The Washington Parish School board held its regular board meeting on Thursday, March 13. After the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the February 6 Regular Board Meeting. Director of the Business Office Dana Knight then asked for questions or comments concerning the January 2025 financial statements. There were none.
The board then voted to approve the 2024-2025 Title III budget. This is a new source of funding of $9,720 earmarked for schools with a significant increase in immigrants. Such schools with more than ten students or five percent of the population will be able to use the funds for materials, supplies, staff development and family outreach.
Next, the Board approved the opening of a new bank account with Hancock Whitney for the purpose of collecting tax revenues generated from the one percent sales tax approved by voters in December 2024. The sheriff's office will be collecting the one cent sales tax beginning in April in anticipation of its special purpose for staff pay. It will then be transferred to the district's bank account prior to payouts. This separate account will provide greater transparency and will be jointly signed by Superintendent Thomas, Board President McKinley and Director of Personnel Lisa Magee. The Board then voted to accept a property insurance policy with Bill McGehee Insurance. The newest policy costs less than the previous year at $773,059.00 with a larger payout on named storms. The Board did choose the option of rejecting a terrorism policy.
In other financial business, the Board authorized advertisements for public hearing on next year's budgets. This is a state law and is planned for August 7, 2025. The budget will then be presented to the Board on August 14, 2025, for approval. Director Knight then provided a list of donations received at the district and school levels for the Board's perusal and acknowledgment. District One's Keith Giles asked if making a donation to Mt. Hermon School would be a conflict for him. He stated he has asked this question before and has not been given an answer. School board attorney Matthew Garver responded that this could be conceived as a conflict of interest. The parish-wide list of donations received is available on the school board's website.
The next item was the approval of a motion regarding the appointment of a representative to the Local ITEP Committee which will address the Industrial Tax Exemption Program Application #20240154 (Hood Industries, Inc.) Mr. Garver explained that when companies make additions a small committee is required with a school district representative, the sheriff, the parish president, and mayor to agree or oppose the tax exemption sought by the applicant. Superintendent Jennifer Thomas will represent the school district on the committee.
This was followed by the approval of engaging the firm of EisnerAmper, LLP to audit the general-purpose financial statement of the Washington Parish School Board for a period beginning with the audit of the 2024/2025 fiscal year. The cost is $85,500 and this company, formerly Netterville, has conducted the district's audit for 25 years. At a $18,000 increase in cost in one year, board members generally agreed to look for another source that may prove more economical.
The final finance-related item on the agenda was information about the opening of security camera proposals. Mrs. Knight added that the cameras will be funded by a grant and there has been a lot of interest. She would like the district's technology department to look at all proposals to make sure the required specifications will be met. Because of the time-sensitive nature and the vital importance of security for schools, she asked that a special meeting be held on Monday March 24 for the Board to authorize the proposal to be funded.
Finally, the Board was set to consider a motion to approve the Student Code of Conduct grades Pre K-5 and grades 6-12 for the 2025/2026 school year. However, both were tabled at the request of Child Welfare and Attendance Supervisor Tiffany Hughes-Smith in order to revisit some items discussed in the policy committee meeting held prior to the regular meeting. At the request of Director of Personnel Lisa Magee, the Board adopted Washington Parish School Board Policy File: JCDAE-Electronic Telecommunication Devices.
In a rare public participation session, Richard Magee of Franklinton expressed his concerns about the posting of the Ten Commandments in classrooms. This has been mandated by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry but is currently being held up in court. Mr. Magee is worried about teachers potentially being asked questions about the Ten Commandments and having to stop instruction to answer. He feels teachers have enough responsibility already and should not have to shoulder this. President McKinley assured Mr. Magee that the Board will follow the lead of the parish's attorney and will tread a thin line to determine a policy. Mr. Magee responded, "I do not envy your situation going forward."
In the Superintendent's Report, Jennifer Thomas explained that the Employee Compensation Survey results have been compiled and will be shared with all employees. This survey was conducted in response to the one-cent sales tax earmarked for employee compensation.
She also reported that the Strategic Plan is complete and has been compiled by Instructional Technology Specialist Candace Steward. It will be available on the district's website.
Mrs. Thomas congratulated the parish basketball teams who did well in the playoffs and especially commended Franklinton High School's Boys team for reaching the quarterfinals. On this note she shared that a-pel has created spectator expectations signs and donated them to the district. These signs will be hung in all sporting arenas to remind parents and fans of good sportsmanship at athletic events. She also encouraged everyone to take home and display a sign that states "Shop Local; Shop Online" to remind shoppers that buying local is a further way to support the one-cent sales tax.
The School Board's next regular meeting will be held on Thursday, April 17 at 6:00 pm at Franklinton High School. Part of the program will be recognizing the state finalist Demon football team.
