At the May 2025 Regular School Board meeting, Superintendent Jennifer Thomas gave a "State of Our Schools" presentation. Mrs. Thomas began with expressing her pride in serving the district as superintendent and her focus on developing well-rounded students, with academics as the foundation of everything done in the system. She is committed to the motto "We Prepare Students for Success." Being visible in the schools and community is a priority for Mrs. Thomas, and she is committed to fostering strong relationships with students, staff, families, and community members. Engaging stakeholders is essential to continued growth and success, and she is fully committed to open lines of communication, transparency, and collaboration to make a meaningful impact on the parish's education program.
Mrs. Thomas believes that everyone in the system, from pre-kindergarten to seniors, custodians to principals, and central office staff are a family, rooted in tradition. Schools are the backbone of the community, shaping the future while honoring the traditions that make our parish unique. She shared that she is amazed by the fact that a population ranking at 80 percent economically disadvantaged maintains such high levels of success academically.
The system is currently ranked as a grade B. She is quick to admit that a grade of A would be extraordinary, and that is her goal to work towards. In fact, Mrs. Thomas notes that there are areas that can be improved upon such as achieving a higher district ACT score and a 100 percent graduation rate, and such improvements are terrific aspirations that can be accomplished. She is adamant that the basis for such achievement must be rigorous instruction.
The Washington Parish School District served 4,616 students in 2024-25 ranging from PK to grade 12. The student population is 66 percent white, 27 percent African American, and 7 percent other. 20 percent of the students are disabled, and 7 percent are gift/talented. The district employs 790 teachers and staff members with 53 administrators.
There are 13 schools and programs which include one Early Childhood Network, five elementary schools, one junior high school, one high school, two joint junior and high schools, one PK-12 school and two alternative programs.
20 percent of the staff hold a master's degree or higher and 85 percent are fully certified. 71 percent of classes have 20 or fewer students with an average class size of 16 students. The system spent $14,220 per student this year. The 2024-25 adopted budget shows that $31,647,694 is being spent on instructional services, $22,185,005 on support services and operations, $79,039 on food service, and $500,000 on other items such as facilities.
Under Mrs. Thomas's leadership, the Washington Parish School System achieved accomplishments including enhancing educational programs and resources, increasing the number of certified teachers, increasing student enrollment, and reducing a funding deficit. The system started the 2024-25 fiscal year with a projected deficit of $3,533,677. After implementing more fiscally responsible efforts to increase student count and restructuring staff, the system is projected to end the year with a $2,400,000 deficit. While Mrs. Thomas is frank that a deficit is not good enough, she is pleased by the efforts to reduce the amount by over one million dollars since July 1, 2024.
The development of a strategic plan for the district focuses on three main priorities. First, increase student achievement as measured by the LDOE accountability model to prepare students for success in post-secondary education, careers, and life. Second, promote academic success and wellness by maintaining a safe and orderly learning environment. Third, maintain effective use of available resources; prepare accurate, timely, and user-friendly financial reports; and engage in fiscally sound short- and long-range planning.
Moving forward, Mrs. Thomas will be collaborating with the Superintendent's Advisory Council which will engage stakeholders in the decision-making process. This Council includes parents, teachers, students, school staff, and community leaders, ensuring diverse perspectives are considered in initiatives. The ultimate question to answer is "How can we make Washington Parish Schools better?" Goals include implementing targeted interventions to support all students; enhancing school safety and developing a budget that aligns with strategic priorities and maximizes resources. She is especially pleased that voters renewed a maintenance millage, and approved a one cent sales tax for salaries.
There is a familiar saying that "Rome wasn't built in a day." Similarly, change does not happen overnight. However, having a plan is a huge advantage moving forward. In a recent social media post, State Superintendent Dr. Cade Brumley states that Louisiana currently ranks higher than ever before in education. Mrs. Thomas said this is an exciting time for the students and staff in Washington Parish who are pushing to be at the top of Louisiana's education ladder.
She invites everyone to stay abreast of all the news and highlights for the system at www.wpsb.org; youtube.com/@wpsb-live; Washington Parish School System on Facebook; and wp.school.system on Instagram. Each school also has its own website and social media pages.
