The Washington Parish School Board met on Thursday, June 12 at the Board Office.
The first item on the agenda was the approval of the May 15 meeting minutes. The Board covered the April 2025 financial statements in the Finance Committee meeting held prior to the regular meeting. There were no questions for Dana Knight, Director of the Business Office.
Mrs. Knight recommended the re-appointment of The Era-leader as the Official Journal for the period beginning July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026. The motion was approved.
Next, the Board approved a proposal regarding restricting $450,000.00 of the fund balance of the General Fund for the purpose of establishing required security as a self-insured workers compensation provider, pursuant to Louisiana Administrative Code Title 40; Chapter 17; Section 1725. This was followed by the Board approving opening a 12-month certificate of deposit with Hancock Whitney in the amount of $450,000.00. Board member Scott Breland questioned if other financial institutions were considered but the school board's official bank is Hancock Whitney, and this item is tied to the previous item of restricting a portion of the fund balance.
The next four items on the agenda were regarding bids for the School Lunch Program for the 2025-2026 school year. In the absence of School Lunch Supervisor Amanda Stafford, Dana Knight presented each item. The entire food item bid was approved for Pon Food Corporation.
The bid for the purchase of milk was approved for Borden Dairy.
Line items for the purchase of small equipment were approved for Economical Janitorial and Lafayette Restaurant Supply. Finally, the Board approved the purchase of nonfood items for the School Lunch Program with Davis Products, Economical Janitorial Supply and Pon Food Corporation.
School Superintendent Jennifer Thomas expressed that she hopes everyone is enjoying their summer break. Twelve-month employees are working hard in anticipation of 2025-2026 school year and many teachers are attending development opportunities as well as conferences such as the Teacher Leader Summit that concluded in New Orleans on Thursday.
High school LEAP test results are in, but the district is still waiting for elementary and junior high scores. Thomas also reminded everyone of the Sheriff's Camp that will be held July 15-17 at Pine High School. Preliminary expectations are that 600 students will be attending. The school board office and school offices will be closed on June 19 in commemoration of Juneteenth.
In final comments President Lesley McKinnley asked Director of Personnel Lisa Magee about openings to be filled before school starts in August. She estimates that all positions are filled except for 7 to 8 districtwide.
The Board then voted to enter Executive Session to consider settlement recommendations regarding a worker's compensation claim and for the evaluation of the Superintendent. Following this closed-door session, the meeting was adjourned. The next meeting will be on Thursday, July 10 at the Board Office.
