The Washington Parish Council held its final meeting of 2023 on Monday, December 18. Minutes dated December 4, 2023, were approved following the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer. The Council approved the 2024 Yearly Meeting Schedule and then heard a progress report from Washington Parish School Superintendent Frances Varnado.
Mrs. Varnado listed the most recent accomplishments of the system which included a School Performance Score of B by the Department of Education and ongoing projects such as the launch of the Thomas Early Learning Center under the daily direction of Dana Jacobs who also owns Jacob's Ladder in Franklinton.
The Franklinton Junior High School renovation is entering Phase 2 with costs amounting to $2,555,000 received from the federal government after the COVID pandemic. She did note that scaffolding is up on the south side of building as the brick and mortar are being waterproofed. Mrs. Varnado was adamant that she does not deserve the credit for all the wonderful things happening in the district and stated several times that all who are employed in the school district are to be commended for the continued growth and success of Washington Parish's ten schools.
Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Thomas was also on hand and noted that the administrators, teachers, and support personnel are to be commended for the outstanding results being achieved in a district with a population that is approximately 80 percent financially disadvantaged. She reiterated that it takes everyone, and Washington Parish has an awesome school system.
The next nine agenda items were for appointments. Huey Newcomb, Judy Howard, and John McCrary were appointed to the Washington Parish Fire Protection District No. 5 Board of Directors with terms to expire December 31, 2025.
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Tammy Magruder and Grayson Ball were re-appointed to the Riverside Medical Center Board of Directors with terms ending December 31, 2030. Terry Stogner, Eric Garlepied and Keith Voth were appointed to the Fire Protection District No. 8 Board of Directors with terms to expire December 31, 2024. John Rochester III was appointed to the Washington Parish Gas Utility District No. 2 Board of Directors with his term expiring December 31, 2028. John Nathaniel, Gary "Bo" Pierce, and Christine Whittington were appointed to Fire Protection District No. 6 Board of Directors with terms expiring December 31, 2025. Bradley Cooper was appointed to the Washington Parish Planning Commission Board of Directors with his term expiring December 31, 2027. Larry Sylvest, William Gray and Ricky Brumfield were appointed to the Fire Protection District No. 2 Board of Directors with terms expiring December 31, 2025. Arlie O'Bryant and Wesley Sumrall were appointed to the Fire Protection District No. 4 Board of Directors with terms expiring December 31, 2025. Edna Kennedy was appointed to the Washington Parish Tourism Commission Board of Directors with her term expiring December 31, 2026.
The final four agenda items were the Council adopting separate resolutions to authorize the Parish President to sign an intergovernmental agreement to assist the Village of Varnado, the City of Bogalusa, the Town of Franklinton, and the Village of Angie with skilled labor and mechanized equipment towards driveways, parking areas, road rehabilitation, drainage, and flood control.
Mrs. Etta Magee, who was honored with a Proclamation by Parish President Richard Thomas at the December 4th Parish Council Meeting was on hand to offer her sincere thanks. She explained that she was overwhelmed with emotion at the previous meeting and felt she needed to return offer her gratitude in person. She was thankful for her time at the Washington Parish Library and her relationship with Parish Government. Mrs. Magee added that she also appreciated the ditches being kept up on Old Columbia Road.
Former Parish Councilman Mike Fussell expressed his best wishes to President Thomas on his retirement and urged him to enjoy some leisure time with Mrs. Linda (President Thomas's wife). Mr. Fussell also wished Parish President-Elect Ryan Seal well too. Later in the meeting, Mr. Fussell approached the microphone to challenge the Council in the new year to "get a handle" on littering and help keep Washington Parish beautiful.
During the President's Report, Director of Finance Donna Graham thanked President Thomas for his confidence in her abilities and for hiring her at Parish Government. They have worked through many obstacles and made great strides for the parish. She wished him much happiness and joy and offered Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all in attendance. Director of Public Works Ken Wheat echoed Mrs. Graham's comments to President Thomas. He stated he and the President have done some rewarding work side-by-side and their vision for the parish has become a reality. Mr. Wheat was also encouraged by the success of the school system, and he is pleased with all the good happening in the parish. Transportation Manager Danny Knight gave a brief monthly report that included 218 bags of trash being picked up on 18 roads and the near completion of the Lawrence Creek Road project. Mr. Knight also thanked President Thomas for helping the parish grow by leaps and bounds. Finally, Quality Assurance Officer Alex Sumrall reported that the Cleve Kennedy Bridge is in the final planning stage and should begin in early in 2024, and the roundabouts in Bogalusa were in the final planning stages. An emotional Mr. Sumrall thanked President Thomas who took a chance on him. He will be forever grateful and will miss working with him.
Outgoing Parish President Richard Thomas offered his official letter of retirement to Council Chairman Shawn Rice effective January 8, 2024. He noted that he has served Washington Parish faithfully for sixteen years and it has been his pleasure to spend his days with such wonderful co-workers. He will miss helping the citizens in whatever way possible. President Thomas especially thanked his "right arm" Administrative Assistant Terry Morgan. While he is sad to have no new goals to set for employees, he is looking forward to time with his life Linda, traveling, and enjoying his grandchildren.
In Council Discussion, it was noted that District 5 Councilman Rusty Fornea did not run for re-election, and this was his final meeting as well. In addition to wishing President Thomas well, each Councilman and Councilwoman Wagner thanked Mr. Fornea for his willingness to serve the parish and noted that both he and President Thomas are leaving some big shoes to fill. Councilman Fornea noted it has been an honor and privilege to serve.
