The Washington Parish School Board held its first meeting of 2025 on Thursday, January 16.
Following the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, Board Member from District 2 Chad Dorsett took the Oath of Office, administered by Matthew Garver. Mr. Dorsett is filling the seat left vacant by current State Rep. John Wyble and his appointee Marsha Newman. President Lesley McKinley also had Dorsett introduce his family members present. The Board then approved the minutes for the December 12 Regular Meeting.
The next item on the agenda was the election of officers of the Board for 2025-2026. Lesley McKinley, who previously served as Board Vice President with President John Wyble, filled in for Wyble's remaining term after Wyble was elected to the State Legislature. McKinley was re-elected President of the Board. Vice President Kendall McKenzie was nominated to continue in the position and Scott Breland was also nominated for Vice President.
A roll call vote revealed a tie which meant that President McKinley would cast the deciding vote. Kendall McKenzie was elected to continue in his current position. President McKinley was quick to note that they are not a divided board as the votes might suggest. He noted that the Board would move forward as one.
Superintendent Jennifer Thomas then presented retiring school board attorney Wayne Kuhn with a plaque recognizing his 38 years in the position. A reception in Kuhn's honor was held prior to the meeting. She did ask Kuhn for one last joke and he happily obliged. She then asked for the Board to adopt a resolution declaring January as School Board Recognition Month. Thomas was then presented certificates to board members for training hours in the past year. Keith Giles completed 26 and ½ hours; Marsha Newman 27 and ½ hours; Scott Breland 27 hours; Frankie Crosby 21 hours; Bruce Brown 2 hours; Kendall McKenzie 10 and ½ hours; Robert Boone 9 hours; David Pettit 14 hours; Tricia Crosby 1 hour; and Lesley McKinley 15 and ½ hours. The Board then voted to adopt the LSBA Code of Conduct for Louisiana School Board Members.
In other business, the Board adopted a resolution authorizing the execution and delivery of a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement by and between the Educational Facilities Improvement District of the Parish of Washington, State of Louisiana and the Parish School Board of the Parish of Washington, State of Louisiana; and providing for other matters in connection therewith. Adam Parker from Butler Snow shared that this is in conjunction with the one percent sales tax approved by voters in December, 2024 for the exclusive use of salaries. Mr. Parker added that prescription drugs and groceries are not included in the sales tax.
Following the presentation of November 2024 financial statements, Director of the Business Office Dana Knight presented options for cameras, doors and fencing in response to $50,000 in grant money received by each school from the Louisiana School and Nonprofit Security Grant Program through Homeland Security. Principals at each school were polled to determine which type of security is most needed. A request for proposal resulted in Geaux Techie being adopted to provide cameras and related services. Micon was awarded the contract for security doors, and Thomas Construction was awarded the contract for security fencing. Superintendent Thomas added that Franklinton Junior High School is requested fencing. However, due to the school's listing on the National Register of Historic Places, fencing is not allowed around the outer perimeter but can be placed in the alley areas and rear of the school. The one requirement is that the fencing does not touch the actual building. Each school's needs are different and the grant money will go to great use in securing facilities and providing for student safety.
Mrs. Knight also asked that the three modular buildings located on the Franklinton Junior High School campus be advertised for purchase as surplus. The appraised value of the combined three is nearly $100,000, but the modulars can be sold as single units. The ramps will be removed and stored in case they are needed at other locations. The final item of business was public comment for Early Childhood Community Networks coordinated funding request. Director of Curriculum Keri Crowe explained that seats for early learning centers and sites have been order.
Superintendent Jennifer Thomas congratulated and welcomed District 2 board member Chad Dorsett. She also reminded board members that the Teacher of the Year banquet will be held on Monday, January 27 at Bo's Steakhouse. Thomas will also be closely monitoring the upcoming winter weather event.
Board President McKinley ended the meeting by welcoming Chad Dorsett and assuring all that he has seen the board come together in the past year. "Regardless of where we [personally] reside, we all have WPSS at the top of our hearts. We love all schools despite the location of our homes." McKinley further explained that four major events had faced the board in the past year: the hiring of a new superintendent, the voter approval of an existing millage; a five percent raise for all employees; and the approval of a one percent sales tax for future salaries. He praised the efforts of Superintendent Thomas who has worked diligently to make all these realities. McKinley ended by asking everyone to have confidence in the Board and know that success represents all the parish. "We are no good by ourselves - when we come together behind Superintendent Thomas, we will do well."
