he plans to continue to work toward moving forward. Dr. Wyble is where he is in his career because a teacher believed in him when not many others did. His challenge to the board-"The best thing we can do for kids is educate them."
The board then made a motion to enter Executive Session under LA R.S. 42:6.1A (1) for the evaluation of the Superintendent. The regular meeting was then adjourned.
