At the regular meeting of the Washington Parish School Board on Thursday, November 13, board members approved a measure to authorize the disbursement of Education Facilities Improvement District funds in the amount of $2,000 for certificated qualified employees and $1,400 for uncertificated qualified employees on December 5, 2025.
The money for disbursement originates with a 1% sales tax approved by voters in December 2024 has been collected thus far since March 2025.
Attendees were given the opportunity to speak to the board concerning the motion for a limit of three minutes per speaker. Five bus drivers and one other citizen implored the School Board to reconsider the amounts, saying “we are all of equal importance” and “we all spend money and pay taxes in Washington Parish.” Several added that had they known how the money would be disbursed, they would not have voted in favor of the tax in December 2024.
Franklinton High School principal Shane Smith encouraged those disappointed in the amounts to “respect the process” and “focus on what you are getting rather than worrying about what others get.” He compared himself to School Superintendent Jennifer Thomas, who as the leader of the system earns the highest salary. However, Smith noted, Thomas is responsible for every child who attends school in the system as well as all employees and the annual budget. Her position entails much more responsibility than Smith’s as a principal so, he said, he should not compare her salary to his.
The lone “no” vote came from District 1 school board member Keith Giles ,who vehemently argued that “the tax is on the people who live and work here—all pay the same tax, and the disbursements should be equal across the board.” He also declared, “there is no way I can vote to approve this.”
After speakers’ accusations of “dirty politics” and telling of a past of “begging for more money,” District 9 board member Amanda Dillon asked that everyone trust the process. “We are making progress,” she said, “and taking tiny steps — things will get better.”
School Board President Lesley McKinley reiterated that, “Every employee is appreciated and all are a part of the whole. It takes everyone to make the system run and we value everyone.”
McKinley also referenced a survey that was issued to all Washington Parish School System employees after the sales tax was approved, and it was clear that the additional stipend would become a reality. 538 employees responded. When asked how to distribute the money, 53 (9%) noted “no preference.” 59 (11%) noted “same for everyone.” 182 (33.8%) noted “each employee get a percentage of his/her salary.” 244 (45.2 %) responded “Each employee should receive a flat stipend in accordance with the Louisiana State Department of Education salary guidelines.”
According to McKinley, this is what drove the Board’s decision and is proof of democracy at work. He also noted that the decision of $2,000 for teachers left them at the same amount of a state tax driven stipend received in October. However, the Board raised all support personnel up from the state stipend of $1,000 to $1,400.
Following the comments the Board recorded a roll-call vote with Giles voting no and the remainder of the board voting yes.
